CJ Opiaza

Biography

Christine Juliane Hinkle Opiaza (born July 8, 1998) is a Filipina model and beauty pageant titleholder crowned Miss Grand International 2024 after assuming the title. She is the first Filipina to hold the Miss Grand International title. She also competed at Binibining Pilipinas 2022, but was unplaced, and was first runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

== Early life and education == Christine Juliane Opiaza was born on July 8, 1998 in Subic, Zambales. She began competing in beauty pageants in 2012 in pursuit of a scholarship to the Lyceum of Subic Bay. Succeeding the second year she, gained the scholarship, and was later Miss Lyceum 2015. She graduated with a degree in Human Resource Development Management in 2018.

== Pageantry ==

=== Binibining Pilipinas 2022 ===

Opiaza represented Zambales in Binibining Pilipinas 2022, and went unplaced. Nicole Borromeo of Cebu won the pageant.

=== Miss Universe Philippines 2023 ===

On February 18, 2023, Opiaza represented and was first runner up at Miss Universe Philippines 2023. 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. In the question-and-answer rounds, Opiaza was asked about a Goldman Sachs study predicting that artificial intelligence could affect 300 million full-time jobs globally. In her answer, 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. She was later asked about a tourism campaign misattributed to the Department of Tourism, “We give the world our best.” Opiaza answered 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.

=== Miss Grand Philippines 2024 ===