Back-to-back: PH's Emma Mary Tiglao wins Miss Grand International 2025

Back-to-back: PH's Emma Mary Tiglao wins Miss Grand International 2025

Earl D.C. Bracamonte 
Philstar.com

October 18, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Emma Mary Tiglao bested 76 other international delegates to be crowned the 13th Miss Grand International at glitzy rites in Bangkok, Thailand.

It was technically a back-to-back victory, with outgoing queen, the Philippines' Christine Juliane "CJ"  Opiaza crowning the newscaster from Pampanga.

Finally, the Golden crown was won, fair and square. Emma's victory harks back to the near-wins of Nicole Cordoves in 2016 and Samantha Bernardo in 2020.

Sarunrat Puagpipat of Thailand was proclaimed 1st runner-up. The Thai beauty also won Best in Swimsuit and Best National Costume.

Aitana Carolina Jimenez of Spain, Faith Maria Porter of Ghana, and Hariman Battikha of Venezuela were named as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th runners-up, respectively.

Emma wore a custom burnt orange Rian Fernandez gown in the finals. The Kapampangan beauty also impressed with her final question-and-answer portion where they were asked: “Scammers are an online threat — a form of warfare often tied to human trafficking that has global consequences.Countries such as South Korea and the USA have launched severe crackdowns. What penalties do you think could help dismantle these operations?”

The beauty queen related her winning answer as a TV presenter. 

"As someone who reports this kind of stories, I really want to use the power of balance. Ask people to be educated and aware for us to not be scammed, and the help of the government to enhance their justice system for the scammers to be behind bars, to be accountable.

“'Cause one day I hope that we will live in a peaceful, peaceful world where no one should deceive just to survive," Emma answered. 

The other five semi-finalists who were all declared 5th runners-up were Laura Ramos (Colombia), who automatically joined the Top 10 through the Popular Vote; Marietta Norwickova (Czech Republic); Montserrat Villalva (Mexico), Best in Evening Gown; Ana Lendl (Guatemala), and Beatrice Alex Akyoo (Tanzania).

The other lucky delegates who made it to the first cut (Top 22) were Ivana Garcia (USA), Cecilia Romero (Paraguay), Sirisopha Phimmakaisone (Laos), Erika Ishibashi (Japan, one of two Miss Grand Talent recipients, alongside Miss Ghana), Harriote Iane (United Kingdom), Madelyn Mejia (Dominican Republic), Axelle Rene (Martinique), Vina Sitorius (Indonesia), Elisabeth Eva Mysyshyne (France), Anna Musonda (Zambia), Jane Baesen (Belgium), and Samantha Quenedit (Ecuador).

The other special award recipient was Vishakha Kanwar (India), one of three winners of the Best National Costume, alongside Misses Thailand and Brazil, Kaliana Diniz. On the other hand, the national directors of Dominican Republic (Golden Award), India (Silver Award), and Myanmar (Bronze Award), each received their individual distinctions.

Miss Grand International 2026 will be hosted by India, with pre-pageant activities in the cities of Jaipur, Agra, and New Delhi.

This is Emma's second bid for a back-to-back victory. The first one was in 2019 when she aimed for a consecutive victory, while representing the country in Egypt, after Karen Gallman won the Philippines' first Miss Intercontinental crown in 2018.

Hosted by Matthew Deane, the 13th Miss Grand International final show unfolded at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand. The fabulous state-of-the-art coronation rites was streamed live to a global audience through the GrandTV channel on YouTube. 

4 Filipino inventions to watch out for in the global market

4 Filipino inventions to watch out for in the global market

JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN
GMA Integrated News 
18 October 2025

Showcased during the culmination event of the Department of Science and Technology’s Project: PAGDAHAN in Muntinlupa were innovations and inventions made by Filipinos, who have since penetrated the global scene with their genius and creativity.

Here are 4 different noteworthy inventions to look out for:

1.  QBX-SMA

Made by Tekton GeoMetrix Inc, the QBX-SMA is a device that was made to be installed in commercial buildings. The machine’s purpose is to gather vibration data during earthquakes using highly sensitive sensors, which can immediately alert the building occupants about structural damage, corrective measures, and on-the-spot response to ongoing disasters.

