Emma Mary Tiglao returns to the Philippines for her official Miss Grand International 2025 homecoming parade in Makati, joined by MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil.
ALV Pageant Circle officially welcomed reigning Miss Grand International (MGI) 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao home on Monday with a grand homecoming parade in Makati City, marking her first return to the Philippines after two months abroad.
The parade looped around the streets encircling Ayala Triangle in the Makati Central Business District. The route began in front of Tower One & Exchange Plaza (TOEP) at Ayala Triangle Gardens, proceeded to Paseo de Roxas, turned onto Makati Avenue, then Buendia, before heading back to Ayala Avenue and completing the circuit at TOEP.
Very optimistic Nawat
MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil joined the festivities and shared his thoughts on this year’s pageant and the Philippines’ prospects for a historic winning streak.
“After Emma’s victory, maybe there will be a back-to-back-to-back. We’ll see what happens next year,” he said. “I feel happy every time I come to the Philippines. Every national contest is important because it’s where we show our story—that MGI is a fair competition. It’s for the success of the organization, not just the pageant.”
He emphasized that a queen’s success is anchored on merit, not favoritism.
“It’s the quality of the beauty queen that makes her win, not me. I waited for the winning Filipina queen, and CJ and Emma arrived in Bangkok. Real success is shown during a reign, not only when the crown is placed.”
During the press conference, radar Entertainment asked Itsaragrisil about comments that MGI is now producing more popular and high-caliber winners than Miss Universe, a topic that resurfaced after Miss Universe 2024 crowned Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, triggering mixed reactions online.
Platform for dreams
“I’m very proud of Miss Grand International,” he said. “The most important thing is not the winner or the crown—it’s how sincerely we welcome delegates from around the world. Even with Miss Universe, I try to help as much as I can. I promised Filipinos and pageant fans everywhere that I will always value them.”
He added that his mission is to create opportunities for women willing to work hard for the crown. “There is only one winner, but I want to build a platform where more women can succeed. We keep our standards high so the girls can achieve their dreams. That is my mission.”
Emma succeeds fellow Filipina Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, who assumed the MGI 2025 title after India’s Rachel Gupta resigned in May—making Opiaza the Philippines’ first Miss Grand International titleholder.
“This is the second crown for the Philippines, but I want everyone to celebrate and give the spotlight to our queen. It is her time to shine,” Itsaragrisil said.
Honoring all queens
Tiglao expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. “Victory is sweeter when we share it. We made history together.”
Opiaza echoed her sentiment. “All Filipinos dream of bringing home the crown. I want to honor all the queens who paved the way for us on the MGI stage. Thank you for celebrating with me but this year is Emma’s year. I hope you support her until the end of her reign.”
The homecoming celebration continued at the One Ayala Activity Center, where a press conference was held. Tiglao is also set to hold a homecoming parade in her hometown of Pampanga today. She will return to Thailand at the end of the month to resume her duties as Miss Grand International.
I feel happy every time I come to the Philippines. Every national contest is important because it’s where we show our story—that MGI is a fair competition. It’s for the success of the organization, not just the pageant.
Nawat Itsaragrisil
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