Reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss World 2013 Megan Young and Filipino beauty queen Venus Raj joined revellers to mark Philippine Independence Day in New York City on Sunday.
Gabriel, Young and Venus, along with actor Xian Lim, took part in a parade at the day-long event, which also included a cultural festival and street fair.
On June 12, the Philippines this year marks its 125th year of independence.
“Honouring Philippines Independence Day, my father's home country, and the spirit of Filipinos yesterday. Every time Filipinos get together, it's a party,” Gabriel shared on Instagram on Monday, along with pictures from the event.
Gabriel, 29, was born in Houston, Texas, to a Filipino father and an American mother. She won the Miss Universe 2022 crown earlier this year, becoming the first ever Filipino-American to do so.
Dressed in an embroidered Filipiniana top, characterised by oversized sleeves, Gabriel paired her look on Sunday with black flared trousers and her Force for Good crown.
Young, who became the first Filipina to win the Miss World crown in 2013, also joined the parade in a Filipiniana-inspired dress by designer Cherry Veric.
Her striking yellow dress with black lettering was inspired by New York City cabs, Veric said. Young, who paired her look with black leather boots and gloves, was joined on her float by fellow beauty queen Raj and actor and singer Lim.
Raj, who won Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010, represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant that year. Born to an Indian-American father and Filipina mother in Doha, she has since appeared in a number of TV shows and movies in the Philippines.
Her dress on Sunday, also by Veric, was inspired by The New York Times, the designer said.
Large-scale celebrations are being planned for the Philippine Independence Day anniversary. Last month, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr issued an executive order, detailing plans to mark the landmark 125th year with festivities extending all the way to 2026.
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Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel celebrates after winning the 71st Miss Universe competition at the New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Centre in Louisiana. AFP -
Gabriel on stage after being crowned Miss Universe at the 71st Miss Universe pageant, in New Orleans. AP -
Gabriel, back to camera, is hugged by other contestants after being crowned Miss Universe. AP -
Gabriel celebrates after her win. Reuters -
From left, Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel, Miss USA Gabriel and Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez hold hands before the final verdict during the 71st Miss Universe competition in Louisiana. AFP -
Gabriel reacts after being picked among the final three contestants in the final round. AP -
The final five contestants, from left, Miss Dominican Republic Martinez, Miss Curacao Gabriela Dos Santos, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss USA Gabriel and Miss Venezuela Dudamel. AP -
Thai businesswoman and owner of Miss Universe pageant Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip speaks during the 71st Miss Universe competition. AFP -
Contestants take part in the final round. AFP -
Gabriel on stage. Reuters -
Miss Trinidad and Tobago Tya Jane Ramey. Reuters -
Miss Spain Alicia Faubel. Reuters -
Miss Australia Monique Riley. AFP -
Miss Canada Amelia Tu. Reuters -
Miss Haiti Mideline Phelizor. Reuters -
Jakrajutatip, left, as owner of the Miss Universe Organisation, presents the ImpactWayv Challenge Award to Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam. AP -
Miss Colombia Maria Fernanda Aristizabal reacts after being selected as the last of the 16 finalists. AP -
Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Olivia Culpo host the competition. Getty Images -
Miss Seychelles Gabriella Gonthier walks through the crowd with fellow contestants for the start of the final round. AP
