10/05/2022
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[Editorโs note: this post has been updated to reflect Macel Wilsonโs Miss USA win in 1962. We apologize for the oversight.] โ
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On the 3rd day of Filipino American History Month, Miss Texas R'Bonney Gabriel made Fil-Ams proud as she was crowned Miss USA 2022 on Monday, Oct. 3. โ
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Gabriel, a 28-year-old eco-friendly clothing designer and model, was named this yearโs . She will go on to represent the United States in pageant in Jan. 14, 2023 in New Orleans. โ
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She becomes the second Miss USA of Filipino descent after Macel Wilson of Honolulu, Hawaii who was crowned in 1962 and became the first Asian American. โ
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During the state costume contest on Sunday, Gabriel donned a blue and crystal-covered outfit โ to represent the bluebonnet, Texasโ state flower โ made by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena. Her interview outfit also paid tribute to her parents, who got married in Manila, and the traditional Maria Clara collar design. โ
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โI feel at peace knowing I have put in the work to develop into the truest form of myself. Iโve learned the importance of embracing who I am,โ Gabriel wrote on instagram. โIโm here to represent Texans, Filipina Americans, and those who push past self doubt to reach their greatest potential.โโ
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The titleholder previously made history when she became the first and Fil-Am to earn the Miss Texas USA title. โ
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In an interview with ABC News, Gabriel shared that her father moved to the US from the Philippines on a college scholarship and met her mother, who is from Beaumont, Texas. โ
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In addition to Gabriel, thereโs another Pinay Texan to look out for: Miss Texas America Averie Bishop who will compete in the Miss America pageant later this year. | Photos courtesy of / Instagram
