Kapuso actress and beauty queen Herlene Budol opened up about the hardships she faced amid the controversies she encountered in late 2023.
Speaking candidly during a recent GMA Network interview, the ‘Magandang Dilag’ star revealed the emotional toll of being judged by the public without knowing the full details of the situation.
“Wala pong nagtanggol sa akin. Lahat po talaga hinusgahan ako,” Herlene shared, recalling the experience that left her feeling abandoned and misunderstood.
The controversy stemmed from rumors surrounding her alleged private message exchanges with Kapuso actor Rob Gomez, her leading man in ‘Magandang Dilag’. The issue sparked public criticism, further fueled by online chatter.
Despite the challenges, Herlene found strength through her family and faith, crediting them for helping her navigate the crisis.
“Doon ko po napatunayan na kahit anong mangyari, nandiyan ang pamilya mo. Sabi ko, ‘Nay, sabihin mo kay Lord, hindi naman po ako masamang tao. Sabihin mo kay Lord, Nay, na nagmahal lang po ako,’” she recounted.
Instead of dwelling on negativity, Herlene chose to focus on her career and personal growth.
“Parang mas masaya po akong mag-focus muna din po muna sa trabaho ko at sa sarili ko. Kumpara kung mag-focus ako sa mga taong sisirain lang naman ‘yung aking puso,” she said.
Herlene also emphasized that she has forgiven those who criticized and judged her during the controversy, including her detractors.
“Thank you for making me strong,” she said in a message to her bashers.
Herlene has since moved forward with her new afternoon series, ‘Binibining Marikit’, which premiered on GMA Network on Monday. She stars alongside Pokwang and leading men Tony Labrusca and Kevin Dasom, a Manhunt International winner.
Herlene shared that Tony was the first cast member she became close to on set.
“Si Tony. Obvious naman kasi, hindi ko kaya kausapin kaagad ‘yung AFAM (Kevin). Inaangkop niya ‘yung sarili niya kahit hindi niya ako maintindihan. Kala mo nga, nagsa-sign language lang kami,” she said with a laugh.
Describing the series, Herlene said Binibining Marikit offers a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.
“‘Yung Magandang Dilag po last year, ito parang mas pina-light nang kaunti, mas pinasaya, pero alam niyo pong talaga may puso. ‘Yung tipong mas magkadikit si Herlene at si Marikit kumpara kay Gigi ng Magandang Dilag,” she explained.
She added that the series will resonate with single parents raising their children on their own.
“Kung makaka-relate po dito ‘yung mga single father, single mother na talagang nag-aalaga at tinataguyod nila ‘yung kanilang mga anak nang mag-isa,” she said.
‘Binibining Marikit’ airs every afternoon on GMA Network. Fans can look forward to more lighthearted yet meaningful episodes as Herlene continues her journey in showbiz.
