R’Bonney Gabriel shows Filipino humor on TikTok

Screencap from rbonneynola/TikTok

Filipino humor is indeed something special – an interesting mix of wit and spontaneity that often revolves around quick puns and exaggerated situations rooted in everyday life. This brand of humor draws on creativity and cultural nuances that may not always translate well to those unfamiliar with Filipino culture.

Interestingly, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, having spent considerable time in the Philippines, has begun to exhibit elements of Filipino humor in her TikTok videos. Here are some instances where the Filipino American beauty queen and fashion designer engaged her Filipino audiences, who commented, “the Filipino in her is queening!”

The early call times

In a skit set against the “heaven” backdrop often used by Filipino TikTokers, Gabriel humorously expressed her annoyance at early call times. The text read, “Me in heaven when I meet the person who invented 5 a.m. call times,” followed by her comically throwing her slipper at that person. 

A user noted, “the palo tsinelas is so very Pinoy.”

@rbonneynolaHow did they get here?♬ original sound – Celina

For the aesthetic!

Candid photos are a thing when taking pictures, more so for Filipinos. They say it’s more “aesthetically pleasing” and Instagram-worthy. 

Gabriel didn’t let this opportunity go as she also made a video out of this. She wrote, “Them: Candid photos are more authentic and cool,” then she exaggeratedly and hilariously posed with her pretending to be caught off guard while fixing her heels and walking with an awkward face. 

@rbonneynola It’s an art ✨ #aesthetics #foryou ♬ original sound – Ronin – yssac

She’s a dancer

In a different scenario, after attending this year’s Mega Ball in a stunning Mark Bumgarner gown, Gabriel imagined a funny situation where her manager threatened to withhold her paycheck unless she danced. Embracing the challenge, she showcased her dance moves, much to the amusement of her followers.

@rbonneynola Challenge accepted 😏 #dance #capcut #viggleai #viggle #aidancer ♬ original sound – rbonneynola

The video also comes after her TikTok account got verified, with one user commenting, “Yeyy verified na sya!! Kaso nilalaro tayo lagi.”

Her Filipino dad got one too!

Gabriel even involved her father in one TikTok video, humorously presenting him with the choice between dancing or watching TV without captions. 

She captioned, “Captions on and volume full blast.”

@rbonneynola Captions on and volume full blast #dadsofinstagram #viralvideos #CapCut ♬ original sound – Imelda ୨୧

As her TikTok account gained verification, fans celebrated her success while playfully teasing about being kept entertained with her showing her Pinay side. These instances not only feature Gabriel’s humor but also highlight her ability to connect with her Filipino roots and audience through light-hearted and relatable content.