CJ Opiaza turns heads at the Miss Grand International 2024 preliminary competition
CJ Opiaza of the Philippines rocked the preliminaries stage of Miss Grand International 2024, held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the MGI Hall in Thailand.
The Filipina beauty showcased her pasarela prowess during the swimsuit competition, wearing a metallic gold two-piece swimsuit matched with a cape and brown gloves.
She confidently saluted while screaming the country's name and then shared a pasarela routine with Miss Peru, while doing her hair flip and smize.
For the evening gown portion, the 26-year-old Zambales-based beauty sashayed the stage in Ryan Ablaza Uson's yellow-orange beaded dress with a cape.
Uson's Instagram post revealed that her gown was a homage to Queen Sirikit of Thailand. The dress was embellished with a dazzling array of Swarovski crystals and featured a vibrant canary yellow hue, inspired by the iconic Pagoda Thai Temple and the protective spirit of the Thai talisman.
Before this, Opiaza proudly waved the country's flag during the international pageant's national costume competition, wearing a costume inspired by the national leaf, Anahaw.
She showcased designer Patrick Isorena's stunning green and gold outfits, adorned with thousands of golden crystals, hardwire, and leaf-shaped fabrics. The ensemble's use of gold and green paid homage to Miss Grand International's "vivacious colors."
She also described the Anahaw as a symbol of victory, a testament to Filipino strength and resilience, creatively crafted to embody their indomitable spirit.
"A quintessence of valor, hard work, and ultimate victory[,] the round-leaf fountain palm, or most commonly known [as] 'Anahaw', is a Philippine national symbol that denotes Filipino strength of character, champion mindset and good fruits of labor," Opiaza wrote on Instagram.
Last week, she was announced as among the top 20 candidates for Best in Swimsuit at the international pageant.
Opiaza was crowned Miss Grand International Philippines on Sept. 29 at Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City, succeeding Nikki de Moura.
She is aiming for the country's first-ever Miss Grand International crown at the coronation night that will be held in Thailand on Oct. 25.