NextGen Day

At the coronation event conducted in New Orleans, Louisiana, US, Filipino-American beauty queen R’Bonney Gabriel was named the 71st Miss Universe on Sunday morning (Philippine time).

The 28-year-old defeated 83 more national delegates, including Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela, who came in the first place, and Andrena Martnez of the Dominican Republic.

Gabriel made history in October 2017 when she became the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA. She was born in Houston, Texas, to American Dana Walker and Filipino-American Remigio Bonzon.

Gabriel is described as “an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor with a passion for life” on the Miss Universe website.

She graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s in fashion design and a minor in fibers.

She currently serves as CEO of R’Bonney Nola, her own line of eco-friendly clothes.

At Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based non-profit design studio committed to leveraging “Fashion As A Force For Good” through sustainability and community impact, Gabriel serves as the head sewing instructor.

Women who have survived domestic abuse and human trafficking take her sewing workshops.

“Miss Universe recently made an inclusive shift, allowing moms and married women to compete next year,” Gabriel was asked during the opening round of the Q&A session. What additional change, and why, would you like to see?

Since I am 28 years old and that is the oldest age to compete, she retorted, “For me, I would want to see an age increase. It’s gorgeous, in my opinion. If not now, when? is one of my favorite quotations. As a woman, I don’t think our age should define who we are. It’s not tomorrow or yesterday; it’s now this second. Now is the perfect time to pursue your goals.

The Top 3 contestants were questioned on how, if they won, they would promote Miss Universe as an empowering and forward-thinking organization during the final Q&A session.

I would use it [the Miss Universe platform] to be a transformational leader, Gabriel declared. I’ve been sewing for 13 years, and I’m a really passionate designer. I employ fashion as a positive influence. When I produce my garments, I use recycled materials to reduce pollution in my industry. I say this because it is crucial to invest in others, and our community, and use your special gift to change the world. I give sewing workshops to women who have escaped domestic abuse and human trafficking. Each of us has something unique, and when we sow those seeds in the lives of others, we transform them and use it as a catalyst for change.

Celeste Cortesi, a participant from the Philippines, was unable to reach the top 16, breaking the nation’s streak of semifinalists since 2010.

In May 2022, Cortesi has crowned Miss Universe Philippines.

After businesswoman and advocate for transgender rights Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip purchased the Miss Universe Organization for USD20 million in October of last year, JKN Global Group PCL, a media distribution company with headquarters in Thailand, organized the pageant for the first time this year.

Save/Share this story with QR CODE

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

Need to get in touch?

Feel free to Contact NextGenDay.com for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.

---

We appreciate your reading. Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).

---

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.

---