In an exclusive interview after being crowned first runner-up in the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 pageant, local internet star Herlene Nicole Budol said that joining and winning a national pageant, even just for once, is "enough" for her, as it broke stereotypes of what a simple girl like her can achieve.
"Okay na po ang achievement ko, kuntento na po ako. Para sa akin kasi once is enough. Tri-ny ko na po yung best ko. Sana naging inspirasyon ako sa saglit na panahon," she told the Manila Bulletin while in a photo shoot at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City last Aug. 2.
Herlene Nicole generated the most cheers in this year's Bb. Pilipinas pageant and she took home the most number of special awards, including the Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice. She also popularized the slogan "uniquely beautiful with a mission."
"Masaya na po ako na tawaging beauty queen, na hindi ako pang-komedyante lang. Isa na po akong ganap na beauty queen with a crown, na kahit maliit, kahit first runner-up, masaya po ako. Buong puso pong sobrang saya ko," she declared.
Herlene Nicole intimated that what matters most to her is being a role model to her millions of followers.
"Kung kaya ko po, kaya din ng ibang tao. Kung ano man maging itsura nyo - maputi ka man, maitim, kulot o unat, walang problema. Siguro ito ang isa sa misyon ko, ang maging role model, na wag matakot at harapin ang mga kinatatakutan nila sa buhay," she pointed out.
She recalled that before she entered showbiz, she was a shy person and was fearful being in front of a big audience. But then, she became a co-host of 'Wowowin' and became a comedienne.
The grandmother who brought her up also raised her to be a religious person, and so she prayed. " Para sa akin, it is all God's will. Ang mga plano ko hindi natutupad, pero ang plano ng Panginoon ang natutupad."
Nicole revealed that after the recent coronation night, the first order of the day is to go back to show business as she did not work during all the months that she prepared for Bb. Pilipinas.
While she already has her dream car and house, she confessed that her wish right now is to get more projects so she and her family can become financially stable.
"Masaya naman ang family ko pero gusto kasi namin wala na kami iisipin na pagkukunan. Hindi pa kami stable talaga, kumbaga kailangan pa rin namin talaga magtrabaho. So, yung maraming trabaho na lang sana ang wish ko," she closed.