LOOK: R'Bonney Gabriel arrives in Manila for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 coronation night
Make way for the queen, Philippines! Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel has finally arrived in the country today, May 10.
Gabriel touched down on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport three days before the grand coronation night of Miss Universe Philippines 2023, where she is set to take part as a special guest.
The Filipino-American beauty queen received a warm welcome from her parents and members of the press whom she greeted with much excitement.
"I've watched it for previous years and it was so inspiring," R'Bonney said. "It's such a big production and so to actually go to the pageant is a dream come true."
"And I'm excited because my family's here as well. So to be able to spend a little bit of time with them is going to be nice," she added.
R'Bonney made history last January by being the first Filipino-American to be crowned Miss Universe. She was born to a Filipino father and an American mother.
In the March 18 episode of the lifestyle show Houston Life, the Texas-based beauty queen said that she used to visit the Philippines as a child "going on vacation."
It was also during her guesting in the show that Gabriel announced that she's coming back to Manila.
“Actually, I will be visiting the Philippines soon—in May. We’re gonna have a huge event there as Miss Universe, so I’m really excited. So for all the Filipinos tuning in, I cannot wait to meet you,” R'Bonney said.
The grand coronation night of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 is set to take place on May 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. It will be streamed live on the Empire Philippines YouTube channel.
