What could be the international pageant Herlene Budol will be sent to?
It seems as if “Magandang Dilag” star Herlene Budol’s victory was cut short just days after being crowned as Miss Philippines Tourism 2023 due to emerging controversy and confusion in franchise ownership of Miss Tourism World under Miss Grand Philippines.
Herlene was crowned as Miss Philippines Tourism 2023 during the finals night of the first-ever Miss Grand Philippines.
The culmination of the pageant had seen Nikki De Moura of Cagayan De Oro clinched the highest crown at stake, while Herlene settled in a second highest placement.
With the title already across Herlene’s chest, many were then quick to think that she will automatically represent the country in the London-based Miss Tourism World pageant.
However, this is not the case, as confirmed by the real Miss Tourism World franchise holder— Hiyas Ng Pilipinas Organization.
“I’m not really sure about the plans of the other parties, but as far as legalities are concerned, we hold the franchise for the Miss Tourism World,” Hiyas ng Pilipinas Chairman Mike Sordilla said in an interview with Inquirer.net during a press conference.
Mike also mentions that the United Kingdom-based owner, John Singh, is set to visit the Philippines in November for the coronation.
“I’m not really sure where the confusion is. Insofar as the legalities are concerned, at Hiyas ng Pilipinas we have the grants, and we have the franchise licenses,” Mike adds.
To keep the record straight, Mike then says: “We are the legitimate franchise holder. The international pageant will hopefully be in Novermber. Singh said the venue is to be announced. Our winner for this year will definitely represent the Philippines in Miss Tourism World this year.”
Where will Herlene compete?
ALV Pageant Circle, the producer of Miss Grand Philippines, has issued a separate statement about the confusion on Wednesday, July 19.
ALV Pageant Circle claims it has “not yet issued any official confirmation regarding Miss Philippines Tourism 2023 Herlene Budol’s participation in the Miss Tourism World pageant.”
“While we acknowledge the achievements of our reigning queen Justin Ferlizarta as the first runner-up in Miss Tourism World 2022, we would like to clarify that we have since ceased from using the Miss Tourism World Philippines title,” it reads.
“Our Miss Philippines Tourism title is a generic title with no contractual obligation to any international pageant. Henceforth, our choice of global pageant may vary year after year, depending on the ideals and visions of the organizations,” it continues.
ALV Pageant Circle finishes its statement with an assurance that the confusion was not out of ill-intent and that it extends its full respect to its fellow pageant organizers. More so, it promises to announce “very soon” a different international pageant for Herlene.
Herlene Budol is more known to public as “Hipon Girl,” with her popularity owed mainly from her regular appearance in a defunct GMA-7 show “Wowowin.” Miss Grand Philippines was her second pageant following her podium finish in Binibining Pilipinas 2022.
Herlene currently banners GMA-7’s afternoon series “Magandang Dilag” with Kapuso actors Benjamin Alves and Rob Gomez.
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Banner Art Paulo Correa
