Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

Miss Grand International first runner-up CJ Opiaza has raised the bar for queens, especially in terms of runway performance. However, little do people know that it was her father Chris Opiaza, who was formerly a model, who trained her how to slay her walks. “Nagtuturo si papa sa akin ng mga routine, for example ‘yung mga swing ng hips,” CJ said. “Sasabihin niya sa akin na puwede mo gawin ‘yung ganitong turn, or you wanna do a double turn.”Additionally, the pasarela queen said she also reviews “failure modeling walks” to improve her performance.“Para alam kong ‘yung mga iiwasan ko, then I practice it.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/12/7/miss-grand-runner-up-cj-opiaza-back-in-manila-all-set-for-grand-homecoming-2146">Miss Grand Runner-up CJ Opiaza back in Manila, all set for grand homecoming</a></div>CJ hopes to have her own studio someday as a pageant coach, which she will continue pursuing starting next month.“For sure I’ll be  going back again to being a trainer […] I’ll probably go back this January to train some girls. Normally five sessions siya then ‘yung ibang girls dadagdag,” Opiaza said.“I’ll be able to touch more lives and change more lives, and the same time gusto ko lang talaga siya i-share ‘yung knowledge ko.”The Zambales pride talked about the “four B’s” that Miss Grand International looks for in their candidates, and that is “body, beauty, brains and business.” But for her, one of the most important traits a candidate must have is authenticity.“Just be yourself. You have to be fun, you have to be outgoing, you have to show that personality of yours,” Opiaza said.“Not to the point naman you’re trying too hard to please everybody,” she added.<div>SOCIAL MEDIA</div>Meanwhile, CJ admitted she is not one who avoids reading negative comments on her social media. She said she always finds time to go through what netizens have to say. “I actually read all , even the negative comments. I do then I weigh it, maybe I can get something out of it,” Opiaza said. “But for those na really, medyo masakit, there are some comments na talagang mafee-feel mo rin. Sinasabi ko lang [na] they don’t know me. They don’t know my whole personality and I just try to do my best.”One key value Opiaza believes is important for queens like her is confidence. “I’ve been doing pageantry for how many years,” the Zambales beauty recalled. “So it takes time to actually develop that, but you really have to go out of your comfort zone and not listen to the standards that everybody is setting.”<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>“Especially now na very vulnerable sa social media. Everybody is just posting everything, commenting everything,” she said. Among CJ’s responsibilities with the MGI organization involves online live-selling where she continues to display her playful personality. Opiaza is also set to travel across different countries with the MGI team. “I’ll be also I think roaming around the world to promote Miss Grand International and I’m looking forward to that,” she said.  “I think I’ll also be teaching candidates for Miss Grand. Actually before coming to the Philippines, I was able to train Miss Grand Phuket.”CJ aims to continue her dream as a coach with her own studio someday, but for now she has her focus set on more events, photoshoots, and rest this Holiday season in Manila.

Miss Grand International first runner-up CJ Opiaza has raised the bar for queens, especially in terms of runway performance.

Miss Grand International first runner-up CJ Opiaza has raised the bar for queens, especially in terms of runway performance.

How CJ Opiaza became a master catwalk coach

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How CJ Opiaza became a master catwalk coach

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 20, 2024 12:04 AM PHT

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CJ Opiaza

Miss Grand International

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