Herlene Budol channels inner queen in stunning new photo: 'Lumalakas ang loob ko'

Herlene Budol, popularly known as Hipon Girl, is more than ready to embark on her journey to the Binibining Pilipinas crown.

The Kapuso comedienne on Saturday shared a photo from an impromtu shoot, flaunting a yellow gown that was inspired by Thai royalty.

In her Instagram caption, Herlene thanked her fans for all the support they gave her after she joined Binibining Pilipinas and got chosen to be part of the Top 40 who will compete for crowns.

"Grabe at sobrang lunod ang aking messenger sa mga pag bati ng Congratulations Hipon! TY ng Marami tlga!" she said.

"Nakakataba po ng puso ang pag cheer up nyo sa akin at lumalakas loob ko dahil yan sa inyo mga Ka-Hiponatics," she added.

Herlene also thanked those who are supporting her advocacy, autism awareness and detection.

"TY po ng marami mga Super Mom at mga single mom na nag hahanga sa aking Advocacy dahil may anak din sila Autism," she said."Kung love nyo po ako mga super mom, love ko rin po kayo dahil sa mga pinag dadaanan nyo po. Saludo po ako sa inyo at Sisikapin ko maging Spokeperson sa aking Advocacy para makatulong sa mga nangangailangan."

She added that her team is already working on finding the perfect look and training to help her achieve the crown she wanted.

Even as she couldn't contain her excitement, Herlene couldn't help but inject humor as she introduced herself at the end of her post.

"Ako nga pala si Binibining Nicole Budol aka Herlene Hipon at naniniwala sa kasabihan for today 'Kung naninikip ang dibdib mo, pwes, paluwagin mo ang Bra mo,'" she said.

Binibining Pilipinas opened applications for this year's pageant in February. After expressing her desire to join, Herlene officially applied in early May.

On Friday, Binibining Pilipinas unveiled its Top 40, and Herlene was among them.

"Ohmygad nung tinawag ang #67 na speechless po ako at wala pa rin akong tigil sa kaka-iyak dito sa backstage,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you lord for hearing and answering my prayers!" —JCB, GMA News