Famously known as “Hipon Girl ” during her stint as a co-host in GMA Network’s noon-time show Wowowin, Herlene Nicole Budol has since paved a name for herself through a successful beauty pageant journey, and now blossoming social media and show business career.
“Hipon Girl”
Herlene was first discovered through Willie Revillame’s Wowowin after joining as a contestant for the TV show’s “Will of Fortune” segment. Introducing herself as “Hipon”, a moniker that her bullies referred her by when she joined a local beauty pageant in her home province of Angono, Rizal.
“Hipon” is the Tagalog word for shrimp, and a slang word used to describe someone with a nice body, but not-so-pleasing face. Herlene admits she was deeply hurt upon being called the name, but has since owned it wholeheartedly due to the opportunities of being a “Hipon Girl” brought her. With a shrimp tattoo on her finger, she testifies the complete embrace of her personal branding.
After sharing her story on Wowowin, “Hipon Girl” became a trending sensation, earning a spot as Willie’s co-host. The new role brought financial stability that enabled her to provide for the family as their main breadwinner.
The Pandemic Effect
Unfortunately, the pandemic has also not treated Herlene so kindly. Wowowin had to take a break due to social distancing protocols and eventually shifted direction, leading to her layoff. Jobless, Herlene later found hope after guesting in Toni Gonzaga’s Toni Talks on YouTube, her pioneer episode on the channel that generated over 13M views to date.
According to Herlene, Toni was kind enough to donate all YouTube ad revenues garnered from the video, which then was a big help given the financial constraint.
Around the same time, a YouTube video of Herlene doing a one-minute shopping spree at W Department Store went viral on businessman Wilbert Tolentino’s channel. In the video, Herlene is seen hoarding Ever Bilena and Hello Glow products, local makeup and skincare brands that would later award to her an Ever Bilena Direct Selling Distributorship Business Starter Package worth Php 50,000 in September 2021, after owners of the company learned about her hardship during the pandemic.
Herlene recalls, “naiyak ako, hindi ako makapaniwala. Dati ginagamit ko lang products nila. (I am tearing up from disbelief. I used to only be a user of their products).” So to meet Ever Bilena Founder, President & CEO, Dioceldo Sy and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Denice Sy, felt like a dream.
Binibining Pilipinas
One of Herlene’s biggest breaks in mainstream media occurred in the first quarter of 2022 when she auditioned for the 58th Edition of Binibining Pilipinas. Hailed as the underdog and representative of the masses, her participation in the prestigious pageant led to a nationwide outcry of support. Suddenly, all eyes were on Herlene, rooting for her success.
She was a breath of fresh air as she demonstrated genuine humility and congeniality, coming from a humble background. She was also the only candidate from her batch who committed to speaking only in Filipino in her press interviews, pocket activities, even during her performance at coronation.
The Angono native was undeniably popular, as she became the “hakot” awardee at Binibining Pilipinas finals, securing all the major sponsor awards including that of Miss Blackwater, a fragrance line from mother company, Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc., crossing paths with the cosmetics giant again, this time in a better place and as a national pageant contender.
Herlene emerged as the First Runner Up title holder for Binibining Pilipinas 2022, overall.
Full Circle Moment
Herlene’s success story has always been an open book and an inspiration to her fan base, who have followed her tumultuous journey as a poor girl trying her luck at Wowowin’s Will of Fortune to becoming one of the Philippines’ most beautiful faces.
Her most recent major milestone thus far is becoming the newest ambassador of Ever Bilena. A brand that has been close to her heart, from being an avid customer, to its direct sales dealer, to modeling for the brand as a beauty queen, to now officially representing the brand as its endorser.
The multi-hyphenate beauty reveals her full circle moment in a Facebook post where she captions, “Hindi ko akalain… Galing sa walang pambili, ngayon pinagkatiwalaan ng isa sa pinakamalaking kumpanya pag dating sa makeup. Salamat talaga, Ever Bilena. (I still can’t believe it. From someone who had no money to spare, to now being entrusted [as endorser] by one of the biggest companies in makeup. Thank you, Ever Bilena.)”
Herlene’s life is a testament of how life can work in your favor when you dream and stay true to yourself. In her words, “Ang sarap pa lang mangarap, walang imposible.” (It is good to dream, nothing is impossible.)”
As a girl who grew up in the slums, Herlene represents every Filipino’s wish of fulfilling what once seemed like an impossible dream into reality. Finally in a good place, she promises that “Hinding hindi ako magbabago, ang Hipon Girl niyo. (I will never change, I will always be your Hipon Girl)”
Follow Herlene’s story, at herlene_budol and discover why she loves Ever Bilena at everbilenaofficial.
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