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Emma Tiglao gave the Philippines its first back-to-back victory at the Miss Grand International 2025 as she received her crown from Filipina queen, Christine Juliane Opiaza.

Tiglao, a pageant veteran from Pampanga, made history as the first beauty queen to secure a back-to-back win at the Miss Grand International pageant, and also the first for Thailand-based pageant.

With her poise and sunny disposition, Tiglao easily won the hearts of her Thai fans and was an early favorite, eventually winning the ‘Country’s Power of the Year’ award, which was given at the start of the finale show, held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.

She will be the first queen to wear the new ‘Unity Torch’ crown of the Thailand-based global tilt, which positions itself as a beauty contest for entertainment, with the participants allowed to inject antics in their routines.

The 30-year-old TV host confidently bested 76 other candidates, including her Thai room mate, Sarunrat Puagpipat, who settled for first runner-up. This year’s competition attracted its biggest haul of aspirants in its 13-year run.

Tiglao entered the Top 22 by topping the online poll for ‘Country’s Power of the Year’ award, a first for the Philippines in Miss Grand International pageant’s history. For her final look, she donned an embellished gold cut-out tube gown by Rian Fernandez, which accentuated her svelte figure.

She then made a mark when she cited the corruption problem in the Philippines in her spiel for the Top 10 candidates, and then again at Top 5 question-and-answer portion, wherein she said that scammers should be made accountable by putting them behind bars.

‘As someone who reports these kinds of stories, I really want to use the power of balance. [For] us people to be educated and aware, for us to not be scammed, and a help [from] the government to enhance their justice system for the scammers to be behind bars, to be accountable. Because one day, I hope that we will live in a peaceful world where no one should deceive just to survive,’ she said. Capping the list of winners are: Aitana Jimenez of Spain (2nd runner-up), Faith Porter of Ghana (3rd runner-up), and, Nariman Battikha of Guatemala (4th runner-up).

The seasoned pageant queen also attempted to post a back-to-back win for the Philippines in the 2019 Miss Intercontinental pageant. She finished in the Top 20 in that contest.

Opiaza, in turn, received a new diamond-and emerald encrusted crown of her own from Miss Grand International president Nawat Itsaragrisil, after she delivered an emotional farewell speech, surrounded by various images of her during her reign flashed on the LED panels.

As the then first runner-up, Opiaza’s ascent to the Miss Grand throne was no less controversial after the then queen from India, Rachel Gupta resigned, citing the supposed ‘toxic environment’ that she experienced with management.

Itsaragrisil, in an earlier statement before the media, said, ‘if you want to see the entertainment pageant, come to Miss Grand International, really fun. But if you want to see the elegant, the more top-class pageant is Miss Universe.’

Nawat, incidentally, is also currently the Vice President for Asiana of the Miss Universe Organization. He is also on top of organizing the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand next month.

Reigning Miss Earth Jessica Lane is back in Manila, yet again, returning to where she posted Australia’s first win in the international pageant ahead of the 2025 edition.

This time, the Australian journalist was joined by Miss Earth-Air Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir from Iceland and part-Filipino Miss Earth-Water Bea Millan-Windorski from the United States, who has been based in the Philippines for a couple of months already.

The three international titleholders faced an assembly of journalists and online content creators at a media conference arranged by Manila-based Reign Project Management at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on Oct. 14. Reigning Miss Philippines Earth Joy Barcoma was also at the event, putting on her hosting hat as the presenter and moderator of the media conference.

Lane looked back on her coronation in 2024. ‘I can’t believe that was a whole year ago already. And since then, what an incredible whirlwind it has been. I’ve had the incredible privilege of traveling to 12 countries. And it’s all been an extraordinary experience,’ she said.

‘Working alongside empowering organizations like the United Nations has not only taught me to value our Earth and the people that call it home, it taught me the purpose of advcacy, and inspiring others to create change,’ she added.

The pageant and its counterpart national competition serve as platforms where ladies push for sustainable living in order to protect the planet from further degradation and combat the effects of climate change.

