TV comedienne and beauty queen Herlene Budol acknowledges that she often becomes the subject of public scrutiny.
“I’m actually a favorite target of attacks and controversies,” she said in the vernacular when asked about frequently being involved in issues.
Despite always being in the spotlight (and sometimes for the wrong reasons), she chooses to see it in a positive light.
“It just means people care about me, so in a way, I find it amusing. I’d rather have people pay attention than not at all. I’m not an attention seeker, but maybe they just enjoy making issues about me. Still, I’m thankful because it means I’m being noticed.”
Her latest TV project follows the success of her 2023 GMA drama series Magandang Dilag, which was overshadowed by controversy when private messages between her and her leading man, Rob Gomez, leaked online.
During a press conference, Herlene admitted that the incident deeply affected her, leading her to seek psychiatric help to process what had happened.
When asked if she feared the controversy would end her career, she said she has moved on, though she and Rob never reconciled.
“I’m not mad at him anymore. I’ve let go of all the negativity in my heart. Maybe we just never got the chance to fix things. I’m not angry, but we’re not okay,” she said.
Looking back on the issue, Herlene said she was never afraid because she knew the truth. What hurt her the most was that no one defended her.
“I wasn’t scared because I knew what was true. What worried me was—why wasn’t I defended? Out of everyone involved, why did no one speak up?” she said.
Without naming anyone, she added, “He knows who he is. We all know the truth.”
“I feel like he wanted what happened. But he should have spoken up—I would have accepted that more. He should have acted like a man,” she continued, not mentioning any names.
Herlene takes on a new leading role
Despite past controversies, Herlene is eager to take on a new challenge in Binibining Marikit, where she plays Marikit, a witty yet strong-willed member of the indigenous Dumagat Remontado tribe. As a tour guide for her family’s travel company, Marikit finds herself in the middle of a battle when wealthy and powerful figures attempt to take their ancestral land.
of Herlene’s leading men
Beyond protecting her community, Marikit also struggles with the absence of her mother, who left years ago. Seeking companionship, she turns to a dating app and meets a man who seems to be her perfect match—until she realizes she has fallen victim to a love scam.
Joining Herlene in the series are Pokwang, Tony Labrusca, and Thai-Irish model-turned-actor Kevin Dasom. Also part of the cast are Almira Muhlach, Thea Tolentino, Cris Villanueva, Ashley Rivera, Jeff Moses, Migs Almendras, and John Feir.
Directed by Jorron Lee Monroy, Binibining Marikit premieres today at 2:30 p.m. and will air Monday to Saturday.