Miss Represented: Miss Grand International - Christine Juliane Opiaza [Episode 63]

Summary

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Miss Represented Podcast | Episode 63

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

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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End of summary.

Transcript

[A]

Everybody in the club getting frisky baby don't fit cause you miss me. Get lit, get crunk, get twisted. You are now rolling with the misfits. They so blase with it Really I could go all day with it. Don't nobody know what to do with me knowing no art I'm feeling myself.

[B]

Hello, and welcome back to Misrepresented. I'm your host, Lisa Opie. And before I introduce today's very special guest, I want to share our sponsors with you. First, we have pink apple dresses, who dressed us in these fabulous outfits. And the code creatives for production. And of course, the Virgin Hotel Las Vegas for this gorgeous change of scenery. And now joining us today, I cannot believe she's actually here is Christine Julian. CJ Opiaza, the first Filipina crowned Miss Grand International 2024. From her early days winning local pageants to finishing first runner up at Miss Universe Philippines 2023, CJ has become one of the most inspiring queens for her generation. Beyond the crown, she's a passarella coach, model, and mental health advocate, using her platform to empower others and make history for the Philippines. Welcome, cj.

[C]

Hello. Good evening.

[B]

I'm so happy you're here. And it's so crazy how last minute this interview was. We were at the spa this morning, and then we're like, let's do a podcast. And Teresa was like, yes, do it.

[C]

I mean, too. Yes, let's do it.

[B]

Yes. So fun.

[C]

I want to be here. So thank you. Thank you for the invite. Thank you for the opportunity. Of course. And thank you for doing my glam. Thank you so much. Also my glam. Thank you. During the Miss Grand USA finale. So I love it.

[B]

I love it. And I love your face because we can do so many different looks.

[C]

Oh, thank you.

[B]

Yeah. Yesterday we did like a bronzy glam. Today we did like a matte smokey cat eye. And there you look like two different people. So which one do you like more?

[C]

I like both. I cannot choose. I mean, I cannot choose. At least we can do both. Thank you for saying you love my face and my features, but, yeah, I feel like it has two different personalities. I can go with the nude and the bronzy one, which I normally do also. And I really love it. It feels like it's more of the approachable look. And this one has a lot more attitude. Oh, yeah. Like, you're such a different vibe.

[B]

A Miami girl. Now a Miami 10, actually.

[C]

Welcome me, Miami.

[B]

Yes. So I can't believe this is your first Time in the usa. Your English is perfect.

[C]

Thank you. It is my first time and it's a great opportunity. I told during the speech it was a dream of mine and always thought it was. It was going to be just a dream, you know, I never really think or foresee that I'm going to be here as soon as now.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

But it's just a great blessing, I would say.

[B]

And you're in one of the best cities. I feel like Vegas is so much fun. Have you done anything super fun? Like, what's your favorite memory from being in Vegas so far?

[C]

Well, during our second day, we went around the area. I'm not so sure of the areas here, but we went around different hotels. I got to see a lot of things. I mean, I got to see a lot of people enjoying as well. And I know that there's, like, a lot of things you really want to do here. I think everything's just open 24 7.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So anything that you need, you can just go out and just go around. So that's what I also love about Vegas. It's just so alive. And that's just actually my personality, too. I like seeing a lot of people. I mean, it talks a lot about stories of different individuals. And I just love seeing everyone.

[B]

Oh, a hundred percent. And Vegas is like a little, like, tour of the world because there's like a Paris, there's like a New York. There's like the Bellagio, which is like Italy.

[C]

The Venetian. Venetian something. And you see like, okay, did you see the boat? I was like, this is a different country. And then I go here and there's like an Eiffel Tower. I'm like, okay, I'm in Paris now.

[B]

It's so fun.

[C]

I love it. I love it. I love the area. I hope not. Not only Filipinos, but everyone all around the globe can also drop by to Vegas or anywhere in the USA and just experience it also. Yeah, it's just so pretty.

[B]

It's so fun. So you have to go back tomorrow. So I know you're leaving the U.S. but if you were to come back, where do you want to go?

