Herlene Budol and Miss Tourism World 2022 first runner-up Justine Felizarta. Image: screengrab from Youtube/GrandTV
Herlene Budol revealed she apparently felt that her potential was “wasted,” citing this as the reason why she had an unhappy expression while being crowned as Miss Philippines Tourism at the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 coronation night.
Nikki De Moura from Cagayan de Oro City won the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 title at the finals night held in Pasay City last July 13.
Budol addressed her noticeable facial expression at the latter part of the coronation event, in response to Facebook user Malou Wong who shared a photo of straight-faced Budol while wearing her crown and sash.
“Bakit malungkot ang beshie ko?” Wong captioned her post, quoting a meme from a recent viral TV show scene. (Why is my best friend sad?)
Budol then replied in a seemingly humorous manner, “Kase sinayang ni angkol, kaya sa [Miss Tourism] tayo [ta-tumbling nang] bongga.”
(Because uncle wasted [my potential]—so, I will just [show my grand performance in Miss Tourism World].)
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
This drew mixed reactions from netizens, with some supporting Budol and some reminding her to be grateful for winning a title.
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
Image: Facebook/Herlene Hipon Budol
Budol also earlier made headlines after her playful approach during the Q&A portion of the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 press presentation, which drew the ire of pageant enthusiasts and netizens. Budol apologized for this and stressed that she’s serious about joining the pageant.
Aside from her Miss Philippine Tourism 2023 title, Budol also won the first runner-up placement in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant in 2022. /ra