Actress and beauty queen Herlene Budol revealed that being labeled as “bobo” (dumb) by some people has been painful, but she has learned to turn the criticism into motivation for self-improvement.
During her guest appearance on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on March 5, the ‘Binibining Marikit’ star admitted that the hurtful remarks about her intelligence deeply affected her.
“Masakit ‘yon, bobo. Ikaw ba naman sabihan ka ng bobo—harap-harapan, sa comments, behind your back. Talagang sinasabi po sa ‘kin, [ang] bobo ‘ko.”
However, rather than letting the negative remarks define her, Budol said she has used them as fuel to better herself.
Veteran host Boy Abunda, who has closely followed Herlene’s career, praised her eagerness to learn and improve.
“Nagkasalubong tayo, nakita ko kung how hungry you were to learn. Gutom na gutom ka. Sobrang patay-gutom para matuto,” Abunda said.
Budol admitted that she has now come to accept her shortcomings, acknowledging that learning is a lifelong process.
“Nito ko lang na-realize na hindi lang po pala ako ‘yung bobo dito—lahat po. Marami tayo, tanggapin n’yo lang.”
The actress shared that she used to engage with critics, but she has since matured and learned to focus on self-growth instead of responding to negativity.
“Sayang naman po ‘yung pag-gain ko ng respeto sa sarili ko. Tito Boy, pinakamahirap po pala na na-discover ko ‘yung kung paano ko rerespetuhin ‘yung sarili ko.”
She credited her pageant experience—particularly when she finished first runner-up at Binibining Pilipinas 2022—for helping her build confidence and earn respect.
“Dati tinatawag ako, ‘Hoy, Hipon, shout out sa’yo!’ Ngayon parang naa-appreciate ko ‘yung ‘Hi, Miss Herlene. Hi, Miss Budol, how are you po?’”
Budol emphasized that self-love is crucial before seeking validation from others.
“Hindi naman sa inaangat ko ‘yung sarili kong bangko, pero uunahin n’yo munang mahalin ‘yung sarili n’yo bago kayo magmahal ng ibang tao. At saka para rin ‘yung respeto nila sa’yo, solid.”
