Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel paid homage to her roots through the stunning looks she showcased while hosting Miss Universe Philippines 2024. The Filipino-American beauty queen wore creations of Pinoy fashion designers Larry Espinosa , Ehrran Montoya and Rian Fernandez for her hosting duties at the pageant’s coronation on May 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. For her yellow gown, R’Bonney said it was a “love letter” to Texas, where she first entered the pageant scene.
She titled it as the “Yellow Rose of Texas.” In Texan history , it refers to an African-American woman who played a crucial role in helping Texas gain independence from Mexico. “My first gown I’m wearing tonight, by @larsesespinosa1, represents my beginning.
My first pageant was in 2020 in Texas and this is where I started changing my behavior of sitting in the back of rooms to be unseen, to [sic] challenging my fear of public speaking, and eliminating self-doubt,” R’Bonney wrote on Instagram. “This initiated me on a path where I felt most aligned, and the most rewarding journey. I’ll never forget where I started,” the half-Pinay added.
For her magenta gown, R’Bonney said it was “love letter” to her father, Filipino Remigio Bonzon “R.Bon” Gabriel , who immigrated to the United States at 25 years old. She titled her look as “Beauty in the Storm.
” “My father grew up in Malate, Manila and immigrated to the USA with a college scholarship. He’s fought many obstacles .