The international pageant will hold its 25th coronation show at the Cove Manila Club of Okada Manila in Parañaque City on Nov. 5. Barcoma is hoping to post the Philippines’ fifth victory in the competition. /ra

Deputy Speaker and La Union Representative Paolo Ortega on Saturday released a statement denying that he made any statement recently about former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Ortega said there is a ‘fabricated statement’ circulating online, which is ‘falsely attributed’ to him. ‘I want to clarify that I have not issued any recent statement-official or otherwise-regarding former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at any event,’ the lawmaker said.

Ortega did not mention the specific ‘fabricated statement’ attributed to him, but it can be checked on social media that there were certain posts alleging that he said Duterte himself ran illegal drug operations in the country.

‘In recent weeks, I have repeatedly been made the subject of fake news and fabricated posts intended to mislead and confuse the public,’ he lamented.

Ortega said his team is already taking steps to track the sources of the malicious claims about him to hold them accountable. The lawmaker urged the public to be cautious and discerning about any information circulating online.

‘Please rely only on credible news organizations and verified official social media pages for accurate information,’ he said. ‘Let us remain vigilant against the spread of falsehoods and uphold truth, accountability, and integrity in public discourse,’ Ortega added.

TNT leaned on the hot shooting of RR Pogoy plus timely fours from Rey Nambatac to hold off Converge, 110-103, in a PBA Philippine Cup out-of-town game on Saturday at Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Pogoy fired 27 points spiked by six triples while Nambatac’s two four-pointers in the fourth quarter were his only field goal conversions as the Tropang 5G foiled the FiberXers’ comeback to secure their second victory in three games.

The win was a good bounce-back performance from TNT, which suffered a 92-77 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Calvin Oftana had 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Kelly Williams scored 14 points apiece and Nambatac added 10 points and six assists for the Tropang 5G.

Justin Arana had 19 points and five rebounds, but Converge couldn’t complete its rally from 14 down and fell to 1-1. Justine Baltazar produced 17 points and 12 rebounds, Alec Stockton hit 19 and Schonny Winston 17.

Rookie Juan Gomez de Liano dropped 14 points but on a 4-of-11 shooting for Converge in the defeat. Converge drew level at 90-all after keeping itself within reach amid several Pogoy triples.

But Nambatac’s first four allowed TNT to regain control and set up the pullaway.

Nambatac would convert anew from the longest arc, which put the Tropang 5G ahead 101-92, time down to 4:04 in the contest.

Converge will try to redeem itself on Wednesday against Terrafirma at Ninoy Aquino Stadium while TNT next face newcomer Titan Ultra two nights later at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Creamline waylaid winless Galeries Tower, 25-9, 25-11, 25-15, for its second straight win in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela.

Courtney Schwan led the Cool Smashers’ domination with 14 points on a 12-of-23 attacking clip, while Alyssa Valdez had 10 points as a starter in the first two sets and also tallied five excellent receptions? ‘You can tell that we respected our opponent because when you respect your opponent, you play the full of your ability. Even if you’re winning a lot, you keep going and you keep pushing,’ said the American import. ‘I also wanna say a really good job to [the second stringers] because they played very well. They played phenomenally.’

The Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses had the chance to field his bench players for extended action with Rose Vargas leading the bench mob with eight points, as Rhea Villarete paced the team with 10 excellent sets.

Tots Carlos only played in the first set and fired five points. Pangs Panaga also scored five, while Michele Gumabao, Mich Gamit, and Sheena Toring added four each.

‘It was a good timing for the second stringers, they played well. In training, they always give their 100 percent, so they deserved this playing time,’ Meneses said in Filipino. Creamline improved to a 2-1 record, tying its previous victim, Petro Gazz, in Pool B before facing unbeaten ZUS Coffee (2-0) on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre at 6:30 p.m.

Galeries dropped to 0-3, tied with Chery Tiggo EV as they clash for their first win also on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

No one scored in double figures with rookie Jean Asis leading the way with seven points, while Montenegrin Jelena Cvijovic had six points.

The stage is set for another grand spectacle as the Miss Grand International 2025 pageant officially opened on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Bangkok, Thailand, with 77 candidates vying for the coveted crown.

The high-energy opening number showcased the candidates in metallic outfits. Reigning Filipino queen Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza led the performance with her amazing dancing skills. She executed a daring hanging stunt mid routine.

Representing the Philippines this year is Emma Tiglao, who aims to achieve a back-to-back victory for the Philippines following Opiaza’s ascent to the throne last year.

