Filipino Culture Takes Center Stage at Miss Grand International
Emma Tiglao, the Pampanga-born beauty queen, is turning heads at Miss Grand International not only for her poise but for a bold celebration of Filipino craftsmanship. Ahead of her closed-door interviews in Thailand, she chose a look that marries tradition with contemporary style, highlighting how culture and resilience can shine on the global stage.
A Solihiya Ensemble with a Modern Twist
Emma stepped into the interview room in a white pantsuit with a matching tube top that featured the sunburst-style solihiya pattern. While solihiya is traditionally seen in woven furniture and decorative screens, Emma’s outfit reframed the motif as wearable art, offering a fresh dimension of modern Filipiniana. The pattern’s lattice-like geometry lent a crisp, elegant silhouette to the ensemble, balancing tradition with a contemporary, high-fashion sensibility.
According to Emma, the solihiya look is more than a fashion choice—it’s a statement about creativity, craftsmanship, and national identity. The outfit underscored an important message: Filipino artistry is alive in every thread and weave, ready to be showcased on the world’s most prestigious stage.
A Dress Crafted by Hands with a Story
The ensemble carries a powerful provenance. Emma revealed on social media that the outfit was handcrafted by the resident basket weaver inmates of BJMP San Fernando City Jail. The project was designed by Rich Sabinian and reflects a broader narrative about dignity, rehabilitation, and the value of human craftsmanship. Emma described the garment as a reminder of “the strength, creativity, and resilience that define us as Filipinos.”
In the fashion-forward world of pageantry, such collaborations between designers, inmates, and communities add depth to the dress and the person wearing it. The story behind the outfit resonates with many viewers who see value in every artisan’s contribution, including those who are incarcerated and often overlooked.
Filipino Flavors for Judges: A Taste of Home
Before sitting down for her interview, Emma shared a small, symbolic token with the judges—a gift of polvoron boxes that she described as a taste of Filipino hospitality. The delicacy, largely made in the Philippines, was prepared with help from her family. Emma noted that her mom and sister crafted the polvoron while her dad assisted with personalized touches, reflecting the strong family ties that anchor many Filipinos across generations.
The generosity of sharing food is a cherished Filipino tradition, and in the high-stakes environment of a beauty pageant, these small acts of kindness can stand out as memorable, culturally rich moments that travel far beyond the event floor.
Emma’s Mission: Culture, Confidence, and Representation
With Miss Grand International 2025 underway in Thailand, Emma Tiglao is clear about her mission: bring Filipino culture directly to the competition and, by extension, to a global audience. The solihiya ensemble, the polvoron, and the story of the inmate-made garment together create a narrative that transcends fashion. They illustrate how tradition, labor, and family support weave a fabric of resilience that is distinctly Filipino.
As Emma prepares for the coronation on October 18, she embodies a blend of grace, cultural pride, and social awareness. Her approach—grounded in authentic storytelling and meaningful connections—offers a compelling example of how national identity can be celebrated on the international stage.
Looking Ahead
Whether or not she takes home the crown, Emma Tiglao’s chosen symbols—solihiya-inspired couture, polvoron hospitality, and the inclusive story of inmates’ craftsmanship—leave a lasting impression. They remind viewers that beauty pageants can be platforms for cultural exchange, rehabilitation narratives, and a celebration of Filipino artistry that travels far beyond borders.
