Filipino American makes history as the new Miss Philippines Universe

MISS UNIVERSE

Chelsea Manalo was named Miss Philippines Universe.

Filipino American Chelsea Anne Manalo made history by becoming the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines on May 22.

“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she answeered a question in the final stage of the contest. She added  that she was taught to “believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have.”

“Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now,” she said, gazing out to the audience.

Representing the province of Bulacan where she was born and raised, the 24-year old model was raised by her mother and stepfather after the death of her African American father.

"I grew up having insecurities as I was always bullied because of my skin and my hair type,” she told Essence, crediting her friends and family for helping her “realize that I am beautiful in my own extraordinary way.”

Manalo's selection was seen as significant for shattering traditional beauty standards in the Philippines too often defined by European features.  

“I am more than a reflection of a woman who is very humble of having humble beginnings. And a sash that is really close to my heart because it reminds me of who I am, of the Philippines, of who we are.” she said. “And this will only transpire me to be more radiant because I am a woman of color but I am also a transformational woman that can really represent who we are as Filipinos.”

Manalo will represent the Philippines in the MIss Universe contest that will be held in Mexico in September.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.

Online news outlets stumble on the question: Are Filipino Americans Asian enough?

R'Bonney Gabriel, a proud Filipino American, was crowned Miss Universe.

OPINION

I found it deeply troubling that major online news outlets don't consider Filipino Americans to be part of the Asian American community.

The question arises: Is R'Bonney Gabriel, a Filipino American who just won the Miss Universe title, Asian enough?

Apple News didn't think that the Filipino American Miss Universe was not worthy
to include under the Asian American banner (top). However, the story was the top story on
the search for Filipino American news (bottom).

I don't mean to be a nitpicker, but today (Jan. 19, 2022), I did online searches on Google News, Apple News and NBC under "Asian Americans" and there was no mention of R'Bonney Gabriel, the current Miss USA  also winning the title of Miss Universe Saturday night. It is odd because Gabriel made sure to mention her Filipino heritage in the interviews after winning the crown.

I checked the online news sources under "Filipino Americans" and Gabriel's historic feat of being the first Filipino American to be named Miss Universe was the top story for Google and Apple. I scrolled down to the bottom and  the Gabriel's accomplishment was not included at all.

Apparently NBC doesn't separate the different AANHPI communities. and include all of them under the title of "Asian America." However, NBC did include Gabriel's victory among its main news stories but, curiously, did not include the story in its "Asian America" page.

The Google News page for Filipino Americans had the Miss Universe winner as its top story (top photo) but the Asian American page (bottom) omitted the accomplishment entirely.

I'm not sure why, but Filipino Americans have always been difficult for East Asians to accept as Asian American because they often don't fit the East Asian stereotype: Filipinos are the second or third largest Asian subgroup in the United States, depending on your source; Filipino are predominantly Roman Catholic; English is practically a second national language; their government is modeled after the United States since it was US's only Asian colony.

And there has always been that annoying question: "Are Filipinos Asian or are they Pacific Islanders?"

I'm being generous because I'm the forgiving-sort-of-guy, but maybe its the weekend crews working during the Martin Luther King Holiday. The holiday shift has always been given to those with the least seniority. They might not be as sensitive or knowledgeable as the regular crew about the AANHPI communities and the groups that fall under that umbrella. 

Or, it could be the news editors over the weekend didn't think a pageant title is worthy of news coverage. Sure the Miss Universe contest is not life-changing or violent as some of the other news stories. I can understand that rationale, but it might not be worthy of being the top story, but it surely should be second or third. When an Asian American breaks a racial barrier, even if it's just a pageant title, the historic event deserves some attention.

When a Filipino nurse goes on strike, or a Filipino singer wins a Grammy, or a Filipino wins a Nobel Prize, or a Filipino American is elected California's Attorney General, or a Filipino wins the Miss Universe title; all of those stories should not be limited to Filipino Americans, and other Asian Americans should recognize the barrier-shattering significance of that accomplishment.

For those who make those news judgements, their definition of who are Asian Americans need to be expanded beyond East Asians. While Filipino Americans generally don't like being confused with other Asians, there is the political and social aspect of living as minorities in this country that should unite us with other Asian American ethnicities and nationalities. Filipino Americans are Americans, but they are Asian Americans, too. To think otherwise, is an insult.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

Filipino American representing USA wins Miss Universe contest

MISS UNIVERSE

Miss USA, R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022.

