Emma Tiglao

Emma Mary Francisco Tiglao (; born December 8, 1994) 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 in the history of the competition, following CJ Opiaza the year prior.

Tiglao was previously crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025. In 2019, she was also crowned Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019, and represented the Philippines at the Miss Intercontinental 2019 pageant in Egypt, where she finished in the top 20.

Early life and education

Emma Mary Francisco Tiglao was born on December 8, 1994, as the youngest of four children of Antonio and Isabelita Tiglao in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines. Tiglao attended Holy Angel University in Angeles City, and graduated in the dean's list with a degree in International Tourism Management in 2014. She then worked as a model-ambassador for a hotel in Cambodia.

Pageantry Tiglao began competing in beauty pageants at the age of 13, with her first foray being a competition at her school.

Miss World Philippines 2015

In 2015, Tiglao entered Miss World Philippines 2015 and was proclaimed the fourth princess.

Miss Midori Clark 2018 In 2018, Tiglao entered Miss Midori Clark 2018 and was proclaimed 1st-runner up.

Binibining Pilipinas 2019

Tiglao competed in and won Binibining Pilipinas 2019 on June 9, 2019, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. She won two special awards during the ceremony; Best in National Costume and Miss Pizza Hut. She was crowned by the previous winner, Karen Gallman, Miss Intercontinental 2018.

Miss Intercontinental 2019

Tiglao represented the Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2019 on December 20, 2019, in Egypt and finished in the top 20. She also won the Miss Popularity and Miss May Care awards.

In 2022, Tiglao confirmed that she was leaving beauty pageantry.

Miss Grand Philippines 2025

In 2025, Tiglao announced her return to pageantry after six years. On July 1, 2025, she became an official candidate of the Miss Grand Philippines 2025 representing Pampanga.

At the coronation night, she wore a gown by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez. At the end of the event, she was crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025.

Miss Grand International 2025

Tiglao represented the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2025 pageant in Thailand on October 18, 2025. She was fast-tracked into the top 20 by winning the "Country's Power of the Year". On the finals night, Emma wore a custom gown by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez. The gown was rendered in a burnt‑orange / molten‑gold hue, intended to evoke a phoenix rising from the ashes — symbolic of “rebirth” and triumph.

Tiglao went on to win the competition, and was crowned by compatriot and outgoing queen CJ Opiaza, heralding the first-ever back-to-back win for the Philippines and in the history of the Miss Grand International competition. Tiglao also won the "Global Beauties' Expert Choice Award" by the said beauty pageant portal and community.

Filmography

Television Year Title Role 2019 Rated K Guest Magandang Buhay The Bottomline with Boy Abunda 2020–2023 Mata ng Agila News anchor 2021–2025 Kada Umaga Host 2023 Mata ng Agila sa Tanghali News anchor

Movies

TV commercials

Music videos TitleYearDirector(s)"Paruparo" (with Bini)2026Kerbs Balagtas