Glitters fell like rain on the Miss Grand International stage as CJ Opiaza made her final walk as the outgoing queen.
Dressed in an immaculate white creation by Filipino designer Mak Tumang, the 27-year-old beauty queen looked every bit the celestial empress she had become over the past year.
Read: CJ Opiaza becomes first Pinay to win Miss Grand International
Her gown featured a mermaid silhouette drenched in layers of silver and white glass beads, sequins, and crystals that shimmered with every step she took.
The structured off-shoulder neckline flared outward into a winged collar. This architectural statement crowned her shoulders like ethereal armor.
It framed her décolletage and neck like a halo, catching the light from every camera flash and stage beam.
The fabric itself was a base of silk lamé, hand-embroidered with fractal beadwork that mimicked the refraction of light through crystal.
From the waist, the dress cascaded into a cathedral-length train that swept behind her like liquid glass.
Attached to it was a double-layered cape of tulle, adorned with micro pearls and snowflake-like beadwork
The look was completed by the emerald-studded Miss Grand International crown, a teardrop diamond necklace, and chandelier earrings that caught her tears as she smiled through them.
Her hair, swept into a low bun, anchored the ornate headpiece — keeping her every feature visible, including the tremor in her lips as she tried to hold it together.
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CJ's farewell speech as Miss Grand International 2024
As the stage filled with projections of her past appearances, CJ walked forward, hands trembling against her chest.
Her image towered behind her on LED panels
The orchestra swelled, and when she finally stood before the microphones, the words barely left her lips before her voice cracked.
What followed was a raw, unfiltered confession of gratitude, defiance, and grace.
Below is a transcript of her speech:
“Against all odds, we won. The Filipinas won. Yes, I was once your first runner-up — 221 days — and then suddenly everything changed. I am now your queen.
“I know I only assumed the crown, but I am forever grateful that I was given this chance to represent this Grand International Organization.
“I humbly embraced the challenge. It knocked to my door. It says, if the winner, for any reason, cannot fulfill her duties, the first runner-up will take over.
“And so I did.
“People may have called me names, doubted me, and even belittled my winning, but I hope you all understand that a true queen stands still and accepts the challenge.
“Thank you to my Miss Grand International Organization family — Papa, thank you for entrusting me with this big responsibility.
“You shared so many values with me, and I deeply, deeply respect you and everything that you put into work.
“To Mommy Teresa — do you remember when I told you I was so afraid of airports because I’m not a big traveler? I thought I couldn’t handle the responsibility, but you never left me alone. You were with me traveling eleven countries.
“And thank you to all the countries who have invited me. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me.
“To my family — you may not be here today. I may not be able to fly you here, but my love flies all the way to our home.
“To my team — thank you for standing with me. I will always, always tell you that this win is yours too.
“To my Miss Grand Philippines Organization — Sir Arnold and everyone, thank you also for believing in my capacities.
“To my Thai fans — I love you all. I never thought I would be loved outside the country, outside the Philippines, but thank you for showing that to me.
“Sir Mak — thank you so much for draping me in such amazing creations from last year until now.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me in this journey. This crown is yours to celebrate.
“And also, I offer this crown to all the queens here. You all made one of the most historic Miss Grand International competitions.
“These girls and the queens who paved the way for us — thank you so much.
“These girls, we stand here showing our best smiles, our best selves, but we are also little girls who are struggling. But we try our best to represent our countries.
“So, congratulations to everyone.
“My Miss Grand International Organization family, thank you so much again for welcoming me back.
“Of course, the Lord God — thank you for making my almost to finally.
“And I leave you with a message — that dreams are never denied. Sometimes, it’s only delayed. Because destiny is waiting for the right time to give you the spotlight.
“Mahal kong Pilipinas, maraming, maraming salamat.
“Nawa'y nabigay ko ang dangal sa bansang Pilipinas.
“Once again, I’m your first-ever Filipina to wear the golden crown.
“Let me reintroduce myself: I am Christine Juliane "CJ" Opiaza from the Philippines. Forever, your Miss Grand International 2024. Thank you.”
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