CJ Opiaza in Thailand for her coronation as Miss Grand International 2024
New Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza with MGI big boss Nawat Itsaragrasil upon arrival in Bangkok. Image from his Instagram.
Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, the Philippines’ newest international titleholder, is now in Thailand to receive the once-elusive “golden crown” of the Miss Grand International pageant.
The seasoned “kontesera” (pageant veteran) left Manila on Monday morning, June 2, for her official coronation as queen of the international pageant’s 2024 edition, after erstwhile winner Rachel Gupta of India abdicated the title last week.
Opiaza was in a white terno with floral appliqués and sheer electric-pleated skirt when she left Manila. She slipped into teal blue trousers with matching halter top when she arrived at the Suvrnabhumi International Airport. She kept her high ponytail for the two looks.
CJ Opiaza in a white terno shortly before her flight to Bangkok, Thailand for her coronation as new Miss Grand International 2024. Image from her Instagram Stories.
Last year she set out to claim the Philippines’ first Miss Grand International victory, just a few days after winning in the national pageant. This time, as she returns to the “Land of Smiles,” her coronation as queen has already been assured.
Miss Grand International founder, owner and head Nawat Itsaragrisil welcomed Opiaza at the Thai gateway with a huge bouquet of flowers and a hug. An onlooker also handed over a small Philippine flag to her at the airport.
Nawat also posted about Opiaza’s arrival on his Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
The seasoned pageant girl from Zambales will assume the remainder of the reign left by Gupta, the first Indian woman to win the Miss Grand International crown.
The Miss Grand International Organization announced that the “crowning ceremony” will take place at the MGI Hall of Bravo BKK in Bangkok on June 3 at 2 P.M. (3 P.M. in Manila).
“Mabuhay everyone. I love you all. So we’re finally here in Bangkok, and it’s just a few hours from the crowning moment tomorrow,” Opiaza said at her arrival press conference.
“I cannot wait to celebrate this with all the Filipino. But the same goes to the Thai fans and the people all around the world who believe and support Miss Grand International,” she continued.
Opiaza also said that she is looking forward to making more new memories with the international pageant organization, after experiencing Thailand as a contestant first, and later as a runner-up.
“I had the shortest preparation for my competition. And I think I also have the shortest reign. But definitely this is gonna be amazing. We already planned some activities, so I’m looking forward to that,” she shared.
“And I have some plans and projects also in my mind that I wanna talk about. Let’s see how we’re gonna work this out, and let everybody know about Miss Grand International,” Opiaza continued.
Opiaza’s ascent to the Miss Grand International throne came after Gupta announced on social media last week that she was giving up her crown because of “broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment I can no longer endure in silence.”
The international pageant organization responded with a statement, announcing the “termination” of Gupta’s title as Miss Grand International 2024, and accusing her of being remiss of her duties, and breach of her contract obligations.
Nawat further escalated the matter to an ugly online war after Gupta released a video explaining her decision to give up her reign.
Accusing the Indian beauty queen of being a “troublemaker,” he released “receipts” to prove his assertion of Gupta’s supposed misbehavior through several screenshots and other images that are personal in nature.
Before Opiaza’s assumption to the throne, the golden crown was elusive to Filipino aspirants, earning the frustration of fans in the Philippines towards the international pageant.
Nicole Cordoves and Samantha Bernardo came so close to the crown in 2016 and 2020, respectively, both finishing as first runner-up. /edv
