Uncategorized
Herlene Budol on Competing Internationally Without Her Lola
Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st Runner-Up Herlene Budol talks to us about remaining humble despite the changes happening to her and her family.
For many people, Herlene “Hipon” Budol is the funny girl they saw on television thanks to being a host on Willie Revillame’s show Wowowin. Early this year, we saw how Herlene channeled Nicole Budol onstage when she competed in Binibining Pilipinas. Moreover, she put autism on the frontline as one of her causes.
Next month, Herlene, who finished 1st Runner-Up, will compete in Miss Planet International in Africa. However, it will be bittersweet since her Lola Bireng, whom she fondly calls Nanay will not be around to see her compete.
Modern Parenting recently talked to Herlene about how things have changed for her.
Herlene Budol on competing without her lola
During a send-off by one of her sponsors, Herlene said that she and her family are now living comfortably after moving into their new home. Despite the changes, she and her family are still grateful but admitted it will be different without their Nanay Bireng.
“Actually, masaya po kaming pamilya kasi nakalipat na po kami sa aming bagong bahay,” she shares. “Happy po kami sa ano man meron kami. Pero malungkot lang kasi magpapasko kami na wala si nanay at lalaban ako na walą si nanay.”
“Pero nasa puso ko at isip ko siya at isasama ko siya sa Africa,” she added.
Herlene’s lola passed away in June before she was able to compete in Bb. Pilipinas due to kidney failure and other complications.
Herlene Budol to young girls: “Walang masamang mangarap.”
As someone who once dreamed of being onstage and often poked fun of, Herlene shared her words of wisdom for young girls who have been looking up to beauty queens.
“Para sa mga batang nangangarap na maging beauty queen, kahit hindi ko siya naisiip sa sarili ko, ipagpatuloy mo iyan,” she said. “Wala naman masama ang mangarap.”
“At sana in the future, maging isa ka sa mga kandidata na ilalaban sa ibang bansa at ipakita anong meron ka. Ipakita mo sa sarili mo anong gusto mo, ipakita mo sa ibang tao kasi walang masama doon.”
Herlene is set to compete in the Miss Planet International competition in Uganda this November, where she will be accompanied by her manager Wilbert Tolentino.
Check out more stories about your favorite beauty queens and their families:
What Chelsea Fernandez Wants People to Learn from Her Story as a Foster Child
How Gabby Basiano’s Late Mom Pushed Her to Be a Beauty Queen
