Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) — United States bet R’Bonney Gabriel clinched the Miss Universe 2022 crown on Sunday morning (Manila time), making history as the first Filipino-American to claim the title.
Gabriel is also the first Filipino-American to become Miss USA.
The 28-year-old stunner bested 83 candidates during the finals night of the 71st Miss Universe held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in Louisiana, United States. This is USA’s ninth crown in the pageant.
Amanda Dudamel (Venezuela) and Andreína Martínez (Dominican Republican) were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
On the other hand, Philippines representative Celeste Cortesi finished her journey early as she failed to get into the Top 16, which ended the country’s 12-year streak in entering the semi-finals.
During the final question and answer portion of the pageant, Houston-native Gabriel — a model, fashion designer, and sewing instructor who advocates for the environment — said she would be a transformational leader if crowned Miss Universe.
“We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our lives, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change,” she said.
The beauty queen also donned a black velvety gown embellished with black onyx and glass mirror drops, fully handcrafted by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez.
The 71st Miss Universe pageant is the first edition under the franchise’s new owner Anne Jakrajutatip, who is a trans woman and a Thai media mogul.
USA bet on the change she wants to see in the Miss Universe pageant: I want to see an age increase…As a woman, I believe age does not define us. It's not tomorrow, it's not yesterday, but the time is now that you can do whatever you want. #MissUniverse2022
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) January 15, 2023
