QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Talent manager and pageant executive Arnold Vegafria has confirmed he is open to turning over the Miss Grand Philippines franchise to a new owner. Speaking during a media conference on Friday, May 8, 2026, Vegafria addressed long-standing rumors regarding a change in leadership for the local license of the Thailand-based pageant.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Philippines’ historic back-to-back success in the international circuit, with CJ Opiaza and Emma Tiglao winning the Miss Grand International titles in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Vegafria, who currently serves as the president of ALV Talent Circuit, cited a shift in professional focus as the primary reason for his willingness to let go of the franchise.
- Homegrown Ambitions: Vegafria revealed plans to launch a new Philippine-based international pageant. He noted that while countries like Thailand and Vietnam have successfully built global pageant brands (such as Miss Grand International and Miss Cosmo), the Philippines has yet to establish a major homegrown platform since Miss Earth.
- Succession Rumors: Addressing speculation that shoe designer Jojo Bragais is the incoming franchise owner, Vegafria stated: “If MGI will give it to Jojo or anybody willing to accept, I am open if they want to give it to others.” As of May 11, 2026, Bragais has not officially confirmed the takeover.
- Strategic Partnerships: The move is tied to a new collaboration between ALV Talent Circuit and Viva Artists Agency (VAA), aimed at expanding opportunities for beauty queens in the entertainment industry.
Despite the potential turnover, Vegafria emphasized that his relationship with Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil remains strong.
“We are friends. We have no problem. I always have a good relationship with international directors,” Vegafria clarified, dispelling rumors of a rift between the local organization and the international headquarters.
Under Vegafria’s directorship (2023–2025), the Miss Grand Philippines franchise saw its most successful era:
| Year | Philippine Representative | International Result |
| 2023 | Nikki de Moura | Unplaced |
| 2024 | CJ Opiaza | Miss Grand International 2024 |
| 2025 | Emma Mary Tiglao | Miss Grand International 2025 |
While the future of the Miss Grand Philippines 2026 edition remains in limbo pending an official announcement from the MGI headquarters, Vegafria is moving forward with his “bigger and better” international pageant project. He hinted that the new competition will be on par with, or even exceed, the production levels of existing Asian pageants.