Houston, we have another first Fil-Am Texas pageant queen

R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, was crowned Miss Texas USA in a Houston ceremony, the first Filipino American to win the title. As Miss Texas USA, she will represent the state in the Miss USA pageant, the winner of which competes in the Miss Universe competition in December. MISS TEXAS USA

One more Filipino American was crowned beauty queen, this time in Houston, and in another Miss Texas pageant.

R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, was crowned Miss Texas USA in a Houston ceremony, the first Filipino American to win the title.

As Miss Texas USA, she will represent the state in the Miss USA pageant, the winner of which competes in the Miss Universe competition in December.

Miss Texas USA is different from Miss Texas. The latter competition’s winner goes on to compete for the Miss America crown. In June, Filipino American Averie Bishop, 25, became the first Asian-American to win Miss Texas in the 85-year history of the beauty pageant.

Gabriel is a Harris County, Texas resident, and was previously crowned Miss Friendswood. Friendswood is a city on the outskirts of Houston.

Gabriel graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton in 2018, and now runs independent fashion label R’Bonney Nola in Houston. She also runs sewing classes through the non-profit organization Magpies & Peacocks in the city.

For her interview with Miss Texas USA, Gabriel wore a Filipiniana dress (or Maria Clara gown) of her own design. In another stage appearance she wore a custom gown created by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez.