CJ Opiaza

{{Short description|Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder}}

{{Infobox pageant titleholder

| image = CJ Opiaza in Sorsogon (2025).jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Opiaza in 2025

| name =

| birth_name = Christine Juliane Hinkle Opiaza

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|07|08}}

| birth_place = Castillejos, Zambales, Philippines

| alma_mater = Lyceum of Subic Bay (BSBA)

| title = Miss Grand Philippines 2024
Miss Grand International 2024

|competitions={{Ubl|Binibining Pilipinas 2022|(Unplaced)|Miss Universe Philippines 2023|(1st Runner-Up)|Miss Grand Philippines 2024|(Winner)|Miss Grand International 2024|(Winner; Assumed)}}

}}

Christine Juliane Hinkle Opiaza (born July 8, 1998) is a Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Grand International 2024. Originally the first runner-up, she assumed the title in May 2025 after the dethronement of the original winner, Rachel Gupta of India, making her the first Filipino to win the crown.

Before winning Miss Grand International, Opiaza competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2022 and placed first runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2023. She has worked as a pasarela coach and has trained other beauty pageant titleholders, including Alethea Ambrosio, Alexie Brooks, and Dia Maté.

Early life and education

Christine Juliane Hinkle Opiaza was born on July 8, 1998, in Castillejos, Zambales, and is the eldest of three siblings. She began competing in beauty pageants in 2012 in pursuit of a scholarship to the Lyceum of Subic Bay. Despite not winning initially, she competed again the following year, securing first place and the scholarship. In 2015, she was named Miss Lyceum during her time at the university.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-30|title=Who is Miss Grand Philippines 2024 CJ Opiaza? |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/922050/who-is-miss-grand-philippines-2024-cj-opiaza/story/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}} She graduated with a degree in Human Resource Development Management in 2018.{{Cite web |last=Opiaza |first=Christine |date=April 24, 2018 |title="Raketera with a degree" |url=https://www.facebook.com/share/mSSb36KgRGwntWJv/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Facebook}}

Pageantry

=Binibining Pilipinas 2022=

Opiaza participated in Binibining Pilipinas 2022 as the representative of Zambales but was unplaced.{{Cite web |last=Abad |first=Ysa |date=2022-04-24 |title=IN PHOTOS: The Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Top 40 candidates |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/photos-binibining-pilipinas-2022-top-40-candidates/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Abad |first=Ysa |date=2022-07-31 |title=IN PHOTOS: Glam shots of Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidates |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/photos-new-glam-shots-binibining-pilipinas-2022-candidates/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227124139/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/photos-new-glam-shots-binibining-pilipinas-2022-candidates/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-04-22 |title=Binibining Pilipinas 2022 unveils top 40 candidates |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/829400/binibining-pilipinas-2022-unveils-top-40-candidates/story/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=GMA News Online |language=en |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706040059/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/829400/binibining-pilipinas-2022-unveils-top-40-candidates/story/ |url-status=live }}

=Miss Universe Philippines 2023=

On February 18, 2023, Opiaza was confirmed as one of the 40 delegates in Miss Universe Philippines 2023, representing Zambales.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-18 |title=Miss Universe Philippines 2023 announces top 40 candidates |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/miss-universe-philippines-2023-top-40-candidates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218143138/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/miss-universe-philippines-2023-top-40-candidates/ |archive-date=2023-02-18 |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-18 |title=Pageant queens banner Miss Universe PH official candidates |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/02/18/23/pageant-queens-banner-miss-universe-ph-official-candidates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218150342/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/02/18/23/pageant-queens-banner-miss-universe-ph-official-candidates |archive-date=2023-02-18 |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=ABS-CBN News |language=en}}

At the coronation night, she wore a gown designed by Mak Tumang inspired by the local legend of Mangalagar, the Zambales goddess of good grace.{{cite web |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/fashion/metrostylewatch/miss-universe-philippines-2023-evening-gown/35534 |title=Here Are The Designers Behind The Winning Evening Gowns At The 2023 Miss Universe Philippines |publisher=ABS-CBN Lifestyle |date=2023-05-13 |accessdate=2025-05-30}}

During the first round of the question-and-answer segment at Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Opiaza addressed a question regarding a Goldman Sachs study predicting that artificial intelligence could affect 300 million full-time jobs globally. She acknowledged the role of technological progress but stressed that such change should not come at the expense of human labor. Opiaza emphasized the importance of valuing manpower as a key driver of economic development and advocated for a balanced approach between AI integration and workforce preservation.

