Herlene Budol to critics: “Nagsusubok lang po ako na abutin ‘yung mga pangarap ko.”
Herlene Nicole “Hipon Girl” Budol tearfully revealed that Miss Grand Philippines will be her last pageant.
The controversial personality made the announcement in her latest YouTube video titled “Bakit moko iniwan sir wilbert?” on July 27, 2023.
The vlog’s title, which was an obvious allusion to the recent resignation of her manager Wilbert Tolentino, had Herlene addressing several issues, among them her new beauty title.
The comedienne-turned-beauty queen claimed that she is already very happy to be crowned as Miss Philippines Tourism 2023, because “natupad na po ‘yung pangarap ko na magkaroon po ako ng crown.”
However, she quickly added, “Kaso nga lang, si Budol, nabudol.”
After that statement, Herlene turned emotional about the experience of trying to win in three pageants.
“Ibig sabihin, huwag na nating ipilit. Ibig sabihin po nun, ako po si Herlene Nicole Budol, na nagsasabi: ‘Sorry, Pilipinas.’ This is my last pageant, ba-bye. Herlene Nicole Budol, I’m signing off,” she said.
Herlene addresses bashers
Before her critics react to her statement, Herlene underscored “Hindi po ako umaarte, ah.”
Her reaction stems from recent statements claiming that she would not be representing the country at the Miss Tourism World pageant.
“Our Miss Philippines Tourism title is a generic title with no contractual obligation to any international pageant,” said ALV Pageant Circle and Miss Grand Philippines.
Read: Here’s Why Herlene Budol Is Not Eligible To Compete In Miss Tourism World 2023
However, this is not the first time that she wasn’t able to hoist the flag in an international pageants.
Recall that Herlene was also supposed to compete in Miss Planet International in 2022, but withdrew “[due] to uncertainties by the organizers” and that the candidates were not treated well.
“Nasasaktan lang po ako kasi parang totoo po ‘yung sinasabi niyo na parang pinipilit ko lang po talaga na sumali, na hindi ko po deserve,” she clarified.
Despite the criticisms thrown her way, the “Magandang Dilag” star claimed that she meant no harm by trying her luck in the pageant scene.
“Nagsusubok lang po ako na abutin ‘yung mga pangarap ko, na magkaroon po ako ng crown, na ma-represent ko po ‘yung Pilipinas pero hindi ko po pala kaya,” she added.
Herlene drew flak weeks ago following her mishaps during the preliminary rounds where a video of her supposedly not taking the Q&A portion seriously made rounds.
“Humihingi po ako ng sorry sa inyong lahat,” she said. “Sa mga may ayaw po sa ‘kin, titigil na po ako. Hindi ko na po ipipilit ‘yung sarili ko.”
In the end, Herlene thanked her supporters saying that now, she has come to terms with her decision.
Banner Art Dani Sison
