'Confident and courageous': House hails Fil-Am R'Bonney Gabriel for historic Miss Universe win
Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel (Speaker's office)
Four months after winning the Miss Universe 2022 crown, Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel was feted by the Philippine House of Representatives by way of a resolution. Adopted by the House during plenary session Wednesday, May 17 was House Resolution (HR) No. 974. “Worthy of her title and crown, Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel is a confident and courageous individual who uses her influence as a force for good and beautifully represents cultural diversity, and for which she deserves utmost recognition and commendation,” said the measure's authors headed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Gabriel, 29, was crowned Miss Universe during the 71st Miss Universe pageant held in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States US, on Jan. 15 this year. She was born on March 20, 1994 in Houston, Texas, to a Filipino father, Remigio Bonzon Gabriel, and an American mother, Dana Walker. The authors said Gabriel “made history as the first Filipino-American to win the Miss Universe title and the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss USA". “Owing to her Filipino ancestry, Ms. R’Bonney Gabriel opened the door for more diversity and Asian-American representation [on] the international stage and inspired women and young girls to achieve their goals while embracing their roots,” they said. They noted that the Miss Universe winner holds a Fashion Design and Fibers degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. She has also started her own eco-friendly fashion line, R’Bonney Nola, which promotes ethical practices through up-cycling and use of sustainable materials. As a fashion design expert and garment construction, Gabriel teaches sewing to women survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking that would enable them to establish viable livelihoods. “With her years of community work and advocacy, Ms. R’Bonney Gabriel inspires Filipinos and Asian-Americans not only to pursue their individual passions but also to employ their unique abilities and perspectives to motivate, lead and empower others,” Romualdez and his colleagues said. Gabriel recently flew to the country and served as a judge during the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 coronation night last May 13.