Officials from the competition said that R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model, and sewing teacher from Texas, is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA. On Saturday night, she was named Miss Universe.
As the winner was announced, Gabriel closed her eyes and held hands with Miss Venezuela’s runner-up, Amanda Dudamel. She then beamed when her name was called. At the 71st Miss Universe Competition, which was held in New Orleans, loud music played, and she was given a bouquet draped in the winner’s sash and a tiara.
Andreina Martinez, the Miss Dominican Republic, came in second place. During the final round of questions for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how, if she won, she would show that Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization.”
“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she said, pointing out that she designs clothes from recycled materials and teaches sewing to people who have been trafficked or abused at home. “It is so important to invest in others, in our community, and use your unique skills to make a difference,” Gabriel said.
“We all have something unique, and when we plant those seeds in other people’s lives, we change them and use that to bring about change.”
Miss Universe says that Gabriel played volleyball in high school and went to the University of North Texas. A short bio about her was posted on the website of organization. It said that she is also the CEO of her sustainable clothing line.
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Here’s the moment of Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel winning the 71st Miss Universe competition:
Nearly 90 contestants from all over the world took part in the competition, which included “personal statements, in-depth interviews, and different categories like evening gown and swimwear,” according to the event’s organizers.
LOOK: Filipino father Remigio Bonzon “R’Bon” Gabriel looks on proudly as his daughter, Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel, is crowned Miss Universe 2022. #MissUniverse #71stMissUniverse
📸: Screenshot/Miss Universe, AFP pic.twitter.com/qF8GgD5DTC
— Manila Bulletin News (@manilabulletin) January 15, 2023
Gabriela Dos Santos, Miss Curacao, and Ashley Carino, Miss Puerto Rico, made up the last two finalists in the top five. Last year’s winner was an Indian woman named Harnaaz Sandhu. Please tell your friends about this if you think it’s interesting. Go to Lighthousejournal.org for the latest updates and news about celebrities.
Emma is a Master of Science candidate at the California Institute of Technology. Since approximately four years ago, she has been a freelance writer, producing content for newspapers, magazines, blogs, and the internet