Christine Juliane Hinkle Opiaza (born July 8, 1998) is a Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Grand International 2024. Initially the first runner-up, she assumed the title in May 2025 following the dethronement of the original winner, Rachel Gupta of India. She is the first Filipino to hold the Miss Grand International title.
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.[1] She graduated with a degree in Human Resource Development Management in 2018.[2]
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.[8]
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 five 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.[9]
At the end of the event, Opiaza was announced as the first runner-up to Michelle Dee of Makati.
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.[10] 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.[11] At the end of the event, she was crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2024 by outgoing titleholder Nikki de Moura of Cagayan de Oro.[12]
Opiaza competing at Miss Grand International 2024.
Opiaza represented the Philippines at Miss Grand International 2024, held in Cambodia and Thailand.[13] Throughout the competition, she was considered a strong contender by several media outlets.[14][15] 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.[16]
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.[17] 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.[18]
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.[19][20]
Assumption and reign
On May 28, 2025, Rachel Gupta resigned as Miss Grand International 2024, citing organizational issues, including unmet commitments and alleged mistreatment.[21] In response, the Miss Grand International Organization announced her dethronement, attributing the decision to her alleged failure to fulfill assigned duties.[22]
Following Gupta’s dethronement, local media outlets identified Opiaza, the first runner-up, as her incoming successor, citing the pageant's mechanics.[23][24] On May 29, the organization confirmed Opiaza's accession as the new titleholder, making her the first Filipino to hold the title.[25][26] 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.[27][28] For the event, she wore an evening gown designed by Tumang that was completed in three days.[29][30] 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.[31]
During her reign as Miss Grand International 2024, CJ has travelled to Thailand,[32] Myanmar,[33] China, India,[34] Malaysia,[35] Laos,[36] Panama, the United States,[37] and her home country of the Philippines.
Advocacy and platforms
Opiaza co-founded the Passion for Joy Initiative with her sister, PJ, to advocate for animal welfare. The initiative has partnered with The Homeless Dog Shelter Subic to provide a safe haven for rescued animals.[38]
As a model, she has participated in events such as the 2019 Mega Fashion Week for L’Oréal, the 2021 Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer Collection, and the 2025 Bench Body of Work runway.[40] In February 2025, she signed an endorsement deal with Bench, becoming a brand ambassador.[41]
Personal life
Opiaza's younger sister, Princess Juliane "PJ" Opiaza, represented the Philippines at Miss Fitness Supermodel World 2025 in Vietnam, where she placed as 1st runner-up.[42]
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