Herlene Budol on having multiple jobs: ‘Ayokong mawawalan ako ng pera’

Herlene Budol has taken extra measures just to earn a living for her family.

In an episode of “Updated with Nelson Canlas,” Herlene said she moved from one job to another from when she was just 15 years old. 

She juggled going to school, working as a seller, a waitress, and a city hall employee — all at the same time. It all started when she had no money to pay for her grandmother’s hospital fees.

“Na-ospital si Nanay noon dati ta’s ayaw siyang tubuhan kasi wala kaming pang-down. Apat na libo. Umutang muna ako sa ibang tropa ko ta’s binayaran ko,” she said.

“Sinabi ko po sa sarili ko na ayokong mawawalan ako ng pera. Every time may emergency, ayaw ko na nagmamakaawa tapos ‘di pagbibigyan,” she added. “Kailangan meron akong palaging pera.”

Although she and her grandparents were able to eat three times a day, Herlene said they didn’t really feel full. At times, she would go to school without anything to eat.

As such, she is thankful to have been recognized after joining “Wowowin” as a contestant in 2019. It started her showbiz career, making way for roles including gigs with “Bubble Gang.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic when everything was put to a stop, however, Herlene revealed having to become a raketera again as everything became uncertain.

“Biglang bagsak 'yung career ko nung time na ‘yon,” she said. “Nag-umpisa ako mag-negosyo noon. Nagtinda ng mga lip tint, mga pre-loved (items), mga nasuot ko sa ‘Wowowin.’”

Having experienced all that, Herlene promised to strive even harder as “puwede ‘tong mawala lahat.”

“Galing po ako sa hirap. Bakit ko pa po pakakawalan 'yung mga ganitong pagkakataon na blessing na binigay sa akin po ng Panginoon?”

Currently, Herlene holds the title Binibining Pilipinas 2022 first runner-up with seven special awards.

She is also set to star in an upcoming GMA-7 show titled “Magandang Dilag.” —Franchesca Viernes/KG, GMA Integrated News