By Annalyn S. Jusay
Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao left Manila yesterday and has just landed in Bangkok to begin her journey for the Miss Grand International 2025 crown, set for Oct. 18 in the Thai capital. With reigning queen CJ Opiaza holding the title, all eyes are now on Emma as she attempts to deliver a back-to-back victory for the country in the pageant.
At her send-off media conference, Tiglao drew from her experience as a newscaster and TV host to explain how she intends to approach the competition.
"Being a newscaster is really like the people trust you to give information to them. And your words really matter and they’re really powerful," she said. "Because you’re doing it live, you need to be prepared, you need to review, research. You cannot just trust what’s in the script because sometimes there are mistakes. You need to be a storyteller. And that’s what I’ll bring with me on the Grand International stage, the discipline to study hard and be careful with my words, because words can hurt or they can inspire. And it’s always better if we inspire people."
Emma said she is aware that Thailand has been a lucky ground for Filipinos this year. Early in 2025, CJ Opiaza assumed the Miss Grand International title, and just this week, Kirk Bondad brought home the Mister International crown.
"I think we can do it again because I’m really doing my best,’ the beauty from Pampanga said with optimism. ‘Last week, I was already in Thailand meeting people, mingling with them, showing that we are ready and open to collaborate. There are still surprises we are preparing with Thai personalities, so abangan."
This will not be Emma’s first time competing internationally. She represented the Philippines at the Miss Intercontinental 2019 pageant. But she believes she has grown significantly since then.
"Emma now is the evolved version with all the experiences and wisdom I gained,’ she said. "After Miss Intercontinental, I became a news anchor and host. I learned so much from that, and all those experiences have shaped me into who I am today. This is the Emma who will step on the Grand stage."
With all the issues facing the Philippines today, she advised young Filipinas not to be afraid to speak out. ‘Some people stay quiet because they fear criticism, but my advice is to stay true to your core. Don’t let others dictate what you want. You know yourself better. You know the truth. Don’t let anyone be the captain of your ship," she said.
Asked what makes her “grand,” the news anchor gave a thoughtful acronym: ‘G is for growth, because I’ve seen myself grow. R is for reality, acknowledging all the experiences I’ve been through. O is for opportunity, the chance to go for a back-to-back win. W is for the way forward. I believe all of this makes me grand."
With weeks to go before coronation night, Tiglao is keeping her preparations strong - from working with her team of designers led by Patrick Isorena to rehearsing for her closed-door interview with pageant president Nawat Itsaragrisil.
"I’m excited and nervous for the closed-door interview," she admitted. ‘That’s the moment I can really share my story. I hope to show Mr. Nawat and the organization the genuine Emma."
As she waved goodbye to Filipino fans at the airport on Sept. 29, Emma promised to fight for the crown.
"To my fans, to my friends, my Emmazonas family, my team ....maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. I can see your love, your support. Yung iba nga parang natataranta kapag nauungusan tayo ng ibang country sa likes. Pero maraming, maraming salamat. As long as you're there, as long as I can feel your support, ilalaban natin ito ng buong buo, ilalaban natin ng grand ito (To my fans, my friends, my Emmazonas family, my tea: thank you so much to all of you.) I can see your love and your support. Some even start to panic when other countries overtake us in likes. But thank you, thank you so much. As long as you are there, as long as I can feel your support, I will fight for this with everything I have. I will fight for this grandly)," said Emma.
