Herlene Nicole Budol, representing Angono, Rizal, has been awarded the crown of Miss Tourism Philippines 2023.
Best known as a comedienne and social media sensation, she will now represent the Philippines at the highly anticipated Miss Tourism World 2023 event.
Herlene's journey to success began with her inclusion in the Top 15, later securing a spot among the Top 10 finalists.
During the Top 10 finalists' speeches, where each participant presented their respective advocacies, the 23-year-old beauty queen delivered her message with utmost sincerity.
In a social media post, she expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported and assisted her throughout her journey towards claiming the Miss Tourism crown and competing on the international stage.
"Thank you lord sa lahat ng blessings na tinatamasa ko po ngayon. Hindi ko man nakuha ang top crown atleast may crown pa rin ang Hipon girl niyo kht third crown pa yan, iwawagayway ko pa rin ang bandila ng Pilipinas sa international stage," she wrote.
"Dahil hindi rin biro sumalang sa isang national pageant mula sa registration day hanggang sa screening. At kung palarin ka maging isang official candidate, ang sarap kaya sa pakiramdam yung mabilang ka bilang isang official candidate ay parang nanalo ka narin sa lotto," she added.
On July 31, 2022, Herlene represented Angono in the highly esteemed Binibining Pilipinas 2022 held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
She competed alongside 39 other candidates vying for the four coveted titles. Her impressive performance earned her the fifth position and the distinction of being the first runner-up.
Nikki Advincula de Moura, 29, from Cagayan de Oro emerged as the winner of the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 title, while Michelle Arceo Kain, 25, from Bagumbayan, Quezon City secured the second spot and was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023.
In addition to being crowned Miss Tourism Philippines 2023, Herlene also received multiple accolades, including Miss Ever Bilena, Miss ArenaPlus, Miss Mermaid Manila Hair, and Miss Blue Water Day Spa.
