On Wednesday, May 22, Miss Universe 2022 titleholder R'Bonney Gabriel was in town to co-host the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 grand coronation night. A beauty queen and fashion designer herself, the 30-year-old Filipino-American graced the Mall of Asia Arena stage in three stunning looks, all of which were a thoughtful homage to her parents and her Texan roots. Scroll ahead to see more of her Filipino-made ensembles at the most awaited pageantry event in the country.
LOOK: R'Bonney Gabriel's Looks at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Coronation Night
1. A Love Letter to Texas: The Yellow Rose of Texas
R'Bonney Gabriel's opening look was a tribute to her humble beginnings in Texas. She dazzled in a yellow column dress by Larry Espinosa, adorned with a sculptural tube bodice featuring meticulously crafted petal-like motifs and a dragonfly detail at the center. This gown symbolized her journey from her first pageant in Texas in 2020, where she blossomed out of her shy personality and into a confident public speaker. "This initiated me on a path where I felt most aligned, and the most rewarding journey," she wrote in an Instagram post.
2. A Love Letter to My Father: Beauty In The Storm
San Juan-based designer Ehrran Montoya created an homage to her Filipino father, who grew up in Malate, Manila, and moved to America for a college scholarship. On Instagram, R'Bonney wrote: "He’s fought many obstacles to pave a way for the life, family, and career he wanted in the States. He taught me that storms in life can be our greatest teacher if we know how to find the beauty in them."
The dress, which comes in a gorgeous dusty purple hue, features exquisite draping, symbolizing the storms her father weathered throughout his life. The deep sweetheart neckline flows into a billowing silhouette, evocative of a storm's gusting winds.
3. A Love Letter to My Mom: The Sweetest Light In My Life
R'Bonney's final look of the evening was a heartfelt tribute to her mother. She donned a brown bodycon tube dress, embellished with a rhinestone floral detail at the neckline, a representation of her mother's tough yet delicate nature. "My mother grew up in a small country town in Texas from humble beginnings and I dedicate this look to her. I’ve never met a sweeter, patient, kind woman in my life," R'Bonney shared on Instagram, honoring her mother's enduring influence in her life.
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