For the 13th edition of Miss Grand International, Tiglao was among the finalists for Country’s Power of the Year, where she is currently leading as of the last tally.

The 30-year-old TV host also secured a spot in the Top 10 for Miss Popular Vote and in the Top 20 for Best National Costume for this year’s Miss Grand.

Tiglao has been competing in beauty pageants since 2012. She was the Philippines representative in Miss Intercontinental 2019, where she finished in the Top 20.

The first cut of tonight’s competition will see 20 delegates advance to the semifinal round, which also include the announcement of the delegate who will top the online poll for ‘Country’s Power of the Year.’

In an era of LED walls, laser beams, and viral concert clips, it’s easy to forget that the heart of live performance isn’t in the visuals but in the connection.

For Per Sørensen, the voice of Norwegian new wave band Fra Lippo Lippi, that’s the secret to staying relevant in today’s hyper-digital music scene. ‘Whether you’re an old geezer like me or a young artist,’ Sørensen told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent virtual interview, ‘it’s about being real, connecting with people. That’s much more important than trying to be some perfect artist. I’m not K-pop – but I love music, and I love new stuff. I love that they’re real.’

That authenticity is exactly what he plans to bring back to Manila during ‘The Voice of Fra Lippo Lippi’ concert on Oct. 24 at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque.

Sørensen hints that this year’s concert will be a little different – visually, at least. ‘I won’t give everything away,’ he teased, ‘but there will be more visuals. And some surprises.’

This time, he’s bringing his full Norwegian band – a first in his Philippine shows. ‘Since 2012, I’ve always brought my son with me on tour,’ he said. ‘But this time around, it’s my Norwegian band. They know the material really well. Of course, I’ve loved playing with local musicians here – but it just worked out this way. So yes, that’s something to look forward to.’

While he jokes that his Tagalog might not yet be concert-ready, he’s open to singing something local ‘if it’s a nice song.’

Filipino fans have always had a special relationship with Fra Lippo Lippi’s music – one that’s as enduring as the ’80s synth sound the band helped define. When asked which song resonates most with his audience here, Sørensen said: ‘It’s ‘Stitches and Burns.’ During the Cebu show, everyone stood up, waving their phones – that happens wherever we play. But of course, they also love ‘Beauty and Madness.”

Fans can expect all the hits, plus something new: ‘This Day This Time,’ a recent release that carries a touch of Christmas warmth. ‘It’s sort of a Christmas song, really,’ he said. ‘So that’s fine to add.’ Words for the next generation

Despite belonging to the same era as cassette tapes and power ballads, Sørensen’s advice to young songwriters still rings true. ‘Create something classic,’ he said. ‘Be honest. Don’t try to write a hit or adjust your work to please the fans. Write from your heart. If it connects with people, they will like it.’

If there’s one thing Sørensen never gets tired of, it’s performing for Filipino audiences. ‘It’s always about the people,’ he said. ‘You welcome us very warmly. You all sing – I love that. My drummer said last time, ‘This is fantastic. It’s unbelievable.”

Even offstage, he feels that warmth. ‘When I walk the streets, people come up to me and start singing the songs. You have karaoke everywhere here! I love it. I love the food, too.’

He recalled writing ‘Stay This Time’ with overseas Filipino workers in mind – ‘those who don’t see their families for years.’ It’s a song he hopes listeners take to heart.

Still playing, still connecting

After decades of touring, Sørensen remains eager to see more of the country. ‘I’ve been to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ormoc, Tacloban, Cebu, Laguna, Manila and Baguio,’ he said. ‘But I want to go to more places. Maybe Boracay next. Wouldn’t it be great to have a show on the beach?’

Tropical Storm Ramil has maintained its strength while moving west-northwestward over the mainland Bicol at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour (kph), the state weather bureau reported on Saturday evening.

