Emma Mary Tiglao

 Miss Grand Philippines sizzles in MGI 2025 prelims

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Like her swimsuit performance at the Hua Hin prelims, Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao wowed spectators, both on-site and online, with her signature moves. On Facebook, her photo of the Hua Hin event garnered a traction of 306,000 likes (as of this writing). The other delegates getting sizable likes were Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi (Vietnam, 398,000) and Sarunrat Puagpipat (Thailand, 158,000). Emma's performance was well received by the venue audience that their applause and shrieks swelled above the show's music.

Likewise, Emma's Mayari costume, employing Pampanga's parol (lantern) elements as designed by Patrick Isorena, also became the top voted ensemble from the National Costume competition. On Facebook, it amassed 418,000 likes (as of this writing). The closest to her was Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi of Vietnam with 398,000, followed by Vina Sitorus of Indonesia (93,000) and Montserrat Villalva of Mexico (92,000).

Emma aced her Grand Talk session with MGI founder & president Nawat Itsaragrisil, where ten of her co-candidates chose her to be the candidate to win the title should they vote for somebody other than themselves.

Many were probably surprised by Emma's choice of preliminary evening gown. Raul Ablaza Uson's red number with studded epaulettes was not what most had in mind. Perhaps her team wanted her to look different from more than half of the delegates sporting the same silhouette.

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