Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel Accomplishes Global Circle, Becomes Miss World

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Miss R’Bonney Gabriel, current Miss Universe

Miss R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor from Texas, who also is the substantive Miss USA, has been formally crowned Miss Universe, at New Orleans, in the United States of America, USA.

According to the organizers of the pageant, R’Bonney Gabriel, is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA. And she went ahead to attain the feat of clinching the Miss Universe pageant, last Saturday night.

Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up, Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic announcement of the winner.

Thumping music rang out, and she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winner’s sash, and crowned with a tiara onstage at the 71st Miss Universe Competition, held in New Orleans.

During an interview at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win.

Gabriel retorted, “I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence”.

She further said that “It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference.”

Rights to the pageant were once partly owned by former President Donald Trump, but they were bought last year by a Thai business tycoon and transgender activist, for $20 million from IMG Worldwide LLC, a New York-based sports and talent marketing company.

Chakrapong “Anne” Chakrajutathib, who controls JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., is a reality show star in Thailand who is outspoken about being a transgender woman.

Chakrajutathib said when the purchase was announced in October that she wanted to “evolve the brand for the next generation.”

A terse information posted on the website of the pageant’s organizer about the winner of Miss Universe says, Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas, and she is also the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of her own sustainable clothing line.

Gabriel said, “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change,”

Nearly 90 contestants from around the world took part in the competition, organizers said, involving “personal statements, in-depth interviews and various categories including evening gown & swimwear,” examined on the participants.

The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez. Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the top five finalists.
Last year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India.
** AP