[C]

I want to go to Miami. I want to go to your studio, and I want to go to the beaches and just enjoy also. And I want to go to Florida because I talked with Ivana about Florida also. So I also want to go to New York and do some shows there. Maybe there's going to be, you know, great opportunities or doors to open. So hopefully I can do that. I like brands. Hello. I'm here. You just hit me up on Instagram or wherever. And Texas, because I have some relatives there, so.

[B]

Okay. I was like, texas? That's so random.

[C]

Yeah. There's, like, a lot of my relatives staying there.

[B]

Okay. And you get that cowboy experience. It's very all American.

[C]

It's different. Yeah, that's very American.

[B]

Yeah. Okay, so I want to talk about pageants. I want to rewind all the way back to when you were a little girl. What were you like growing up? And how did you get into this crazy world of pageantry?

[C]

Oh, I would. Of course. My parents were, like, kind of both in the entertainment industry, I would say. My father used to be a model before. He models for, like, some brands in the Philippines. And then my mom is a singer of a band also in the Philippines. I'm not a singer, though, but. Yeah. So I feel like.

[B]

So your parents are celebrities?

[C]

Not like. Not like big, big celebrities. They. It's their work before, so they did that. So I think it was kind of embedded to me to also be kind of in the entertainment industry. I really love performing since I was young, so I love dancing. I was part of a dance group also when I was really young, so I would say that was, like, my first love. And then I saw that there's a lot of pageants going on in my city, and I wanted to try it. I actually want be originally a model model. Like, you know, we see Victoria's Secret all the time.

[B]

I'm like, you should.

[C]

I want to do that. And then you watch on television, you see Miss Universe. And then I want to do pageants as well. So there were, like, a lot of opportunities when I was young, so I was like, telling my mom, I want to. I want to try maybe join pageants as well. Let's try it. Because there's not much, like, fashion shows in my city. So I did try, like, mistin a longable. That's my city and my. My country. So I did that when I was 13. Then I was, like, competing since I was, like, 6, 7. Like, you know, small companies.

[B]

Born a pageant girl. Born with a tiara.

[C]

I just love being on stage, like, performing. I just love how everybody's, like, clapping, shouting, supporting you, and then the lights and then the projection of everything, and then the smoke. And then you just have that spotlight and you're gonna do whatever you want. And that's just so me. That's just. To me, I'm like, when I'm on stage, it's my playground. I just. I just love being on the stage. So, yeah, I started very young and then all the way until now. So it was a long road, I would say, and it wasn't easy. It was a bumpy, bumpy road. There were like times I lose, times I win, times I'm a runner up. So, yeah, there's a lot of things I kind of experience most of it.

[B]

First runner up to Miss Universe Philippines is a really big deal because Miss Universe Philippines is probably more competitive than Miss Universe itself. I feel like there's more girls. It's a longer competition because you do it for like six months or like.

[C]

I mean, the competition. Well, during my year, it runs for like three and a half months, I believe. But then of course, you do your trainings prior to that. So sometimes, yeah, it takes six months a year. Some would do two years training. So it depends. Wow. Yeah. I mean, depends also on you resources. So as for me, I just try to be surrounded with people I believe could help me. So I don't have much trainings because I don't have much budget also to put into that because it's really expensive. I would say pageantry is like an expensive sport. Yeah. So you gotta find like a way how you can survive it as well. I mean, aside from the tension, the pressure it gives. But there's also like another side that I am looking forward always. It's the fun, it's the sisterhood and just that dream that you're like, fulfilling.

[B]

Yeah, it's very empowering. But at the same time, I can't imagine like being like going to a pageant and then seeing these other girls with teams of like five people around them, like you were telling me, and glam. I would be like, oh, I'm not cut out for this. Then I would go home.

[C]

Yeah. I mean, honestly, at some point I would feel intimidated. I would feel sad. Like, I don't. I don't have much of these people. I don't have like a team team. So I try to, you know, these friends of mine, I just want to give you guys a shout out to my, to my glam team, to my media team and everyone who just, you know, helped me. My Q and A coaches, like, they just did it for love and they just trusted me and I just trusted them. And like, you know, it's, it's a work, but at the same time, it's friendship that we're building over the years. So I'm just so thankful that they have my back and I have their backs.

