pretty is as pretty does
MEGA|October 2024 Special
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But for R'Bonney Gabriel, it is all about taking beauty in her own hands
RIA DE BORJA
pretty is as pretty does

At the MEGA Magazine cover shoot, R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022, has been posing for the camera since 3:00 in the afternoon. It’s almost 9:00 PM, and she has only taken a quick break to eat. She changes into another designer outfit and promptly sits at the interview table, not an ounce of tiredness in her appearance.

Sans makeup, it’s easy to mistake R’Bonney for the typical pretty girl next door. She is petite, and if not for the smoky eyeshadow, you might quickly lose sight of her amidst a crowd of people. In her Instagram account, where in one post she is clad in a bikini with oversized shades, and in a robe in another, she could pass for a stylish teenager. Most of the posts, however, are full of glamor, glitz, and gowns; there she is in full Miss Universe mode, minus the long, lush hair you associate with pageant winners. It may be the hair that makes her aura simpler than what we associate with Miss Universe; it may also be her small frame. Still, with all the makeup on and fully decked out, it’s no wonder she held the title.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

As Miss USA and then as Miss Universe representing the United States, some think she is more American than Filipino. But she struggles with the same issues that any dual-culture kid deals with. “You connect with both sides, but sometimes you feel a little too White for your Filipino side, and sometimes you feel a little too Filipino for your white side.”

She says she adheres to Filipino values. “Filipinos love family, and I think that’s a value I grew up with. I am thankful for all my cousins; we’re all so close. I don’t see that as much on my American side, but I always say I got the best of both worlds.”

この記事は MEGA の October 2024 Special 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は MEGA の October 2024 Special 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

MEGAのその他の記事すべて表示
MAKE SPACE
MEGA

MAKE SPACE

Malls are ubiquitous in the Philippines, even as more people shop online. For better or for worse, malling is part of our culture. MEGA talks to the key people who ensure it stays that way

time-read
3 分  |
November 2024
suitable faith
MEGA

suitable faith

The power of science and faith in custom tailor brand AMEN

time-read
2 分  |
November 2024
brownie POINTS
MEGA

brownie POINTS

The yummiest concoctions some of them, quite literally) you need to add to cart now

time-read
2 分  |
November 2024
olfactory OVERLOAD
MEGA

olfactory OVERLOAD

Indulge in the extraordinary with these fantasy fragrances

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
ALL FIRED UP
MEGA

ALL FIRED UP

Kasa Palma’s Chef Aaron Isip brings jungle cooking to the city

time-read
5 分  |
November 2024
HEART OF THE GLOW
MEGA

HEART OF THE GLOW

Pina Beauty’s humble identity as a Philippine-grown skincare brand made specifically for the everyday Filipino

time-read
3 分  |
November 2024
DOMINIQUE COJUANGCO-HEARN
MEGA

DOMINIQUE COJUANGCO-HEARN

The Collective's Dominique Cojuangco-Hearn talks candidly about what it means to run a game-changing beauty platform, the importance of leading with purpose, and how motherhood changes your perspective

time-read
5 分  |
November 2024
What's Next is NEXA
MEGA

What's Next is NEXA

The future of beauty is here —at Belo NEXA, the lines between science, luxury, and culture are blurred, offering a one-of-a-kind experience where cutting-edge technology meets the bespoke care Filipinos are known for

time-read
2 分  |
November 2024
ITALIANS DO IT BETTER
MEGA

ITALIANS DO IT BETTER

From capacious totes and sensible (ish) shoes, Milan Fashion Week highlights the story of the modern woman

time-read
4 分  |
November 2024
THE PARADOX OF GEN Z SHOPPING
MEGA

THE PARADOX OF GEN Z SHOPPING

Unravel the contradictions of Gen Z shopping—a phenomenon where sustainability battles fast fashion in a dramatic showdown

time-read
4 分  |
November 2024