10/05/2022
Congratu-Lechons to the new 💪🏽🇵🇭🇺🇸👸🏽🏆🥇 with .repost
・・・
[Editor’s note: this post has been updated to reflect Macel Wilson’s Miss USA win in 1962. We apologize for the oversight.] ⠀
⠀
On the 3rd day of Filipino American History Month, Miss Texas R'Bonney Gabriel made Fil-Ams proud as she was crowned Miss USA 2022 on Monday, Oct. 3. ⠀
⠀
Gabriel, a 28-year-old eco-friendly clothing designer and model, was named this year’s . She will go on to represent the United States in pageant in Jan. 14, 2023 in New Orleans. ⠀
⠀
She becomes the second Miss USA of Filipino descent after Macel Wilson of Honolulu, Hawaii who was crowned in 1962 and became the first Asian American. ⠀
⠀
During the state costume contest on Sunday, Gabriel donned a blue and crystal-covered outfit — to represent the bluebonnet, Texas’ state flower — made by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena. Her interview outfit also paid tribute to her parents, who got married in Manila, and the traditional Maria Clara collar design. ⠀
⠀
“I feel at peace knowing I have put in the work to develop into the truest form of myself. I’ve learned the importance of embracing who I am,” Gabriel wrote on instagram. “I’m here to represent Texans, Filipina Americans, and those who push past self doubt to reach their greatest potential.”⠀
⠀
The titleholder previously made history when she became the first and Fil-Am to earn the Miss Texas USA title. ⠀
⠀
In an interview with ABC News, Gabriel shared that her father moved to the US from the Philippines on a college scholarship and met her mother, who is from Beaumont, Texas. ⠀
⠀
In addition to Gabriel, there’s another Pinay Texan to look out for: Miss Texas America Averie Bishop who will compete in the Miss America pageant later this year. | Photos courtesy of / Instagram
