Fil-Am Miss Universe Talks Proudly Of Pinoy Dad

The father of newly crowned Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel arrived in the United States with only $20 in his pocket to finish his studies on scholarship, and eventually became a car mechanic in pursuit of the American dream.

Remigio Bonzon “R’Bon” Gabriel of Manila immigrated to the United States when he was only 19 years old.

In previous interviews, R’Bonney took pride in her Filipino heritage and spoke highly of her father, who met American Dana Walker in Texas. Remigio and Dana currently live in Missouri City, but were married in the Philippines.

In an interview with online website The Netline last year after winning the Miss USA pageant, R’Bonney discussed her father’s journey as an immigrant.

“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. I am a very proud Filipino-Texan,” R’Bonney told Netline.

Mr. Gabriel attended the University of Houston, graduating with a doctorate in psychology. He later opened a car repair shop.

R’Bonney, meanwhile, graduated from the University of North Texas and is the CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.

Even when she was still competing for Miss USA, R’Bonney highlighted her Filipino roots. She is the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA.

“I’ve learned the importance of embracing who I am,” Gabriel told Houston Life, adding she was delighted at the messages of Filipinos when she won Miss USA.

“They’re crying tears of joy because they are inspired to go after pageantry or something. Like I’m paving the way for them to just go after whatever they want no matter what it is. So it’s an honor,” R’Bonney said.

Mr. Gabriel, during an interview with GMA News shortly before the Miss Universe pageant, proclaimed and predicted that his daughter would win the beauty contest.

Clad in a yellow jacket, he said: “She is gonna win it. She’s gonna be Miss Universe tonight.” And it came true.

Miss U: Use talent to make a difference

R’Bonney, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas who competition officials said is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner on Saturday, then beamed after her name was announced.

Thumping music rang out, and she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winner’s sash and crowned with a tiara onstage at the 71st Miss Universe Competition, held in New Orleans.

The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.

In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win.

“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

“It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference,” Gabriel continued. “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”

According to Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas. A short bio posted on the organization’s website said she is also CEO of her own sustainable clothing line.

Nearly 90 contestants from around the world took part in the competition, organizers said, involving “personal statements, in depth interviews and various categories including evening gown & swimwear.”

Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Cariño, rounded out the top five finalists.

Last year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India. – With AP