Zambales beauty queen CJ Opiaza is Miss Grand Philippines 2024

Metro Manila, Philippines— Pageant veteran and Zambales native CJ Opiaza is the new Miss Grand Philippines.

Opiaza clinched the title on Sunday, after winning five special awards throughout the competition. She will represent the country at Miss Grand International in Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct. 25.

During the final question-and-answer round, Opiaza was asked if beauty queens should receive the same rewards and incentives that Olympic athletes receive from the government and private sector.

"Standing here is already a reward for us. I believe you don’t need an incentive or monetary reward to be seen or heard. Platforms like this already champion the lives of the people who believe in us, the people we inspire. I hope all the beauty queens here will continue their legacy, push for their causes, and present themselves around the world,” Opiaza said.

Before joining Miss Grand Philippines, Opiaza was named first runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

The Philippines is still in pursuit of its first Miss Grand International crown.

Also called “Miss Grand,” the international beauty pageant franchise is based in Thailand.