Kapuso actress and beauty queen Herlene Budol openly admitted that speaking English remains one of her biggest struggles, despite her continuous effort to learn the language.
In her guest appearance on ‘i-Listen with Kara David,’ Herlene shared that English has always been a challenge for her—even though she finished her studies.
“Ayun nga ‘yung problema ko. Tapos naman ako ng pag-aaral pero hindi ko talaga makuha-kuha ‘yung pag-i-English na ‘yun,” she said.
She added that younger generations today speak English more naturally.
“Sa mga kabataan ngayon, kahit wala sa hitsura ‘yung mga bagets, talagang may English. Kita mo talagang uhugin, pero ‘Mommy, why is my ganyan-ganyan?’ May English ‘day.”
According to Herlene, she grew up watching cartoons that had very little dialogue, which she jokingly blamed for not learning English early on.
“So wala akong natutunan sa kanila. Sabi ko, ‘Malas ko naman nu’ng kabataan ko,’” she said, laughing.
Kara David, however, assured her that intelligence should not be measured by language fluency.
“Hindi naman sukatan ng katalinuhan ang pag-i-English,” Kara reminded her.
But for Herlene, being fluent in English is still something she wants to achieve.
“Minsan kailangan talaga. Masarap din siguro pakinggan kapag marunong ka din mag-English.”
Herlene said she feels more comfortable talking to foreigners because they tend not to judge her mistakes.
“Mas masarap kausapin ‘yung mga ibang lahi. Kasi mga kapwa kong Pilipino, sila pa ‘yung perfectionist. Pero kapag ibang lahi, hindi ka dyina-judge,” she explained.
She also thanked her ‘Binibining Marikit’ co-star and rumored suitor Kevin Dasom, whom she described as her “English tutor.”
“Siya rin kasi ‘yung nagturo sa ’kin. ‘Huwag kang mahiya. Kung gusto mo mag-English, mag-English ka lang.’ Pero nakatulong siya.”
Herlene said she is relearning the basics.
“‘Yun nga hindi ko alam ‘yun. Verb, noun, adjective… Babalik nga ulit ako doon. Hindi maganda ‘yung naging tutor ko. Promise talaga ha. Aalamin ko siya isang araw.”
When asked if she’s still open to joining beauty pageants, Herlene said she is happy as an actress—but would consider competing again if the prize is worthwhile.
“Masaya na po ako sa pag-artista. Pero sumali ako ng pageant dati kasi may kapalit na bahay at lupa. Eh kung may offer ulit na bahay at lupa, eh ‘di sasali ulit po ako,” she said.
She also expressed pride in her pageant journey.
“Marami po ako natutunan, nakapag-inspire po ako ng mga kabataan na akala nila hindi nila kaya… na huwag silang matakot dahil sa wala silang pera.”
She credited former manager Wilbert Tolentino and TV host Willie Revillame for helping her enter pageantry and television.
Herlene revealed that she is currently studying again, though she did not disclose her course.
“Willing to learn pa rin naman ako, Miss Kara… ‘Pag nagka-diploma ako, po-post ko na lang.”
Kara praised Herlene’s perseverance and self-discipline.
“Tulong nga lang ’yung binigay ng ibang tao, pero majority nu’n ng effort, sa iyo. You have to give yourself a pat on the back,” Kara said.
To which Herlene responded: “Huwag mo sayangin ‘yung oportunidad na ibinigay sa ’yo. Ako, wala akong sinayang… Basta alam kong para sa pamilya, papatulan ko ’to.”
Herlene was crowned Miss Philippines Tourism at Miss Grand International 2024 and was 1st runner-up in Binibining Pilipinas 2022.