The project is currently being used in some parts of the United States and El Salvador, and is now commercially available.

QBX-SMA gathers vibration data during earthquakes

2.  Parallax 3D

Parallax 3D is an engineering simulation system that uses mixed reality technology. Developed by Batangas State University and the National Engineering University, Parallax3D is an immersive platform for learning through a customized virtual laboratory.

Among its growing number of available virtual laboratories are biology laboratory (animal and plant cell), chemistry laboratory (distillation and filtration assembly), industry module (excavator control), and human anatomy.

Parallax 3D is an engineering simulation system that uses mixed reality technology

3.  Charging in Minutes (CharM) system

Established in 2019, the start-up company CHRG EV Technologies Inc. offers a Mode 4 fast-charging system of electric vehicles through lithium-ion battery technology, reducing a typical e-vehicles’ full charging time from 4-6 hours to only 30 minutes.

The station is ideal for charging e-trikes and e-jeepneys. The station comes complete with charging boxes, pods, vehicle control units and battery management systems.

CHRG EV Technologies Inc. offers a Mode 4 fast-charging system of electric vehicles through lithium-ion battery technology, reducing a typical e-vehicles’ full charging time from 4-6 hours to only 30 minutes

4.  Pili AdheSeal

The Pili Adheseal is a sealant with a non-toxic smell made of Pili Sap. The seal is strong enough to be used in aviation, and can even be converted into a fertilizer after use.

The seal had landed first prize at the 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Pili Adheseal is a sealant with a non-toxic smell made of Pili Sap. The seal is strong enough to be used in aviation, and can even be converted into a fertilizer after use

 

DOST’s Project Promoting Advanced DOST Technologies Across Global Horizons Through Amplified PR Strategies for International Exhibitions (PAGDAHAN) aims to showcase the global visibility efforts of DOST-developed and supported projects throughout the year. —LDF, GMA Integrated News

Philippines took home six titles at the 2025 World Travel Awards

Philippines bags 6 titles at 2025 World Travel Awards

GMA Integrated News
15 October 2025

The Philippines took home six titles at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) during the Asia and Oceania gala ceremony in Hong Kong on Monday. 

The country won Asia's Leading Beach Destination for the eighth time, 

Asia's Leading Dive Destination for the seventh time, 

and Asia's Leading Island Destination for the second time. 

It was also a back-to-back win for Boracay as it was awarded Asia's Leading Luxury Island Destination anew. 

Meanwhile, Clark Freeport Zone was recognized as Asia's Leading Meetings and Conference Destination, 

and the Philippines' Department of Tourism won Asia's Leading Tourist Board. 

"More than the recognition, this is a celebration of the people, especially our tourism frontliners—the guides, hospitality workers, weavers, boatmen, and countless others—whose warmth, hospitality, and resilience continue to inspire travelers from all over the globe,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a statement.

She also reaffirmed the DOT's commitment to bolster the Philippines' position as a top tourism destination. 

"We continue to empower our people with meaningful livelihood opportunities, foster sustainable growth in our local communities, and ensure that every traveler experiences the world-class warmth and hospitality that define the Filipino brand of service with excellence,” she said. 

In 2024, the Philippines hosted the 31st World Travel Awards, where it won eight titles: Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Island Destination, Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction (Intramuros), Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination (Boracay), and Asia's Leading Wedding Destination (Cebu), Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign (DOT's "Love the Philippines" campaign), and Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance (Frasco). 

Known as the Oscars of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards is a London-based organization established in 1993, acknowledging excellence in travel and tourism at national, regional, and global levels.

Philippines among top drivers of SE Asia’s RE growth

Philippines among top drivers of SE Asia’s RE growth

Story by Brix Lelis
Philstar Global
14 October 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has emerged as a leading catalyst in Southeast Asia’s renewable energy (RE) transition through 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.

The latest IEA report showed that the Philippines, alongside Vietnam and Indonesia, would boost the region’s RE surge, with major capacity gains expected between 2025 and 2030.

