The beauty queen talks to MEGA about exploring the Philippine culture, her commute-friendly secrets, and the qualities that constitute a Filipina’s beauty
Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018) make up a distinguished list of Miss Universe winners from the Philippines. However, another name resonates deeply: Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe in 2022, holds a special place in the country’s heart, and it’s not difficult to see why. As the embodiment of beauty, grace, and bravery, Gabriel is the second cover star of MEGA’s October 2024 Issue.
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Having arrived in her home country in April, the beauty queen has been booked and busy modeling, hosting, and designing. In between her work engagements, she finds time to deepen her connection to her roots through exploration: from eating Pinoy street food, practicing her tawad game in Divisoria, visiting her father’s childhood home, riding a jeepney, learning to cook sinigang, and skipping traffic onboard Angkas.
Gabriel has completely immersed herself in Philippine culture during her stay. When asked how it feels like being a local, the beauty queen answers, “I’m curious about it all—trying all these new experiences, because I grew up in America. There’s a lot of Filipino culture I’m eager to try and learn more about.”
That included swapping her crown for an Angkas helmet. It’s not usual to see a beauty queen braving the heavy rain in a motorcycle taxi, but Gabriel said she refused to be stuck in traffic for hours. Because of this, Filipino netizens have dubbed her “relatable queen.” In keeping her beauty and outfit intact while wading through the hectic commute, Gabriel shares, “I bought a really cool raincoat from Wear Your Culture, a local brand…and my advice is not to wear your best outfit. I think cute casual streetwear is commute-friendly, and also a shower cap so as not to mess up the hair.”
Gabriel had just learned how to do her own makeup and hair upon entering the world of pageants; it was a skill she acquired through countless classes and consistent practice. For people who are just starting out, the queen has some advice you can heed: “It’s a little overwhelming, I took classes on how to do my hair and makeup over and over because techniques are specific to one’s unique features. I really had to be a student, and I learned a lot. You can watch YouTube, take classes like I did, and practice. And also if you know a pro, make sure to ask them questions.”
Finally, Gabriel shares with MEGA what makes a Filipina distinctly beautiful: “Filipinas in general are exotic and hardworking,” she describes. “It’s also our heart—we’re caring and genuine. I feel like any time you speak to a Filipina, you can tell they’re very endearing. Oh, and we have fun energy.”
Read more about R’Bonney Gabriel and her new perspective on beauty in MEGA’s October 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photographed by DOOKIE DUCAY. Creative Direction by PATRICK TY. Styled by ELDZS MEJIA. Makeup by MICKEY SEE. Hair by VALERIE CORPUZ. Written by RIA DE BORJA. Art direction BRIE VENTURA. Beauty Direction AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON assisted by MARA GO. Production JONES PALTENG. Sittings Editor PEEWEE REYES- ISIDRO. Fashion Assistant ERICA TERROL. Styling Assistants CARL ALBERTO and MIGS LEGUERRA. Nails LUZ FORTUNO of TRIPLE LUCK BROW & NAIL SALON. Photography Assistants MARK CATUNGA and BYRON DE GUZMAN. Shot at PIONEER X STUDIO.
