MGI bound

 Emma Mary Tiglao departs for Bangkok finals

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao departs for Thailand tomorrow, Sept 29, in time for registration/arrival and the chance to dine with MGI founder and president Nawat Itsaragrisil, should pollsters continue voting for her on the Pre-Arrival leaderboard poll. Currently, she slides between the 2nd and 3rd spots.

"Another queen leaves for her International competition. Emma is the perfect epitome of a Miss Grand International queen; possessing beauty, brains, talent, and figure. She's the complete package! We're aiming for a back-to-back victory. You're support is a big help to her!" intoned Philippine national director Arnold L. Vegafria during Emma's send-off at the Pandan Asian Café in Quezon City.

Some of the Filipino designers helping put together Emma's winning wardrobe include Ryan Ablaza Uson, Rian Fernandez, and Patrick Isorena.

"I saw how humble you are and became our 'Ate'. I know you'll kill that stage. I wish you all the best," well-wished Face of Beauty Philippines 2025 Nikki Buenafe, who braved Ompong's warnings just to be part of the send-off. 

"She's one of the reasons why I joined pageantry. She's friendly! Keep shining 'coz in Miss Grand it's always something extra," intimated Miss Grand Philippines 2025 2nd runner-up Beatriz Angela Ocampo. 

Aside from CJ Opiaza, who ultimately wore the Golden Crown by a stroke of fate, the Philippines near wins were in 2016 with Nicole Cordoves and 2020 with Samantha Bernardo in 2020, who both won as 1st runner-up.

"I'm not feeling well but my heart is Grand! I'm praying for strength and guidance for a historic back-to-back win," shared the Net 25 news anchor.

"You need to research, study hard, and be careful with your words. They can inspire or hurt people. We need to be careful so check your facts from multiple sources. The Ema you see now is an evolved person," she added.

Her send-off was timed a few days after the Sept 21 people's rally against massive corruption.

"We should unite as one. No division, no political colors. Let's all hope our public officials don't break the public trust," continued Emma.

"I saw myself grow throughout this journey. I will not waste the opportunity to wear the crown. I'll be bringing a handmade item for my fellow candidates and Papa Nawat so they'll feel how excited I am to meet them. It was prepared by my parents.

"My national costume, with a truly Kapampangan theme, was beautifully created by Patrick Isorena, " teased Emma at the close of the mid-afternoon colluquy,

The 13th Miss Grand International will unfold on Oct 18 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok. Reigning titleholder Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines will crown her successor at the close of the coronation rites. Stay tuned!