In the final question-and-answer round, all Top 5 candidates answered a common question on a tourism campaign misattributed to the Department of Tourism, “We give the world our best.” Opiaza responded by stating that the Philippines’ greatest offering is its people’s commitment to purpose, gratitude, and creating meaningful change. She highlighted the importance of personal growth, community impact, and striving for continuous development as reflections of the country’s best.{{cite web |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/transcript-miss-universe-philippines-question-answer-portions/ |title=Transcript: Miss Universe Philippines Q&A portions |publisher=Rappler |date=2023-05-13 |accessdate=2025-05-30}}

At the end of the event, Opiaza was announced as the first runner-up to Michelle Dee of Makati.

=Miss Grand Philippines 2024=

On September 29, 2024, Opiaza represented Castillejos, Zambales, in the Miss Grand Philippines 2024 pageant. She emerged as a frontrunner after securing five special awards during the preliminary events.{{Cite web |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=September 29, 2024 |title=CJ Opiaza dominates in Miss Grand Philippines 2024 special awards |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/579067/cj-opiaza-dominates-in-miss-grand-philippines-2024-special-awards |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}} In the question-and-answer round, she responded to a question on whether beauty queens should receive the same incentives as Olympic athletes, emphasizing that the opportunity to inspire others and advocate for meaningful causes is a reward in itself.{{cite web |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/579053/transcript-miss-grand-philippines-2024-top-5-qa |title=Transcript: Miss Grand Philippines 2024 Top 5 Q&A |publisher=INQUIRER.net |date=2024-09-30 |accessdate=2025-05-30}} At the end of the event, she was crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2024 by outgoing titleholder Nikki de Moura of Cagayan de Oro.{{Cite news |last=Antonio |first=Josiah |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Zambales' CJ Opiaza to represent PH in Miss Grand International wanna be 2024 |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/9/29/zambales-cj-opiaza-to-represent-ph-in-miss-grand-international-2024-126 |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240929181030/https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/9/29/zambales-cj-opiaza-to-represent-ph-in-miss-grand-international-2024-126 |url-status=live }}

= Miss Grand International 2024 =

File:Christine Opiaza.png

Opiaza represented the Philippines at Miss Grand International 2024, held in Cambodia and Thailand.{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Ron |date=2024-10-04 |title=Miss Grand Philippines CJ Opiaza flies to Cambodia tomorrow |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/116410/miss-grand-philippines-cj-opiaza-flies-to-cambodia-tomorrow/story |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=GMA News |language=en}} Throughout the competition, she was considered a strong contender by several media outlets.{{Cite web |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=2024-10-25 |title=CJ Opiaza among favorites to win Miss Grand International 2024 crown |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/582802/cj-opiaza-among-favorites-to-win-miss-grand-international-2024-crown |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Basina |first=Carby |date=2024-10-24 |title=CJ Opiaza ranks 2nd in Missosology's Miss Grand International 2024 final hot picks |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/924766/cj-opiaza-ranks-2nd-in-missosology-s-miss-grand-international-2024-final-hot-picks/story/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}} For the national costume competition, Opiaza wore a design by Patrick Isorena, inspired by the anahaw—the national leaf of the Philippines—symbolizing Filipino identity and resilience.{{Cite web |last=Yap |first=Jade Veronique |date=2024-10-21 |title=CJ Opiaza wears anahaw-inspired National Costume for Miss Grand International 2024 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/924361/cj-opiaza-wears-anahaw-inspired-national-costume-for-miss-grand-international-2024/story/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}

