Newly-crowned Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel wishes to visit the country soon, as she plans to set up sewing workshops for Filipino girls.
“My world just got turned upside down but I absolutely would love to visit the Philippines," she said.
She revealed that she was speaking with a friend - who resides in the Philippines - months ago and told him her desire to set up some sewing workshops and teach little girls to sew.
After she bested the 83 candidates from a prestigious pageant, Gabriel spoke in Filipino during an interview and said she's proud to be half-Filipina.
"Mabuhay, Philippines. Mabuhay Filipino fans. Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng tulong ninyo," she said.
"The support is everything. I feel it my heart. I heard it in the room. It was an amazing energy. The Filipino blood is so strong. We are hardworking, we're fun and we're determined, and I'm so proud to be half-Filipina," the 28-year-old added.
Gabriel was crowned as Miss Universe 2022 last Sunday, giving the United States its record for the ninth crown at the prestigious pageant held in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Filipino-American beauty queen is a sustainable fashion designer, sewing teacher, and model.
