Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza edged out 19 other candidates to claim the Miss Grand Philippines 2024 title during the finals held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay on Sunday.
Opiaza succeeded last year’s titleholder, Nikki de Moura, and will represent the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant, set for Oct. 25 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 26-year-old model from Castillejos, Zambales, graduated with a degree in human resource management from Lyceum Subic Bay. She is also a pasarela/runway walk trainer at The Canvas coaching school, which she runs. Her pageant experience includes winning Ambassadress of the Philippines 2019, and competing in Bb. Pilipinas 2022 without placing, and finishing as first runner-up to Michelle Dee at Miss Universe Philippines 2023.
Other winners announced at the finals show, presented by ALV Talent Circle and headed by president Arnold Vegafria, were Universal Woman Philippines 2024 Sophia Bianca Santos and Miss Teen International Philippines 2024 Anna Margaret Mercado.
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1st Icons of Change Awards
At the recent First Icons of Change Awards held at Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) in Las Piñas, public servants and beauty queens stood out among more than 100 honorees.
The Icons of Change Awards, which promotes charity and community service, was organized by Singaporean philanthropist Justin Ho Gou Shun, CEO and Chair of the ASEAN Youth Organization-Philippines. He is known for his charity work in the Philippines and has given several talks on social entrepreneurship, business, philanthropy, and investment.
“The inaugural Icons of Change Awards not only recognize outstanding achievements but also set the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future for the Philippines. We are here to celebrate individuals, organizations, and institutions that embody the very essence of vision and transformation,” convener Justin Ho said in his inaugural message.
Honorees included global fashion designers John Guarnes and Bench Bello, beauty queens Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo, Rose Santiago-Licup, and Patricia Javier with her husband, Dr. Rob Welcher, as well as police officers PBGen Restituto B. Arcangel, PCPT Nomer Macaraig, and PSMS Rosie Biale-Gonzalo. This writer was also recognized as Journalist & Columnist of the Year for Manila Standard.
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Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2024 winners announced
Julie Anne Beltran, a 42-year-old mother and businesswoman from Cagayan Province, was named Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines 2024 during the coronation night held at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila, on Sunday.
Lynn Tampus, a single mother from Cebu who works as a medical representative, was named Mrs. Face of Culture & Heritage 2024. Lourdjean Gonzales Galvez, a maternity medical clinic owner from Quezon City, was named Mrs. Face of Eco Tourism 2024.
Mrs. Face of Tourism Philippines, headed by CEO and National Director Annie Refrea, aims to elevate married, widowed, separated, and single mothers as powerful advocates of cultural exchange, preserving the richness of global cultures, and highlighting the significance of our traditions.
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