Reigning Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri graced the grand opening of the Kalimudan Festival in Sultan Kudarat, Philippines, on November 19, riding aboard a Thailand-inspired float created by the municipality of Lebak. The celebration featured a vibrant “global village,” where each town and city presented attractions inspired by iconic landmarks from around the world.

Among the highlights were Tacurong City’s Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal by the town of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Palimbang’s Egyptian pyramids, Lutayan’s Statue of Liberty, and Lebak’s ornate Thai temple. “I thought it was very creative and well executed! The one that impressed me the most was Italy”, Miss World revealed.

Festival performances showcased cultural presentations representing each chosen country, blended with each community’s own local heritage.

Opal, joined by Catriona Gray and CJ Opiaza, also hosted the Miss Sultan Kudarat contest the following day .

Speaking about the event, Opal expressed deep appreciation for the reception she received:

“The hospitality in the Philippines felt like family. I experienced what past Miss World titleholders felt here, which is very similar to what anyone visiting Thailand experiences. It truly feels like home.”

She described the opening parade as an unforgettable moment:

“The parade was amazing. I tried to give back some of the incredible amount of love I received from the many people there. Not even the rain stopped them from showing up”.

Opal also reflected on her role as one of the hosts, a first for her outside Thailand:

“Hosting Miss Sultan Kudarat with Catriona and CJ was a great experience. Not only they’re great speakers and presenters, they were also very supportive knowing that it was my first time presenting an event outside of Thailand. I really appreciate it. In addition, the audience’s energy really uplifted me. It was fun, an honor I’ll never forget.” 

As a matter of fact, many fans commenting on the event praised Opal’s hosting skills: natural, elegant, and marked by tremendous stage presence and personal magnetism. Miss World has just discovered another outstanding talent!

The winner was Mary Dawn Molina Abiera, who will go on to compete for the Miss World Philippines title in December.

As for Opal, she hopes to return to Sultan Kudarat and to Manila soon:

“The only thing I wish is to go back and see more of the lovely places I visited. I truly loved the Philippines”.

The Kalimudan Festival is a celebration of unity across Sultan Kudarat’s diverse communities, all living together in harmony.