CJ Opiaza turns emotional in final walk at Miss Grand International 2025

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Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza turned emotional as she took her final walk and delivered her farewell speech as Miss Grand International 2024 during this year’s finale night on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Opiaza looked back on her unexpected journey to the crown, recalling how she had only three days to prepare after assuming the role. 

“I asked myself, how can I best represent the whole Philippines? But against all odds, we won,” she said as she failed in her battle to fight back tears. 

“I am now your queen. I know I only assumed the crown. But I am forever grateful that I was given this chance to represent the Miss Grand International organization,” continued the Filipino beauty queen.

Opiaza ascended the throne after winner from India, Rachel Gupta, resigned from her post after a much-publicized feud with the MGI management. 

Because of this, she said that she had been vilified and called names. Still, beauty queen humbly embraced the challenge when fate called on her to take over the title.

“It knocked on my door. It says, if the winner, for any reason, cannot fulfill her duties, the first runner-up will take over,” she said in tears.

Before she exited the stage, Miss Grand International president and CEO Nawat Itsaragrisil, gave her a hug and a piece of handkerchief to wipe her tears.

Afterwards, she bent down so that her Miss Grand crown was replaced with the new “Unity Torch” crown.

Emma Tiglao is representing the Philippines this year and is aiming to inherit the title from Opiaza who is expected to crown her successor at the end of the night. /edv