CJ Opiaza joins ranks of Philippine queens who made pageant history
MANILA, Philippines — “Finally, we have it, and we call it destiny. So, thank you, thank you so much.”
Those were the words of Filipina beauty queen Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza during a recent media call, referring to the country’s first-ever Miss Grand International crown.
CJ, one of the strongest Philippine representatives sent to the Thailand-based beauty pageant, was named first runner-up to Rachel Gupta of India last year. Since the latter could no longer fulfill her duties or resigned as the titleholder, based on available reports, CJ was tapped to continue the reign.
Although the Philippines has performed well at the Miss Grand International in previous editions, with three first-runner placements including CJ’s, the golden crown remained elusive until the turn of events happened.
With that, one could say that local pageant enthusiasts were initially stunned, perhaps some even considered CJ’s from-runner-up-to-winner story surreal. They welcomed it and are grateful that CJ is Miss Grand International 2024.
“It actually sank in during the crowning moment already, when I was on stage and when I saw all the Filipinos,” recalled CJ about the pinch-me moment and her crowning ceremony. “During that time, I wasn’t really expecting that there would be a lot of Filipinos in the area but I knew there were gonna be a lot of Thai fans because they were already messaging me.”
After seeing that kind of support, she couldn’t help but shed tears of joy. Her homecoming parade or grand parade was the last part that would tell and convince her that she’s Miss Grand International, said she.
CJ is the first Pinay winner, whose feat made the Philippines tick off the alpha or Big 6 international beauty contests, considered by pageant chroniclers and aficionados (Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, Miss Earth, Miss Supranational and Miss Grand International).
She also belongs to that circle of Gloria Diaz (Miss Universe 1969), Megan Young (Miss World 2013), Gemma Cruz (Miss International 1964), Karla Henry (Miss Earth 2008) and Muya Datul (Miss Supranational 2013) who brought the first crown and title to the country.
“Actually, hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala ‘pag nakikita ko po yung mga edits and my faces there (I can’t still believe every time I see the edits and my faces on them),” said she. “I’m like ‘Is this real?’ Is it real that we’ve finally completed the big crowns for the country?”
CJ was instrumental for the country to have achieved such a feat, along with Puerto Rico. So far, only the Philippines and Puerto Rico have done that, winning in all these beauty competitions.
“I think it’s also the first in history to have two homecomings,” said she, who is elated to have celebrated her achievements as first runner-up and the winner.
She also took the time to acknowledge the support of everyone, including the Pinoy pageant fans, and the Pinay queens who graced Miss Grand International and paved the way for her.
Even though her reign is short, it will definitely be packed. CJ will travel to Latin countries, Spain, the Netherlands and Myanmar. Visiting refugee camps and doing charity programs are activities being lined up for her, as one could gather from the press conference.
There are queens in Thailand who have expressed their interest in being trained under her. CJ will also attend other events and work made and arranged prior to being named as Miss Grand International.
“I will just fly in and fly out,” as the hardworking and committed CJ put it.
The Pinay queen was also asked to give her advice to Pinays who aspire to compete at Miss Grand Philippines and eventually at Miss Grand International during the media event.
“Train now… of course, for our next queen and our candidates also, just be yourself, you know… it’s actually a competition of knowing who the real person is. It’s a competition that allows you to be yourself,” said she. “… you don’t have to copy someone. You don’t have to be someone on that stage, you just have to be yourself and I think it’s also the hardest to be real.”
“Sometimes, it’s the hardest, especially when you’re in front of a camera, when you’re in front of the media, when you know the society dictates you to be perfect and to be somebody. But you know Miss Grand is different. It needs you to be real. It needs you to be authentic. So, you have to know yourself now,” added she. “So, it won’t be difficult for you when you’re on the international stage and I mean that’s the biggest challenge for everybody now and of course, training. Don’t forget to train.”
Training-wise, CJ was referring to doing the walk or pasarela, holding one’s own in Q&A and interviews, crafting and delivering speeches and knowing one’s talent.
“You have to be present, allow yourself to be present,” said CJ. “Allow the people of the organization and the people all around the world to know that there’s a candidate from the Philippines.”
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