Herlene Budol arrives in Uganda to compete in Miss Planet International
Things are heating up for Herlene Budol's pageant career as she finally arrives in Uganda to compete for the Miss Planet International crown.
In several posts on her Instagram account, Herlene shared a video of her with Ugandan schoolchildren, a photo of her in her gown for the pageant, as well as shouting out a Filipina YouTuber based in Uganda who took care of Herlene's team upon arrival in the African nation.
Herlene is aiming to bring home the country's first Miss Planet International crown, with the pageant's coronation night set on November 19. The Miss Planet International pageant advocates for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as well as preservation of the planet. The upcoming coronation night is only the second to be held.
Last month, the Binibining Pilipinas organization called on pageant fans and followers to support Herlene's Miss Planet International bid with a supportive Instagram post.
Herlene was first named the country's Miss Planet International representative back in August with a post on the Miss Planet International Facebook page.
When the announcement was made, Herlene shared her excitement on her own Facebook page, explaining that the opportunity felt like a dream.
"OMG! Naiiyak at na-e-excite ako. Parang isang panaginip nga lang dahil para sa akin isang malaking karangalan na nakatungtong [ako] sa national pageant at ngayon naman isasabak na ako sa international level," she wrote.
Before flying to Uganda, Herlene had already decided on using a translator as she admits that she is not good with the English language.
Should Herlene win, she will not only be the country's first Miss Planet International but will also turn around the country's fortune's in international pageantry. Gabrielle Basiano ended her Miss Intercontinental journey in the Top 20, while Chelsea Fernandez ended up in the Miss Globe Top 15. Before she was appointed as Miss Grand International fifth runner-up, Roberta Tamondong finished the pageant in the Top 20.
MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT THE OTHER BINIBINING PILIPINAS 2022 WINNERS IN THE GALLERY BELOW.