While Myrna Esguerra fell short of winning the Miss International 2025 crown, representing the country in the prestigious pageant symbolizes her journey from obscurity and deprivation to prominence and recognition.
Growing up in a poor family in a remote countryside in Pidigan, Abra, with her sixteen siblings, Esguerra struggled through hardship and adversity but took it as a foundation for hard work, resilience, and eventual success.
“I was not expecting that Bb. Pilipinas would give me a welcome homecoming like this. We did a parade around the mall with an accompanying band. I’m very grateful. You made me feel that I’m really a diamond queen. Thank you for this opportunity and platform, which I will remember for the rest of my life,” Esguerra said during the press conference held after the parade.
Esguerra was joined at the parade by her fellow Bb. Pilipinas queens, Bb. Pilipinas-International 2025 Katrina Johnson, Bb. Pilipinas 2025 first runner-up Dalia Khattab, and Bb. Pilipinas 2025 second runner-up Kathleen Espenido.
Esguerra’s fourth runner-up finish places her in an elite company of five others, which include Evelyn Camus (2nd RU–Miss International 1971), Yogi Dominguez (2nd RU–Miss International 1972), Marilen Ojeda (4th RU–Miss International 1973), Ahtisa Manalo (1st RU–Miss International 2018), and Nicole Borromeo (3rd RU–Miss International 2023).
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Winning Miss Grand International 2025 has opened doors of opportunities for Emma Mary Tiglao. She has gained a massive following among pageant fans around the world after her crowning.
With her classic beauty and elegance, the TV host/news anchor also bagged several beauty product endorsements, including the latest as the new brand ambassador of Hikari Skin Essentials.
Miss Grand Philippines, headed by national director and ALV Pageant Circle president Arnold Vegafria, has partnered with Beauty & U, makers of Hilary products, calling it a much-deserved blessing and reward for Emma.
“The brand perfectly matches Emma’s fun, bubbly, and vibrant personality. We aim to inspire women to feel more confident, glow from within, and choose safe, high-quality products that truly care for their skin,” said brand CEO S. Ralph Lim.
“Through our partnership with Queen Emma and the Miss Grand Philippines organization, we hope to inspire confidence, positivity, and self-care among women everywhere. This collaboration allows us to share our message of empowerment and make safe, top-quality skincare more accessible to a wider audience,” added brand president Michael Rey Almazan.