During the coronation night, Opiaza advanced to the top five, wearing a silver sequin evening gown with a low neckline and a flowing white cape, designed by Filipino designer Mak Tumang.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/24005/miss-grand-international-announces-crowning-ceremony-for-cj-opiaza/photo |title=Miss Grand International announces crowning ceremony for CJ Opiaza |website=GMA Network |accessdate=2025-05-30}} In the question-and-answer segment, she was asked to identify the most critical issue facing the world and propose a solution. She highlighted civil war and violence as the most pressing global challenges, emphasizing the human cost of conflict and advocating for greater kindness, respect, and unity among people.{{Cite web |last=Pasajol |first=Anne |date=2024-10-26 |title=TRANSCRIPT: Miss Grand International 2024 Top 5 finalists in Q&A segment |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/582858/transcript-miss-grand-international-2024-top-5-finalists-in-qa-segment |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en |archive-date=October 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241031160100/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/582858/transcript-miss-grand-international-2024-top-5-finalists-in-qa-segment |url-status=live }}

At the end of the event, she was named first runner-up to Rachel Gupta of India, equaling the highest placement ever achieved by a Filipino contestant at Miss Grand International, previously reached by Nicole Cordoves in 2016 and Samantha Bernardo in 2020.{{Cite web |last=Basina |first=Carby Rose |date=2024-10-25 |title=Philippines' CJ Opiaza is 1st runner-up at Miss Grand International 2024! |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/924906/philippines-cj-opiaza-is-1st-runner-up-at-miss-grand-international-2024/story/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=GMA News Online |language=en |archive-date=November 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114221808/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/924906/philippines-cj-opiaza-is-1st-runner-up-at-miss-grand-international-2024/story/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=2025-05-29 |title=Miss Grand International lists reasons why it revoked crown of Rachel Gupta |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/5/29/miss-grand-international-lists-reasons-why-it-revoked-crown-of-rachel-gupta-2010 |accessdate=2025-05-30 |publisher=ABS-CBN News}}

== Assumption and reign==

On May 28, 2025, Gupta resigned from her title, citing issues within the organization, including unmet commitments and alleged mistreatment.{{Cite web |last=Arnaldo |first=Steph |date=2025-05-28 |title=CJ Opiaza poised to be Miss Grand International 2024 as Rachel Gupta steps down |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/rachel-gupta-steps-down-miss-grand-international-2024-title/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}} In response, the Miss Grand International Organization announced the termination of her reign, attributing their decision to her alleged failure to perform assigned duties.{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Ron |date=2025-05-28 |title=Miss Grand International 2024 Rachel Gupta stripped of her title |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/lifestyle/news/122899/miss-grand-international-2024-rachel-gupta-stripped-of-her-title/story |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=www.gmanetwork.com |language=en}}

