Herlene Nicole Budol, who was recently crowned Miss Tourism Philippines 2023, announced her retirement from pageantry in a recent video she uploaded on her official social media.

Herlene started her journey in pageantry in 2017 when she was named Binibining Angono in Sining. She won first runner- up during Binibining Pilipinas 2022 where she bagged seven special awards. She was the Philippines' representative for Miss Planet International 2022 in Uganda but withdrew. She later joined Miss Grand Philippines 2023 and won Miss Philippines Tourism 2023.

There is no confirmation yet as to which international pageant Herlene will participate in as the reigning Miss Tourism Philippines. In the video, Herlene said this was a sign to her to stop participating in the beauty pageant.

"It's been the third pageant but it's still not possible. That means, let's not push it anymore. That means, I am Herlene Nicole Budol saying Sorry, Philippines. This is my last pageant. Ba-bye. Herlene Nicole Budol, I'm signing off”, she quoted.

I'm hurt because everything you say seems to be true as if I'm really just forcing myself to join. That I don't deserve. I'm just trying. I can't do it. Can't represent the Philippines. I'm going to stop. I will not force myself anymore”, Herlene added.

What do you think of her decision?