Why Herlene Budol Prefers Talking to Foreigners—Her Surprising Reason
HERLENE BUDOL – In a refreshingly honest interview, Herlene Budol revealed the insecurity she has carried for years—her difficulty in speaking English.
Kapuso actress and beauty queen Herlene Budol recently got candid about a challenge she has long dealt with—speaking straight English. Despite completing her studies and consistently trying to improve, she admitted that expressing herself fluently in English continues to be difficult.
During her appearance on “i-Listen with Kara David,” Herlene openly acknowledged her struggle. “Ayun nga ‘yung problema ko. Tapos naman ako ng pag-aaral pero hindi ko talaga makuha-kuha ‘yung pag-i-English na ‘yun.” She shared that, even at present, speaking English remains a problem she has never fully overcome.
Herlene Budol even joked about how children today are naturally good at English, saying, “Sa mga kabataan ngayon, kahit wala sa hitsura ‘yung mga bagets, talagang may English.” She added with amusement, “Kita mo talagang uhugin (na bata), pero talagang, ‘Mommy, why is my ganyan-ganyan?’ May English ‘day.”
Herlene reflected that one reason behind her struggle might be her childhood shows, which did not have much English dialogue. “So wala akong natutunan sa kanila. Sabi ko, ‘Malas ko naman nu’ng kabataan ko,’” she said while laughing.
Kara David was quick to reassure her, telling her, “Hindi naman sukatan ng katalinuhan ang pag-i-English.” Still, Herlene believes that being able to speak English has its advantages. “Minsan kailangan talaga. Masarap din siguro pakinggan kapag marunong ka din mag-English,” she admitted.
Interestingly, Herlene shared that she prefers conversing with foreigners because they are less judgmental. “Pero mas masarap kausapin ‘yung mga ibang lahi. Kasi mga kapwa kong Pilipino, sila pa ‘yung perfectionist. Pero kapag ibang lahi, hindi ka dyina-judge,” she explained.
Kara brought up Herlene’s current suitor, Kevin Dasom, whom she worked with in “Binibining Marikit.” Herlene expressed gratitude for him, saying, “Siya rin kasi ‘yung nagturo sa ‘kin. ‘Huwag kang mahiya. Kung gusto mo mag-English, mag-English ka lang.’ Pero nakatulong siya.”
Herlene Budol admitted she still struggles with basic grammar concepts: “‘Yun nga hindi ko alam ‘yun. Verb, noun, adjective… Hindi maganda ‘yung naging tutor ko.” Still, she remains determined. “Promise talaga ha. Aalamin ko siya isang araw… Kasi ‘pag nag-pretend pa ako ng tali-talinuhan, ‘pag nagkamali ako, mas pagtatawanan ako,” she said.
Kara reminded her, “Basta itong tandaan mo, hindi nasusukat sa wika ang katalinuhan ng isang tao.”
Herlene ended with humor, imagining her future acting career abroad: “Sabi ko nga kung ako magiging artista sa ibang bansa, kung gusto ko, pipi. Para hindi ako mahirapan sa lines… Kasi ‘pag English, hindi talaga makakabuo ng isang sentence na tama.”
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