Before anyone was crowned Miss Grand International (MGI) 2024, the Philippine candidate, Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, was asked by the pageant organization’s President, Nawat Itsaragrisil, why she was late for dinner.
A few months later, she was set to take over the title and asked the same question: "Papa [Nawat], why so late?”
On Tuesday, June 3, Opiaza finally had her “golden moment,” as she was handed the crown as Miss Grand International 2024.
“Kidding aside, I know [that the] best things happen for a reason. You just have to wait for that very specific moment, but you have to hold on and do whatever it takes,” she said.
Previously a first runner-up, Opiaza said the crowning moment felt surreal, as she was also in the same spot months before.
“I was in the same place like months ago, competing for my country, the Philippines, and hoping to make you guys proud. I am just one of those hopeful candidates to bring pride to my country, and I was able to take home the first runner-up crown,” she recalled.
“I’m really, really grateful to have been part of the roster of such amazing women from all around the globe to be representing their countries, and of course, to be an international ambassador of the MGI Organization,” she added.
Although she is aware of the challenges, she is certain about being able to surpass them all, mostly because she has her family, fans, team, and the MGI organization with her.
“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 highlighted.
She thanked everyone who came to the crowning ceremony, emphasizing the support she received from the beginning.
“Kahit nasaan akong entablado, naririnig ko yung mga sigawa niyo. Ganun din kagalak yung puso ko na makita kayong lahat na cine-celebrate etong pagkapanalo nating lahat,” she expressed.
“Lalaban lang tayo, lagi. Para ‘to sa bansang Pilipinas, para ‘to sa MGI Organization, and we will continue the legacy that Miss Grand International cemented over the years,” she added.
To celebrate Opiaza’s win, the MGI organization announced during the coronation day that a grand parade would be held in Manila on June 8.
The crowning ceremony was held after former Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Gupta broke her silence in a tell-all video on YouTube, detailing the issues and challenges she faced during her reign as the pageant organization’s queen.
