The Philippines’ Emma Mary Tiglao has been making quite an impression at the kickoff of the 2025 Miss Grand International pageant taking place in Thailand.
The Kapampangan pageant veteran is showing that she is serious in claiming the title from reigning queen Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza, the first Filipina to receive the Miss Grand International title.
At the welcome ceremony of this year’s edition of the international pageant, the TV host appeared in a crystal-embellished gown with prominent shoulder details and illusion bodice, crafted by Filipino designer Chico Estiva.
It was during last year’s welcome ceremony that Opiaza left an indelible impression among pageant fans and earned her status as a frontrunner in the competition.
Tiglao delivered her introduction with her signature hand movements, such antics encouraged in the Miss Grand International pageant. Punctuating her execution with a melodious exclamation of ‘the Philippines,’ she then navigated the stage with the precision expected of a seasoned beauty queen.
From the moment she left the Philippines, and upon arriving in Thailand, Tiglao had made it known that she is not playing games, showing two different looks that harken to both Filipino and Thai styles.
She came to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in a gold-hued mini dress with solihiya-patterned accents and floral details. And when she landed in Bangkok, she slipped into a gold, Thai-inspired, two-piece ensemble with a cape that draped from her left shoulder. Both creations were also from Estiva.
And when she showed up for the exclusive dinner for the lucky 10 delegates who topped the voting for the pre-arrival favorites, Tiglao revealed her quirky side with a campy Leo Almodal red mini coat dress with silver accents and a matching fascinator.
During the ‘sashing ceremony,’ a program where the delegates receive their official sashes bearing the names of their respective countries from the reigning queen, Tiglao wowed the fans with her white ensemble.
In a midriff-baring number by designer Jaysuhn Castillo of La Rosa Studio, the Filipino queen appeared in a voluminous white veil, that she later pulled back to transform it into arm accents.
The Miss Grand International pageant is known for the participants’ outrageous gimmicks, whether in their wardrobe or routine, that seem to entertain many fans of beauty contests.
Tiglao is hoping to inherit the Miss Grand International title from Opiaza and post a second consecutive win for the Philippines. The final competition will be held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok on Oct. 18.