Proud ang Miss Universe 2022 na si R’Bonney Gabriel sa pagkakaroon niya ng dugong Filipino. Sinabi niya ito sa isinagawang press conference matapos niyang masungkit ang korona at titulo noong Linggo, January 15.

28 years old na si R’Bonney. Anak siya ng Pilipinong si Remigio Bonzon at Amerikanang si Dana Walker. Siya ang kauna-unahang Filipino-American na nanalong Miss USA at nagtagumpay din sa Miss Universe pageant ngayong taon.

Ayon sa kaniya, nakatulong sa kanya ang pagiging half-Filipina dahil mas naramdaman daw niya ang suporta ng masa. Dagdag pa niya, bilang Miss Universe magsisilbi siyang tinig ng mga kababaihan.

“Filipinos love pageantry. To be half-Filipino, I feel like that helped me feel the energy in the crowd. The support is everything. I feel blessed. As the first Filipino-American Miss Universe, I can now be a voice, a larger voice for other girls, and just show them that you need to embrace who you are. It’s so important. Embrace what makes you different,” aniya.

Ipinahayag din niya ang kanyang pagnanais na bumisita sa Pilipinas sa lalong madaling panahon at tumulong sa mga kabataang babae.

“My world just got turned upside down, but I absolutely would love to visit the Philippines. I was speaking with a friend a couple of months ago that’s in the Philippines, he’s a designer. I told him I would love to set up some sewing workshops and teach little girls how to sew. It’s all about planting the seeds and giving them the creative opportunity. I really look forward to that and I hope I have the opportunity to do that in the Philippines hopefully within the next few months,” sabi niya.

Sa huli, nagpaabot siya ng mensahe sa mga Filipino, “Mabuhay Philippines, mabuhay Filipino fans. Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng tulong ninyo. The support is everything. I feel it in my heart. I heard it in the room. It was an amazing energy. The Filipino blood is so strong. We are hardworking, we are fun and we are determined. I am so proud to be a half-Filipina,” pahayag niya.

Congratulations R’Bonney, we hope to see you soon!

Source: Miss Universe 2022 Presscon