CJ Opiaza from Zambales is Miss Grand Philippines 2024

CJ Opiaza, a beauty pageant veteran from Zambales, is Miss Grand Philippines 2024!

CJ was crowned the new Miss Grand Philippines at the pageant's awards night held on Sunday at the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

In the Q&A portion, CJ was asked: "Do you think winning beauty queens also deserve the rewards and the incentives that the Olympic athletes get from the government, private sector, and other establishments?"

She answered: "Being able to stand here is already a reward for us. Actually, I think that we actually don't need an incentive or a monetary reward to be able to be seen or to be heard. Just the very platform like this is already championing the lives of the people believing us, the people [whom] we inspire. I hope all the beauty queens here will continue their legacy to push for their causes and present themselves around the world."

A strong contender in this year's pageant, CJ took home five special awards including Best in Swimsuit.  

CJ is set to represent the Philippines in Miss Grand International 2024 on October 25 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Prior to being Miss Grand Philippines 2024, CJ was the first runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

Congratulations, CJ!

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News