Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 20) — The ALV Pageant Circle on Wednesday said that Herlene Budol would compete in “a different international tourism pageant” after news surfaced that the host-turned-beauty queen would not join in Miss Tourism World.
“We are excited to announce that Miss Philippines Tourism 2023 will be competing in a different international tourism pageant, which we will announce very soon,” it said in a statement.
According to the pageant organizer, the Miss Tourism title awarded to Budol during the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 coronation night is not a confirmation of her representation in the world pageant to be held in London this November.
“Our Miss Philippines Tourism title is a generic title with no contractual obligation to any international pageant,” the organizer explained.
ALV Pageant Circle also said that they do not intend to “instigate any conflict of interest” with other pageant organizers and they regard them with “mutual respect.”
The Hiyas ng Pilipinas pageant earlier claimed that the Miss Tourism World franchise belonged to them and owned the rights to send a representative.
Budol earlier trended on social media after writing a social media caption that implied that she felt “wasted” after being crowned as Miss Tourism.
Netizens were quick to chastise the pageant queen, urging her to be more grateful for her title.
“Walang sinayang noh. Marami pa kayang mas deserving sa crown mo… Be happy na lang and [content with] what you have,” a netizen commented.
Other netizens also pointed out Budol’s solemn expression in group pictures with other winners of the Miss Grand competition.
Budol was also the first runner-up in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant in 2022.
