R'Bonney Gabriel returns to the Philippines, says she's learning Tagalog
R'Bonney Gabriel is hoping to up her Tagalog skills as she spends some time in the Philippines.
In an interview with entertainment reporter Nelson Canlas on GMA's 24 Oras, the Fil-Am Miss Universe 2022 titleholder revealed that she's planning to stay in the country for a while. "This is my first time coming for a longer period of time," she said. "I have been wanting to live here. There's so much for me to learn."
Aside from learning how to cook Filipino dishes, she said that she needs to learn Tagalog, too. "Growing up as a Filipino-American, I feel like there's almost like an identity I need to learn more about being Filipino," she explained.
"Actually, my dad didn't speak too much Tagalog in the household. I heard it mostly at the family gatherings, with my titas, my titos, mostly. I said, 'Dad, why didn't you teach me Tagalog?’”
She admitted that it's quite difficult to learn the language now. "It's much harder when you're older. Hay naku!" she said with a laugh. "But nag-aaral ako."
R'Bonney returned to the country early this week for some commitments, including event guestings and TV interviews. "After a 16 hour flight with my overstuffed suitcases, I made it here! Y’all said it was hot, but I’m not sure if I packed right for this heat," she shared in an Instagram post.
She is set to host the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night on May 22. R'Bonney visited the country last year for a special guest appearance at the local pageant's 2023 edition.
In January 2022, she made history as the first Filipino-American to bag the highly coveted crown at the Miss Universe 2022 pageant. While she represented the USA, she expressed her pride for being a half-Filipina and thanked her Pinoy fans for their support after her win.
"Mabuhay Philippines, mabuhay Filipino fans! Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng tulong ninyo. The support is everything, I feel it in my heart, I heard it in the room. It was an amazing energy. The Filipino blood is so strong, we are hardworking, we are fun, and we are determined, and I am so proud to be a half-Filipina,” she said at a press conference.