Herlene Budol has given a feel of her skill in responding to interview questions.
While guesting on the YouTube channel of LGBTQ couple Apple and Aian, Herlene—also known as "Hipon Girl"—took part in a short Q&A.
"Papayag ka ba na ang mga transwoman ay sasali sa Binibining Pilipinas?" asked Aian.
"Ako, para sa 'kin ha, in my own opinion lang naman 'to, siyempre, kanya-kanya tayo ng opinyon," the former Wowowin host said. "Pero ang lahat ng gay community, LGBTQIA, ay mahal na mahal ko talaga, sobrang love na love ko 'yang mga 'yan. Para sa 'kin, nirerespeto ko yung kung ano yung desisyon nila. Pero para sa 'kin lang 'to a, may pageant para sa kanila na kaya nilang mas panindigan o mas bigyan ng magandang laban tsaka ng hustisya yung pinaglalaban nila sa kanilang gender. Kaya para sa 'kin, may para sa kanila."
Many netizens shared their praises in the comments, applauding Herlene's authenticity.
"Give her the crown already for God's sake!" said one netizen. "No doubt in my mind that she's a winner! Put aside English as a tool to communicate one's advocacy."
"Ang galing-galing mo sa Q&A, Herlene!" remarked another. "Hindi mo na kailangan mag-English! Nakaka-touch at unexpected ang mga sagot mo! Authentic pero highly sensitive ka sa mga bagay-bagay! Kudos sa 'yo, Herlene!"
Herlene, who is set to compete in Bb. Pilipinas, is among the pageant's top 40 candidates. While she has expressed that speaking English is her weakness, she has made it clear that she will not learn the English language for the competition.
MORE ON HERLENE BUDOL AND PHILIPPINE BEAUTY PAGEANTS:
Herlene Budol Reveals She Won't Learn English For Bb. Pilipinas: 'Wikang Filipino po gagamitin ko'
Herlene Budol Left 'Speechless' As She Becomes An Official Bb. Pilipinas Candidate
Mathew Custodio Has *Always* Known GF Celeste Cortesi Would Win MUPH