Miss Grand International 2025 queen Emma Mary Tiglao poked fun at the viral “trentahin” trend during her emotional farewell at the Miss Grand International (MGI) 2026 coronation night on Saturday, October 10.
“Papa, thank you so much for letting a 30-year-old woman dream again. Believe again. Salamat pinarampa mo ang trentahin,” Tiglao told MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil, drawing laughter from pageant fans.
The 30-year-old beauty queen also announced that she was officially ending her pageant career, describing her final walk as the culmination of 13 years of perseverance, setbacks, and personal growth.
“There's a long journey before I got to this grandest chapter. 13 years of waiting, becoming, learning, failing, falling, and getting back up again before I got, or we got, the thirteenth MGI crown,” she said.
Tiglao reflected on how years of near victories eventually led to her breakthrough, describing the experience as turning every “almost” into an unforgettable “finally.”
During her reign, the Filipina queen expanded her presence beyond pageantry, walking at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks in creations by Filipino designer Leo Almodal. She also co-produced the short film Ulayaw with Miss Grand International 2025 first runner-up Sarunrat Puagpipat, also known as Gotchabell.
She also spearheaded charitable initiatives, including “Closet for a Cause,” which brought together fellow beauty queens to donate pre-loved items, with proceeds benefiting the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health.
Despite facing criticism and being underestimated, Tiglao said she remained focused on the legacy she wanted to leave behind.
“I realized that I've been criticized, belittled, underestimated, but at the end of the day, it's not about pleasing people; it's about leaving a legacy that speaks louder than the criticism,” she said.
She also thanked Filipinos for standing by her throughout her reign.
“Pilipinas, maraming salamat ipinaglaban niyo ako dahil ipinaglaban ko rin kayo, hanggang sa dulo,” she added, expressing her commitment to continue standing up for the country.
Tiglao made history by winning the Philippines' second consecutive Miss Grand International crown in 2025, following CJ Opiaza's victory in 2024.
However, the country's bid for a historic three-peat ended at the 2026 competition, as Philippine representative Angelica Lopez finished in the Top 25. Tanzania's Jihan Dimack ultimately claimed the crown, succeeding Tiglao as the new Miss Grand International.
As she passed on the title, Tiglao encouraged her successor to embrace the experience despite the challenges that come with the crown.
“I hope that you will embrace and enjoy your journey. It will not be smooth; the crown is heavy—literally and figuratively—but I hope that you will just enjoy your journey,” she said.
“Thank you for letting me live my grandest dream,” Tiglao added, closing her pageant career with gratitude and pride in the Philippines' back-to-back victories.
