From runner-up to history-maker: CJ Opiaza’s grand journey

“Life is not about never losing, but about finding the courage to rise every time you fall. My journey proves that dreams may test you, break you, and even make you doubt yourself—but if you keep going, they will also bless you in ways you never imagined.”

Filipinos roared with pride when Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza was officially proclaimed Miss Grand International 2024, following the resignation of India’s Rachel Gupta. The twist of fate made CJ the very first Filipina to wear the coveted golden crown, an achievement that marks both a personal triumph and a historic milestone for Philippine pageantry.

Originally named first runner-up during the MGI coronation night in Bangkok, Thailand, CJ stepped into the title months later with grace and gratitude. In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the unusual path that brought her to the crown. 

“I had the shortest preparation. I had the shortest reign. But this will definitely be a grand reign for all Filipinos. I knew I was born ready, and now I’ve been given the challenge and the responsibility to fill these shoes. Truly, it’s an honor,” Opiaza told radar Entertainment in a recent interview.

From Miss Bikini to Global Beauty Queen 

Her journey to the international stage was anything but easy. Hailing from Zambales, she first joined beauty contests in 2012 to help support her studies. She won Miss Lyceum in 2015 during her time at Lyceum of Subic Bay. Her national breakthrough came in 2016 when she won Miss Bikini Philippines, which earned her a ticket to her first international competition, Global Beauty Queen. She went home empty-handed, but the setback only fueled her drive.

Over the years, CJ collected a string of titles across provincial and corporate pageants, including Miss Econest 2018 and Ambassadress of the World–Philippines 2019. She also crossed paths with other rising queens like Gabrielle Basiano and Emma Tiglao, proving that Philippine pageantry was a small but fiercely competitive world.

Still, heartbreaks were part of her journey. In Binibining Pilipinas 2022, she failed to advance to the semifinals, even as Basiano clinched a crown. But in Miss Universe Philippines 2023, she bounced back strong, placing first runner-up to Michelle Marquez Dee.

In 2024, CJ finally earned the chance to represent the Philippines at Miss Grand International with barely three days of preparation before flying to Bangkok. Against all odds, she powered through the competition, finishing as first runner-up. When Gupta stepped down months later, fate handed CJ the crown she had been chasing for more than a decade.

Despite the sudden shift, CJ embraced the role of Miss Grand International with focus and humility. At the core of her reign is the organization’s advocacy of peace.

“Stop war and violence”

“I am definitely going to talk to the organization about what activities or projects we can do so more people will know about this advocacy,” she said, vowing to use the crown to amplify the call to stop war and violence. She also paid tribute to the Filipino queens who had walked before her, saying they paved the way for her historic win.

Just a week after passing her national crown to Emma Tiglao, CJ reflected on her long, winding journey.

“Life is not about never losing, but about finding the courage to rise every time you fall. My journey proves that dreams may test you, break you, and even make you doubt yourself, but if you keep going, they will also bless you in ways you never imagined,” she shared.

From being a “backstage clapper” to becoming the first Filipina Miss Grand International, CJ Opiaza’s story is one of persistence, resilience, and destiny. 

Opiaza will pass on her crown at the 13th edition of Miss Grand International, which will be held in Bangkok on Oct. 18.

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