The Philippines’ beauty queen, Christine Juliane (CJ) Opiaza, has successfully raised the country’s flag in Thailand by winning the Miss Grand International 2024 first runner-up crown.
The 26-year-old Miss Grand Philippines from Zambales competed against 68 candidates from all over the world and finished first runner-up next to Rachel Gupta of India, who took home the crown during the coronation night held on October 25 in Bangkok.
The Philippines has yet to win the Miss Grand International crown. But with her first runner-up finish and strong performance, CJ Opiaza has duplicated the feat of other Filipina beauty queens who competed in the same global beauty pageant such as Nicole Cordoves in 2016 and Samantha Bernardo in 2020.
LOOK BACK at Samantha Bernardo’s journey to becoming 1st Runner-Up at Miss Grand International 2021
Here’s the portrait of Christine Juliane Opiaza, standing proudly as the 2024 Miss Grand International 1st Runner-Up winner:
The Filipina host and pasarela (runway walk) coach set the stage on fire in a white two-piece bikini during the swimsuit portion. She also shined on stage wearing Filipino creations such as anahaw-inspired ensemble by Patrick Isorena in the national costume competitions, a yellow evening gown by Ryan Ablaza Uson during the preliminary round, and a bejeweled silver gown by Mak Tumang in the finals night.
View the breathtaking ‘Anahaw’ National Costume for Miss Grand Philippines 2024, Christine Juliane Opiaza in this post:
See Miss Grand Philippines in her evening gown at the Miss Grand International 2024 preliminary round in this post:
Behold the bejeweled silver gown worn by CJ Opiaza at the MGI 2024 finals night in this post by designer Mak Tumang:
Opiaza then showcased her communication skills during the Top 5 question-and-answer portion by answering the question: “What do you think is the most critical issue in the world today that needs to be resolved, and what solutions do you propose?”
“The most pressing issue that we have today is, of course, the presence of war and violence. We can see all around media that there are people dying, people suffering, you can see the kids crying, their dreams are being shattered, how our differences make us divided,” she responded.
“I collect you all as you leave this place today to bring much more kindness, respect, and treat one another as human. We live in the same world, we breathe the same air. We are living in the same place. Treat one another as your brothers and sisters,” the Pinay beauty queen concluded.
Here is the result of the recently concluded Miss Grand International pageant in Thailand:
- Winner – Rachel Gupta, India
- First Runner-up – CJ Opiaza, Philippines
- Third Runner-up – Safietou Kabengele, France
- Fourth Runner-up – Talita Hartmann, Brazil
The official MGI announcement of the updated list of winners is here:
On October 28, MGI announced the revocation of the crown and title of Second Runner-up The Su Nyein of Myanmar for violation of regulations. The latter had earlier declared giving up her crown in protest of the pageant results.
CJ Opiaza is the newest addition to the growing list of Filipinos who placed first runner-up in their respective international beauty pageant, bringing pride and glory to the Philippines.
Just a few days ago, Isabelle De Los Santos won first runner-up in the Miss Aura International 2024 pageant held in Antalya, Turkiye.
Actor John Bench Ortiz placed first runner-up in the Mr. Gay World 2024 competition held in Northumberland, England in August.
In July, Kenneth Cabungcal snagged the first runner-up title at the Man of the World 2024 pageant that took place in Manila.
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