CJ OPIAZA IS MISS GRAND INTERNATIONAL 2024 FIRST RUNNER-UP

PHILIPPINES’ bet Christine Juliane (CJ) Opiaza on Friday night has won the Miss Grand International 2024 first runner-up crown in Thailand.

The 26-year-old Miss Grand Philippines from Zambales competed against 68 candidates from all over the world and finished first runner-up next to Rachel Gupta of India, who took home the crown during the coronation night held on October 25 in Bangkok.

The other winners were second runner-up Thae Su Nyeim of Myanmar, Safietou Kabengele of France, 3d runner-up and Talita Hartmann of Brazil, 4th runner-up.

With her first runner-up finish and strong performance, Opiaza has duplicated the feat of other Filipina beauty queens who competed in the same global beauty pageant such as Nicole Cordoves in 2016 and Samantha Bernardo in 2020.

Opiaza’s pasarela or runway walk set the stage on fire in a white two-piece bikini during the swimsuit portion.

The Filipina beauty also shined on stage wearing Pinoy creation anahaw-inspired ensemble by Patrick Isorena during the national costume competitions.

A yellow evening gown by Ryan Ablaza Uson during the preliminary round, and a bejeweled silver gown by Mak Tumang in the finals night made her stunning in the eyes of the crowd.

The Pinay beauty also raised the country’s flag as she brilliantly answered the Top 5 question and answer portion.

Meanwhile, Miss Grand International on Monday announced that it has revoked the second runner-up title of Myanmar’s Thae Su Nyeim after the beauty queen announced that she is returning her crown.  

On its social media pages, Miss Grand International said this is due to Thae’s “inappropriate behavior and actions that violated several regulations.”

In an Instagram live video shortly after the Miss Grand International coronation night, Thae revealed to her fans that she is giving up her second runner-up crown because she felt robbed after not getting two special awards.