R’bonney Gabriel honors her beginnings with love letters in the form of splendid gowns from Larry Espinosa and Ehrran Montoya
Love letters are often penned to express deep emotions, nostalgia, and a connection to one’s origins. For Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, her hosting looks serve as heartfelt tributes to her roots. As she graces the stage at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition, each ensemble carries a story—a love letter to the places and cultures that have shaped her.
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A Love Letter to Texas
R’Bonney pays homage to the Lone Star State, the place that shaped her into the confident woman she is today. Larry Espinosa’s gown epitomizes the Yellow Rose of Texas. It represents her beginnings: The moment she stepped onto the pageant scene in Texas, ready to challenge her fears and embrace her potential. R’Bonney’s makeup palette evokes the hues of sunset—burnt oranges, dusty pinks, and earthy browns, complementing the radiant yellow that envelops her body with a dragonfly motif at its center.
A Love Letter to My Father
Life’s storms can be fierce—unpredictable, relentless, and sometimes overwhelming. Yet, R’Bonney’s father taught her a valuable lesson: Perspective is everything. Her second hosting look is a poignant tribute to her father—a man whose journey from Malate, Manila, to the USA molded her perspective on life’s storms. Ehrran Montoya’s look, adorned with symbolism, captures this transformative lesson. The gown weaves this narrative integral to Nola’s understanding of reality. Its intricate details mirror life’s complexities—the twists, the turns, and above all, unexpected grace.
A Love Letter to My Mother
A matriarchal touch is the sweetest light post in the Miss Universe queen’s life. R’Bonney’s third hosting look blooms with gratitude: a love letter to her mother, whose kindness and unflinching support helped define her path. Larry Espinosa’s gown, adorned with rhinestone flowers, captures the essence of her mother’s modest upbringing.
A Love Letter to the Philippines
Finally, a sharp, ombré blue gown, a spectrum from royal blue to sea blue, symbolizes the vast and deep connection R’Bonney feels to the Philippines. Designed by Rian Fernandez, this gown represents the culmination of their longstanding collaboration. Fernandez crafted gowns for R’Bonney throughout her pageant journey, including her Miss Texas, Miss USA, and Miss Universe gowns. His support mirrors the encouragement R’Bonney has received from Filipinos worldwide, highlighting her connection to her Filipino heritage. As a Filipina-American, celebrating this culture has always been a significant part of her identity.
R’Bonney Gabriel’s hosting looks are personal tributes that reflect her deep connections to her roots. Each ensemble tells a story of love, resilience, and gratitude, honoring the people and places that have shaped her journey. Through her sartorial choices, she shares a piece of her heart, making every appearance a celebration of her heritage.
Photos and Featured Image: R’BONNEY GABRIEL (via Instagram)
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY and ERIC SORIANO. Creative Direction EUGENE DAVID.
Makeup MICKEY SEE, assisted by ANGELU DOMINGUEZ. Hair JERRY JAVIER. Stylist PERRY TABORA, assisted by KRIS DELEON
