Fans of Binibining Pilipinas No. 8 candidate, Herlene Nicole Budol from Angono, Rizal, turned out in full force at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on Sunday, July 31, to root for their fellow Angono resident. who ended up as first-runnerup.
Tracy Pascual, from the Office of the Mayor of Angono, who was among those who trooped to Araneta Center, said aside from Budol’s family and relatives, her supporters included former office mates at the Angono Municipal government; her manager, Wilbert Tolentino; members of the town’s Sangguniang Kabataan, some teachers and other individuals who came all the way from the Art Capital and other towns of Rizal Province.
Pascual, who was a co-worker of Budol, said even Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon joined supporters of Budol who went to the Big Dome not only to watch the pageant but to give moral support to her fellow Angono resident.
Budol made it to the top 12 of the Philippine’s annual beauty pageant as of past 11 p.m., Sunday.
She was earlier chosen as Manila Bulletin Reader’s Choice Award winner ahead of the announcement of the top 12 finalists.
Budol’s supporters were wearing the personalized orange T-shirt printed with the words, “We Love Hipon Binibini 8 Herlene Nicole Budol For the Crown.”
Pascual said orange is the color of the shrimp or "Hipon" which is Budol’s moniker.
Aside from Budol, fellow Rizal resident, Stacy Gabriel of Cainta, Rizal was among the top 12 finalists.
Budol also won several special awards ahead of the announcement of the major winners.