Herlene Budol dreams of becoming bride

MANILA, Philippines — Herlene Budol is among the mainstream stars who top-bill various titles under the new streaming platform named Star SineMax. The host-actress-and-beauty queen top-bills the movie titled “Haunted Bride,” opposite veteran actor Mon Confiado.

The latest project is a breather from doing the small screen, where she had her own series such as “Magandang Dilag” and “Binibining Marikit.”

“My character and Sir Mon’s are a couple here,” said Herlene in a recent short chat with print-digital media after the launch of Star SineMax. “Ako yung tao at ako rin yung multo (I’m the human and the ghost). Yun na lang (that’s what I can share with you). I’m also the bride.”

Prior to this, Herlene and Mon also worked in the weekend drama anthology, “Tadhana.”

It’s her first time doing the horror genre. That’s why she feels nervous and excited to watch the final product and see for herself her portrayal.

“Mahirap pong manakot (it’s challenging to scare). Akala ko mas madaling manakot kumpara mag-patawa (I thought it was easier to do it than make people laugh),” shared she. “Mas madali po palang magpatawa na lang kesa kumpara sa manakot (For me, it’s easier to do comedy than horror).”

Unlike other movies, Herlene’s flick will be streamed on Star SineMax instead of being screeed it in cinemas. She knows the experience of watching it on these platforms is different. But the actress thinks it’s a good thing to explore new avenues to tell stories.

As for the status of her heart, romantic-wise, Herlene said, “Ngayon, tumitibok pa naman kaya nandito ako sa harapan ninyo (now, it is beating, that’s why I’m here, in front of you). Happy naman ako at sobrang daming nagpapasaya ng puso ko ngayon (I’m happy because a lot of people make my heart glad).”

During the event, she was seen being accompanied by Thai-Irish actor Kevin Dasom, who was her leading man in the afternoon rom-com drama titled “Binibining Marikit.”

“Abangan ninyo kasi gagawan din kami ni Ms. Ery ng magandang movie together (watch out for our project together. Ms. Ery will make a good, interesting movie for us),” said Herlene, generously giving a clue that her character’s name is Jane. Ery Gushi is the president and CEO of Star SineMax, which now streams movies like “My Guardian Baby,” with Ai-Ai delas Alas and Jeric Gonzales, and “Portrait of Us.”

When asked if she dreams of becoming a bride in the future, Herlene said, “Of course, sino bang babae ang ayaw ikasal? (what woman doesn’t want to get married?). Ako naman, eh, nasa tamang panahon yan, nasa tamang tao (for me, it will come at the right time with the right person).”

She wanted a church wedding but joked that the venue is hopefully not haunted because it will frighten her.

With her pageant stints and impressive showing as first runner-up in the Binibining Pilipinas 2022 and Miss Philippines Tourism titleholder in the Miss Grand Philippines 2023, Herlene was also asked about her plans on joining any national pageant and eventually representing the country in an international beauty competition.

“Pero di natin masigurado (but we can’t be certain whether I’m making a comeback or not), pero maraming nag-ta-try na yayain akong mag-pageant ulit (there are many who are trying to encourage me to give pageantry a try),” shared she.

“Pero nasa tamang panahon pa rin po siya (but it still depends if it is the right time),” added she.

The actress is also seen weekdays in the one-of-a-kind countdown variety program, “TiktoClock.”

To access and watch content on the streaming platform, please download the Star SineMax app via https://app.starsinemax.com/download. For details, visit its official Facebook page.