When CJ Opiaza woke up on the morning of May 28, she thought it would be just another ordinary day. Little did she know, her life was about to change dramatically—thrusting her into the global spotlight as the newly appointed Miss Grand International 2024.
The unexpected transition came after the abrupt resignation of India’s Rachel Gupta, who initially won the title last year. In a bold statement, the Miss Grand International (MGI) organization cited Gupta’s non-compliance with contractual obligations and unauthorized engagements as the reason for her dethronement.
Gupta, for her part, painted a picture of disillusionment, calling her tenure “marked by broken promises, mistreatment, and a toxic environment.”
While controversy swirled around Gupta’s exit, the spotlight quickly shifted to Opiaza—the poised, soft-spoken Filipina who had placed as first runner-up in the 2024 competition. By protocol, she was next in line.
And just like that, she was Queen.
A phone call that changed everything
“I had no idea. I was rehearsing for a dance event. Then suddenly, my phone started blowing up,” Opiaza recalled, still visibly stunned. “Messages were flooding in. People were like, ‘CJ, wake up!’—they thought I was sleeping through the news.”
Initially unaware due to poor reception in her area, Opiaza learned the truth when official representatives from Miss Grand Philippines and MGI contacted her directly. “That’s when it sank in. I was no longer first runner-up. I was the new Miss Grand International.”
Although shocked, Opiaza didn’t hesitate to embrace the role. “This was part of the agreement when I signed up. If the reigning queen can’t fulfill her responsibilities, the first runner-up must step in. I signed up for this job, and I’ll do it wholeheartedly.”
The crown, the commitment, and the challenge
Opiaza will be formally crowned on June 3 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, with the ceremony streaming live on GrandTV’s YouTube channel. She departs for Thailand early on June 2, and from there, a whirlwind of commitments awaits her.
Her reign, though sudden, comes with a packed schedule—international appearances, brand events, and travel across continents. She has confirmed upcoming visits to Spain, Myanmar, and possibly the United States for the Miss Grand USA coronation, pending visa approvals.
“Right now, it still feels surreal. Maybe once I’m at the airport or already in Bangkok, that’s when it’ll finally hit me,” she admitted.
A queen anchored in purpose
Despite the abrupt nature of her ascension, Opiaza remains grounded and determined. She acknowledges the magnitude of the platform she now holds—not just as a pageant title, but as a role model representing empowerment, discipline, and grace under pressure.
“I believe everything happens for a reason. The crown found its way to me at a time I didn’t expect, but maybe when I was most ready,” she said.
She’s also set to grace the stage at Miss Grand Philippines 2025 on July 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, before returning to Bangkok, where she’ll be based for the majority of her reign until October 2025, when the next queen is crowned.
Though the responsibility is immense, Opiaza is not shrinking from it. “Opportunities like this don’t come twice. So even if it came unexpectedly, I’ll show up, give my best, and carry this crown with pride—for myself, for my country, and for everyone who believed in me.”
With her humility, quiet strength, and commitment to the role, CJ Opiaza is proving that true queens are not just crowned—they rise, even in the most unpredictable moments.