Hipon Girl

 Herlene's legacy to pageant history

 By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Herlene Nicole Budol will forever be part of the Binibining Pilipinas history. The Angono candidate now holds the record as the Binibini who has received the most number of special awards. During the recent BBP coronation night, she was named Manila Bulletin's Readers'Choice, Miss Shein, Miss Pizza Hut, Binibining Kumu, Jag Denim Queen, Binibining Silka, and Miss World Balance.

When asked how she feels about this, the former Wowowin co-host simply said there will be many other candidates who will also receive numerous special awards in the coming years.

Hipon Girl, as she is fondly known from her moniker on the boobtube, said that young girls who aspire to join Binibining Pilipinas, or any pageant for that matter, must be prepared physically, mentally, and financially. "Kailangan makahanap sila ng sponsor. Masuwerte ako at ang aking manager na si Wilbert Tolentino ang tumulong sa mga gastusin ko. Siya rin ang nag-udyok sa akin para sumali sa Binibining Pilipinas."

She credits her victory, partly, to her Squammy Walk. She says her pasarela is so called "Squammy" because it is her "walk to success." And true enough, while not a recipient of one of the four crowns, she, nonetheless, went home proclaimed as 1st runner-up - a feat in itself, considering it was her first foray into a national pageant and one filled with so many qualified entrants. For some, even qualifying for the Top 12 was synonymous to victory.

"Parang perfect timing din ang nangyari sakin. Isa sa mga pinakamahirap na pagsubok na naranasan ko bilang  contestant ay ang pagda-diet. Makanin kasi ako. Pero ngayong nasanay na akong di masyadong mag rice, siguro itutuloy ko sya."

We also asked her if she did eat shrimps and what the perfect way to cook it was for her. "Parang sinigang, kasi sisipsipin mo talaga yung ulo bago mo itapon."

During Herlene's victory homecoming, a few days after coronation night, her manager surprised everyone by saying, "Gusto ko i-announce sa inyo na magpapaalam ako sa Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. para ilaban si Herlene sa isang international pageant."

This piece of news elated not only her strongest supporters, but also pageant fans, who feel she has 'unfinished business' to settle. In whatever global stage she will venture next, we wish Herlene the best of luck.