In its 8 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Ramil is still packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 65 kph, with gustiness of 110 kph. Signal No. 2 was hoisted over the following areas:

Luzon:

Southeastern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue)

Southern portion of Quirino (Nagtipunan, Maddela)

Southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Alfonso Castañeda)

Northern and central portions of Aurora (Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Baler, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, San Luis)

Polillo Islands

Camarines Norte

Catanduanes

Northern and eastern portions of Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion, Sagñay, Tigaon)

Eastern portion of Albay (Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, City of Tabaco, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Manito, Tiwi, Malinao)

Northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon)

Visayas:

Northern portion of Northern Samar (Laoang, Pambujan, San Roque, Mondragon, Rosario, Lavezares, San Jose, Catarman, Bobon, Palapag)

Signal No. 1 Luzon:

Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

The rest of Isabela

The rest of Quirino

The rest of Nueva Vizcaya

Apayao

Abra

Kalinga

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Benguet

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Sur

La Union

Pangasinan

The rest of Aurora

Nueva Ecija

Eastern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael, Angat)

Eastern portion of Tarlac (Camiling, San Clemente, Santa Ignacia, Paniqui, Moncada, San Manuel, Anao, Ramos, Pura, Victoria, City of Tarlac, La Paz, Concepcion, Gerona)

Eastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba)

Northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Atimonan, Padre Burgos, Unisan, Gumaca, Plaridel, Agdangan, Pagbilao, Mauban, Calauag, Guinayangan, Lopez, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, San Narciso, Buenavista, San Francisco, San Andres, Mulanay, General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Sampaloc)

The rest of Camarines Sur

The rest of Albay

The rest of Sorsogon

Burias Island

Ticao Island

Visayas:

Northern Samar

Northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, San Policarpo, Oras, Arteche, Maslog)

Northern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, Calbayog City, Gandara, Santa Margarita, Pagsanghan, Tagapul-An, Almagro, Santo Niño, San Jose de Buan)

Ramil is forecast to continue moving west-northwestward over the landmass or coastal waters of Bicol Region this Saturday evening before emerging over the waters near Polillo Islands early morning on Sunday. It will then pass close to or over the Polillo Islands, then make a final landfall in the vicinity of Aurora on Sunday morning or early afternoon.

‘The possibility of landfall over northern Quezon or southern Isabela instead of Aurora is also not ruled out based on the forecast confidence cone,’ Pagasa said.

According to Pagasa, there is a possibility that Ramil will be downgraded to the tropical depression category while passing over the Bicol Region. Slight intensification is not ruled out before its landfall over Aurora.

During its passage over Northern Luzon, Ramil is expected to maintain strength or slightly weaken due to the frictional effects of mountainous terrain.

Emma Tiglao of the Philippines promised to ‘give her all’ as she prepared to compete in the Miss Grand International 2025 finale night on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hours before the coronation night, Tiglao took to Instagram to say that she was carrying with her the love of Filipinos as she stepped onto the grand stage.

‘As I walk down the Miss Grand International Grand Final stage tonight, I carry with me all the love, prayers, and the unbreakable Filipino spirit you’ve given me,’ she captioned her Instagram post that featured a video of her in an elaborate golden feather costume.

The 30-year-old beauty queen described her Miss Grand journey as one filled with purpose as she aims to give her best for her fellow Filipinos.

Citizens may start submitting complaints or reports on idle super health centers with the launch of the Department of Health (DOH) ‘Oplan Bantay Super Health’ on Monday.

Health Promotion Bureau Director Tina Marasigan on Saturday said that this complaint desk is part of DOH’s Citizen Participatory Audit.

‘The Department of Health receives reports about idle super health centers, that’s why the agency will launch Oplan Bantay Super Health on Lunes that will serve as a citizens’ complaint desk,’ Marasigan, speaking in Filipino, said in a segment on DZMM Teleradyo.

Marasigan said that citizens can send pictures or videos of what they observe as ‘idle’ hospitals in their areas. After his appearance at an inter-agency coordination meeting with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure on Friday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the number of non-operational super health centers across the country rose to 300. Herbosa submitted the list of these facilities to the probe body for further investigation.

During an inspection of a super health center in Marikina City, which he tagged as ‘non-operational,’ Herbosa revealed that 297 super health centers across the country are ‘non-operational or non-functional.’ He said that only phase one of the project, worth 21.5 million, was completed. The DOH also inspected another super health center in Antipolo City, which the agency tagged as completed but non-functional. The agency said that the over P18 million facility only began operating on Thursday, ahead of Herbosa’s visi,t despite being completed in 2024. /mr