By Lara Nadine Balderama
Just a few days before the most-awaited Binibining Pilipinas coronation night, Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol reveals her Higantes Festival-inspired national costume, which pays homage to her hometown Angono, Rizal.
In a recent Instagram post, the TV comedian appears wearing a beaded body suit made of orange and gold crystals, which symbolize her “Hipon Girl” brand, matched with a hand-crafted cape, presenting a painting inspired by Angono’s cultural history.
The Binibining Pilipinas 2022 candidate poses with a massive ‘higantes’ on her background. This giant paper-machè puppet on parades during the Higantes Festival celebrates the myth that there were giants who once walked over the land of Angono.
Budol’s national costume resembles Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s “lava gown,” which is known to be inspired by the festivity of the beauty queen’s hometown. In 2018, Gray also honored her province by wearing the Mayon-inspired gown during the Miss Universe pageant.
On the other hand, a national costume fashion show took place on Saturday, July 16, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. Budol is among 40 candidates competing for Binibining Pilipinas 2022 on July 31.