[B]

Well, the face supported you so much. I think you should name them so that you know, people can book them.

[C]

Yes, of course. Yash Labeo. I call her Mamiyaj. Thank you so much for doing my glam. Always. Like, we have early call times, but you wake up very early to do my glam. Thank you.

[B]

She's fast.

[C]

Yes, she's fast. I mean, I feel like she already know maybe my features also. I mean, she, she can do it like closed eyes. She can do it 15 minutes, 30 minutes. Yeah, she should be done and it's gonna be amazing. My hairstylist, Mommy Mikol Micolmanankil. You can also follow her Colestar on Instagram. And then I have my stylist, Randall. Thank you. Thank you so much. I have more like makeup artists also who are in the same team. They're like friends also. Atenella shout out to you. And my Q and A coaches, Korea, JC and Mommy Purpur. Thank you so much. If you guys are looking for someone who can help you with your communications or just passion Q and A, you want to start training, you can also book them. JC Ledesma and Purpur. And also my media team. There's a lot to name with my media team, but thank you for doing my shoots, my video shoots. You can follow the creative studios if you're going to the Philippines and you want to book them for like a shoot or something, so. Or you can just visit my Instagram. I always tag them.

[B]

Oh, I love that you do that.

[C]

Yeah, I always, always give credit to them because I wouldn't be here, actually, I wouldn't be here or, and all the photos you see or videos, whatever it is, events I go to without them also without their help. So I just want to give out, you know, the credit.

[B]

Thank you for doing that. And I feel like our audience, you know, now, like, a lot of them are international pageant girls and they're ready to travel. Yeah, it's usually to the Philippines. So I'm like, well, if you're gonna go there, might as well, you know, get the made a winner.

[C]

I, I, I'd love you to meet them as well. You're such a, such a nice person.

[B]

Oh, thank you. Okay, so let's talk about last night. Right. So the production, how did you feel? Did it meet your expectations of a USA pageant?

[C]

Yes, yes. Well, it's my first time here, so the standard. Oh, I'm going to look forward to next year and the upcoming years as well.

[B]

It's only going to get better.

[C]

Yeah. And I heard, like, it's, it kind of upgraded also over the years. So that's a good thing, I mean, for usa. And I hope you guys are gonna make it more bigger. I hope there's gonna be more sponsors, but I heard there's, like, really a lot of sponsors. I mean, you are part of the sponsors as well, so I hope there's gonna be a lot more. But it was really great. The production and the girls are just quality girls. They're, like, amazing. You know that they actually undergo a lot of trainings also, and they just put their hearts into whatever they do.

[B]

Yes. I felt like I was watching an international.

[C]

It feels like that.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

They're ready.

[B]

They are. They're all ready. Like, you could pick anyone and they would be ready.

[C]

Yeah. And they're gonna be ready to represent your country.

[B]

I'm so proud of Ivana. She did so good.

[C]

Yeah, she's so amazing. You guys should support her. Just continue supporting your girl. Support goes a long way, you know, especially when we're there, it's a lot of pressure. Sometimes we kind of feel like everything that's in our mind is, like, eating us up. So whenever me, honestly, personally, also, when I see comments or, you know, some random people just messaging you, sending you messages on requests, and I just read it and they're like, you know, you inspired me. I did this. I. I finished this thing. I achieved this dream because of you. It's like, it's definitely a big thing. It's actually one of the reasons why I continue joining pageants, even if I lose.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. I'm over to you so much. Okay, so speaking of social media and pageants, how do you manage your mental health?

