MGI Homecoming Parade

 Celebrating Emma's triumphal return

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The ALV Pageant Circle welcomed reigning Miss Grand International Emma Mary Tiglao home, after a two-month absence, to a grand homecoming parade in Makati City yesterday.

"My victory is our victory. We made history and victory is sweet when shared together," gushed a teary-eyed Emma after the parade. "An MGI queen should be the source of goodness and kindness," she continued.

"What happened in Thailand was a friendly competition. Me and my roommate, Gotchabelle, Miss Grand Thailand, just enjoyed the pageant. A woman who is willing to grow, willing to learn, and willing to love everyone will surely win," pointed out Emma.

Miss Grand International founder and president Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Grand International 2025 Gotchabell Gatchapan also flew with Emma to Manila to join her homecoming parade.

"I am honored to welcome back Mr Nawat Itsaragrisil to Manila and Miss Grand Thailand, Gotchabell Gotchapan. We wanted to celebrate Emma's victory at once last month but she was tied up with obligations in Thailand. Emma's victory was destined by fate," enthused Arnold L. Vegafria, MGI Philippines national director.

"Her winning stance began from Day 1 because she came prepared for battle. Your signature walk will become a template for future pageant aspirants. We saw the Bayanihan spirit in action, which resulted in us winning as Country's Power of the Year!" he added.

The parade traversed the streets bordering the Ayala Triangle in Makati's business district. The route started in front of the Tower One & Exchange Plaza (TOEP) from the Ayala Triangle Garden then turned right to Paseo de Roxas.

It then turned left going to Makati Avenue, turning right again to Buendia then Paseo de Roxas unto Makati Avenue before turning right to Ayala Avenue then back to the TOEP.

"After Emma's victory, maybe there will be a back-to-back-to-back. We'll see what happens next year. I feel happy everytime I come here to the Philippines. Every national contest is important because it is where we share the Grand story that we are a fair contest. It is for the success of the organization too, not just for the pageant. It's the quality of the beauty queen that makes her win, it's not me. I was waiting for the winning Filipina queen and CJ and Emma arrived in Bangkok. The success of winning is shown during a reign and not in the moment of putting on the crown," intoned Sir Nawat.

""I feel hungry. I want to eat balut again. I'm so excited and really happy to meet everyone. I want to stay but I have to fly back to Thailand tomorrow, but I will be back," quipped the lovable Gotchabell.

The homecoming event continued at the One Ayala Activity Center where a press conference took place. "Everything happens for a reason. For Emma, she came back with her deserved crown. I know how she loves pageantry, her team, and the efforts she exerted to make her dreams come true. When you are surrounded by the right people, you will win. Emma, you are a superwoman!" declared Miss Grand International 2024 CJ Opiaza.

"God puts us in a place where we can use a platform correctly. Women today should speak up, as well as know their worth and value. My happy pill is my family, where I get my strength. They are my reason why I do what I am doing," said Emma, addressing her parents who were in the crowd.

Emma will also be having a homecoming parade today in her hometown in Pampanga. She'll fly back to Thailand by month's end to resume her duties as Miss Grand International.