Netizens react as Celeste Cortesi’s ends Miss Universe 2022 journey, Fil-Am Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel wins crown
It was roller-coaster of emotions for Filipino pageant fans on Sunday, January 15, as Philippine bet Celeste Cortesi failed to enter the Top 16 of the 71st Miss Universe pageant, while Miss USA, Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel, won the crown.
Cortesi’s exit marked the end of the country’s placement streak in the pageant, which started 2010 when Venus Raj placed 4th runner-up.
Reaction tweets from Filipinos ranged from incredulity to hilarious meme posting.
Nevertheless, Filipino netizens showed their national pride and gratitude to Cortesi for representing the pageant-loving country.
If it’s any consolation, Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel, who took the Miss Universe crown home, is half-Filipino. Born on March 20, 1994, in Houston, Texas to Filipino Remigio Bonzon “R. Bon” Gabriel from the Philippines and Dana Walker from Beaumont, Texas, R’Bonney got her name from her dad.
In previous interviews, the 28-year-old stunner who hails from Texas said she feels a “big responsibility” to share her multicultural background and empower others to embrace their identities.
“My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket. He wanted to pave a new life for himself. He met my mom in Texas, who is a country woman from Beaumont. I’m a very proud Filipina Texan,” Gabriel told ABC News’ local affiliate in Houston.
Filipino netizens have expressed admiration for Gabriel’s pride in her Filipino roots and consider her one of their own already.
