CJ Opiaza officially crowned Miss Grand International 2024 in emotional ceremony (2025)

CJ Opiaza at her coronation as Miss Grand International 2024 in Thailand. Image from Instagram

It is now official, the Philippines finally has a Miss Grand International winner, and she is Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, a fan-favorite seasoned “kontesera” (pageant veteran) who flew to Thailand to receive the “golden crown.”

Her Miss Grand Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria also flew to the “Land of Smiles” to witness the coronation of the first-ever Filipino woman to receive the Miss Grand International title at the MGI Hall of Bravo BKK in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon, June 3.

Opiaza appeared silhouetted in shadows as the hall reverberated with her name and the announcement of her new title. Then the lights illuminated the venue as fireworks went ablaze on the sides of the stage and the Philippine flag flashed on the LED backdrop.

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Miss Grand International founder, owner, and head Nawat Itsaragrisil joined her onstage to remove her first runner-up tiara, and to replace it with the coveted crown. The hall erupted in loud cheers, and tears started falling down her cheeks, while Nawat also surreptitiously wiped his tears.

Nawat motioned to Vegafria to join his new queen in her moment of triumph, as Miss Grand International Vice president Teresa Chaivisut beamed to the crowd in approval of the organization’s newly-crowned ambassador.

A huge Filipino contingent trooped to the hall to cheer on Opiaza, and she addressed them by speaking in Filipino. “Mabuhay sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagpunta (Long live all Filipinos. Thank you very much for coming),” she said.

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Opiaza acknowledged all the support that she enjoyed from the Filipino fans on whatever stage she took on. “Gano’n din kagalak iyong puso ko na makita kayong lahat na sine-celebrate itong pagkapanalo nating lahat. Lalaban lang tayo lagi. Para ’to sa bansang Pilipinas. Para ’to sa Miss Grand International Organization,” she said.

(My heart is also in jubilation upon seeing you all celebrate our win. We will always fight. This is for the Philippines. This is for the Miss Grand International Organization.)

Opiaza had just arrived in Bangkok on Monday afternoon, less than a week since the international pageant organization officially announced that she will take over the reign left by erstwhile winner Rachel Gupta, who abdicated the title on May 28.

“I know the best things happen for a reason. You just have to wait for the very specific moment. But you have to hold on and do whatever it takes. Before I signed up for this job, I knew I was born ready. I’m always ready,” she declared.

Opiaza recognized the honor of wearing her new crown, but also acknowledged that there will be challenges along the way. She said that she will surpass every obstacle because of the support of her family, the international pageant organization, and the Filipino people.

“I know this moment is so sudden. There’s a moment of transition and change. But that’s how we grow as individuals, that’s how we win in life. There are different versions and meanings of winning in life. But this is my golden moment, and this is a historic win for the Philippines,” she said.

She punctuated her acceptance speech by declaring: “I am Christine Juliane Hinkle Opiaza, from the Philippines, your Miss Grand International 2024!”

Before Opiaza, no other Filipino contender had won the golden crown. Nicole Cordoves and Samantha Bernardo came so close to bringing home the title when they finished as first runners-up in 2016 and 2020, respectively. /edv