Filam R’ Bonney Gabriel Makes History as 71st Miss Universe 2022
Miss USA R ‘Bonney Nola Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022, becoming the ninth “Miss U” from the United States to win the title, as well as the oldest candidate crowned.
The 5 ‘6″ 28-year-old clothing designer and model graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in fashion design.
She even has her clothing brand, R’Bonney Nola, where one shirt embodies her persona.
R’ Bonney Gabriel winning moment
While no one is privy to how the winners were scored, netizens said Gabriel was the clear winner in the Question and Answer portion.
The question: Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change allowing mothers and married women to compete this year. What’s another change you’d like to see and why?
R’ Bonney’s response: “For me, I would like to see an age increase because I am 28 years old. And that is the oldest age to compete. And I think it’s a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is, ‘if not now, then when?’ Because as a woman, I believe age does not define us. It’s not tomorrow, it’s not yesterday — but it’s now. The time is now,” she said.
“If not now, then when?”
“For the dreamers, hustlers, and go-getters. There is no better time than now to go after what you want and make it happen,” describes the t-shirt blurb—and Gabriel did make things happen!
Gabriel’s father, Remigio Bonzon Gabriel, is Filipino, born in Manila. Her mom is Dana Walker, a white American from Texas, making her the first Filipino-American to win the Miss Texas USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe pageants.
Miss U 2022 and the 2023 crowning were organized for the first time by a Thailand-based media distribution company after transgender rights advocate Anne J. Jakrajutatip bought the organization in October 2022.
“WHO ARE YOU?”#MISSUNIVERSE!!!!! pic.twitter.com/VScrfIsacr
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 15, 2023
A very proud Filipina Texan
R’ Bonney is proud to refer to herself as a “very proud Filipina Texan,” she said in an ABC interview. She doesn’t hide her mixed race and has inspired Filipinas worldwide.
According to her official Miss Universe biography, Gabriel’s mission is “for women and young girls to see themselves in her and feel inspired to conquer their goals by owning who they are.”
