Herlene Budol on being PH bet in international pageant: ‘Parang isang panaginip’

Image: Instagram/@herlene_budol

Herlene Budol is on cloud nine after being named the Philippines’ representative in the upcoming Miss Planet International pageant, admitting that the milestone feels like a dream.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2022 first runner-up opened up on the “tension” she feels about being the country’s candidate to the international pageant via her Facebook page last Monday, Aug. 29.

“Nararamdaman ko na naman uli ‘yung tension at ‘yung mission na pinangakuan ko kay Sir Wilbert Tolentino na gagawin ko lahat para sa pamilya ko at ma-inspire ang mga bagong henerasyon,” she said. Tolentino is Budol’s manager and the national director of Miss Planet International Philippines.

(I once again feel the tension and the mission I promised Sir Wilbert Tolentino that I will do everything for my family and to inspire the new generation.)

https://www.facebook.com/HerleneHiponBudolOfficial/posts/624033245858098

Budol then expressed gratefulness to Tolentino while looking forward to her preparation for Miss Planet International, as seen in her Facebook post, also last Monday.

“Naiiyak at naeexcite ako! Parang isang panaginip nga lang dahil para sa akin, isang malaking karangalan nakatungtong ako sa national pageant at ngayon naman isasabak na ako sa international level,” she gushed.

(I feel like crying and so excited! It is like a dream because for me, it is a great honor to be part of a national pageant and now to compete on the international level.)

“[May] tatlong buwan preparasyon ang Binibining Pilipinas journey ko at malaking transpormasyon para sa akin. Ngayon, may tatlong buwan pa rin akong preparasyon para lumaban ako sa Miss Planet International,” she added. “Gagawin ko ‘tong better version na makakapag-inspire sa mga kabataan because I know for myself that I am uniquely beautiful with a mission.”

(I had three months to prepare during my Binibining Pilipinas journey and it was a big transformation for me. Now, I have also three months of preparation to compete for Miss Planet International. I will make this a better version to inspire young individuals because I know for myself that I am uniquely beautiful with a mission.)

https://www.facebook.com/HerleneHiponBudolOfficial/posts/623665949228161

The Miss Planet International organization confirmed last Monday that Budol is competing in its 2022 edition. Meanwhile, Tolentino noted that Budol will speak in Filipino during her stint in the global pageant, just like she did when she competed in Binibining Pilipinas.

Miss Planet International’s 2022 pageant will be held in Kampala, Uganda, on Nov. 19.  /ra

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