Emma Tiglao Calls for Support in Miss Grand International 2025 “Best National Costume” Vote — Show Your Love for the Lunar Empress of Pampanga!

As the countdown begins to the Miss Grand International 2025 coronation night in Bangkok, Thailand, the Philippines’ pride, Emma Mary Tiglao, is once again capturing hearts — this time as the dazzling “Lunar Empress of Pampanga.” The 30-year-old beauty queen is calling on her countrymen and supporters around the world to unite and vote for her in the online competition for “Best National Costume”, where audience support could help secure her spot among the frontrunners.

🌙 The Lunar Empress of Pampanga

During the National Costume Competition held on October 13 in Bangkok, Tiglao took to the stage wearing a breathtaking ensemble titled “Mayari: The Lunar Empress of Pampanga.” The masterpiece was inspired by Mayari, the Kapampangan goddess of the moon — a powerful symbol of beauty, equality, and feminine strength in Philippine mythology.

Designed by Filipino artist and visionary Kenneth Ramil Quiñanola, the costume fused modern craftsmanship with rich Filipino heritage. It featured a sculpted silver-and-blue bodice representing moonlight, paired with an intricately detailed skirt that shimmered like waves under a midnight sky. Completing the look was an ornate headdress resembling a crescent moon — a regal crown that made Tiglao appear both celestial and commanding.

“I wanted to embody the strength and grace of the Filipino woman through Mayari,” Tiglao said in an interview after the event. “She is radiant, calm, and powerful — just like the women who continue to uplift our country every day.”

As she walked the stage, every movement of her costume reflected light, evoking the mystical glow of moonbeams — earning loud cheers from Filipino fans in the audience and an outpouring of admiration online.

💫 A Symbol of Power and Equality

In Kapampangan folklore, Mayari is the daughter of Bathala, the supreme god of the Tagalog pantheon, and the goddess of the moon who represents equality and feminine resilience. The costume’s concept celebrated this cultural myth, while also mirroring Tiglao’s own story — a woman who has risen through challenges with unwavering determination.

“The moon symbolizes transformation,” Tiglao explained. “It has phases, just like us. We go through light and darkness, but we always rise again — brighter each time.”

Her message resonated deeply with fans, especially women who found inspiration in Tiglao’s blend of grace, intelligence, and strength. The costume wasn’t just a visual spectacle — it was a storytelling moment that reflected the spirit of a modern Filipina who shines even in adversity.

👑 The Call to Support

As part of Miss Grand International’s interactive format, fans can help their favorite contestants advance by participating in online voting categories such as “Best National Costume” and “Country’s Power of the Year.” For the costume category, supporters are encouraged to react with a ❤️ (heart) and share Emma’s official photo on the Miss Grand International Facebook page before October 15, 10 P.M. (Thailand time).

The “Country’s Power of the Year” poll, meanwhile, allows only two delegates from each group to move forward, based on fan engagement. Both categories could play a crucial role in determining which contestants will gain extra visibility and recognition leading up to the grand coronation.

“Every vote counts,” Tiglao said in a heartfelt message to her followers. “Your love, your support — that’s my strength. I’m carrying the flag of our country, and I’m doing it with all my heart.”

Filipinos from across the world have since rallied behind her, flooding social media with the hashtag #VoteForEmma and messages of pride. Swiftly, her post became one of the most shared entries on the competition’s official page, with fans describing her as “ethereal,” “majestic,” and “a living goddess of light.”

🇵🇭 A Legacy of Beauty and Purpose

Emma Tiglao’s Miss Grand International journey is not her first time on the pageant stage — but it may be her most defining one. Crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025, she follows in the footsteps of CJ Opiaza, who made history by winning the Miss Grand International 2024 crown — the Philippines’ first-ever victory in the competition.

Tiglao now aims to achieve what no one has done before: bringing home a back-to-back win for the country. But beyond the competition, she says her goal is much deeper.

“This journey is not just about beauty or crowns,” she shared. “It’s about inspiring people to see their own light. I want to be a reminder that dreams are never too late, and every challenge can be turned into strength.”

Her preparation has been meticulous. Guided by her mentor Arnold Vegafria, with styling by Vhee Co and runway training from Mommy Gie Garrido, Tiglao has devoted herself to perfecting every detail — from wardrobe to mindset. Her team has described her as “focused, humble, and deeply connected to her purpose.”

🌕 A Show-Stopping Performance

At the October 13 event, Tiglao’s performance as the “Lunar Empress” was met with thunderous applause. Videos of her presentation quickly went viral, earning admiration from both local and international audiences.

“Emma’s costume is a visual poem,” one fan commented. “Every movement was art. You could feel the power of the moon in her presence.”

Even pageant critics took note. Several beauty analysts praised the craftsmanship of the design and Tiglao’s commanding stage presence, calling her one of the strongest contenders in this year’s competition.

With 77 candidates vying for the Miss Grand International 2025 crown, every detail — from costume to personality — can make the difference. And in the eyes of many, Emma Tiglao has already proven she possesses both artistry and authenticity.

💕 From Pampanga to the World

Born and raised in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Tiglao has always carried her roots with pride. Her decision to highlight Kapampangan mythology in her national costume wasn’t just a creative choice — it was a love letter to her heritage.

“I wanted the world to see who we are as Filipinos — resilient, radiant, and rooted in faith and creativity,” she said.

Her story echoes the moon goddess she represents: a woman who rises above darkness, reflecting light back to others.

As the voting continues and anticipation builds for the October 18 coronation night, Filipinos everywhere are uniting to support their “Lunar Empress,” believing she has what it takes to once again bring glory to the Philippines.

🌸 A Queen with Heart

In the end, Emma Tiglao’s Mayari: The Lunar Empress of Pampanga is more than just a national costume — it’s a symbol of identity, empowerment, and unity.

Through her grace, intelligence, and authenticity, Tiglao reminds us that true beauty isn’t measured by crowns or votes, but by the light one brings into the world.

“The moon doesn’t compete with the sun,” she said with a smile. “It shines when it’s time.”

And as the world turns its gaze toward Bangkok on October 18, the Philippines will be watching — hearts full, fingers ready to vote, and spirits high — for the woman who shines brightest under the moonlight: Emma Tiglao, the Lunar Empress of Pampanga.