In particular, the Philippines is poised to add around 15 gigawatts (GW) of new RE capacity, with solar and onshore wind making up 90 percent of the expansion.

“This represents a five-GW (around 50 percent) increase over the previous forecast, owing to completed and ongoing competitive auctions,” the IEA said.

Recently, the Department of Energy (DOE) attracted over 9,400 megawatts (MW) of capacity during the fourth green energy auction (GEA-4) round, with delivery dates between 2026 and 2029.

GEA-4 covers ground-mounted solar, roof-mounted solar, floating solar, onshore wind and integrated solar with energy storage systems.

This followed the successful bidding of over 6,000 MW of impounding hydro, pumped storage hydro and geothermal contracts under GEA-3.

“If challenges such as grid connection delays, high financing costs, land access restrictions and permitting bottlenecks are addressed, growth could be 90 percent higher, putting the country on track to exceed its targeted 35 percent renewable electricity share by 2030,” the IEA said.

Currently, renewables account for only 22 percent of the Philippines’ power mix, with coal remaining dominant at about 63 percent.

To ensure the timely delivery of new RE projects, the DOE is looking to allow power producers to build associated transmission facilities.

The move is designed to support effective grid integration of new projects and address constraints in the transmission network.

Across the region, ASEAN countries are on track to add over 95 GW of new RE capacity over the next five years, the IEA said.

Notably, more than half of these additions are likely to come from solar photovoltaic projects.

According to the IEA, Vietnam leads ASEAN’s RE growth and accounts for over 40 percent of total capacity additions, followed by Indonesia at 20 percent.

Both countries are expected to accelerate their expansion efforts through 2030.

Philippines wins big at the World Expo with a Silver Award for Exhibition Design

Philippines wins big at the World Expo with a Silver Award for Exhibition Design 

Manila Standard
13 October 2025

OSAKA, JAPAN — The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka received the Silver  Award for Exhibition Design, recognizing its outstanding creativity,  craftsmanship, and visitor experience. 

Philippine Pavilion Committee Head for Central Information Raquel Tria-Joya (L) receives the Silver  Award for Exhibition Design at the World Expo 2025 Osaka. Together with her on stage are representatives from Poland (gold) and Austria (bronze). 

Presented by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) — the organization that oversees and regulates World Expos — the award honors self-built pavilions with plots under 1,500 square meters that demonstrate exceptional exhibit design and storytelling. 

On the same day, the Philippines also held the official closing ceremony of its  Pavilion, celebrating six months of cultural exchange and collaboration. The  event, held at the heart of the Yumeshima site, gathered dignitaries, partners,  artists, and visitors in a vibrant tribute filled with messages of gratitude, unity,  and forward vision — a fitting close to a Pavilion that left a lasting mark on global  audiences. 

Since opening its doors in April, the Philippine Pavilion has welcomed over 1.1M  visitors, serving as a dynamic platform to showcase the country’s creativity,  craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability and community. Under the  theme “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future,”  the Pavilion stood out as a multisensory experience that combined AI-powered  installations, traditional weaves, culinary showcases, and live performances.

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines Chief Operating Officer and Secretary-General of the Philippine Organizing Committee Margarita Montemayor Nograles led the closing program. It was also attended by Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano of the Philippine Embassy in Japan and Tourism Undersecretary Myra Abbubakar reading the keynote speech of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. 

Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer and Philippine Organizing Committee Secretary General Marga Nograles with the Silver Award for Exhibition Design at the World Expo 2025 Osaka 

From the very beginning, when this was just an idea drawn on paper, we knew that the Philippine Pavilion was going to be more than just a physical structure. It was going to be our nation’s heartbeat at Expo 2025 — a living expression of who we are: strong, creative, and bound by community. And now, as the curtains close, I stand before you are knowing — with all certainty — that we did not just build a Pavilion. 

We built pride. We built hope. We built a home for the Filipino spirit — here in Japan, and in the eyes of the world.”

The Philippines wins big at the World Expo, bagging the Silver Award for Exhibition Design.  

