R’Bonney Gabriel, a Texas-based fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor, won Miss Universe last weekend, Saturday. She is also the first Filipino American to win Miss USA.
Gabriel took the top spot from Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, who took second place.She was then presented with a bouquet, sash, and tiara to thundering applause from the audience.
Gabriel was questioned on how, if she were to win, would show that Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” during the Q&A session for the three finalists.
To which she answered, “I would use it to be a transformational leader,” highlighting her work creating clothes out of discarded materials and teaching sewing to victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking. She is the CEO of her own sustainable clothing business.
Her father was also confident that she would win. Remigio Bonzon “R. Bon” Gabriel, born in the Philippines and relocated to Washington state, at 25.
Gabriel has been around pageants before. She entered her first beauty pageant in 2020 at Miss Kemah USA 2020, where she finished in the Top 5. She competed in Miss Texas USA, a in her hometown, a year later, where she finished as the first runner-up, only to win in 2022.
Around 90 participants from all over the world competed for the crown.
India’s Harnaaz Sandhu was the champion the previous year.