MANILA, Philippines — Emma Tiglao of Pampanga was crowned Miss Grand International 2025 during the pageant’s grand coronation night on Saturday, October 18, at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 30-year-old triumphed over 76 other contestants from around the world. Tiglao also received the Country’s Power of the Year award, which secured her a spot among the Top 22 finalists.
Rounding out the winners were Thailand’s Sarunrat Puagpipat as first runner-up, Spain’s Aitana Jiménez as second runner-up, Ghana’s Faith Porter as third runner-up, and Venezuela’s Nariman Battikha as fourth runner-up.
Tiglao’s win marks another milestone for the Philippines, which now holds a back-to-back Miss Grand International crown. Last year’s winner, CJ Opiaza of Zambales, was elevated to the title after India’s Rachel Gupta resigned from her reign.
During the speech round, Tiglao used her platform to speak about corruption and the impact of natural disasters in the Philippines.
“As a journalist, my heart aches for my country drowned by corruption, for the lives lost to earthquakes and typhoons. And for journalists like Mariam Abu Daga from Gaza, who died for truth,” she said.
“We are not born in fear, but to hope, to love, and to live in peace. Peace begins when parents teach children with compassion, leaders embody humility, youth find their purpose. And when we live with empathy and kindness, let love be the grandest voice to peace,” she added.
Tiglao turned heads during the evening gown competition in a custom Rian Fernandez creation described as “exudes queenly grandeur, crafted in a fiery burnt orange that symbolizes the regal rebirth of a phoenix returning to triumph.”
In a post on Instagram, Fernandez wrote, “Every inch of the gown is meticulously hand embroidered with intricate, details that evoke flames and feathers, embodying strength, resilience, and divine authority. The silhouette is commanding yet graceful, designed to radiate power and grace as Queen @emmatiglao rises anew from the ashes.”
He added, “Complete with a full circular feather cape that billows like wings in flight, this ensemble captures the essence of a triumphant phoenix queen — majestic, fierce, and ready to reign in Miss Grand International 2025.”
In the final Q&A round, the top five finalists were asked: “Scammers are an online threat, a form of warfare, often tied to human trafficking that has global consequences. Countries such as South Korea and USA have launched severe crackdowns. What penalties do you think could help dismantle these operations?”
Tiglao answered, “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,” she added.
Seventy-seven contestants from across the globe joined this year’s competition, which was streamed live via GrandTV, the official YouTube channel of Miss Grand International.
Thai-Australian host Matthew Deane emceed the event, which featured a special performance by Engfa Waraha, the 2022 Miss Grand International first runner-up.