Philippines shines with historic back-to-back wins at Miss Grand International

In just 13 years of competing at Miss Grand International (MGI) — one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants — the Philippines has risen as a formidable force, earning eight impressive placements and now, two historic crowns.

What began with Annalie Forbes’s breakthrough 3rd runner-up finish in 2013 has grown into a legacy defined by perseverance, poise and the unbreakable spirit of the Filipina. Each year, the nation’s representatives have stood on the MGI stage with unmatched grace and eloquence, carrying the colors of the Philippines with pride.

A legacy of excellence

From Parul Shah (3rd runner-up, 2015) to Nicole Cordoves (1st runner-up, 2016), and Elizabeth Clenci (2nd runner-up, 2017), each queen left her mark on the competition, elevating the standard for future representatives.

In 2020, Samantha Bernardo came close to capturing the elusive crown as 1st runner-up, while Roberta Tamondong (2022) made headlines after being promoted to 5th runner-up — a rare and symbolic recognition of her strong performance despite not advancing to the Top 10.

Then came the years that redefined history: CJ Opiaza (2024) and Emma Mary Tiglao (2025) — two consecutive victories that placed the Philippines in a league of its own.

A historic back-to-back win

CJ Opiaza’s triumph in 2024, following the resignation of the original titleholder, opened the golden door. A year later, Emma Tiglao’s radiant win in Bangkok sealed the Philippines’ place in pageant history. Their back-to-back victories mark the first time any country has achieved such a feat in Miss Grand International’s timeline — a moment of pride not just for pageant fans, but for the entire nation.

More than crowns — a testament of spirit

The Philippines’ journey in MGI is more than a list of placements; it is a story of resilience and unity. Each Filipina who graced the stage carried with her the collective dreams of a country that celebrates beauty with purpose. From the first runner-ups to the crowned queens, every step has built a legacy that glows with confidence, compassion and strength.

As the golden glow of Emma Tiglao’s victory lights the path forward, one truth remains clear: the Philippines stands tall, radiant and unstoppable — forever Grand and glorious on the world stage.