CJ Opiaza and Ahtisa Manalo. Images: Meo Fernando via Instagram/@cjopiaza, @misscosmointernational
Beauty queens CJ Opiaza and Ahtisa Manalo used their platforms to seek help for those who were severely affected by severe tropical storm Kristine, while reminding them of the importance of “being there for one another.”
Opiaza took time off her busy schedule at the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant in Thailand to offer prayers to the victims of the typhoon and to ask her followers to donate to organizations organizing rescue efforts.
“Hello, again everyone! I am deeply saddened by the devastation and the loss of lives caused by the typhoon Kristine. I am calling for everyone’s attention, let us please offer our prayers for the departed and express our heartfelt condolences to those bereaved families,” she said.
“There are specific Philippine NGO’s and charitable institutions [who are] calling for donations for the victims of the typhoon. Kindly tap these organizations to volunteer or donate,” continued Opiaza.
The Castillejos, Zambales-based beauty queen reminded her followers to come together, especially since the country is facing the deadly effects of the typhoon.
“As one nation, hand-in-hand, let us be there for one another, especially in times like these. Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much),” she said.
Meanwhile, Manalo said on her Instagram Broadcast channel that the damage in Bicol, one of the most severely affected areas due to the typhoon, is “heartbreaking” for her.
“My loves, please keep safe during this typhoon. It’s heartbreaking to see the damage done in Bicol region,” she said.
Image: Instagram/@ahtisa
She also warned her followers to be careful of a fake Telegram account using her identity on her Broadcast channel and Instagram Story “to steal from people during a calamity.”
Image: Instagram/@ahtisa
Opiaza is representing the Philippines in the Miss Grand International 2024 tilt, in hopes of securing the country’s first golden crown. She earlier caught the attention of pageant fans after her attention-grabbing performance in the preliminary competition.
Manalo, on the other hand, ended her Miss Cosmo 2024 stint in the Top 10 earlier this month. She previously competed at the Miss International 2018 pageant where she was named first runner-up.