Elated and in disbelief as she is, newly signed Sparkle talent Herlene Budol says she is ready to take on brand new challenges and learn more ways to improve her craft, moments after being welcomed officially by the premiere talent agency arm of GMA Network. 

Herlene, famously known by her social media moniker ‘Hipon,’ signed a management contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center on March 5, 2024, a momentous event she considers as life-changing.

GRATEFUL AND ON CLOUD NINE

Herlene had nothing but words of elation and gratitude during the signing’s media conference, attended by GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, and Sparkle Vice President Ms. Joy Marcelo. 

The Angono, Rizal-born actress said she is thankful that she was able to overcome difficulties in reaching this point in her life.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Lord…yung mga moment na down na down ako, pinalakas niya po ako, maraming salamat po kasi gumawa siya ng maraming instrumento na tao para tulungan ako,” an appreciative Herlene said onstage.

“Hindi ko akalain nakarating po kayo ng Angono para mag video-video,” she added, after a compilation of emotional video greetings from loved ones was played.

In a post-media conference interview, Herlene revealed her extreme excitement over the fact that she’s now officially a member of the Sparkle family.

“Parang pangalawang tahanan na ito… grabe yung pakiramdam ko parang nalutang ba, kahit alam kong magco-contract signing ako parang excited pa rin. Hindi ho ako nakatulog, talagang pinerfect ko ang make-up ko and eyeliner ko, sobrang excited ako… parang bata na binigyan ng candy,” explained the “Magandang Dilag” star.

Her first ever lead role as a Kapuso actress arrived in 2023 when she played ‘Gigi/Greta V.’ in the 2023 drama offering, “Magandang Dilag,” a show that’s intimately close to her heart.

“Magandang Dilag talaga… parang siya yung naging stepping stone ko para mas pag-igihan ko pa, (ang) dami kong natutunan, dami kong aral na nakuha… kung paano kumilos, paano maging artista… Gusto ko hindi na siya mawala sa puso at isipan ko,” the Rizaleño pageant queen commented.

Budol also credited her mentor, Wilbert Tolentino.

“Salamat po kay Sir Wilbert, salamat sa pagmentor sa akin, sa pag-guide. Andyan ka palagi para sa akin,” she said of Tolentino, who also attended the actress’ contract signing event at GMA Network Studios.

HUNGRY FOR MORE

Herlene’s passion for her craft goes beyond just liking it. For the 24-year-old, craving even the most minute facets of acting makes for a meaningful endeavor.

“Masaya na talaga ako sa ginagawa ko, kumbaga love ko na ba yung ginagawa ko, di na siya work work lang, ngayon ang sarap umacting, sarap makisalamuha sa mga beterano kaya parang ang dami kong natutunan at masaya ako na nagtutuloy-tuloy ako,” she shared.

Asked who she fancies working with in her upcoming projects, Herlene said she prefers taking every single opportunity to learn from anyone and everyone.

“Lahat ng beterano, kahit mga baguhan gusto ko makasama, ganun ako ka-patay gutom matuto, kahit sa bago kahit sa luma, kahit kanino willing ako para may matutunan pa lalo. Ganun ako ka-eager matuto,” the actress elaborated.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2022 runner-up looks forward to a busier, and more meaningful year ahead, especially now that she’s formally welcomed as a Sparkle talent.

“... wala pa man din binigyan na nila ako, kumbaga pagkain, lulunukin ko na lang. Nung wala pa nga eh, pinagkatiwalaan na nila ako, lalo pa ngayon na part na ako ng family, kaya masaya po talaga,” said Budol. 

MOVING FORWARD

Talking about her being a public icon and how she handles negative comments, Herlene said she’d rather transform these damaging statements into words of encouragement. 

She also reflected on her journey towards being more accepting of people’s criticisms.

“Sabi ko dati, good or bad publicity is still publicity. (Pero) kahit pala hindi ako naaapektuhan, nakakaapekto pa rin pala sa isip mo. Thankful pa rin naman ako sa kanila (bashers) kasi andyan sila para pakialamanan yung buhay ko.”

“Ini-improve ko yung sarili ko, itturn ko siya as positive, aayusin ko ang sarili ko,” she said with conviction.

Inking a deal with a talent agency as prestigious as GMA Network’s Sparkle entails a lot of career responsibility and discipline, but Herlene said she would rather not make grand promises. She only commits to bearing an indomitable spirit to keep pushing forward.

Hindi ako mangangako ng laging masaya, pero pag-iigihan ko - sa pag-acting, sa pag-host, gagawin ko yung pinaka-best ko. Hindi ko kayo ipapahiya, yung eagerness sa pagiging artista, mas pag-iigihan ko pa. I love you Sparkle, I love you GMA,” she concluded.