R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipino-American Miss USA from Houston, Texas, has been named Miss Universe 2022
The long journey as Miss Universe of R’Bonney Gabriel starts today as she became the ninth beauty queen from the United States to clinch the Miss Universe crown.
RELATED: Celeste Cortesi Ends Her Journey as Miss Universe Philippines
In a sparkling velvet black shoulder-studded gown, wearing sophistication and competence on the pageant stage of New Orleans, R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States talked about age increase as the inclusive change that she wanted to see in Miss Universe in the years to come. Her emphasis on women not being defined by their age, as well as encouragement for everyone to chase their dreams right now was one of her remarkable moments in this year’s prestigious pageant.
Despite Celeste Cortesi’s early-ended journey in the Miss Universe, Filipinos are still taking pride in the newly crowned queen—a 28-year-old half-Filipina. She also delighted the roaring crowd as she wore the notable creations of Dubai-based Filipino designer Rian Fernandez in two of her looks for the event, giving significance to her Filipino heritage on the international stage.
Hoping to make history on diversity and on the importance of embracing one’s culture as the crowned Miss Universe 2022, R’Bonney’s vision not only emphasized inclusivity in pageantry, but she also wanted to invest her efforts in communities to demonstrate empowering and progressive organizations in her reign.
Miss USA desires to keep utilizing her unique gift in fashion design as a force for good, and she is proud of her organized sewing classes for women who have survived human trafficking and domestic abuse.
R’Bonney is the CEO of her sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola, and also an eco-friendly model and sewing instructor. In 2018, she graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design with a Minor in Fibers.
R’Bonney edged out first-runner up Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and second-runner up Andrena Martinez from the Dominican Republic. R’Bonney Gabriel is the successor of Miss Universe 2021, India’s Harnaaz Sandhu.
Photos from MISS UNIVERSE, R’BONNEY GABRIEL, and DION TRINIDAD (via Instagram)
