Miss Grand International 2024 first runner-up CJ Opiaza. Image: Instagram/@cjopiaza
A week after she was named Miss Grand International 2024 first runner-up, CJ Opiaza looked back on her “intense yet fulfilling” preparation for the Thai-based pageant.
Opiaza took to her Instagram page on Thursday, October 31 to share that she was never “complacent nor careless” when she decided to join the national and international pageant.
“Three days of preparation for an international competition was the most intense and challenging part of my journey yet it was the most fulfilling too,” she said.
“The fact that I am bringing the whole Philippines is a huge role to carry. Never have I been complacent nor careless of the job I was applying for, even back when I was still a candidate for Miss Grand Philippines,” Opiaza said.
One of the things that the Zambales-based beauty queen always did throughout her preparations was to “start [her] day filled with grit and end it with gratitude.”
“That’s how grateful I am to be your representative. I believe I did my part in bringing forward the true power of a Filipina, our values and unite all the Filipinos to come together and show how much the crown means to all of us,” she said.
Despite her first runner-up finish, Opiaza said her journey and the support she received from fans is proof of the Filipino spirit.
“Thank you for all the unwavering effort, love, support, and belief that you have given from the very beginning,” she said. “We have just shown the entire world the true meaning of Filipino spirit… My victory is your victory! All of you have done an incredibly great job in taking part of this journey. Now, it’s time for me to fulfill mine.”
In her post, the beauty queen also thanked her fans, loved ones, team, Miss Grand International president Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Grand Philippines organization, and her fellow Miss Grand Philippines titleholders for having her back along the way.
The Miss Grand Philippines organization praised Opiaza for her hard work in the comments, hinting that a “homecoming” will be held soon.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@cjopiaza
Her post also earned the support of fellow Filipina queens Katrina Dimaranan, Chelsea Fernandez, Francesca Taruc, Graciella Lehmann, Jasmine Paguio, Anita Rose Gomez, Diana Mackey, and Hannah Arnold in the comments section.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@cjopiaza
The Miss Grand International crown remains elusive as Opiaza is the third Filipina to bag the first runner-up title. Nicole Cordoves and Samantha Bernardo were named first runner-up in 2016 and 2020, respectively.
India’s Rachel Gupta was crowned with the coveted title, making her the first beauty queen of her country to win.