Miss Universe 2022’s Filipino Dad Was Sure of His Daughter’s Win
Jan 16, 2023 • Meryl Medel
Jan 16, 2023 • Meryl Medel
Last night, the universe got a new queen. Representing the United States of America, R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022, and her Filipino father has been cheering for her all throughout her journey.
Named after her father, R’Bonney Gabriel is the daughter of a Filipino father and an American mother. Her dad Remigio Bonzon “R. Bon” Gabriel grew up in the Philippines before migrating to the US to pursue a college scholarship. There, he met R’Bonney’s mom Dana Walker. They were married in the Philippines, but have since moved back to the US, living in Missouri City.
In a quick chat with Sparkle Asst. Manager for Sales and Marketing Renze Banawa, R. Bon Gabriel claimed his daughter’s win even before the pageant began. “She’s gonna win it. She’s gonna be Miss Universe tonight,” the proud dad said with all surety.
R’ Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2023, was born in Houston, Texas to a Filipino father, Remigio Bonzon “R. Bon” Gabriel, and an American mother, Dana Walker.#MissUniverse #71stMissUniverse #71stMissUniverse2022 pic.twitter.com/Q7WxyXjKPU
— PILIPINAS 🇵🇭 (@LupangHinirang_) January 15, 2023
Just like her dad, the new queen is as proud of her father as he is of her. In previous interviews, she has been singing her parents’ praises nonstop, taking pride in her roots as a Filipino.
“My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket. He wanted to pave a new life for himself. He met my mom in Texas, who is a country woman from Beaumont. I am a very proud Filipino-Texan,” R’Bonney said in an interview with Netline.
“Growing up with two different cultures has made me what I made, because the family dynamic is so different, on my mom and dad’s side, and that has made me a very open-minded person,” she said in another interview last July 2022.
Last October 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel became the first Miss USA of Filipino descent. Then after competing against 83 contestants, she was crowned Miss Universe 2022.
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