Miss Represented Podcast | Episode 63

Guest: Christine Juliane "CJ" Opiaza — Miss Grand International 2024
Host: Lisa Opie
Date: August 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this vibrant episode, Lisa Opie sits down with Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, the first Filipina to win the Miss Grand International crown (2024). They chat candidly about CJ's whirlwind journey from local pageant stages in the Philippines to crowning glory on the international scene. CJ opens up on her family roots, the realities of pageant prep, handling mental health pressures, and her advocacy work. The episode is sprinkled with memorable anecdotes, heartfelt advice, and playful lightning-round questions—all in a warm, empowering atmosphere.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. First Impressions and Being in the U.S.

• CJ's First U.S. Visit & Vegas Experience [02:45-04:30]
  • Lisa welcomes CJ, marveling at her English fluency and adaptation to the U.S.
  • CJ describes Vegas as a vibrant, “alive” city, comparing the experience to a global tour (“there’s a Paris, there’s a New York, there’s the Bellagio which is like Italy…”).
  • Wishes that people from around the world get to experience Vegas' energy.
• CJ’s U.S. Bucket List: Miami (“I want to go to your studio… and beaches”), Florida, New York for shows, and Texas to visit relatives. [04:37-05:11]

2. The Spark: Early Influences and Entrance Into Pageantry

• Family Roots in Entertainment [05:30-06:25]
  • Dad was a model, Mom a band singer—entertainment “kind of embedded” in CJ.
  • Originally wanted to be a model (“I want to do what Victoria’s Secret models do…”).
• Pageant Genesis [06:25-07:46]
  • Started pageants at 13, loved stage performance from age 6: “When I’m on stage, it’s my playground.”
  • Path was “long and bumpy”—experienced wins, losses, and runner-up finishes.

3. The Grit: Pageant Training and Resourcefulness

• Miss Universe Philippines Experience [08:00-08:53]
  • “First runner up” in the country’s ultra-competitive pageant; prep takes months or years.
• Limited Resources—Big Dreams
  • CJ describes pageantry as “an expensive sport”, but relied on support from talented friends forming her team.
  • “They just did it for love… it’s friendship we’re building.” [09:07-09:42]
• Personal Shoutouts [09:47-11:08]
  • Names glam team, Q&A coaches, media team—stresses importance of acknowledging those who support her (“I wouldn’t be here… without their help.”).

4. Mental Health, Pressure & Advocacy

• The Pressures Behind the Crown [13:36-18:21]
  • CJ opens up about past struggles with anxiety and pressure, balancing societal expectation (“eldest should… handle the whole family”) with financial limitations.
  • Shares her mom’s struggles with clinical anxiety, and the cultural stigma in the Philippines about discussing mental health:
    • “If you talk to someone about mental health, they’re gonna be like, ‘Oh, you’re crazy!’” [17:22]
  • Finds solace in friendships and learning to care for herself:
    • “You also have to put yourself first before you can do a lot of things for others.” [16:12]
    • “Check on your strong friends…” — Lisa Opie [18:21]

5. Crowning Moment: Winning Miss Grand International

• Wild Ride to the Crown [18:49-25:00]
  • Only three days to prepare for the international competition after being crowned Miss Grand Philippines.
  • Chaos of getting dresses, documents, and interviews done:
    • “I was taking motorbikes… running around… riding motorbikes just so I can go to these places…” [20:41]
  • Speech crafted backstage, rehearsed in small windows; advice sought from coaches and her psychiatrist.
  • Saw her final gown just hours before the show, practiced her presentation at 3am in a parking lot.
  • Attributes success to trust in her team and adaptability:
    • “Thank you so much Sir Mak Tumang for making my dress… I love it.” [22:05]
• Miss Grand’s Culture and Production
  • International atmosphere, sense of family (“the girls and staff are amazing”), and a supportive environment:
    • “Miss Grand is really, really grand… they want you to just be yourself, to be authentic, to bring your culture and story.” [24:56]

6. Beyond the Crown: The Road Ahead

• What’s Next? [23:17-25:31]
  • Enjoying her short reign (only four months).
  • Travel opportunities and personal growth outweigh the win itself.
  • Encourages future contestants to focus on enjoying the experience, not just the pressure to win.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stage Presence:
  • “When I’m on stage, it’s my playground. I just love being on the stage.” — CJ [07:00]
• On Team Support:
  • “They just did it for love and they just trusted me and I just trusted them… it’s friendship we’re building.” — CJ [09:09]
• On Pressure and Mental Health:
  • “You also have to put yourself first before you can do a lot of things for others.” — CJ [16:12]
  • “Check on your strong friends, because the ones that look strong on the outside are usually the ones that you do need to check on.” — Lisa [18:21]
• On Preparation:
  • “I was, like, running around. I was taking motorbikes. Like, riding motorbikes just so I can go to these places.” — CJ [20:41]
• Pageant Advice:
  • “Don’t stress too much about it. They want you to just be yourself, to be authentic and to just show your true personality.” — CJ [24:55]

Lightning Round: Quick-Fire Q&A [26:12–28:38]

• Stage Walk or Onstage Question?
  • Stage walk! “I just love performing.” [26:22]
• Heels or Sneakers?
  • Loves both but, “I’m a beauty queen, so I must wear heels.” [26:54]
• Coaching Queens or Competing?
  • Can't pick: “When they win, it’s like you win too.” [27:19]
• Coffee or Tea?
  • Coffee, all the way! (“Dunkin, please sponsor us.”) [27:31]
• City Lights or Beach Sunsets?
  • Beach sunsets: “I’m an island girl. Hello, Philippines.” [27:55]
• Advocacy Work or Modeling Career?
  • Wants to do both: “I want to be in the fashion industry, but at the same time, do good for others.” [28:04]
• Favorite Organizers (“Teresa or Noah” – tongue-in-cheek):
  • Loves both; highlights the family atmosphere at “Grand” and affection for both organizers Teresa (“Mama”) and Papa (“wise and funny”). [28:16–29:14]

Socials & Final Notes

• CJ’s Instagram & Tiktok:
  • @cjopiaza
• CJ on Facebook:
  • Christine Juliane Opiaza

Closing sentiment:
CJ’s gratitude, resilience, and ability to inspire shine throughout the episode—making it valuable not just for pageant fans, but for anyone needing a reminder to embrace authenticity, seek support, and cheer for others.

End of summary.