Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel said that embracing her Filipino roots made her strong.
Prior to the pageant, Gabriel was asked in an interview for advice to women who also have the aspiration to become a beauty queens.
She said that every woman should need to embrace their uniqueness to stand out, as she herself is unique for being the first Filipina-American Miss USA.
“I think that's make me strong so I encourage girls to really look in what makes them unique,” she said.
Gabriel also revealed that she grew up having Filipino food on their table and mentioned that she has already visited the country, spending a lot of time in Manila that she wants to explore more about the Philippines.
During the pageant for Miss USA last year, she wore a Maria-Clara-themed gown, telling a story behind that - thanking her parents and revealing that her parents tied the knot in the Philippines.
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Gabriel was crowned as the new Miss Universe, giving her country the 9th crown after 10 years, at the prestigious pageant held in New Orleans.
