Local stars congratulated social media darling Herlene "Hipon Girl" Budol for becoming an official candidate in this year's Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
On Instagram, Herlene revealed that among those who extended support for her was TV host Willie Revillame.
"Isa rin karangalan din para sa akin na Kuya Wil eto noh..hehe masaya na may halong iyak ako habang kausap ko cya sa phone. dahil cya ang humulma sa akin at sobrang proud cya sa akin at natutuwa po cya sa akin kasi lagi ko daw cya ina-acknowledge! d ko raw cya nakakalimutan! Siempre naman alagang Wowowin si Hipon girl. nag gained ako ng popularity dahil pag joined ko sa Wowowin segment "Willie of fortune" tapos cya din nakakita sa aking potential at ginawa akong regular host dahil sa kakulitan at funny jokes ko! malaki utang na loob ko sa kanya. dahil kalahating utak ko cya ang nag ambag," she wrote on Instagram along with their picture.
Herlene also thanked broadcast journalist Karen Davila who surprised her with P100,000 cash.
The 22-year-old Kapuso star said that the money came from Karen's earning from her YouTube interview.
"Mam Karen, God bless you more po at malaking tulong po eto para sa aking pamilya at ibibigay ko po eto kay Nanay Bireng at Tatay Oreng ko. Salamat ng Marami dahil 3 mons ako bawal mag tanggap ng trabaho at endorsement sa policy ng Binibining Pilipinas," she said. "Kaya umaasa nalang din ako ng income sa youtube Channel ko sa pag pa vlog! mga KaSquammy sa mga indi pa naka panood ng interview ko po kay Mam Karen e ilagay ko sa comment section ang link. Salamat kay Sir Wilbert Tolentino at Pinakilala mo sa akin si Mam Karen Davila."
Senatorial aspirant and television personality Raffy Tulfo also greeted Herlene.
On Facebook, Tulfo wrote: "Dating inaapi pero ngayon, malayo na ang narating! Congratulations Ms. Herlene Nicole Budol aka Hipon Girl for being one of the 40 semi-finalists of Binibining Pilipinas 2022."
"We fully support your new journey. Kung kaya ni Hipon Girl, sigurado, kayang-kaya niyo ring marating ang inyong mga pangarap, lalo at nasa likod niyo lagi at nakasuporta ang Idol ng Bayan, Raffy Tulfo!"
Herlene thanked Raffy for the warm greeting, deeming it an honor to receive such remark.
"At yung caption nya We fully support your journey! nakaka taba ng puso po. kung may 19M follower si IDOL RAFFY sa Fanpage at 23M na follower sa youtube channel nya, malamang mapuno ang Araneta," she quipped.
Actress Jennica Garcia also sent her well-wishes.
She wrote on her social media accounts: "Hi Nicole! You don’t know me but in case you see this, know that a lot are praying for your win, myself included."
"You are very smart, witty and funny. Even before joining the pageant, I’ve always admired you for being true to yourself, humble and extremely beautiful," she added. "Wag mabahala kung sa wikang Filipino ka sasagot sa Q and A. Hindi basehan ng pagiging matalino ang pananalita ng wikang ingles."
Jennica assured Herlene that she will win the crown with her heart of gold, wit, beauty, and God’s hands upon her alone.
"Pray fervently for presence of mind and grace under pressure. ANG NAG IISANG UBOD NG GANDA, TALINO AT CHARMING NA BINIBINI NG PILIPINAS EVERYBODY, HERLENE NICOLE BUDOL!," she said. "Go get the crown, sez!"