[C]

Actually, there was a time in my life where I felt like it was. It was just, like, disrupted. My mind was, like, floating, I don't know where in this planet. And then there was also a point where I just want to end was a big, big trial for me. But then there were also, like, friends and people that I'm really close with who were, like, trying to console me and help me get through that. So that was actually one of the reasons why I continued advocating also for mental health.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

It took me a long time to actually embrace myself, embrace everything that has been happening and all the things that I put in making all these things happen. It's just. It's just that I think it's the. I'm trying to be so perfect. I'm trying to achieve a lot of things because I don't want others seeing me as a failure. I also Want to do a lot of things for my family too. You know, there's also a big expectation when you're like the eldest. I would say it's kind of like a culture in the Philippines where like the eldest should be the one who's gonna handle then the whole family. I mean, it's not just in the Philippines, but I think some also would like resonate to this or if that's the situation of your like family as well. So it kind of took a toll on me. Like, how do I do this? Like, how do I navigate this? Like, I don't know who to talk to, I don't know who to reach out to. So it was like just a lot of things happening. So it's more of like thinking of the financial thinking of how you want to do a lot of things for your family but you cannot because you don't have the resources and then you like losses in life. You kind of like trying to navigate everything on your own. It's just so hard for me. But then I'm really, really thankful this for like my friends, especially like my really close friend, my best friends, for helping me get through it. And I found peace also in being alone, like just trying to learn more about myself, what I really wanted. You also have to put yourself first before you can do a lot of things for others. I think that's the only way. That's the only way you can do things for others. You have to be actually. Do you actually know who you really are?

[B]

That's so true. Because how are you going to fill another cup if your cup isn't full? Right?

[C]

That's true. That's true. That is really, really true. So yeah, and also my mom is actually have anxiety. So she was like clinically diagnosed with anxiety also for like, she's experiencing this for a long time also. So. So I saw it also firsthand. So I just wanna not only advocate for it specifically, but for everybody, especially that the percentage is like rising. Especially when it comes. When it's about mental health. There's a lot of things to talk about it especially it's like a taboo thing also in the Philippines. Like if you try to open up, it's like, oh, no, we're not gonna talk about that.

[B]

You know, that's something that we should talk about right now. And thank you for opening up and sharing your story. I think it's so important because seeing somebody, you know from the outside looking in is so perfect and so accomplished and just to know that like you're a normal Person with feelings, and you struggle also. That's really, really. Thank you.

[C]

I know it's. It's hard, but it's hard. You can get through it. Sometimes if you talk to someone about mental health, they're gonna be like, oh, you're crazy.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[C]

And I'm like, no, it's not about that. We all feel emotions. Maybe you're just too clouded with just doing this thing, and you just don't know also how to help yourself and, like, just feel your emotions. That's why you cannot do this thing for others as well. So I hope we become more, like, kinder. That's why I always highlight and try to just highlight that we have to show more kindness and more understanding to people because we don't know what they're going through. I mean, you can see me clothed with this, but you don't know, like, what's behind this also. Right. And the same goes with you. I mean, you can be, like, experiencing a lot of things now. So, you know, the listing that you can do is speak good. I mean, talk to people good, and try to understand them in ways that you can.

[B]

Exactly. One quote that I will always remember is, like, I said, 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.

[C]

And then that's really true.

[B]

I'm gonna cry. So I think we're gonna shift to another topic.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[C]

It's so important.

[B]

And thank you for your advocacy and everything that you're doing. Let's talk about Miss grand and your experience at the international pageant. Like, we want to know all about it.

[C]

I love it. Okay, so during my Miss Grand Philippines, it happened actually three days prior to the arrival of the candidates. So I only had three days to prepare for the international stage. And I would say it was the most challenging part of my life. One of the most challenging parts is preparing three days prior to going there. My gown, my national costume, my preliminary gowns, my speech, like, everything. And then, I mean, all the dresses that I need to bring, all the requirements that I need to pass. I was like, after the coronation, I think we finished around 11. So of course you got to do, like, some interviews and all that. So we actually, like, finished around 3am talking about the things that we need to rip. And then I have a meeting, like, nine in the morning. So I was like, I still have my makeup on, like, my final makeup. I went to the office, and then they're like, these are the requirements. I'm like, oh, my gosh. Okay. These are the requirements. Then after that meeting, we just tried to make it short, like, an hour, so I can go to the studio and do the shoots, like, everything. And then after that, I have a meeting. I. I was, like, running. Like, running around. I was taking motorbikes. Like, riding motorbikes? Yeah. Just so I can go to these places. Have a lot of videos to take. We need to pass. I cannot do my speech back home. So, you know, during the rehearsals prior to the final night, I think I have just, like, few more days, and I still have no speech because I wanted to talk about a specific thing, and that's about the wars that we don't talk about. That's actually the highlight of my speech.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

