Arnold Vegafria did not directly confirm whether he still holds the franchise for Miss Grand Philippines, but he revealed plans to establish a new international pageant based in the Philippines.
The issue surfaced following speculation online that Vegafria may no longer be handling the local franchise for Miss Grand International after photos circulated showing MGI founder Nawat Itsaragrisil with Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais.
Speaking during the contract signing and media conference for the partnership between Viva Artists Agency and ALV Talent Circuit held at Viva Café in Cubao, Quezon City on May 8, Vegafria addressed the speculation and hinted at a bigger vision for Philippine pageantry.
“After delivering two queens [Emma Tiglao at CJ Opiaza] from the Philippines, it’s about time naman that I can create our own international pageant,” he said.
“So I have to choose… if MGI will give it to Jojo or to anybody that they’re willing to accept Miss Grand, I am open if they wanna give it to others. Because my plan is to put our own, na galing naman sa Philippines, because Vietnam is very successful, Thailand is very successful. With regards to the pageant industry, the Philippines is one of the biggest, powerhouse in the field of pageantry. So why don’t we have one from the Philippines to stage and create our own pageant? We only have one, which is Miss Earth, so it’s about time to have another one, which is bigger and better pageant.”
Vegafria also shared that his planned pageant project is among the reasons behind his collaboration with Viva.
“After giving two queens, two consecutive queens, this time, hindi pa alam ni Boss Vic ito, I will sit down with him. It’s about time that Philippines will have a new international pageant. That is my thrust now, this is my project. We will create our own name that can be comparable, on the same level or higher than MGI or other Asian pageants. Hindi ko pa naikukuwento sa kanya [Boss Vic]. Maybe after this, I am going to offer,” he added.
Despite the rumors, Vegafria clarified that there is no conflict between him and Itsaragrisil.
“We’re friends, no problem. I don’t want to create enemies. I always have good relationship with other international pageant directors,” he stressed.
As proof of their continued partnership, Vegafria confirmed that transgender beauty queen Keylyn Pan Trajano will represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss Grand International All Stars competition set on May 31, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The media conference also introduced the beauty queens and talents included in the Viva and ALV partnership roster, including Tracy Maureen Perez, Nikki Buenafe, Meridith Bobadilla, Beatriz Angela Ocampo, Alyssa Geronimo, and Margarette Briton, among others.
