Emma Mary Francisco Tiglao is a Filipina model, television host, journalist, and celebrated beauty queen whose steady rise from Pampanga to the national — and international — stage has made her one of the Philippines’ most recognizable pageant and media personalities.
Her journey spans early provincial contests, multiple national pageant campaigns, a stint in broadcast journalism, and major pageant successes that continued into 2025.
Early life and education
Born on December 8, 1994 in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Emma Tiglao grew up in a family rooted in Kapampangan culture. She studied at Holy Angel University where she completed a degree in International Tourism Management — a background that later complemented her international modeling and hosting work. These formative experiences shaped her confidence onstage and her interest in media and travel-related topics.
The early pageant circuit: learning the ropes
Emma’s pageant path began with local and national pageants. She first gained notice in Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012, where she finished as first runner-up — an early sign that pageantry could be a path forward. She later competed in Binibining Pilipinas (2014) and Miss World Philippines (2015), steadily building skills: public speaking, stage presence, and an ability to connect with judges and audiences alike. These early campaigns were critical training grounds that prepared her for larger titles.
Breakthrough: Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019
A major turning point came in 2019 when Tiglao won the title Binibining Pilipinas — Intercontinental at the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night. She also took home special recognitions during the pageant, which amplified her visibility in the national pageant scene. That win qualified her to represent the Philippines at Miss Intercontinental 2019, where she placed among the top contestants — another credential that expanded her international profile.
Miss Intercontinental 2019 and stepping onto the international stage
At the Miss Intercontinental 2019 pageant in Egypt, Emma advanced to the Top 20 and won side awards that highlighted her popularity and stage charisma. Her performance on that global stage proved she could represent the Philippines with poise and competitiveness — a reputation that followed her through subsequent years in media and pageantry.
Media career: journalism, hosting, and modeling
Beyond pageants, Emma has worked extensively as a model across Asia, appearing in shows and campaigns in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan. She transitioned into broadcast media and joined Eagle Broadcasting Corporation as a news anchor on Mata ng Agila and became a host on Net 25’s morning program Kada Umaga. Her media work reinforced her public-facing skills and broadened her career beyond pageantry into journalism and television hosting.
A comeback and national crown: Miss Grand Philippines 2025
After a period away from competitive pageantry (she had previously announced a pause), Tiglao returned to stage competition in 2025 — this time as a candidate for Miss Grand Philippines representing Pampanga. Her experience, stagecraft, and media presence helped her secure the national crown, positioning her to compete at Miss Grand International later that year.
Historic international achievement: Miss Grand International 2025
In October 2025 Emma Tiglao achieved a career-defining milestone: she won Miss Grand International 2025, giving the Philippines a back-to-back victory following the previous Filipina winner. Her path through the competition included winning fast-track or popularity-based recognitions and advancing through semifinal rounds to ultimately claim the crown — a historic moment celebrated by Philippine pageant fans and national media.
Style, advocacy and public persona
Emma’s public image mixes classic pageant glamor with a modern media-savvy persona. She often highlights advocacies linked to youth empowerment, responsible tourism, and community development — consistent with her academic background in tourism and her experience as a public figure. As a host and news anchor she’s known for being poised and articulate, and as a beauty queen she blends performance with cause-driven messaging.
Filmography, endorsements and public projects
Though primarily known for pageants and hosting, Tiglao has made appearances on television programs and commercials, and participates in endorsements and public events. These activities help sustain her visibility between pageants and reinforce her brand as both media talent and ambassador for lifestyle and beauty brands.
Timeline — Quick facts & milestones
- Born: December 8, 1994, Mabalacat, Pampanga.
- Education: BS in International Tourism Management, Holy Angel University.
- Pageant highlights: Mutya ng Pilipinas (1st RU, 2012), Binibining Pilipinas competitor (2014), Miss World Philippines (4th Princess, 2015), Binibining Pilipinas — Intercontinental winner (2019).
- International placements: Top 20, Miss Intercontinental 2019.
- National crown (comeback): Miss Grand Philippines 2025.
- International crown: Miss Grand International 2025 (historic back-to-back win for the Philippines).
FAQs
Who is Emma Tiglao?
Emma Mary Francisco Tiglao is a Filipina model, television host, journalist, and beauty queen known for national titles and recent international success.
When and where was Emma Tiglao born?
She was born on December 8, 1994 in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Philippines.
What pageant titles has she won?
Nationally, she won Binibining Pilipinas — Intercontinental in 2019 and Miss Grand Philippines 2025; internationally, she finished Top 20 at Miss Intercontinental 2019 and won Miss Grand International 2025.
Has Emma worked in media?
Yes — she’s worked as a news anchor on Mata ng Agila and as a host on Kada Umaga, among other TV appearances.
What is her educational background?
Emma studied International Tourism Management at Holy Angel University.
What advocacies does she support?
Her public advocacies emphasize youth empowerment, responsible tourism, and community development.
Is Emma active on social media?
Yes — she maintains active social accounts and engages fans on platforms such as Instagram.
Conclusion
Emma Tiglao’s story is a clear example of steady career building: from local pageants and regional modeling work to national crowns, broadcast media, and an international title in 2025. Her blend of poise, media skill, and advocacy has made her a versatile public figure — one who continues to represent the Philippines on global stages while using her platform for causes she values. Whether you follow pageants, Philippine media, or inspiring career transformations, Emma’s biography shows persistence, reinvention, and the real-world impact of combining talent with purpose.