Miss Planet Philippines

 Herlene calls herself a 'messenger' for the planet

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st runner-up, and appointed Miss Planet Philippines 2022, Herlene Nicole Budol met with members of the media, as well as her Binibini sisters, in preparation for her scheduled trip to Uganda for the international finals.

"Hindi pala sa Pilipinas magtatapos ang laban ko. Hindi ako magpapabugbog, ilalaban ko to. Lahat ng bagay napag-aaralan, dapat willing to learn ka. Kung ano man ang kulang pa sakin, pupunuin ko. Ang pangangalaga ay nagsisimula sa bawat isa sa atin.

"I want to be remembered na isang kandidata na ipinagyabang ko ang wikang Pilipino, saang sulok man ng mundo," intimated Hipon Girl, at the start of the intimate send-off in Novotel Manila.

As Binibining Pilipinas' Jag Denim Queen, Herlene's 3D billboard from Jag came to life along EDSA early this week. Her team, together with manager Wilbert Tolentino and 50 members of their entourage, will leave for Uganda on November 3; in time for the registration and sashing ceremony on November 5.

"I saw how you started your journey. And you deserved all the help you got and received. Naniwala ako sa husay at galing mo. Aside from our official interpreter, Team Hipon is on the lookout for yellow vaccines for Herlene and some members of the team," informed manager and team leader Wilbert Tolentino.

"To Sir Will, who saw my potential, for giving me an opportunity to see a side of me na di ko nakita, maraming salamat po. Ang mga experiences na pinagdaanan ko ang nagpatibay sakin. Let's help save the planet. I am willing to learn new things na walang-wala akong alam.

"Huwag mating hayaang bumalik sa atin ang mga tinatapon natin sa mundo. Willing akong maging sugo o messenger ng ating planeta. Hindi ako mangangako ng masaya pero ibibigay ko ang mas pa sa kaya ko. I-angat natin ang Pilipinas!" continued Herlene.

Fresh from her stint in the Miss Intercontinental pageant in Egypt, Top 20 semifinalist Gabrielle Camille Basiano was present to give her well-wishers. "I saw your hard work and dedication. You deserve to represent the Philippines on the international stage."

Binibining Pilipinas 2nd runner-up Stacey Daniella Gabriel, who hosted the mid-afternoon event, told Herlene that, "You have our support through and through. I can't be prouder to be your Binibini sister. Even if you ruled the SocMed digits during our national pageant, you kept your feet on the ground. Kahit meron kang pinagdaanan, you were unbreakable. I can't wait for the whole Planet to see your power."

Pageant observers are of the opinion that Herlene's forthcoming pageant has the pattern of Miss International with the advocacy of Miss Earth. 

"When I first saw you, I was already awestruck. You never forgot the people who helped you. There may have been times that you were exhausted, but you never failed to amaze us. I can't wait for you to conquer the solar system," intoned Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo.

Originating from the Moslem country of Cambodia, and now to be held in an African state of Islamic faith, the pageant is quite conservative with how they present the international delegates; including the non-wearing of swimsuits and skin-baring apparel.

"We chose Herlene because of her unique story. Her team will transform Herlene, yet again, into the requirements of the pageant. The format in Cambodia did not allow the girls to show their bodies and lower extremities. In fact, the maiden show in 2019 was graced by the King of Cambodia," related national co-director Shandi Montecarlo, who helms the national organization with Wilbert Tolentino.

Mentor Ryan Soto, who trained Herlene with her speaking skills, told the Angono maiden that, "You are indeed uniquely beautiful with a mission. Herlene will be speaking in Tagalog during the final Q&A, the second time she'll be doing so after the national pageant. This early, the Filipino community in Uganda awaits for your arrival."

Herlene will resume shooting scenes for her first lead role in the TV series, "Magandang Dilag," with GMA TV upon her return from Uganda.

"I would like to thank BPCI for this opportunity of allowing Herlene Nicole Budol to participate in our pageant in Uganda. To all Filipino fans, please continue to support Miss Planet International (MPI). Mabuhay po kayong lahat! Maraming salamat! Herlene, see you in Kampala!" enthused Sr. Pedro Francisco Marquez, chief executive officer of MPI, in a recorded video presented during the send-off.

Kagandahang Flores executive director Rodgil Flores, who trained Herlene all throughout her pageant journey told the GMA artist-turned-beauty queen that, "I witnessed your transformation all throughout. I'm sure all your hard work will pay off."

The pre-pageant activities will begin on Nov. 15, while the coronation night unfolds in the city of Kampala on Nov. 19. Stay tuned!