Herlene Nicole Budol thought she will not win

“Magandang Dilag” actress Herlene Nicole Budol belied reports that she is unhappy not getting the plum crown during the Miss Grand Philippines coronation last July 13 which was won by Cagayan De Oro’s Nikki de Moura. In fact, Herlene thought she will not be called to receive any beauty title during the announcement of winners.

“Inisip ko na baka hindi ako tawagin kasi pinagtatawanan ako sa Q&A. Umiiyak ako sa likod, na baka ma-bash na naman ako, pero laban lang,” the newly-crowned Miss Philippines Tourism 2023 revealed.

(I was thinking that I might not be called because people were laughing at me during the Q&A. I was crying backstage, but I was thinking of those who might bash me, but the fight goes on.)

She pointed out that her replies in the Question and Answer segments of the pageant were her real sentiments. She talked about cyberviolence and education being the most urgent problem of the Filipino youth.

“Galing yun sa puso ko, wala akong pinagsisihan. Natakot lang ako sa sasabihin ng tao,” she said.

(It came from my heart, I don’t regret anything. I was just afraid of what people would say.)

“Hindi ko akalain na magkaka-crown ako, na pang Tourism pala ang ganda ko at utak ko. Sisiguraduhin ko na gagalingan ko at mag-aaral pa po ako,” Herlene noted.

(I did not imagine that I will get this crown, that my beauty and brains are for  (Miss Philippines) Tourism. I will make sure that I will do well and study well (for the next pageant).

“Kahit hindi ito ang Miss Grand, it’s still a crown. Magri-represent pa rin ako ng Pilipinas,” she added.

(Even if I did not win Miss Grand, I still have my crown. I will still represent the Philippines.)

Herlene’s manager, Wilbert Tolentino, said he’s very proud of his talent and he announced that they will be travelling in London in November for the Miss Tourism World competition (Note: the date and venue of the pageant has not been confirmed by ALV Pageant Circle.)

“Proud ako sa narating n’ya. Isang Wowowin girl, ngayon legit beauty queen na,” he remarked.

Wilbert bared that his ward was dealing with mental health issues as a result of people’s reactions about her. “Sana iwasan natin ang mga bashing. Give us a chance para ma-improve pa si Herlene. Wag nating pagtawanan ang isang simpleng tao na nangangarap,” he said.

(I hope we avoid bashing her. Give us a chance to improve Herlene. Let’s not laugh at someone who is just pursuing her dreams.)

Herlene has explained why she aspired to be a beauty queen, despite starting her career being called the “Hipon Girl.”

“Yung respect na nakuha ko, higit pa sa korona na nakuha ko ngayon. Happy na ako na tawagin na Miss Herlene.”

(The respect I got for this title is greater than the crown on my head. I am just happy to be called Miss Herlene.)

“Hindi ako titigil na magbigay inspirasyon sa ibang tao, yun ang goal ko. Ang mas marami ako ma-inspire na tao. Kung kaya ko, kaya nyo rin,” she said.

(I won’t stop giving inspiration to other people. It’s my goal to inspire more people. If I was able to do it, so can they.) — Annalyn S. Jusay