Photo courtesy: Miss Grand International
Emma Mary Tiglao of Pampanga was crowned Miss Grand International (MGI) 2025 during the pageant’s coronation night on Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.
Tiglao emerged victorious over 76 other contestants to claim the title and also received the Country’s Power of the Year award, which secured her a spot in the Top 22.
Thailand’s Sarunrat Puagpipat finished as first runner-up.
Her win marks a back-to-back victory for the Philippines, following CJ Opiaza of Zambales, who inherited the 2024 title after India’s Rachel Gupta stepped down.
During the speech round, Tiglao delivered a heartfelt message drawing from her background in journalism.
“As a journalist, my heart aches for my country drawn by corruption, for the lives lost to earthquakes and typhoons. We are not born in fear, but to hope, to love, and to live in peace,” she said.
“Peace begins when parents teach children compassion, leaders embody humility, and youth finds their purpose. Let love be the grandest voice to peace,” she added.
In the question-and-answer segment, finalists were asked how governments should address online scammers linked to global human trafficking.
“As someone who reports these kinds of stories, I want to use the power of balance — for people to be educated and aware so they won’t be scammed, and for governments to enhance their justice systems so scammers are held accountable,” Tiglao said.
“One day, I hope we live in a peaceful world where no one deceives just to survive.”
Tiglao also impressed in the evening gown competition, donning a gold and orange phoenix-inspired gown with a feathered cape designed by Rian Fernandez, symbolizing power and transformation.
A seasoned model, TV host, and pageant veteran, Tiglao previously represented the Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2019, where she placed in the Top 20.
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