Herlene Budol says she had alopecia during Binibining Pilipinas pageant

Herlene Budol revealed having alopecia during her stint in Binibining Pilipinas 2022.

In an episode of "Updated with Nelson Canlas," the beauty queen showed the bald spot on her scalp.

"Nagka-alopecia po akong malaki," she said. "Masaya naman ako noon sa Binibini pero s'yempre 'yung pressure na wala kang kaalam-alam, sobrang bobo mo do'n sa isang bagay."

"Malala talaga noon. Mahigit pa sa triple 'yung effort na binigay ko po noon talaga," she added. "Kasi first time ko mag-seryoso sa gano'n."

According to Herlene, this worsened when her grandmother passed away and during her Miss Planet International 2022 journey in Uganda.

"Nagka-alopecia ako. Dati maliit lang ito kaya ngayon nagulat ako. Nadagdagan 'yan ng Africa. Tapos 'di ako matae," she said. "'Yon pala stress."

"Tapos hindi ako nakakatulog. Hindi ako nakakatulog nang walang iniinom na [melatonin]," she added.

The beauty queen said she undergoes treatment for alopecia. Her scalp gets injected on her clinic visits.

Herlene won first runner-up with seven major awards during the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 finals in July.

Shortly after, she was announced to represent the Philippines at Miss Planet International 2022. However, she withdrew due to "uncertainties by organizers."

Her team later revealed that the reasons for their withdrawal include having no food and hotel for the candidates in Uganda. Herlene was also chased by police with guns prior to leaving the country.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA Integrated News