Beauty queen and actress Joyce Ann Burton predicts that Herlene Nicole Budol has a strong chance of winning in Bb. Pilipinas 2022, especially if she hurdles the crucial Question and Answer portion of the pageant.
"Ang hinahanap kasi talaga sa Bb. Pilipinas is a beauty with brains. Maganda na sya, right? So it will be about her way of speaking and how she answers the Q&A," said Burton, who was adjudged Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 1985.
She revealed that all pageant contestants naturally get jitters when they're already in front of a huge crowd on finals night.
"No matter how intelligent you are or kahit anong galing mong magsalita, when you're on the stage and you're competing, patong-patong na ang anxiety nyan. Herlene needs to overcome that. She needs to prove that even in the face of that kind of pressure, makakasagot sya ng maayos," Burton stated.
She added that Budol, who is competing as Binibini No. 8, can even answer in Pilipino. " There's nothing wrong with that. It's our national language."
The former beauty queen also declared that as far as she knows, Bb. Pilipinas winners are chosen depending on which title fits them the best. "Parang ice cream yan, iba iba ang flavor. Kahit nung time ko, sabi nila yung choice for Miss Universe yung mga morena daw. Pag Miss International, more on mestiza. Things might have changed now."
Burton expressed excitement about the coming Bb. Pilipinas coronation night.
"I always want to encourage other women when it comes to going after their dreams. I love it when ladies like Herlene join a beauty pageant as prestigious as Bb. Pilipinas, so good luck. Take the crown from everybody Herlene!," she noted.
Analysts are saying Budol is a strong contender for the Bb Pilipinas Grand International title since the organizers of the global pageant based in Thailand reportedly wants someone with a huge social media following.
Burton, who works as vocal yoga coach these days, will be seen next in the TV series "What Could Be" which is the first collaboration between GMA Network and Quantum Films. She will play the role of the mother of lead actor Miguel Tanfelix who is the love interest of Ysabel Ortega in the show.