Herlene Budol has been popping up all over social media lately—not just on TikTok, but also on Meta Reels and YouTube Shorts. She’s got the kind of figure that turns heads, but what really sets her apart is her sharp, funny personality. She can make you laugh just as easily as she can leave you completely flustered—in the best way possible.
So, how about we get to know this captivating Filipina a little better? So let’s start…
Who is Herlene Budol
Herlene Budol, better known as “Hipon Girl,” is a Filipina who wears many hats—and rocks them all. She first charmed audiences as a co-host on the hit variety show Wowowin, blending humor and charisma with ease. From there, she made her mark as an actress, taking on roles in TV series like Magandang Dilag and Black Rider. And she’s not just a screen star—Herlene also stepped onto the pageant stage, finishing as first runner-up in the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas and later representing the Philippines at the Miss Planet International pageant.
Her Early Life
Herlene Nicole Policarpio Budol was born on August 23, 1999, in Angono, Rizal, Philippines. After her parents separated—her mom starting a new family and her dad working abroad—Herlene was lovingly raised by her grandparents.
Growing up wasn’t always easy. She often found herself the target of teasing about her looks, which fed both emotional and physical insecurities. But instead of letting that break her, Herlene leaned into her natural wit, building a reputation for being the funny girl who could make anyone laugh. That charm led her to join various competitions, including Wowowin Gandang Filipina. She didn’t take home the crown, but she did win something bigger: her shot at showbiz.
She started as a co-host on Wowowin, but when the pandemic hit, she was demoted—a blow that triggered a rough patch in her life. Still, Herlene pushed forward. In 2022, she proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management from the College of Saint John Paul II Arts and Sciences, proving she’s as resilient as she is entertaining.
Career Journey
Herlene Budol’s rise to fame kicked off when she joined Wowowin as a contestant and caught enough attention to be invited back as a co-host. Her now-famous nickname, “Hipon Girl” (meaning “shrimp girl”), came from teasing she endured about her looks. Instead of letting it get to her, Herlene owned it—so much so that she even got a shrimp tattoo as part of her personal brand. From game show hopeful to beloved TV personality and beauty queen, her journey is pure proof of talent, grit, and a dash of sass.
Her acting career took off in 2019 when she guest-starred in Magpakailanman as Jenny, an OFW, in the episode “Yaya Dubai & I.” The episode trended and boosted ratings, marking a strong start to her drama career. She followed that with roles in Madrasta as Sandy Escudero and in the comedy series One of the Baes, showing her versatility in both drama and comedy.
In 2023, Herlene landed her first lead role in Magandang Dilag, playing a woman who transforms from “ugly duckling” to stunning beauty, then sets out to get revenge on those who wronged her and her loved ones. Once that wrapped, she jumped into the action-drama Black Rider, where she brought to life the character Marikit “Pretty” Calaguas—proving once again that whether it’s laughter, drama, or action, she knows how to keep an audience hooked.
Facts and Trivia
In February 2022, Herlene Budol teamed up with manager Wilbert Tolentino, officially signing under his wing. But by July 2023, Tolentino stepped back from managing her, citing health reasons and the need to spend more time with his child and family.
That didn’t slow Herlene down one bit. She joined Binibining Pilipinas 2022, where she didn’t just turn heads—she practically collected the entire awards table, bagging seven special awards and finishing as 1st runner-up. She was later tapped to represent the Philippines at Miss Planet International 2022, but ultimately had to withdraw. Not one to be deterred, she came back strong for Miss Grand Philippines 2023, where she earned the title of Miss Philippines Tourism 2023. According to the ALV Pageant Circle, she’s now gearing up to wave the Philippine flag in an upcoming international competition.
With her charm, wit, and queenly glow, it’s no wonder people call her “The Beauty Queen of Gen Z” in the Philippines—because really, who else could rock crowns, comedy, and charisma all at once?
Herlene Budol Photos
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