Herlene Budol shared her condition if she were to join pageants again.
In the podcast “I-Listen with Kara David,” Kara asked Herlene if she still planned to join pageants again, or if she was happy just being an actress.
“I’m happy with acting. But of course, I joined pageants before because there was a house and lot as a prize. If there’s another offer with a house and lot, then I would join again,” she answered.
Herlene is proud of what she learned from being a beauty queen.
“I became a little bit more feminine. Then, I learned a lot, I was able to inspire young people who thought they couldn’t do it, that it’s actually possible, that they shouldn’t be afraid just because they don’t have money. Because like me, there were other people who helped me.”
Herlene also expressed gratitude to her former talent manager for helping her join pageants and appear on TV.
“So, you really need to believe in the abilities you have. If you don’t see that in yourself, there are people who will help you rise up.”
“Of course, in one Will of my life too, if not for him, I wouldn’t have entered TV. Because of other people, that’s why I’m here. That’s why I have jobs because of people who also support me,” she continued.
Kara praised Herlene for being hardworking, intelligent, and having a beautiful heart.
According to Herlene, she continues to study now, but she didn’t specify what course or field it is.
“I’m still willing to learn. I’m not closing the door that this is where I’ll stop. I’m still studying. It’s a secret. When I get my diploma, I’ll just post it.”
Kara praised Herlene for her perseverance.
“Scholars always say, ‘Thank you, Miss Kara,’ because you sent us to school. But the truth is, no matter how much help you give someone, if that person doesn’t know how to persevere and doesn’t know how to strengthen themselves, and doesn’t know how to value that help, nothing will happen. So, other people only gave help, but the majority of that effort is yours. So you have to give yourself a pat on the back.”
For Herlene, “Don’t waste the opportunity given to you. I didn’t waste any. I really grabbed everything. As long as I know it’s also for my family, I said, ‘I’ll take this.’ When I become truly successful, I will also help others.”
Herlene was crowned Miss Philippines Tourism in the Miss Grand International pageant in July 2024. She was also named first runner-up of Binibining Pilipinas 2022.
