PHILIPPINES' CJ OPIAZA WON 1ST RUNNER-UP AT MISS GRAND INTERNATIONAL 2024

Philippines’ representative CJ Opiaza ended her journey as 1st runner-up at Miss Grand International 2024 during the coronation night of the pageant held at the MGI Hall, Bravo BKK in Bangkok City, Thailand.

Opiaza is from Castillejos, Zambales who won 2024 Miss Grand Philippines other runners-up are Myanmar (2nd), France (3rd), and Brazil (4th). While India's delegate Rachel Gupta won the crown as Miss Grand International 2024, she bested 68 other contestants.

Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza placed 1st runner-up at Miss Grand International 2024 in Bangkok Thailand (Photo courtesy of CJ Opiaza/Instagram)

CJ follows in the footsteps of Nicole Cordoves (2016) and Samantha Bernardo (2021), who both finished first runner-up – the Philippines’ highest-ever placement in the international pageant.

The question asked was, "What do you think is the most critical issue in the world today that needs to be resolved, and what solutions do you propose?"

CJ answered, "The most pressing issue that we have today is, of course, the presence of war and violence. We can see all around media that there are people dying, people of suffering, you can see the kids crying, their dreams are being shattered. How our differences makes us divided. I collect you all as you leave this place today to bring much more kindness, respect, and treat one another as human. We live in the same world, we breathe the same air. We are living in the same place. Treat one another as your brothers and sisters."

India’s winning answer to the question, "I believe the most critical issue the world is facing today is poverty due to overpopulation and lack of resources. Simply put there isn't enough for everybody on this planet. I think it's time for world leaders to take accountability and to start promoting the idea of enough resources for everybody. We can do this by promoting birth control methods in the different countries," she said. 

"I come from a country, India, where not everybody has access to food, water, education, and basic amenities and this is true for most of the world. It's time for us to stop fighting each other and start respecting one another and making sure that we have enough resources for everyone in this planet," she added.

CJ Opiaza donned a low-cut silver sequin gown with a flowy white cape by Filipino designer Mak Tumang during the evening gown portion. She also set the stage on fire in a white two-piece during the swimsuit portion of the pageant.

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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