FILIPINOS have been known for being resilient when faced with difficult circumstances.
This is the spirit Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza showcased through her national costume inspired by the country’s national leaf, anahaw, at the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant.
Made by designer Patrick Isorena, the 26-year-old beauty queen’s costume was adorned with golden crystals and hardware, as well as leaf-shaped fabrics.
Opiaza shared several photos of her on Instagram, where she flaunted her national costume called “Anahaw,” an “emblem of a champion.”
For the Zambales-based beauty queen, anahaw is not just a national symbol, but it also denotes Filipinos’ “strength of character, champion mindset and good fruits of labor.”
“As victorious as Anahaw, the costume was crafted out from a creative perspective representing every Filipino’s spirit of resiliency,” she said.
The colors of green and gold also paid homage to the colors of the Miss Grand International, added Opiaza.
Netizens’ reaction
Isorena also posted his sketch of Opiaza’s national costume, which took him 12 days to create.
This wowed many netizens who praised how intricate and creative the costume was. Some even said it was the “best Philippine natcos” they had seen in a major international beauty pageant.
Others also praised Opiaza for presenting herself with grace and confidence during the National Costume Show, with some calling her “Pambansang Rampadora.”
Road to Top 20
The Miss Grand Philippines Organization is urging Filipinos to vote for Opiaza for the Best National Costume to secure a slot in the Top 20.
Voting for the Best National Costume is done on the official Facebook page of the Miss Grand International.
To vote, an individual has to follow the Miss Grand International page and react with a heart on Opiaza’s national costume photo. One heart is equivalent to 10 points, while one share equates to five points.
Ten outfits will be selected by the judges, while the remaining 10 will be decided by public vote.
Voting is now open and will be closed on Tuesday, October 22.
The coronation night will be held on Friday, October 27, in Thailand.
Opiaza is aiming for the country’s first Miss Grand International crown.
