History is made at Miss USA as the first Filipina-American to win – NBC10 in Philadelphia

Miss Texas R’Bonnie Gabriel made history this week as the first Filipina American to win the title of Miss USA.

Gabrielle, a 28-year-old fashion designer from San Antonio, Texas, will represent the United States at next year’s Miss Universe pageant. Gabrielle said she designed her dress to pay homage to her heritage and her parents.

“My mom is from Beaumont, Texas, and my dad is from the Philippines,” Gabriel wrote in Instagram post. “They got married in Manila, Philippines. I hand painted the same floral design from my mother’s wedding dress on my sleeves and tied it into a traditional Filipino Maria Clara collar. I am very grateful for [opportunities] my parents gave it to me and wanted to show them their love through it.’

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza won the Miss Universe 2021 contest on Sunday.

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