Bangkok, Thailand – Emma Mary Tiglao from Pampanga has captured the Miss Grand International (MGI) 2025 crown, marking a back-to-back victory for the Philippines! The coronation night took place on Saturday, October 18, at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, where Emma outshone 76 other candidates to claim the prestigious title.
Emma's journey to the crown was marked by exceptional performances throughout the competition. She also secured the "Country's Power of the Year" award, which automatically placed her in the Top 22. Thailand’s Sarunrat Puagpipat was named first runner-up. Emma succeeds CJ Opiaza of Zambales, who was crowned Miss Grand International after Rachel Gupta of India stepped down from the title.
During the speech round, Emma delivered a compelling message about her advocacies. "As a journalist, my heart aches for my country drawn by corruption, for the lives lost to earthquakes and typhoons," she expressed. "We are not born in fear, but to hope, to love, and to live in peace. Peace begins when parents teach children compassion, leaders embody humility, youth finds their purpose. Let love be the grandest voice to peace."
Emma wowed the audience during the evening gown segment, donning a showstopping orange and gold gown with a shimmering bodice and a sweeping, feathered cape. The design, created by Rian Fernandez, evoked a phoenix, symbolizing power and transformation.
In the Q&A segment, Emma addressed the issue of online scams and human trafficking. Asked about potential penalties to dismantle these operations, she responded, "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 to not be scammed, and the help of the government, to enhance their justice system — for the scammers to be behind bars, to be accountable. Because one day, I hope that we will live in a peaceful world where no one should deceive just to survive."