Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — Newly crowned Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel said she is grateful for the overwhelming support she has been receiving from her Filipino supporters.
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“Y’all are so amazing I feel blessed to be half-Filipina. Maraming, maraming salamat sa (Thank you very much for the) support,” the Fil-Am beauty from Texas, USA told CNN Philippines’ New Day when asked about her message to her supporters.
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“This is a time to celebrate Filipino culture and Filipino pride and I am honored to have your support so thank you,” she added.
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Gabriel was born in Houston, Texas to a Filipino father and an American mother.
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Prior to being crowned Miss Universe, she was also the first Fil-Am to win the Miss USA title.
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“When I won (Miss Universe), I can hear the cheering from so many Filipinos in the crowd,” Gabriel said. “I just feel the love from all across the world, it is an amazing feeling. It makes me feel proud to be a Filipina.”
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Currently in New York City, Gabriel said she and her team are already setting up their game plan for her reign as she settles to her new apartment in Manhattan.
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She said she will also have a base in Thailand because the Miss Universe Organization owner Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip is from that country.
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While there are still no concrete plans, Gabriel said she hopes to visit the Philippines during her reign as Miss Universe.
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