The winner of the Miss Universe 2023 competition is R’Bonney Gabriel 28 from the United States. On Saturday night in New Orleans, R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipina American to win Miss USA, defeated 83 other contestants to win Miss Universe.
She won the title after Olivia Culpo won the title for the USA in 2012. Miss Universe 2022 was the 71st Miss Universe pageant and it was held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States on January 14, 2023. The Miss Universe first runner-up was Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel and the second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez.
Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and Emmy Award-winning producer and TV host, Jeannie Mai Jenkins hosted the 2023 Miss Universe pageant.
She won Miss Texas USA 2022 and represented Texas at Miss USA 2022. She was crowned Miss USA 2022 becoming the first Miss USA with Filipino descent
Gabriel is the CEO of R’Bonney Nola, a sustainable clothing brand. She was born and raised in Houston. She went to the University of North Texas to earn her bachelor’s degree in fashion design.
Remigio Bonzon “R. Bon” Gabriel, a Filipino father, and Dana Walker, an American mother, gave birth to Gabriel in Houston, Texas. She has three brothers. Her father is originally from Manila and was born in the Philippines. At the age of 25, he immigrated to Washington State.
Gabriel has spoken before about her immigrant roots. “My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket,” she said last year when she was crowned Miss USA. “I’m a very proud Filipina American.” She added.