In her first meeting with the media, the newly crowned Miss Universe said in Tagalog, "Mabuhay, Philippines. Mabuhay Filipino fans. Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng tulong ninyo."

Miss USA, R'Bonnet Gabriel, gave thanks in Tagalog: Greetings, Philippines. Greetings Filipino fans. Many thanks for your support.

"The support is everything. I feel it my heart. I heard it in the room. It was an amazing energy. The Filipino blood is so strong. We are hardworking, we're fun and we're determined, and I'm so proud to be half-Filipina," she added.

The beauty queen, a 28-year-old fashion designer, secured the title Saturday at the annual international competition, which was held this year in New Orleans. Last year’s winner, Harnaaz Sandhu of India, placed the tiara on Gabriel, who began the competition by being crowned as Miss Texas, the first Filipino American to represent that state in this pageant.

As the 80 competitors was winnowed down to the final five, Gabriel knocked it out of the park with her response when asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win.

“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” the Texas resident responded, citing her work as a fashion designer using recycled materials in her creations and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

“It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference,” Gabriel continued. “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”

According to her Miss Universe profile, R'Bonney is the lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston based nonprofit design house that is dedicated to using "Fashion As A Force For Good" through sustainability and community impact.

TV personality Jeannie Mai and model Olivia Culpo—Miss Universe 2012—co-hosted the 2022 pageant, which aired on the Roku Channel. Before the winner was announced, the contestants showcased colorful, chic looks in the evening gown and swimwear contests, while also modeling radiant styles in a national costume show.

In an Instagram posting, Gabriel wrote that she designed and dyed her swimsuit cape using plastic bottles. " gathered and transformed this cape to showcase how art can be made out of what we perceive as trash. It also embodies my favorite message of "If Not Now, Then When?"

R'Bonney Gabriel unfurls her swimsuit cape with a message.

Her mission is "for women and young girls to see themselves in her, and feel inspired to conquer their goals by owning who they are."

"I get so many messages from young girls telling me that they are inspired by me, but it's just so important to embrace who you are, whatever culture that is. And I've, I've done that very proudly, very vocally and it's amazing to have people come to me and tell me that they are so proud of their culture, too. That is really how I want to inspire people," she added.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

Filipino American from Texas speaks her mind after being crowned Miss USA

R'Bonney Gabriel will represent the US in the Miss Universe contest.

Miss Texas R'Bonney Gabriel has a lot to say after being crowned Miss USA 2022 in Reno, Nevada on Monday, thus becoming the second Filipino American to win the title.

Gabriel, 28, will go on to represent the US at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant that will be held in New Orleans Jan. 23 in 2023.

When she won the Miss Texas title earlier this year she told ABC News' local affiliate in Houston. "I'm a very proud Filipina Texan."

Many of the initial articles (unfortunately, including this blog, mea culpa) about Gabriel's accomplishment touted her as the first Filipino American to win the Miss USA title. That feat belongs to Macel Wilson of Hawaii who won the title in 1962. She was, in fact, the first non-White to win the contest. 

 Gabriel is turning out to be one of the most quotable beauty queens in recent memory and one who is not shy about proclaiming her Filipino roots.

"Oh my God, it's an honor," Gabriel told Houston Life following her win on Oct. 3, the start of Filipino American History Month. "I'm getting messages on Instagram and just social media of Filipina girls and women telling me they're so excited, they're so happy."

"They're crying tears of joy because they are inspired to go after pageantry or something," she added. "Like I'm paving the way for them to just go after whatever they want no matter what it is. So it's an honor."

“My mom is from Beaumont, Texas, and my father is from the Philippines,” Gabriel wrote in an Instagram post. “They got married in Manila, Philippines."

The new Miss USA is  fashion designer based in Houston. She also works with the nonprofit Magpies and Peacocks, teaching sewing to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in fashion design.

Gabriel also won Best in National Costume. Her look was inspired by the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet, which was created with a glamorous twist by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena.

R'Bonney Gabriel's costume reflects her dual heritage.