So I really wanted to talk about that in a big platform because I felt like I'm gonna touch and top more lives, and I have bigger audience there, so it would be. It would be a great opportunity for me to talk about it then. So during the rehearsals, when we have, like, break, I would go backstage and find a time for me to create my speech. I could do, like, okay, this is two sentences. Okay, I'll go back later. And then another set, and then I did it, and then I sent it to my coaches. Like, check this, please. Is this okay? Should I. Should I. Can I use these words? Because I'm very, very critical with that.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

I mean, you have to be. So I was checking about it, and then my. Even my doctor was. My esthetician is also a psychology, a psychiatrist. I even sent her my. My speech just to check, because I might be. You know, the words I'm using. I want to be very, very critical with that one. So I think I. I have a day prior to the finals, and I'm not yet done with my speech. Like, my final, final speech. And then I just try to, you know, memorize my spe. Do my trainings early in the morning, wake up really, really early. And then I went to the parking. I don't know how my gown looks like until the night before the finals.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[C]

Thank you so much, sir Mak Tumang, for making my dress again and again and again. So, yeah, so before I flew, I just went to his shop to do the feet, like, the measurement, and I would. I don't know what's. What's gonna happen, but I trust him, and he gave me the perfect gown. I love it. I really, really love it. And then my stylist flew in, and I was like, okay, this is the gown. We saw it. I'm like, let's go to the parking. It was around three in the morning already, and it's gonna be finals the next day. I was there, like, practicing the cape. I was, like, creating my routines. There's, like, routines I want to do, but I also don't want to do so much. So I was, like, practicing with my cape how I'm gonna, like, snap it out of my body, like, the turns and everything. But, yeah, there's a lot of things. But it is such a fun, fun competition.

[B]

So fun. And I feel like you were made for Miss grand because you love the spotlight.

[C]

You just know how to work spotlight. And Ms. Grand gives, you know, the most extravagant production, I would say.

[B]

I love watching Miss Grand.

[C]

I'm like, can I compete again?

[B]

Right?

[C]

Can I compete again in Ms. Grand? I mean.

[B]

I mean, what's gonna be next for you?

[C]

Because I feel that's actually also my question to myself. I'm like, my rain is gonna end soon. I'm not sure if I'm one of those, or I am the only queen who have the shortest rain. So I have four months to enjoy my rain app. But I have been enjoying it so far. You know, I've been traveling a lot. It's not an opportunity that comes easily. Yeah, I only get. I. I try to travel. You know, I wanted to travel the world, and I didn't know that it would come this way. I would have the opportunity because of Miss Grand International. You know, I mean, I went to that stage wanting to win also for my country, because it's gonna be the first Grand. But at the same time, I went there because it was my dream to be in the Miss Grand. It's just like, if I win or not, it's fine because I get to be there. I get to wear my sash that says Philippines. Everybody's just so nice. The girls, all the staff of Ms. Grand, it's just, I. Hands down to them, their work etiquette is just amazing. The way they do it. That's why it's really, really grand when we see it. But the production takes a lot of time. I mean, a lot of planning also. So thank you for giving us a great stage, a great opportunity to show our personalities, to just enjoy the whole competition. It's not. I would say it's not really an exhausting pageant where we need to do this, do that, do this, do that. No, it's more like really, really fun. All the sing all single events, like we do every single Day. I look forward to it. Like, yes, I'm gonna dance again. I'm gonna eat again. You know, we're just like that. But then, yeah, of course, it's still a competition, so you have to prepare a lot of things, and everybody's looking forward to your presentation. But then to all the candidates, who's gonna do grand? I'm gonna tell you guys, it's a fun competition. Don't stress too much about it. They want you to just be yourself, to be authentic and to just show your true personality. Bring out the culture, your culture, your country's culture, your country's story. And that competition. You're gonna be fine. Everybody's just so helpful. And it's gonna be in Thailand as well, so I hope you guys can come.

