The Philippines has once again made history on the international pageant stage as Emma Tiglao was crowned Miss Grand International 2025 during the glittering coronation night held on October 18 in Thailand.
The win marks a back-to-back victory for the Philippines, following CJ Opiaza’s triumph in 2024.
After her crowning moment, the Philippine national anthem was played, filling the venue with pride as the Kapampangan beauty queen took her first walk as Miss Grand International 2025.
The 30-year-old Filipina was crowned by her predecessor, CJ Opiaza, who delivered an emotional farewell speech, recalling her own journey as the first-ever Miss Grand International from the Philippines.
“I know I only assumed the crown, but I am forever grateful to be given this chance,” Opiaza said. “People may have called me names and belittled my win. But I hope you understand that a true queen stands still and accepts the challenge.”
Tiglao bested more than 70 contestants from around the world. Thailand’s Sarunrat Puagpipat finished as 1st Runner-Up, followed by Spain’s Aitana Carolina Jimenez (2nd), Ghana’s Faith Maria Porter (3rd), and Venezuela’s Nariman Battikha (4th).
The rest of the Top 10 included candidates from Colombia, Czech Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Tanzania, and the Philippines—with Colombia winning Miss Popular Vote, while Tiglao herself won Country’s Power of the Year, the first time the Philippines received this award.
Miss Grand International is known for its advocacy theme, “Stop the War and Violence.” During the Top 10 segment, Tiglao impressed the judges with her heartfelt message, drawing from her background as a journalist. She spoke about using the power of media and empathy to inspire peace and accountability.
In the final question and answer round, the Top 5 finalists were asked about online scammers and their connection to human trafficking. Tiglao’s poised and empathetic answer sealed the deal: “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 for the government to 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.”
Known as a pageant veteran and fan favorite, Tiglao had previously competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2019, where she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental, before representing the Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2019.
Prior to leaving for Thailand, the Miss Grand Philippines organization described her as the country’s “most prepared delegate yet,” citing her grace, experience, and maturity.
Throughout the competition, Emma consistently stood out — from her orange bejeweled evening gown with a feathered cape by Rhian Fernandez to her commanding stage presence in the swimsuit round.
Special awards went to:
Best National Costume – Brazil, India, Thailand
Country’s Power of the Year – Philippines
Grand Talent Award – Ghana, Japan
Best in Swimsuit – Thailand
Miss Popular Vote – Colombia
It was also announced that Miss Grand International 2026 will be held in India next October.
Emma Tiglao’s victory cements the Philippines’ dominance on the Grand International stage, achieving an unprecedented back-to-back win. As she embarks on her reign, the new queen is expected to travel across the globe to promote Miss Grand International’s peace advocacy — continuing the legacy of her predecessor, CJ Opiaza.
Indeed, it was a golden night for the Philippines — one that will be remembered in pageant history as Emma Tiglao’s Grand Era.