R’Bonney Gabriel wins Miss Universe 2022; Philippines’ Celeste Cortesi failed to enter the Top 16
We may have not won Miss Universe, but a fellow Filipino did! Congratulations to USA’s R’Bonney Nola Gabriel for winning Miss Universe 2023. She becomes the ninth American woman and the first of Filipino descent to win the title.
Succeeding Harnaaz Sandhu of India, the pageant took place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event was hosted by Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo along with TV host and Stylist Jeannie Mai Jenkins. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and American sideline reporter Zuri Hall served as backstage commentators.
Born to a Filipino father, R’Bonney is a 28-year-old fashion designer from Texas. Earlier this year, she also made history for being the first Filipino American to win both Miss Texas and Miss USA.
Hand-in-hand with another powerhouse country, Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela finishes as 1st runner-up. Completing the finals is 2nd runner-up Andreina Martinez from the Dominican Republic.
Meanwhile, Philippine candidate Celeste Cortesi fails to enter the semifinals. This marks the end of the country’s long placement streak. Since 2010, the Philippines had an impressive record, placing for almost 12 years.
To check out the final results, check the list below!
Miss Universe 2022: R’Bonney Gabriel, USA
1st runner-up: Amanda Dudamel, Venezuela
2nd runner-up: Andreina Martinez, Dominican Republic
Top 5
Gabriela Dos Santos, Curacao
Ashley Cariño, Puerto Rico
Top 16
Mideline Phelizor, Haiti
Monique Riley, Australia
Payengxa Lor, Laos (Fan Vote winner)
Ndavi Nokeri, South Africa
Telma Madeira, Portugal
Amelia Tu, Canada
Alessia Rovegno, Peru
Tya Jane Ramey, Trinidad & Tobago
Divita Rai, India
Alicia Faubel, Spain
Maria Fernanda Aristazabal, Colombia
Congratulations to you, R’Bonney! You may have won the crown for the US but thank you for representing us Filipinos as well. We’re proud of you! Mabuhay ka!
