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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider CJ Opiaza's perks as Miss Grand International 2024 revealed

CJ Opiaza's perks as Miss Grand International 2024 revealed

Published Jun 10, 2025 08:55 pm
All smiles (from left) MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Grand International 2024 Christine Juliane 'CJ' Opiaza, and Arnold Vegafria, national director of Miss Grand Philippines
All smiles (from left) MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Grand International 2024 Christine Juliane 'CJ' Opiaza, and Arnold Vegafria, national director of Miss Grand Philippines

A generous contract, international travel, and the option to reside in the MGI penthouse in Bangkok — these are among the perks which Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza will enjoy as she begins her whirlwind reign as Miss Grand International 2024. While her tenure lasts only five months, her impact as the first Filipina winner of the coveted "Golden Crown" will surely be enshrined in the annals of pageantry.

“I have to be based in Bangkok,” CJ explained in an interview before her homecoming motorcade at the Mall of Asia grounds. “Every time I travel, it will be from Thailand to another country. But I can return to the Philippines for previously booked events—I’ve already sent MGI my schedule.”

The beauty queen from Zambales shared that she’s still deciding between staying in a hotel or making the MGI penthouse her home base. Yet beyond these luxuries, CJ emphasized that the crown represents purpose. “It’s a big platform. We’ll be able to tap more people,” she said.

MGI founder and president Nawat Itsaragrisil has pledged full support, promising CJ extensive opportunities within and beyond Thailand. 

Nawat flew to Manila for CJ’s homecoming event, organized by Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Pageant Circle, and expressed confidence that CJ could make history in her short reign.

“"Five months is not a short time. She can make a good history and enjoy the victory of the winner of Miss Grand International from the Philippines, first and ever. 
"And also, I promise all Filipinos that I will try to put her in every way that she wants. In the beauty queen, like our coaching manager, or any event. Now, a lot of events in Thailand and some countries want to book her," he stated in his Thai English.

CJ, who is known in Manila as a pasarela coach, is excited to assume her duties on a more global scale. For her first month as MGI, she’s scheduled to perform her MGI role with visits to Spain, the Netherlands, and Myanmar. Nawat also revealed plans to send her to Latin America and refugee communities as part of MGI’s charitable programs.

He even hinted at the possibility of extending her reign. “If she wants, I can prolong her time so she can earn more commission,” he quipped.

Nawat called CJ’s win “destiny” and part of God’s will. He encouraged the Philippines to aim for back-to-back titles, saying that everything depends on who Arnold Vegafria and the Miss Grand Philippines judges choose next.

"I know you will have the winner again if you choose the right person. It depends on you if you choose the real beauty queen," he said, addressing Mr. Vegafria.

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