R'Bonney Gabriel says growing up as a Fil-Am in US 'helped shape the woman I am today'

R’Bonney Gabriel shared an empowering message for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May.

The Miss Universe queen looked back on growing up as a Filipina-American in Texas and how that time “helped shape the woman I am today.”

“From memories of family gatherings eating lechon, overpacking all my cousins into one hotel room for vacations, and watching my titos play Tong-its until the sunrise,” she said.

“I learned the importance of family, respect, and how to have a good time and laugh at everything," she added.

The first Filipino-American Miss Universe and fashion designer also learned how to build a vision or dream with the resources she has.

“Many Asian Americans have been able to achieve what they want by just working with whatever cards they were dealt. To find solutions instead of excuses is the essence of Asian-American culture,” she said.

"[May] we remember that diversity only enriches our world. I hope my time opens the door for more representation in our society,” she added.

R’Bonney is headed to the Philippines this month as the special guest for the Miss Universe Philippines coronation.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by R’Bonney Nola (@rbonneynola)

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News