Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza to receive a grand parade
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Filipino pageant fans who want to see Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza will have a chance to do so at the Mall of Asia.
Beauty pageant aficionados have another reason to go to the Mall of Asia this week as the newly-minted Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza is being feted with a grand parade.
O its official Instagram account, the Miss Grand International organization shared a poster announcing that CJ would be getting a grand parade at the SM Mall of Asia on June 9, at 4 p.m.
In the caption to the post, the organization described CJ as the Pride of the Philippines and called on people to “paint the streets with pride, joy, and Filipino spirit!”
Related gallery: Here's what CJ Opiaza has been doing since Miss Grand International
CJ was named the 2024 Miss Grand International at a crowning ceremony in Bangkok earlier this week.
In the speech she delivered after being crowned, CJ recalled how she just used to be one of many delegates hoping to bring pride to their respective countries and now she has become a titleholder.
“This moment is so surreal right now. I was in the same place, months ago, competing for my country, the Philippines, and hoping to make you guys proud. I am just one of those hopeful candidates who wanted to bring pride to my country and I was able to bring home a first runner-up crown,” she recalled. “And I'm really, really grateful to have been part of the roster of such amazing women from all around the globe, to be representing their country. And of course, of being an international ambassador of the Miss Grand International organization.”
CJ also emphasized how her win is a historic moment for the Philippine pageant community.
“I know this moment is so sudden. There's a moment of transition and change. But that's how we grow as individuals. That's how we win in life,” she said. “There are different versions and meanings of winning in life, but this is my golden moment. This is a historic win for the Philippines.”
CJ took from the previous titleholder, Rachel Gupta, who was stripped of her title.
In a Facebook post, the Miss Grand International (MGI) organization cited Rachel's “failure to fulfill her assigned duties, engagement in external projects without prior approval from the organization, and her refusal to participate in the scheduled trip to Guatemala.”
Read the announcement below:
Before confirming that CJ would assumed Rachel's duties, the MGI organization teased CJ taking the crown by posting an Instagram Reel featuring her along with the caption “Being a queen isn't just about outer beauty -- it begins within. Stay tuned!”
The confirmation of CJ's new role would come a day later after CJ uploaded multiple photos on her Instagram account of her wearing a red creation by designer Francis Libiran, paired with earrings from local jewelry brand Kataw.
In the caption to the post, CJ wrote that she is a phoenix rising from the golden ashes for a comeback to “conquer the grandest heights” before declaring that she is the 2024 Miss Grand International.
The Miss Grand Philippines is now currently looking for the successor to CJ, with more than 20 candidates vying for the crown. Check this year's Miss Grand Philippines candidates in the gallery below.
Related gallery: Here are the 2025 Miss Grand Philippines candidates
