Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

Addie Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza is back in Manila after earning the Miss Grand International (MGI) runner-up title in Bangkok, Thailand, in October.Also joining the Zambales-born stunner is MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil.The 26-year-old beauty queen said that with her schedule packed with events, interviews, and photoshoots, she looks forward to unwinding in the Philippines during the holiday season. It was a rigorous journey for Opiaza in Thailand after clinching her runner-up title as pageant bets participated in local Miss Grand competitions from one province to another. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/10/26/cj-opieza-1st-runner-up-sa-miss-grand-international-1825">CJ Opiaza 1st runner-up sa Miss Grand International</a></div>It was with her immersion that she further felt closer to the Thai pageant community, expressing her admiration for the Thai queens and their standards. &quot;Just like how we did it also here in the Philippines, we go from provinces to provinces, and I&#x27;ve seen a lot of potential from all the Thai queens,&quot; Opiaza said. Opiaza described her MGI journey as &quot;literally surreal&quot; and one she will &quot;forever cherish,&quot; noting how she felt treated with utmost respect, saying &quot;We felt like we are truly queens in Miss Grand International. Thailand is like my second home already, and I can’t wait to go back and spend more time with my Thai fans and, of course, with the organization. Maraming, maraming salamat. Thank you so much!&quot;She will headline a homecoming parade at the SM Mall of Asia grounds Saunday, joined by Nawat.While India’s Rachel Gupta clinched the 2024 MGI crown, Nawat noted that Opiaza came close to the top spot. &quot;She’s a very good standard for us,&quot; Nawat said.“CJ will be going back to Bangkok very soon. Because of Miss Grand International, we&#x27;re not working only with the winner. We&#x27;re working for the top 10. But the most important is runner-up, first runner-up, or second runner-up, always working with me.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/10/25/india-wins-miss-grand-international-2024-ph-bet-cj-opiaza-is-1st-runner-up-2339">India wins Miss Grand International 2024; PH bet CJ Opiaza is 1st runner-up</a></div>Looking ahead to Miss Grand International 2025, Nawat shared his excitement about hosting the event again in Thailand. “I&#x27;m very happy to be a host in Thailand. Because we can control the quality of the event, the quality of light and sound, and the design, and also a lot of activities. I believe around the world, they would like to come to Thailand because of 25 days, at least 25 days. We&#x27;re serving them like a five-star service and bring them to a very fantastic place,” he said.Opiaza’s homecoming will continue with a special parade and meet-and-greet event on Sunday, December 8, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, where fans can meet the beauty queen and celebrate her achievement.With her time here in the Philippines, Opiaza will also take the opportunity to promote Miss Grand International before returning to Thailand. “I am excited and I&#x27;ll be wearing a gown again from Mr. Mac Tumang,” she said.

Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza is back in Manila after earning the Miss Grand International (MGI) runner-up title in Bangkok, Thailand, in October.

Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza is back in Manila after earning the Miss Grand International (MGI) runner-up title in Bangkok, Thailand, in October.

Miss Grand Runner-up CJ Opiaza back in Manila, all set for grand homecoming

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Miss Grand Runner-up CJ Opiaza back in Manila, all set for grand homecoming

Dyan Castillejo,

Addie Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 07, 2024 09:45 PM PHT

Read More:

ABSNews

Miss Grand International 2024

CJ Opiaza

Nawat Itsaragrisil

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