“WHY SO SUDDEN?!” Herlene Budol Breaks Down in Tears Over the Unexpected Death of Someone She Loved Most—Fans Left in Total Shock
In a heartbreaking and deeply emotional revelation that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and her millions of fans, Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol broke down in tears as she confirmed the unexpected passing of someone she described as “the love of my life and my biggest supporter.”
The tragedy unfolded in the early morning of July 24, and by the afternoon, Herlene was seen sobbing uncontrollably outside a private hospital in Quezon City, surrounded by family and close friends.
“I didn’t even get to say goodbye,” Herlene cried in between sobs during a hastily arranged press conference. “Why so sudden? Why now?”
WHO DIED?
While initial reports were vague, social media was flooded with speculation. By evening, Herlene herself confirmed via an emotional Facebook Live that her beloved grandmother, Lola Belen, had suddenly passed away from a massive stroke.
“She raised me. She was my mother, my best friend, my everything,” Herlene revealed. “I don’t know how to live without her.”
For those who have followed Herlene’s rise to fame, Lola Belen played a pivotal role in her journey—from helping her survive poverty in Angono, Rizal, to cheering her on during Binibining Pilipinas and her stints on Wowowin and Magandang Dilag.
“When people laughed at me, she told me I was gold,” Herlene shared through tears. “She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
THE FINAL HOURS
According to family sources, Lola Belen had complained of dizziness and weakness the night before. Despite Herlene insisting on bringing her to the hospital, the elderly woman allegedly said, “I’m okay, iha. Just tired.”
Tragically, she suffered a stroke while sleeping and was unresponsive by morning. By the time Herlene rushed her to the hospital, it was too late.
“I was begging her to wake up,” Herlene recalled in anguish. “I held her hand, but it was already cold.”
NETIZENS REACT: “THIS IS TOO PAINFUL”
The news instantly went viral, with the hashtags #StayStrongHerlene, #RIPLolaBelen, and #HiponGirlHeartbreak trending nationwide.
Fans and fellow celebrities flooded Herlene’s social media pages with condolences, prayers, and emotional tributes:
Vice Ganda wrote: “You made Lola proud. You carry her strength in you, Hipon.”
Bea Alonzo commented: “There’s no pain like losing the one who raised you. Sending love and light.”
Willie Revillame sent flowers and a personal message: “Herlene, she is watching over you. You made her proud every day.”
Even international fans from as far as Japan, UAE, and Canada sent messages of support, saying how Herlene’s story with her Lola inspired them during hard times.
THE AFTERMATH: HERLENE COLLAPSES FROM GRIEF
Later that day, in a tragic twist, Herlene collapsed during the wake after reportedly refusing food and sleep. Paramedics were called, and she was placed under medical observation for extreme emotional distress.
“Her blood pressure spiked due to stress and dehydration,” a family spokesperson confirmed. “She’s stable now but emotionally shattered.”
A LOVE BEYOND FAME
It wasn’t just family. It was something deeper.
Herlene and Lola Belen shared a bond that defied even Herlene’s fame and success. In every interview, Herlene spoke proudly of how they slept on one banig, shared one meal a day, and dreamed together of a better life.
Even after becoming a celebrity, Herlene chose to live with her Lola, taking her to tapings, awarding ceremonies, and even pageant rehearsals.
“When I wore gowns, she was the one who zipped me up. When I cried from bashing, she was the one who wiped my tears.”
Fans recall how Herlene would post TikToks with her Lola dancing, laughing, and even giving “hugot” lines. Their content wasn’t just viral—it was authentic and heartwarming.
A SHOCKING TWIST: “SHE LEFT ME A LETTER”
In a moment that made everyone in the room gasp, Herlene revealed that she found a handwritten letter from her Lola inside the Bible she used to read every night.
“I don’t know how she knew… but she left me this note,” Herlene said, shaking.
The letter read:
“My dear Herlene, if you’re reading this, I may have gone ahead. Don’t cry too much. Live your dreams. Love with no fear. And always remember, you were never ‘hipon’ to me. You were always a queen.”
Upon reading it aloud, Herlene collapsed into sobs again, prompting the room to stand in silence.
THE DARK SIDE OF FAME: “SHE PROTECTED ME FROM THIS WORLD”
Elisse hinted that her grandmother shielded her from the cruelty of the entertainment industry. From bashers calling her names to people who tried to exploit her, Lola Belen was her fierce protector.
“She once stood up to a manager who tried to manipulate my pay. She told him, ‘Hindi mo siya kayang bilhin, anak ko ’yan.’”
Now that she’s gone, Herlene admits she feels “exposed, vulnerable, and completely lost.”
“She was the only one who truly knew me. Now I feel like a stranger in my own world.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR HERLENE?
As of this writing, Herlene has postponed all projects indefinitely—including two major endorsements, a reality show appearance, and a film set for Metro Manila Film Festival.
Her management has asked for privacy as she processes the grief, but confirmed that she plans to build a small foundation in her Lola’s name for single grandmothers raising their grandchildren.
“She always said, ‘Kapag yumaman ka, tumulong ka.’ I plan to honor that.”
FINAL FAREWELL
The wake will be held for three days in Angono, Rizal, with a public viewing on the second day. Fans have already begun sending flowers, candles, and messages at the funeral home.
One note left at the gate read:
“You raised a legend, Lola Belen. Now rest like the queen you are.”
In a world filled with temporary fame and fake love, the story of Herlene and her Lola reminds us that the strongest bond is family—unshaken by time, pain, or even death.
Though Herlene mourns now, the love that shaped her will live on in every tear she sheds, every laugh she shares, and every dream she dares to pursue.
