Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — While she was considered to be one of the frontrunners during the competition, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel admitted that her journey towards the crown was a long one.
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Speaking to CNN Philippines on Wednesday, the Fil-Am beauty queen said her long journey started years back when she competed for the Miss Texas title. She placed as first runner-up three times in a row.
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“Every time I would get first runner-up as I was training it was discouraging in a way, but I always felt like failure and rejection is only an opportunity to analyzing how I could get better so we come back stronger and better each time,” she said, noting that she mainly focused on improving her interview and walking skills.
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Then came the time she was crowned Miss USA, Gabriel said she only had three months to prepare.
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At the preliminary round, she admitted getting nervous, but she focused on her goal which was to give the audience joy and to give them a worthy performance.
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“After I was done with prelims, I felt really good about that I felt like I fulfilled my goal so I thought you know what I have a shot at this. It’s anybody’s game but I felt confident from prelims going into finals,” Gabriel said.
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The newly crowned queen said trimming the candidates from more than 80 to only 16, then five and three was nerve-wracking, and she was just thankful that she was able to advance to the next round.
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“I did feel like I blacked out when it was just the top two and the crowd was so loud and I was talking to myself in my head and I was just hoping if this is for me, please let it happen,” she said.
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“They called my name and I wasn’t sure if I even heard it. I was in such shock and disbelief it didn’t hit me until I saw them coming towards me with the flowers and the sash and the crown and I said wow I really am the winner,” she added.
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Just three days into her reign, Gabriel said she and her team are still setting the game plan. She also said she hopes to visit the Philippines during her time as Miss Universe, as well as connect with Philippine bet Celeste Cortesi.
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