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ABS 2025
A mentor in Pokwang
By Cynthia Montojo
“Binibining Marikit” premieres today at 2:30 in the afternoon.
After starring in drama series “Magandang Dilag” as plain-looking and witty Gigi, Herlene Budol headlines another GMA Afternoon Prime series “Binibining Marikit” as hard-working and cheerful tour guide Marikit or Ikit. It has given beauty queen, comedienne, host and social media influencer chance to further learn ropes of acting from seasoned stars such as Pokwang. Latter can do comedy or drama in one project and even both in another.
“Madalas po ako yung magtanong sa kanya,” said Herlene, giving one idea about working dynamics between her and Pokwang, also known as “Mamang” to colleagues, in recent press conference. “Siyempre, kasi si Mamang hindi naman bida-bida na bigla na lang mag-a-advise sa…so, ako po yung unang nagtatanong talaga gaya ng, ‘Mang, tama po ba ito…Mang, OK po bang atake ‘to…Mang, ganito po ba dapat…laging dapat ako ang mag-approach kay Mamang ng mga ganun kasi beterana na po si Mamang… I really look up to her.”
So, Herlene values pieces of advice Pokwang has given her.
Dreaming of one day when she could collaborate with her idol on project, Herlene shared fun anecdote about fulfillment of ticking that off on her wish list. She and Pokwang had conversation and Herlene expressed her interest in working with the latter. If there was new project in offing, she would learn it from her handler. This time around, it was Pokwang, her eventual co-star in “Binibining Marikit,” who revealed good news.
“Sabi niya sa ‘kin, ‘Nak, ano ready ka na ba…ang sabi ko, ‘Na ano …sa ‘Binibining Marikit …so, nung una ko pong narinig sa kanya yun, naiyak pa ho ako,” recalled she.
“Parang kakabangit ko lang sa kanya na ‘Mang, sana maka-trabaho kita…tapos, nagulat po ako na sa kanya pa rin nanggaling pa yun….”
Aside from that, Herlene is also working with actor Tony Labrusca and Kevin Dasom, winner of Manhunt International 2024 and Irish-Thai model, as her leading men.
Director of “Binibining Marikit” is Jorron Lee Monroy, who was also at the helm of “Shining Inheritance.”
“First and foremost, ‘Shining Inheritance’ was family drama and heavy drama… revolved around lives of rich people,” said he. “Visually, you would see characters in mansions, modern offices and restaurants… setting was Metro Manila…with ‘Binibining Marikit,’ it is also dramatic and cinematic, but there’s add-on of romance and comedy. Dun pa lang sa mixture na yun, iba na kaagad yung vibe na binibigay ng show. As shown in AVP, we would shoot scenes on mountain, cross river and climb mountain to form and tell this show.” Doing so is given since Ikit, the character of Herlene, is tour guide and vlogger.
Since story is told with mountains of Brgy. Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal as backdrop, Herlene, Rizaleña, was in awe of beautiful environmental spots her hometown can offer to locals and visitors. Scenic landscape includes mountains and rivers. It will also be featured in “Binibining Marikit.”
Part of the narrative is tribe that is on verge of getting affected by development project. Show’s message is about taking care and saving environment, said Herlene, and beauty of having harmonious relationship between family, friends and people in the community. “It’s not just about respect to people, but also respect to environment…you will learn how to love and learn more about child-and-parent love and love of people for environment,” she concluded.
Watch “Binibining Marikit” from Mondays to Saturdays on GMA Afternoon Prime.
ISKUP! 