Nawat Itsaragrisil was received in the Philippines like a star, a few days after the final of MGI All Stars 2026, held in Bangkok, Thailand. The head of Miss Grand International appeared before an adoring audience, whom he thanked on Instagram: “I’m so proud of you, Philippines”. The video quickly circulated in beauty pageant fan communities, which are particularly powerful in the Philippines.
Alongside the MGI queens
Nawat was not alone at this moment. He appeared as part of the Reina Filipinas launch, surrounded by figures from the Miss Grand universe: Emma Tiglao, Miss Grand International 2025, Christine Juliane Opiaza, Miss Grand International 2024, Vanessa Pulgarin, first winner of MGI All Stars 2026, Gazini Ganados, MGI All Stars Top 5 finalist, and Keylyn Trajano, Filipino candidate for the 2026 edition.
MGI All Stars, the new format launched from Thailand
Nawat's presence in the Philippines follows the first edition of Miss Grand International All StarsA new format linked to the Miss Grand International ecosystem. The competition brought together candidates who had already participated in national or international competitions. The final was held in Bangkok on May 30th.
The MGI All Stars 2026 judging panel was conceived as a truly international cast, featuring eight individuals from the worlds of pageants, entertainment, and entrepreneurship: Lupita Jones, Miss Universe 1991; Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005; Abena Akuaba, Miss Grand International 2020; Isabella Menin, Miss Grand International 2022; Omar Harfouch, composer and businessman; Osmel Sousa, a historical figure in Venezuelan beauty pageants; Psi Scott, a Thai-Scottish activist dedicated to marine conservation; and Jojo Bragais, a highly influential Filipino designer in the pageant industry. Their role was central to the competition's scoring system, as the judges' evaluation accounted for 70% of the final result, compared to 30% for the public vote, with scores displayed live in accordance with the organization's commitment to transparency.
Vanessa Pulgarin, the first All Stars queen
Colombian Vanessa Pulgarin won the inaugural MGI All Stars 2026 crown. She beat out 55 other contestants to become the first winner of this new competition. Faith Maria Porter of Ghana was named first runner-up, and Nguyen Huong Giang of Vietnam was named second runner-up.
The Philippines have a strong presence in the competition
The Philippines had five representatives competing in MGI All Stars 2026: Gazini Ganados, Fuschia Anne Ravena, Alexia Nuñez, Imelda Schweighart, and Keylyn Trajano. Gazini Ganados reached the Top 5, Fuschia Anne Ravena the Top 18, while Alexia Nuñez, Imelda Schweighart, and Keylyn Trajano were eliminated earlier in the competition.
Reina Filipinas, new project
Nawat's trip was part of the launch of Reina Filipinas, a new Philippine organization linked to Miss Grand. Jojo Bragais is the president, Emma Tiglao the national director, and Nawat Itsaragrisil the executive partner. Reina Filipinas now oversees Reina Filipinas Grand International, also known as Miss Grand Philippines, as well as two Reina Filipinas All Stars titles, designed to send Filipino representatives to MGI All Stars.
A reception that confirms the importance of the Philippines
The reception given to Nawat demonstrated the Philippines' central role in the global beauty pageant industry. The country boasts one of the most active, organized, and influential audiences in the sector. The simultaneous presence of Nawat, Emma Tiglao, Vanessa Pulgarin, Christine Juliane Opiaza, and Gazini Ganados transformed the Reina Filipinas launch into a major event for Filipino fans.
“Papa Nawat” asserts his connection to the country
Nawat himself emphasized his attachment to the Philippines. During the presentation of Reina Filipinas, he stated that he considered the country his “second home”explaining that he felt comfortable there and appreciated being called “Papa Nawat” by the local public. He also promised to return regularly to support the development of the new organization.
