CJ Opiaza takes over as Miss Grand International 2024
Christine Juliane "CJ" Opiaza has officially been crowned Miss Grand International 2024.
The Filipina beauty queen took over the role during her crowning ceremony on June 3 in Bangkok, Thailand.
At the event, MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil replaced Opiaza's 1st runner-up title with the coveted Miss Grand International crown and sash. He then raised the emotional Pinay's hand as she was proclaimed.
"I was just one of those hopeful candidates and I was able to take home the first runner-up crown, and I have been really grateful to have been part of this roster of such amazing women around the globe to be representing their countries, and of course to be an international ambassador of the MGI organization," she said in her speech.
“I know 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. Before I signed up for this job, I knew I was born ready. I am always ready, and now I’ve been given the challenge, and I am taking the challenge and the responsibility to fill [those] shoes as your first runner-up, and now, as your Miss Grand International 2024.
She then thanked her supporters and team, including her designers.
"I know this moment is so sudden. There's a moment of transition and change, but that's how we grow as individuals, and 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."
Opiaza's crowning comes after previous Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Gupta relinquished the crown following her claims of mistreatment by MGI executives. In a video statement, the Indian beauty queen said the Miss Grand International organization "only cared about money" and that it was "impossible to work" with them.
She added that despite her hard work, all she got in return was "constant harassment, mental torture, mistreatment, and it's on a systemic level."