[B]

I think I have to go. Especially if my sister. Jerk. It's Miss Grand Japan.

[C]

Let's pray for them. I'm sure you have to go. You have to go. And yeah, of course, Ms. Grand International Organization is also doing a part of Miss Universe, so that's just really nice. And I'm looking forward to. How is it gonna be? Grand. Grand. You know, I mean, yeah, it's gonna be also under Papa Nuat, so. And the MGI team, so. I know it's gonna be amazing, then.

[B]

It's gonna be amazing.

[C]

It's gonna be amazing for sure. So I'm happy to have you. Thank you so much.

[B]

Thank you. There's so much more I want to talk about. Yeah, me too. Oh, my gosh. We need another episode. Stay tuned.

[C]

I have to go to Miami.

[B]

Yes. Oh, my gosh. So we're gonna do this or that, and then we'll wrap it up. The first one is stage walk or on stage question.

[C]

Oh, stage walk. I just love performing.

[B]

Yes. Do you like onstage questions?

[C]

I like also. I mean, it's a great opportunity for you to show and to say what you want to say. I mean, talk about important things and causes as well, but. And grand. I mean, grand stage. You want to walk and walk and walk.

[B]

Yes. I want to take my bangs and clip them on during swimsuit.

[C]

I love that part.

[B]

I know. Heels or sneakers.

[C]

The shard. But I'm a beauty queen, so I must wear heels. But I love sneakers, too.

[B]

Yeah. For traveling, things like that. Do you like coaching queens or competing yourself?

[C]

Oh, my God. I don't know. I love competing. I really do love competing, but I love seeing girls shine and have their crowns as well. So I gotta take both, because when.

[B]

They win, it's like you win too.

[C]

Yeah, that's true. I mean, it's lovely to see them enjoy the pageants, too.

[B]

Yes. Okay, I know the answer to this one because I saw you at Duncan today. Coffee or tea?

[C]

Coffee for sure. All the way.

[B]

Coffee that drinks coffee.

[C]

And Duncan, please sponsor us.

[B]

I love Duncan. Oh, my gosh. I have my Dunkin right there.

[C]

I'm gonna eat my Dunkin again later.

[B]

So good. City lights or beach sunsets?

[C]

Why do you gotta ask that? I love bo, but I would say beach sunsets. Yeah. Oh, okay.

[B]

She's an island girl.

[C]

Hello, Philippines.

[B]

Do you like photo shoot or fashion Runway?

[C]

Fashion runways.

[B]

Advocacy work or modeling career?

[C]

I gotta do both. I want to do both. I want to be. I want to be in the fashion industry, but at the same time, do good for others.

[B]

Okay, last question. Teresa or Noah?

[C]

End this episode. No, don't ask me that question. I love them all. I love them both. If I say mommy, papa would be. And if you say papa, Mommy would be. Huh? But I love them both. They're just such an amazing, amazing people.

[B]

Yes. And after meeting Teresa, I feel like grand is really a family and Teresa is Mama. I love her.

[C]

Yeah. That's why. That's why we call her Mommy. She's the queen of the queens, but she's like a mom. She just takes care of me so much. And Papa also is looking, you know, forward to see me again. And I look forward to seeing him again. You know, I always have. I always love talking to Papa. It's just such a nice, Nice and wise person.

[B]

I think he's really smart. And he's also really funny. I've never met him. He's funny, but he's so funny.

[C]

Some people are, like, shy to talk to him. But guys, if you talk to him, he's really wise. You're good. You get to learn a lot from him. And he's really funny.

[B]

Thank you so much for coming on. I think we all know where to follow you, Ms. Grand International. But just in case, for your personal. What is your personal.

[C]

Okay, it's Cjopiazza on Instagram, on TikTok. It's/cjopiaza. But most of the time, it's just. I. I hope it's gonna go up. Like when you search CJ of Piazza and then Christine Juliana Piazza on Facebook.

[B]

Perfect. Well, thank you so much for coming on.

[C]

Thank you.