A Legacy That Lives On 

Designed as the first-ever live performance façade for the Philippines in World  Expo history, the Pavilion featured over 200 handwoven panels created by  Filipino weaving communities across all 18 regions of the country — the largest  collaboration of its kind. Inside, 18 large-scale handwoven art pieces, the  generative algorithm-powered “Dancing with Nature” experience, AI  photobooths, Habi Shop, and the Hilot wellness corner engaged guests in an  immersive journey through Philippine nature, culture, and healing traditions.

The Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 Osaka 

As part of the Pavilion’s second life, its key elements will be repatriated to the National Museum of the Philippines and select regional sites. Plans are also underway for the use of some of the elements in the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and Travex which will be held in Cebu in January 2026, extending the Pavilion’s impact beyond Expo. 

Inside the Philippine Pavilion was a blend of modernity and tradition. Featuring 18 large-scale handwoven art pieces representing each of the country’s regions, the generative-algorithm-powered “Dancing with Nature” installation, AI photobooths, and a dedicated Hilot Wellness Center, the Pavilion offered a multi-sensory journey that reimagined the Philippines as a nation where heritage and innovation go hand-in-hand.

A Platform for People, Partnerships, and Possibility 

Throughout Expo 2025, the Philippine Pavilion served as a hub for cultural  diplomacy, trade networking, and tourism promotion. From the Philippine  National Day festivities to the MICE roadshow and investor meetings, the Expo  participation catalyzed cross-sector partnerships that will continue long after the  Expo gates close. 

With Japan as one of the Philippines’ top tourism and trade partners, the Pavilion  also played a key role in strengthening bilateral ties — fostering new  collaborations with Japanese prefectures, travel agencies, media, and cultural  institutions. 

Looking Ahead 

As the Philippines closes this remarkable chapter in Osaka, the message is clear:  the work continues. Through community-based tourism, heritage-driven  storytelling, and strategic partnerships, the country remains committed to  positioning the Philippines as both a destination and a nation that’s rich in heart,  history, and hope.  

_______________________________________________________________

THE TEAMS BEHIND THE PAVILION 

The Philippine Organizing Committee—led by the Department of Tourism and the  Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines—commissioned a visionary design  team, with Carlo Calma Consultancy, Inc. as Lead Architectural Firm and Designer;  Chochay Garcia as Creative Producer; Architect Yuki Kanou as Executive Architect  and Lead Project Manager; and Tellart as Guest Experience Designer.

Three PH islands among Asia's top islands in Conde Nast Traveler 2025

Boracay, Palawan, Siargao voted among Asia's 'top islands' in Condé Nast Traveler

GMA Integrated News
13 October 2025

Three Philippine islands, namely Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, have once again made it to Condé Nast Traveler's (CNT) Top 10 Islands in Asia in its 2025 Readers' Choice Awards.

As seen on the US-based luxury and lifestyle travel magazine's website, Boracay ranked fourth with a score of 90.54, while Palawan landed fifth with 90.23. Siargao, meanwhile, took the seventh spot, earning 85.49 points.

Here is the complete list of Condé Nast Traveler's Top 10 Islands in Asia for 2025:

• Phú Quoc, Vietnam 95.51
• Langkawi, Malaysia 92.99
• Koh Samui, Thailand 92.7
• Boracay, Philippines 90.54
• Palawan, Philippines 90.23
• Bali, Indonesia 89.84
• Siargao, Philippines 85.49
• Andaman Islands, India 85.33
• Phuket, Thailand 84.62
• Phi Phi Islands, Thailand 83.27

According to CNT, over 700,000 readers have cast their votes in the annual Readers' Choice Awards survey.

In 2024, Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Siargao were voted CNT's Top 10 islands in Asia, placing third, sixth, eighth, and 10th, respectively.

Boracay, located in the municipality of Malay, Aklan, is renowned for its pristine white beaches and stunning sunsets.

Palawan, an archipelagic province located in Southern Luzon, is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush tropical landscapes, and idyllic white-sand beaches and has long been celebrated for its responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

Meanwhile, Siargao, located in Surigao del Norte province, is a surfer's paradise and a favorite among the global surfing community.

 —Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News