Nicole Budol says Bb. Pilipinas might be her last pageant: 'Last ko na 'to ate'
After being dubbed as Binibining Pilipinas 2022's "Hakot Queen," it seems that Herlene Nicole Budol is hanging up her beauty pageant crown.
During the coronation night of the highly-awaited pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum on July 31, the first-time beauty queen and social media personality won first runner-up, alongside seven special awards.
Budol made waves online for being the lone Top 12 finalist who answered in Filipino when asked to chronicle her Bb. Pilipinas transformation during the Q&A segment.
"Para sa akin, ang sarap po palang mangarap. Walang imposible. Isa po akong komedyante na laki sa hirap, at ang aking transpormasyon ay ang magbigay ng inspirasyon," Nicole said.
Her fanbase was also evident during the event, as numerous cheers could be heard each time the influencer had her time on the platform. Other celebrities also praised Nicole's full-Filipino answer, such as fellow comedian Vice Ganda.
E ung naiiyak ako para kay Hipon! Waaaahhh! Love u Herlene! #BinibiningPilipinas
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) July 31, 2022
However, Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean "MJ" Lastimosa revealed that the recently-concluded pageant could be Budol's last venture into the pageant scene. After the event, MJ shared that she approached Nicole and congratulated her on her performance.
"Chinika ko si Budol Sabi ko proud ako sayo ang galing mong sumagot! Sumali ka pa ulit," MJ wrote. "Sagot nya: last ko na to ate. Aww why naman langga."
Chinika ko si Budol Sabi ko proud ako sayo ang galing mong sumagot! Sumali ka pa ulit. Sagot nya: last ko na to ate. Aww why naman langga. #nicolebudol
— MJ Lastimosa (@MJ_Lastimosa) July 31, 2022
Nicole has yet to officially announce if she will really leave her pageant dreams behind, as it's still a feat to nab the first-runner-up crown as a beauty pageant rookie.
Meanwhile, Cebu's Nicole Borromeo took home the Bb. Pilipinas International crown.
Other winners include Tacloban City’s Chelsea Fernandez as Bb. Pilipinas Globe, Eastern Samar’s Gabrielle Basiano as Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, and Laguna’s Roberta Angela Tamondong as crowned Bb. Pilipinas Grand International.