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Following the success of her debut series "Magandang Dilag," actress and comedian Herlene Budol is set to charm audiences once again in GMA Afternoon Prime's latest offering, "Binibining Marikit."
Budol takes on the role of Marikit, a witty and strong-willed member of the Dumagat Remontado indigenous tribe. As a tour guide for her family's travel company, Marikit finds herself at the center of a battle to protect their ancestral land from wealthy land developers.
Actress and comedian Herlene Budol PHOTOS FROM GMA NETWORK
The story also delves into her personal struggles, including the absence of her mother and an online romance that takes an unexpected turn.
Joining Budol in the cast are Pokwang, Tony Labrusca, Kevin Dasom, Almira Muhlach, Thea Tolentino, Cris Villanueva, Ashley Rivera, Jeff Moses, Migs Almendras and John Feir.
During the press conference, Budol reflected on her growth as an actress, comparing her experience in "Magandang Dilag" with her new role.
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"This is a more refined version of Herlene. I learned so much from Magandang Dilag, and I made sure to correct my past mistakes in this new project. Since I'm still new, I really studied every character. While Magandang Dilag and Binibining Marikit are different, they both share the same heart," Budol shared.
She added that while "Binibining Marikit" has a lighter tone, it still carries emotional weight, especially in its family-centered themes.
"Compared to Magandang Dilag, Binibining Marikit is a bit lighter, but the character still carries a lot of emotional depth. Family matters always hit close to home for me, so in this series, you'll see more heart, more emphasis, and emotions that go straight to the heart," she added.
With "Magandang Dilag" being a hit, Budol admitted feeling pressure to match its success.
"Sometimes I wonder if my success in Magandang Dilag was just luck. I have a lot of doubts — whether I can do this again and if people will still accept me the same way. Magandang Dilag felt like my audition for GMA, and being given another project with Binibining Marikit shows that it was a success," Budol admitted.
The cast of ‘Binibining Marikit’ with director Jorron Lee Monroy (fifth from right).
Meanwhile, for Labrusca, who is making his GMA debut, working with Budol has been a refreshing experience.
"So far, working with Herlene has been a joy. It's my first time working with a lead actress who brings so much energy to everyone on set. She does double the work," Labrusca mentioned.
"We come to work and do our best, but I'm happy that the set has this kind of energy — light and supportive," he continued.
Dasom, Budol's other leading man in the series, also praised her, saying, "It's been amazing working with Herlene and everyone on set. Like Tony, I don't feel like a newcomer here. They've all been very welcoming."
Veteran comedian Pokwang, meanwhile, commended Budol's authenticity as an actress, "What you see is what you get. You can't dictate her because if you do, she loses her natural charm. I just let her be. I told her to go with the flow and not pretend,"
Playing Budol's biological mother in the series, Pokwang said she sees herself in the leading lady, especially in her role as a family breadwinner.
"Knowing how hard she works for her family, I always remind her to plan for the future because we won't always be in the spotlight," Pokwang finally shared.
Directed by Jorron Lee Monroy, "Binibining Marikit" premieres on Feb. 10, airing weekdays at 2:30 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime, with international broadcasts available via GMA Pinoy TV.
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