CJ Opiaza, Dia Mate, Isabelle Bilasano pose challenge to queens

CJ Opiaza, Dia Mate, Isabelle Bilasano pose challenge to aspiring queens

/ 06:11 PM July 05, 2025

Miss Grand International CJ Opiaza (third from right) with (from left) Universal Woman Philippines Jasmine Omay, Miss Grand Philippines runner-up Jubilee Acosta, Face of Beauty International Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, Reina Hispanoamericana Dia Mate, and Miss World Asia Krishnah Gravidez

Miss Grand International CJ Opiaza (third from right) with (from left) Universal Woman Philippines Jasmine Omay, Miss Grand Philippines runner-up Jubilee Acosta, Face of Beauty International Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, Reina Hispanoamericana Dia Mate and Miss World Asia Krishnah Gravidez/ALV PAGEANT CIRCLE FACEBOOK PHOTO

The pageant veterans in the roster of 2025 Miss Grand International Philippines aspirants truly caught the fans’ attention during their recent press presentation. But another highlight of the event was the parade of reigning international queens.

Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, the first Filipino woman to receive the “golden crown” of the Miss Grand International pageant was, of course, present at the event held at Okada Manila in Parañaque City earlier this month.

Article continues after this advertisement

She was joined by Dia Mate, who posted the Philippines’ second victory in the Reina Hispanoamericana pageant in Bolivia earlier this year, and Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano who won in the Face of Beauty International contest in Taiwan last year.

FEATURED STORIES

Aside from Opiaza’s national successor, the Miss Grand International Philippines pageant will also choose the Philippines’ representatives in this year’s Face of Beauty International contest and next year’s Reina Hispanoamericana competition.

Such a challenging undertaking for whoever will inherit the national titles this year, with a target of posting a second consecutive victory in not just one, but three international pageants.

Mate and Bilasano took part in the 2024 Miss World Philippines pageant won by Krishnah Gravidez, who eventually received the Miss World Asia title in the international contest held in India in May.

The Miss World Philippines pageant is organized by the same team behind the Miss Grand International Philippines competition, ALV Pageant Circle of talent manager and entrepreneur Arnold Vegafria.

Article continues after this advertisement

Four other national titles were bestowed after Gravidez’s coronation in the local search. Aside from Mate and Bilasano, also crowned were Miss Multinational Philippines Nikki Buenafe Cheveh and Miss Philippines Tourism Patricia Bianca Tapia.

Cheveh’s international competition did not push through, and she is now hoping to score another national title that will hopefully send her to a global tilt. She is representing Quezon City in the Miss Grand International Philippines pageant.

Article continues after this advertisement

Also returning ALV Pageant Circle beauties are 2023 Miss Grand Philippines alumnae Michelle Arceo and Shanon Tampon, who were 2024 Reina Hispanoamericana segunda finalista and 2022 Miss Elite first runner-up, respectively.

Another lady returning to the ALV Pageant Circle fold is 2022 Miss World Philippines alumna and 2022 Miss Eco Teen International first runner-up Francesca Beatriz Abalajon McLelland, fresh from her Top 14 finish in the 61st Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

From the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, the contest Opiaza joined before competing in Miss Grand Philippines last year, there are Anita Rose Gomez and Angeleyh Pasco.

Also in the fray is former Bb. Pilipinas titleholder, Miss World Philippines Princess and Mutya ng Pilipinas runner-up Emma Mary Tiglao, who was in the Top 20 in the 2019 Miss Intercontinental pageant.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

The 2025 Miss Grand International Philippines pageant will crown its new set of winners on Aug. 12. Aside from proclaiming the successors to the national titles of Opiaza, Mate and Bilasano, the national search will also choose the country’s representative to the 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International competition. /ra

TAGS: beauty queens, CJ Opiaza, Miss Grand International

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2025 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.