 "I hand-painted the same flower design from my mother’s wedding dress onto my sleeves and tied in a traditional Maria Clara Filipina collar shape. I have immense gratitude for the (opportunities) my parents provided me and wanted to express my love to them through this,” she told the GMA hosts.

“This outfit I designed with my parents in mind—tying in the flower patterns from my [mom's] wedding dress and a Filipina traditional Maria Clara collar shape,” R’Bonney said on Instagram.

“I feel at peace knowing I have put in the work to develop into the truest form of myself. I’ve learned the importance of embracing who I am,” she added. “I'm here to represent Texans, Filipina Americans, and those who push past (self-doubt) to reach their greatest potential.”

It may be difficult for the Miss Universe handlers to control the new Miss USA. In an interview with Insider a day after she won her crown, it is clear that the outspoken Gabriel is not going to fit into the beauty queen mold as she was interviewed by the Filipino network GMA, she shared her thoughts on several controversial issues

On gun control:

"In Texas, and in our country, we can't completely abolish guns but I think we need to take steps to make everybody feel safer," she added. "In Texas, you don't need a concealed handgun license to carry a gun, and I strongly disagree with that."

On abortion bans:

"I think, personally, with abortion there's so many different instances and situations in a woman's life where it could be appropriate, and other reasons why it's inappropriate," Gabriel said. "I think it's a case-by-case basis that's very personal to a woman's life in general."

"I personally believe that she should be able to make that decision on abortion, and not the government or anybody else," she added. "At the end of the day, I would want a woman to be able to have that decision. In Texas, even if its rape or incest, abortion is still illegal — and I disagree with that."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Earlier versions of this post erroneously reported that R'Bonney Grabriel was the first Filipino Americans crowned as Miss USA. For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.

 

Miss India wins Miss Universe contest

MISS UNIVERSE

Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss India, won the Miss Universe contest.

A 21-year old model and actress from the Punjab region of India was crowned Miss Universe Sunday.

Harnaaz Sandhu, representing India at the 70th Miss Universe 2021, won the title over Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira, followed by Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane.

"Having a huge stage to speak your mind demands a lot of courage —courage to hold on to your ideas and your perception that you refuse to change because of others,” said Sandhu, the first Punjabi to win the contest.

“I got to know in that competition what it meant to be representing your country. I developed a purpose and since then working on achieving it,” she said.

Before Sandhu, only two Indians have won the Miss Universe crown. First, Sushmita Sen won the title in 1994. Lara Dutta was crowned Miss Universe six years later in 2000.

Although the pageant continues to include competitions in swimsuit and national costume, it was the thoughtful responses that Miss India gave to questions throughout the contest that won over the judges.

On climate change, she said: "Honestly, my heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it's all due to our irresponsible behavior. This is the time to take actions and talk less, because each action could either kill or save nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair, and this is what I'm trying to convince you guys today."

After she was named to the top three, her advice to young women: "I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves," she told Harvey. "To know that you are unique and that's what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let's talk about more important things that are happening worldwide. I think this is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourself, because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own."

In the weeks prior to Sunday’s finale, pageant contestants were tested for the coronavirus every 48 hours and required to obey strict mask requirements.

Eilat, Israel was chosen for the pageant's site because of the country's strict health restrictions and its high immunization rate. A call for a boycott because of Israel's treatment of the Palestinians failed to materialize. Indonesia and Malaysia did not send contestants but they cited it was because of failure to meet the health restrictions, not for political reasons.

Miss Universe contestants make bold runway statements on hate and freedom

MISS UNIVERSE

Bernadette Belle Ong, Miss Singapore, was a hit with the Florida audience.

Despite the misgivings shared by many of you who are offended by the idea of so-called beauty contests, nevertheless, you've got to hand it to pair of Miss Universe contestants, Miss Singapore and Miss Myamar for their chutzpa.

Using the platform of a globally televised beauty pageant, a Miss Universe contestant wore a national costume with the words “Stop Asian Hate” to shine a spotlight on a dramatic uptick in attacks and hate crimes against Asian American communities over the past year.

Representing Singapore, Bernadette Belle Ong was walking down the runway in an outfit that featured the red and white colors of the country’s flag, but the audience in Hollywood, Florida cheered and clapped when she spun around to reveal the words “Stop Asian Hate” written on the trail of her gown.

