In early October 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel made history by becoming the first Filipino-American to win the Miss USA crown. Gabriel represented Texas as the state’s first Asian-American to win the Miss Texas USA title. In July 2022, Gabriel, a model and fashion designer, said The Houston Chronicle:
“It is an honor. I am very excited to pave the way for Filipinas in pageants and Filipinos and Asian Americans in whatever lane they follow.
gabriel said ABC News that he feels a ‘great responsibility’ to honor his multicultural background.
R’Bonney’s father immigrated to the United States with $20 in his name
R’Bonney Gabriel was born on March 20, 1994 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Filipino Ramon Bonifacio ‘R’Bon’ Gabriel and American Dana Walker. Ramón immigrated to the United States from Manila, at the age of 19, to study. R’Bonney said ABC News:
“My dad moved to the United States 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 mother in Texas, who is a farm girl from Beaumont. I am a very proud Filipino Texan.”
Ramón attended the University of Houston and graduated with a doctorate in psychology. He later opened an auto repair shop. R’Bonney inherited her father’s enthusiasm for studies and joined the University of North Texas to study fashion design.
The older Gabriel is a part-time fashion model. On June 20, 2020, R’Bonney posted photos of Ramón modeling in clothes from his eco-friendly clothing brand called R’Bonney Nola.
“Happy Father’s Day to my crazy dad!” R’Bonney wrote. “He asked me to pay him to model in my clothing brand’s photo shoot, but I said no because he owes me for always driving me crazy.”
Ramon and Dana currently live in Missouri City.
Gabriel proudly embraces his Filipino heritage and hopes to inspire Filipinos around the world.
Gabriel’s acceptance of his Filipino heritage was on full display when he appeared to his Miss Texas interview in a dress inspired by his Asian ancestry. “I feel at peace knowing that I have strived to become the truest form of myself,” he wrote to Gabriel along with a photo of her wearing her outfit that he designed. National News informed.
“I have learned the importance of accepting who I am.” gabriel said houston life that after her Miss USA victory, she had received Instagram messages from the Philippines expressing joy at her victory:
“They’re crying tears of joy because they’re inspired to go after the show or something. Like he’s paving the way for them to just go after whatever they want, no matter what it is. So it’s an honour.”
Gabriel hopes to win the Miss Universe pageant and inspire Filipinos around the world to embrace their identities.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn