House okays resolution commending Filipino-American Miss Universe
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a resolution congratulating and commending Filipino-American R’Bonney Nola Gabriel for winning the Miss Universe title.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is the principal author of House Resolution (HR) No. 974. His co-authors are Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, Senior Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe during the 71st Miss Universe pageant held in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, on January 15 this year.
She was born on March 20, 1994 in Houston, Texas, to a Filipino father, Remigio Bonzon Gabriel, and an American mother, Dana Walker.
Last May 10, she visited the Philippines for the coronation of the 2023 Miss Universe on May 13. She served in the panel of judges that selected Miss Universe Philippines who will represent the country in the Miss Universe 2023 competition later this year.
In their resolution, Speaker Romualdez and her co-authors said Gabriel “made history as the first Filipino-American to win the Miss Universe title and the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss USA.”
“Owing to her Filipino ancestry, Ms. R’Bonney Gabriel opened the door for more diversity and Asian-American representation in the international stage and inspired women and young girls to achieve their goals while embracing their roots,” they said.
They noted that the Miss Universe winner holds a Fashion Design and Fibers degree from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, and has started her own eco-friendly fashion line, R’Bonney Nola, which promotes ethical practices through up-cycling and use of sustainable materials.
They said as an expert in fashion design and garment construction, Gabriel teaches sewing to women survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking that would enable them to establish viable livelihoods.
“With her years of community work and advocacy, Ms. R’Bonney Gabriel inspires Filipinos and Asian-Americans not only to pursue their individual passions but also to employ their unique abilities and perspectives to motivate, lead and empower others,” the House leader and his colleagues said.
“Worthy of her title and crown, Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel is a confident and courageous individual who uses her influence as a force for good and beautifully represents cultural diversity, and for which she deserves utmost recognition and commendation,” they said.
The House will send a copy of the resolution to Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel.
