R’Bonney Gabriel has always valued the significance of embracing her authentic self on her path to beauty pageant success in the Miss Texas and later Miss USA competitions.
The model and fashion designer, who on Monday became the first Filipino-American woman to ever win Miss USA, has always spoken out publicly about her mixed background. Even to the Miss Texas interview, she wore a clothing influenced by her Filipino roots.
“I feel at peace knowing I have put in the work to develop into the truest form of myself. I’ve learned the importance of embracing who I am,” she said on Instagram, wearing an outfit she designed herself, inspired by the Filipiniana dress, usually characterised by oversized sleeves.
She said she represents Texans, Filipina-Americans and those who push past self-doubt “to reach their greatest potential”.
Gabriel, 28, was crowned Miss Texas in July, earning her a spot in the Miss USA contest.
“Representing Texas is my biggest honour. I carry the pride and love of Texas and Filipina-Americans on my shoulders,” she said following her win.
She won the Miss USA 2022 title on Monday after defeating 49 other contestants. Earlier in the evening, Gabriel took up another award for Best in National Costume for her bluebonnet-inspired ensemble created by Filipino fashion designer Patrick Isorena.
Who is R’Bonney Gabriel?
![R'Bonney Gabriel](https://www.dailynationpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/288814534_1128617457701046_7594168740931187599_n-1.jpg)
Gabriel is a model and fashion designer who has her own line, R’Bonney Nola. She was born in San Antonio, Texas, to a Filipino father and an American mother.
She graduated from the University of North Texas and is 170 centimetres tall.
She stated that she now has a “huge duty” to convey her ethnic upbringing and encourage others to embrace their identities after winning.
“My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket. He wanted to pave a new life for himself. He met my mom in Texas, who is a country woman from Beaumont,” she told ABC News. “I’m a very proud Filipina Texan.”
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Gabriel has always been interested in pageantry, like many Filipinos.
She entered the Miss Friendswood competition last year, which marked the beginning of her involvement in beauty pageants. Gabriel hails from the Houston suburb of Friendswood. She then competed in Miss Texas 2021, coming in second to Victoria Hinojosa, who won.
Gabriel, never one to give up lightly, took part once more in the Miss Texas 2022 pageant in July.
Gabriel has a strong commitment to the environment, which is evident in her line of sustainable clothing.
She was questioned about what she would do to address the issue of climate change and how women are more susceptible to its effects, particularly in underdeveloped nations, during the Miss USA question and answer session.
“I am a fashion designer. I actually made the outfit I’m wearing and I upcycle pieces and recycle different clothing to be more sustainable in my industry because I feel like it’s my duty. So I think that’s something we can all look for in our certain industries and in our homes — to be more sustainable,” Gabriel said.
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Mixed-race Filipinas at Miss Universe
Gabriel will compete against Celeste Cortesi, who was elected Miss Universe Philippines 2022 in a pageant held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila in April, after winning Miss USA.
Cortesi, 24, is an Italian-Filipino. Prior to relocating to the Philippines five years ago to pursue a career in pageantry, she was raised in Italy.
In the past, the Philippines has had two Miss Universe winners of mixed race. While Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is Filipino-Australian, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is Filipino-German.