“What is this platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence!," said Ong, who was born and raised in the Philippines.

The 26-year old contestant designed the costume herself. "My National Costume is inspired by Singapore's National Flag," Ong wrote on Instagram. "It symbolizes unity for all and social harmony in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and in an inter-religious country." 

The United States, Canada, Australia and Great Britain have been experiencing an alarming surge of racist incidents targeting those people of Asian descent for the past year with no signs of abating.

Miss Singapore was not the only contestant using the contest's global audience to send an important message. Representing Myanmar in the Miss Universe contest, Thuzar Wint Lwin walked down the runway wearing traditional Burmese attire and unfurled a small banner that said “Pray for Myanmar.”

Speaking about the military junta that has taken over Myanmar -- or as the U.S. prefers to call the country, "Burma" -- in an interview before leaving for the Miss Universe contest, the 22-year old Lwin said, “They are killing our people like animals. Where is the humanity? Please help us. We are helpless here.”

It is uncertain if Lwin will be allowed to return to Myanmar after the Miss Universe contest concludes.

The pageant -- once owned by Donald Trump -- allows the public help decide the finalists and winners of the national costume category. 

Vote here for your favorite national costume. Voting ends Saturday, May 15. Miss Universe will be crowned May 16.

Former Miss Universe offers a helping hand to Thai American college students

ASAM NEWS

Former Miss Thai and Miss Universe Porntip Bui Simon awarded 41 students the annual Angels Wings Foundation scholarship. According to South China Morning Post, Simon founded the foundation herself.
After being crowned Miss Universe in 1988, Simon was humbled by schools and orphanages in her native land of Thailand.

“Some of the schools had chalkboards in the dirt,” said Simon who appeared humbled by the experience.

Some of these college students are attending the best institutions in the U.S. including MIT, Stanford and UCLA. In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need and a passion for their Thai heritage.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Thai national anthem was played before the ceremony began.

The foundation held the ceremony in July at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.

______________________________________________________________

Miss Universe conquers New York City

INSTAGRAM

Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, warmed up in the offices of the Miss Universe headquarters in New York City.

WITH A SMILE on her face and polished poise, Catriona Gray of the Philippines began Media Week for Miss Universe by moving into her New York City apartment and a round of television interviews.

Her first interview Monday (Dec. 7) was on Good Morning, America with ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee.

During her interview the Filipino Australian, who competed as Miss Philippines, was able to discuss her passions for her philanthropic work and music.

“In the Philippines, I work with an organization called Young Focus and what they do is they give access to quality education, which (is very important),” said Gray. “Without NGOs like (Young Focus), those kids might never realize the dream of having an education and developing a love for learning.”

Gray holds a master’s certificate in Music Theory, which she obtained from the Berklee College of Music, premier music college and performing arts conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. 

Zee asked the reigning Miss Universe, who turned 25 Sunday (Dec. 6), whether or not her fans will hear her sing soon. 

Gray enthusiastically responded, “Even as a Miss Universe, I would love to participate in a benefit concert or something like that to really merge my love for music and in giving back.”

Zee concluded by saying, “Well, obviously you’re perfect,” Zee told Gray. “And that’s why you won Miss Universe.”

After that interview, Gray moved to the next ABC studio to be interviewed by Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest on Live with Kelly and Ryan, where she seemed even more at home in front of the camera. She was animated and articulate and not afraid to laugh out loud. 

Watch Zee's interview with Gray on Good Morning America below:

GOOD MORNING AMERICA / ABC_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Christmas treat: 'O Holy Night' by Miss Universe

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE so here's a surprise treat: Miss Universe singing "O Holy Night."

It's been a week in her reign as Miss Universe began, so by now the world has discovered that Catriona Gray, Miss Philippines, is a singer as well as a black belt in karate and a beauty queen.

She was lead singer in a jazz band when she was studying at the Trinity Anglican School in Cairns and earned a master's certificate in music theater at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Before she was crowned Miss Universe last week, she taped her first single, "We're In This Together" last month.

When she was studying at the Trinity Anglican School in Cairns, she was the lead singer of the jazz band, and a member of the choir.

Later on, she went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she earned a master’s certificate in Music Theory.

