From news anchor to global queen: Emma Tiglao shines at Miss Grand International 2025

Emma Tiglao wins Miss Grand International—on her mom’s birthday!

“I think it’s really about visiting different places, hearing different stories, and, hopefully, making a positive impact wherever I go. That’s what I truly want to do during my reign,” said Emma Tiglao, who was crowned Miss Grand International 2025 in Thailand on Oct. 18—marking a historic back-to-back win for the Philippines.

Following her coronation, Tiglao shared that her reign will focus on meaningful storytelling and advocacy rooted in human connection.

The Kapampangan beauty queen’s victory further cements the Philippines’ dominance on the global stage, as she succeeds fellow Filipina Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, who passed on the crown in an emotional ceremony witnessed by fans around the world.

Tiglao bested over 70 candidates, with Sarunrat Puagpipat of Thailand, Aitana Carolina Jimenez of Spain, Faith Maria Porter of Ghana, and Nariman Battikha of Venezuela completing the Top 5. 

Widely expected victory

Tiglao’s victory was widely expected; the Miss Grand Philippines organization had earlier described her as the country’s “most ready” delegate, citing her experience, poise, and authenticity.

As a news anchor and journalist, Tiglao plans to use her background to bring attention to global issues that align with Miss Grand International’s “Stop the War” campaign, a movement that promotes peace, unity, and compassion across cultures.

During the pageant’s advocacy segment, Tiglao incorporated her media work into her message, saying she has seen firsthand the harsh realities faced by many. “My work allows me to amplify voices that are often unheard,” she said, expressing her desire to use her platform to inspire awareness and empathy.

In the final Q&A, Tiglao impressed both the judges and audience when asked how to dismantle online scamming operations tied to human trafficking.

Her composed and heartfelt answer sealed her victory: “As someone who reports these kinds of stories, I really want to use the power of balance. Us, people, to be educated and aware, for us not to be scammed; and help the government enhance their justice system for the scammers to be behind bars, to be accountable. Because, someday, I hope we will live in a peaceful world where no one should deceive just to survive.”

Defining her leadership

Her thoughtful response reflected not only her intelligence but also her empathy—qualities that pageant fans can expect to define her leadership in the coming year. The victory also carried deep personal significance. 

Tiglao revealed that the coronation day coincided with her mother’s birthday and it was her mom’s first time traveling abroad to see her compete. “It is also my mom’s birthday, October 18, so the best gift for my mom,” Emma shared. “First time din niya mag-travel ng international. Ibang klase talaga si God ’pag gumawa Siya ng ways Niya.” [“It’s also my mom’s first time to travel abroad. God truly works in amazing ways.”]

Looking back at her long journey through the pageant world, Tiglao called her win a testament to perseverance.

“Imagine ang tagal ko nang nagpa-pageant. May mga taong nagsasabi, ‘Siya na naman? Hindi pa ba siya pagod?’ Bakit ka mapapagod kung gusto mo ’yung ginagawa mo at meron kang gustong maabot, ‘di ba? So ito na siya… All the setbacks will become a comeback.”

As Miss Grand International 2025, Tiglao is expected to embark on a series of international travels and goodwill missions, continuing the organization’s mission of peace and cultural exchange. She will also serve as the official spokesperson for global campaigns under the Miss Grand International Organization and crown her successor next year in India, the confirmed host country for the 2026 edition.

The Kapampangan beauty queen admits she’s still overwhelmed by her win but ready to fulfill her duties: “Shock pa ako kasi ang tagal kong pinangarap to have the international crown and here we are… I’m just so happy that the Miss Grand International Organization trusted another Filipina to work with them.” [“Imagine, I’ve been joining pageants for so long. Some people would say, ‘Her again? Isn’t she tired yet? ’But why would you get tired of doing something you love and have dreams of achieving, right? So here it is… all the setbacks have turned into a comeback.”]

From her confident presence on stage to her sincerity, Tiglao’s reign promises to be one that bridges beauty with purpose, proving that grace and grit can indeed create change.

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