Following Gupta’s dethronement, local media outlets identified Opiaza, the first runner-up, as her incoming successor, citing the pageant's mechanics.{{cite web |last=Arnaldo |first=Steph |date=2025-05-30 |title=CJ Opiaza is Philippines' new Miss Grand International 2024 |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/cj-opiaza-philippines-new-miss-grand-international-2024-crowning/ |accessdate=2025-05-30 |publisher=Rappler}}{{Cite web |last=Iglesias |first=Iza |date=2025-05-30 |title=PH's Christine Juliane Opiaza to be crowned Miss Grand International in June |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/30/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/phs-christine-juliane-opiaza-to-be-crowned-miss-grand-international-in-june/2123856 |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=The Manila Times |language=en}} On May 29, the organization confirmed Opiaza's accession as the new titleholder, making her the first Filipino to hold the title.{{Cite web |last=Roque |first=Nika |date=2025-05-28 |title=Rachel Gupta Resigns As Miss Grand International 2024 Amid Controversy With Pageant Organisers |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/rachel-gupta-miss-grand-international-2024-resignation-controversy-1775665 |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Valdez |first=Jasper |date=2025-05-30 |title=CJ Opiaza to take Miss Grand International crown after India's Rachel Gupta's resignation |url=https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/314596353/cj-opiaza-to-take-miss-grand-international-crown-after-indias-rachel-guptas-resignation.html |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Manila Standard |language=en-US}} She was officially crowned as the new titleholder on June 3 by Nawat Itsaragrisil, the president of the Miss Grand International organization, at a ceremony held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/947829/cj-opiaza-to-have-miss-grand-international-crowning-ceremony-on-june-3/story/ |title=CJ Opiaza to have Miss Grand International crowning ceremony on June 3 |accessdate=2025-05-30 |publisher=GMA News Online |date=2025-05-30}}{{cite news |last=Deveza |first=Reyma |title='This is my golden moment': CJ Opiaza in tears at Miss Grand International coronation |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/6/3/-this-is-my-golden-moment-cj-opiaza-in-tears-at-miss-grand-international-coronation-1626 |work=ABS-CBN |date=June 3, 2025 |access-date=June 3, 2025}} For the event, she wore an evening gown designed by Tumang that was completed in three days.{{Cite web |last=Fernando |first=Jefferson |date=2025-06-04 |title=Mak Tumang reveals rush job for CJ Opiaza's coronation gown |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/06/04/mak-tumang-reveals-rush-job-for-cj-opiazas-coronation-gown |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=Daily Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Tunac |first=Hermes Joy |date=2025-06-04 |title=Mak Tumang finished CJ Opiaza's Miss Grand International crowning gown in just 3 days |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/shoppingandfashion/948296/mak-tumang-finished-cj-opiaza-s-miss-grand-international-crowning-gown-in-just-3-days/story/ |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}} Following her successor's crowning, Gupta extended her well wishes to Opiaza for her reign but cautioned her to be mindful and protect herself from the organization.{{Cite web |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=2025-06-03 |title=Unseated MGI queen Rachel Gupta tells CJ Opiaza to protect herself |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/613135/unseated-mgi-queen-rachel-gupta-tells-cj-opiaza-to-protect-herself |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}

Advocacy and platforms

Opiaza co-founded the Passion for Joy Initiative with her sister PJ, which advocates for animal welfare. The initiative has partnered with The Homeless Dog Shelter Subic to create a safe haven for rescued animals.{{cite web |last=Matias |first=Tricia |date=2025-06-04 |title=10 Things You Need to Know About Newly Crowned Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/people/2025/6/4/10-things-about-newly-crowned-miss-grand-international-2024-cj-opiaza-2301 |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=ABS-CBN |publisher=ABS-CBN Corporation |archive-date=June 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250605092327/https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/people/2025/6/4/10-things-about-newly-crowned-miss-grand-international-2024-cj-opiaza-2301 |url-status=live }}

Other ventures

Opiaza operates The Canvas, a pasarela coaching school, where she has trained several Filipina beauty queens including Dia Maté (Reina Hispanoamericana 2025), Alethea Ambrosio (Miss Supranational Asia and Oceania 2024), and Alexie Brooks (Miss Eco International 2025).{{Cite web |last=Adina |first=Armin P. |date=2025-04-19 |title=How Jojo Bragais made the Alexie Brooks-CJ Opiaza meeting possible |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/606415/how-jojo-bragais-made-the-alexie-brooks-cj-opiaza-meeting-possible |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}

Opiaza has modeled in events including the 2019 Mega Fashion Week for L’Oréal, the 2021 Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer Collection, and the 2025 Bench Body of Work runway.{{Cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DHm3NXwSlmy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link |title=Bench Body of Work |website=Instagram |accessdate=2025-05-30}} In February 2025, signed an endorsement deal with Bench to become a brand ambassador.{{Cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DGSRS0gSQWI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link |title=Officially a Bench Ambassador! Miss Grand International 2024 1st Runner-Up Christine Juliane 'CJ' Opiaza |website=Instagram |accessdate=2025-05-30}}

Personal life

Opiaza's younger sister, Princess Juliane "PJ" Opiaza, represented the Philippines at Miss Fitness Supermodel World 2025 held in Vietnam and finished as 1st runner-up.{{Cite web |last=Adina |first=Armin P. |date=2025-05-19 |title=CJ Opiaza's little sister to represent PH in Vietnam fitness pageant |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/611060/cj-opiazas-little-sister-to-represent-ph-in-vietnam-fitness-pageant |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en |archive-date=May 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519075757/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/611060/cj-opiazas-little-sister-to-represent-ph-in-vietnam-fitness-pageant |url-status=live }}