ABS-CBN, Philippines’ largest media organization, proudly announced on Friday its five-year partnership contract with Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPIC), the organizer of the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas pageant. Alongside this announcement is the presentation of 2010 Miss Universe Runner-up Maria Venus Raj as the newest Kapamilya artist.

Present in the contract signing were Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN President and COO, Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Channel Head, Linggit Tan , ABS-CBN Head of TV Entertainment Production,  Stella Marquez-Araneta, Chairperson of BPIC, Conchitina Bernardo and Pitoy Moreno, members of the BPIC executive board, Sienna Olaso, BPIC Director for Marketing and Romy Tan, BPIC Head of Finance and Ms Venus Raj, 2010 Bb Pilipinas Universe.

In line with this “major, major” partnership, the Kapamilya network also takes pride in airing the much-awaited 2011 Binibining Pilipinas pageant in March. Now the Philippine’s most prestigious beauty competition can be watched not only in the country, but from all over the world through ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC).

This year, BPCI rigorously screened and interviewed 90 applicants nationwide. And only 24 of these talented, gorgeous and statuesque ladies who can maintain poise and presence of mind amidst pressure will battle it out for the esteemed crowns. With a reputation of mounting the best productions in the country, ABS-CBN Special Projects team headed by Chit Guerrero and Kapamilya director Johnny Manahan will spearhead this glamorous parade of beauties.

Aside from honing the country's best flag bearers for various international competitions such as the Miss Universe and Miss International pageants, BPCI, through its founding chairman Stella Márquez-Araneta, has been active in nation-building, providing skills training, educational workshops, mission work and other relevant services for the marginalized sectors of society.  With the annual pageant as its main source of funds, BPCI tries to bring the message of hope and love across the nation.

Meanwhile, 2010 Miss Universe Runner-up Maria Venus Raj feels very proud to be part of the Kapamilya network. Before she signed a contract with ABS-CBN, she was special guest of some of the media giant’s special projects such as the 2010 Bayaning Pilipino Awards and the ABS-CBN Christmas Special, and a stint as a “hurado” in one of the network's leading talent shows, Showtime.

“I’m extremely honored to become part of the country’s biggest network. I’m proud to be a Kapamilya,” said Raj.