Last month, before she was crowned Miss Universe, she released her first single, "We're In This Together," on behalf of Young Focus International, the organization she supports with her pro-education advocacy.

Miss Philippines wins Miss Universe crown

SCREEN CAPTURE

Catriona Gray was dubbed the Miss Universe Monday.

MISS PHILIPPINES, Catriona Gray, was named Miss Universe 2018 on Monday in Bangkok, besting contestants from 93 other countries and delighting her home nation.

Gray and first runner-up Tamaryn Green of South Africa held hands as they awaited Stevve Harvey's announcement of the winner. Lo and behold, Harvey got it right!

The last time Miss Philippines won the contest in 2015, he announced the wrong woman.

"My heart is filled with so much gratitude," Gray said. "There were moments of doubt where I felt overwhelmed and I felt the pressure."

Gray, 24,  impressed the judges with her response to the question: "What is the most important lesson you've learned in your life, and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?" She responded:

“I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is… it’s poor and very sad,” said Gray during the question and answer session. “And I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty of it, to look for beauty in the faces of the children and to be grateful. And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe, to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. If I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their faces. Thank you.”

Gray wore a sparkling red dress she said was inspired by a volcano in the Philippines as she was handed the crown to the delight of a roaring crowd in Bangkok.

Gray's father is Australian, and she was born and grew up in Cairns, Australia. She moved to the Philippines at age 18 to pursue a modeling career.

Catriona went to school at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. She received a degree in Music Theory and is also a singer.

In an Instagram post, 2015's Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach wrote a message to her fellow Filipina beauty queen for making the Philippines proud this year. Catriona is the fourth Filipina to be hailed as Miss Universe.

She said, "This girl is on fire! You started strong and captured our hearts with your grace, commitment and fearlessness! And that walk...how could anyone forget that walk? Now, you've conquered the Universe!"

Ahh, the walk! It got the attention of supermodel Tyra Banks, who retweeted the clip and added some America’s Next Top Model–esque commentary. “Pinoy power to the max!” tweeted Banks. “You did it! And that walk and confidence? I mean ... next-level fierce!”

The Philippines previously won Miss Universe titles in 2015, 1973 and 1969. Highlights of her performance is below:

_________________________________________________________________________________

Steve Harvey mocks Asian men, but nobody's laughing

Steve Harvey laughs at his own joke making fun of Asian men.

STEVE HARVEY, your racism is showing.

The popular television host made fun of Asian men on the Steve Harvey Show last Friday, reinforcing the negative stereotype that portrays Asian males as unattractive.

Being an Asian man, this hit close to home because I've had to live with this belief all my life.

Harvey was mocking self-help books when he came across a 2002 title How to Date A White Woman: A Practical Guide for Asian Men. Instead of making fun of the questionable book's content, he targeted Asian men. He found it laughable that a white woman could ever find Asian men attractive.

"That's one page, too!" he laughed at his own joke. "Excuse me, do you like Asian men? No. Thank you."

He was on a roll and he couldn't stop, saying that black women couldn't possibly be attracted to Asian men, either.  How to Date a Black Woman: A Practical Guide to Asian Men, he says. "Same thing. You like Asian men? I don't even like Chinese food. It don't stay with you no time ... I don't eat what I can't pronounce."

Harvey - in the Chris Rock mode - apparently feels it is OK to make Asians the butt of racist jokes even as they talk about increasing diversity in the entertainment industry. His segment drew angry reactions on social media.

“It’s unfortunate when those with a public platform like Steve Harvey use that platform to mock and ridicule entire groups of people and in this particular case, to perpetuate negative and harmful racial stereotypes about Asian/Americans,” Karin Wang, V.P. of Programs and Communications at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, told Page Six. “We are disappointed in Steve Harvey.”

Several media outlets unsuccessfully tried to get a response from Harvey's spokesperson.

Harvey is scheduled to host the Miss Universe pageant on January 30 in the Philippines, home of the current Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach. 

RELATED: Harvey's gaff mars new Miss Universe from the Philippines

While in the Philippines, someone should warn Harvey that Philippines President Rod Duterte, whom some call the Trump of the Philippines, is sensitive to what he perceives as slights or insults. He called President Barack Obama a "son of a whore," when Obama questioned the extrajudicial killings of alleged drug dealers, a practice endorsed and encouraged by Duterte.