Emma Mary Tiglao (born December 8, 1994, in Mabalacat, Pampanga) is a Filipino actress, model, journalist, news anchor, television presenter, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Grand International 2025. She is the second Filipina Miss Grand International and the first back-to-back winner in the history of the competition, following CJ Opiaza, the 2024 titleholder (The Philippine Star, 2025a). Tiglao was previously crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025, representing Pampanga (PEP.ph, 2025). Earlier in her career, she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas – Intercontinental 2019 and represented the Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2019 in Egypt, where she placed in the Top 20 (GMA Network, 2025a).
Tiglao began competing in beauty pageants at the age of 13, with her first foray being a competition at her school. After a decade in pageantry, she initially said goodbye to the scene but made a comeback in 2025 after six years away (The Philippine Star, 2025b). On July 1, 2025, she became an official candidate for Miss Grand Philippines 2025, representing Pampanga. During the coronation night, she wore a custom gown by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez (GMA Network, 2025b). At the end of the event, she was crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025.
As the country’s representative at the Miss Grand International 2025 pageant held in Thailand on October 18, 2025, Tiglao was fast-tracked into the Top 20 by winning the “Country’s Power of the Year” award [citation needed]. She went on to win the competition and was crowned by compatriot and outgoing queen CJ Opiaza, marking the first-ever back-to-back win for the Philippines in Miss Grand International history (The Philippine Star, 2025a). She also won the Global Beauties’ Expert Choice Award [citation needed].
Before becoming a news anchor, Tiglao worked as a model in Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan [citation needed]. She is currently a news anchor for Eagle Broadcasting Corporation’s primetime program Mata ng Agila and one of the main hosts of Kada Umaga on Net 25 since 2021 (GMA Network, 2025a).
She also appeared in the film No Boyfriend Since Birth (2015) [citation needed] and has participated in various television programs. Tiglao graduated from Holy Angel University in Angeles City with a degree in International Tourism Management (2014) (GMA Network, 2025a). After graduation, she worked as a model-ambassador for a hotel in Cambodia.
Central to Emma’s mission is her advocacy for peace. During the Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Q&A segment, she addressed the question: “If peace could be packaged as a product, how would you convince world leaders to buy it?” Her response highlighted the importance of diplomacy, understanding, and collective action
Emma Mary Tiglao’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From a young girl in Pampanga to a global ambassador for peace, her story continues to inspire many to embrace their potential and strive for greatness despite obstacles.
The Philippine Star. (2025a, October 18). Back-to-back: PH’s Emma Mary Tiglao wins Miss Grand International 2025.
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/2025/10/18/2480960/back-back-phs-emma-mary-tiglao-wins-miss-grand-international-2025
The Philippine Star. (2025b, August 26). Over a decade of pageantry: Pageant veteran Emma Tiglao makes grand comeback.
https://www.philstar.com/fashion-and-beauty/2025/08/26/2468219/over-decade-pageantry-pageant-veteran-emma-tiglao-makes-grand-comeback
PEP.ph. (2025, August 25). Emma Mary Tiglao crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025.
https://www.pep.ph/news/local/emma-mary-tiglao-miss-grand-philippines-2025-a712-20250825
GMA Network. (2025a, August 27). Who is Emma Tiglao? Get to know our Miss Grand Philippines 2025.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/957120/who-is-emma-tiglao-get-to-know-our-miss-grand-philippines-2025/story
GMA Network. (2025b, October 19). A closer look at Emma Tiglao’s Miss Grand International 2025 gown by Rian Fernandez.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/shoppingandfashion/962939/a-closer-look-at-emma-tiglao-s-miss-grand-international-2025-gown/story