HERLENE BUDOL’S DEEPEST HEARTBREAK: A Grandmother’s Sudden Death Leaves a Hole No Fame Can Fill

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”
These were the words spoken through sobs by Filipina actress and comedienne Herlene Budol—known to many as “Hipon Girl”—as she stood outside a private hospital in Quezon City on July 24. That morning, the woman who meant everything to her—her grandmother, Lola Belen—had passed away unexpectedly.

And with her passing, a part of Herlene seemed to fade too.

A Loss That Broke More Than Just a Heart

The entertainment industry was left stunned as news broke of Lola Belen’s sudden death due to a massive stroke. Within hours, social media erupted with tributes, sympathy messages, and videos of Herlene crying uncontrollably. Fans from across the globe expressed shock and sorrow, sharing how deeply they had grown to admire not just Herlene—but the bond she shared with her grandmother.

For Herlene, it wasn’t just the loss of a relative. It was the loss of her home, her guardian, and her greatest ally in life.

“She raised me. She was my mother, my best friend, my everything,” Herlene said in a Facebook Live later that night.

The Woman Behind the Star

Those who followed Herlene’s rise—from her humble beginnings in Angono, Rizal, to beauty pageants and TV fame—knew how central Lola Belen was to her life. While others had fans or managers to push them forward, Herlene had something far more powerful: the unwavering love of a grandmother who believed in her when the world mocked her.

“When the world called me names, she called me gold,” Herlene said through tears.
“She made me feel like a queen when I felt like nothing.”

Lola Belen wasn’t just family. She was Herlene’s moral compass and fiercest protector—accompanying her to tapings, preparing her meals, and wiping her tears after online bullying or career setbacks.

They shared meals, dreams, and even a banig to sleep on. And through it all, Lola Belen never asked for recognition—only that Herlene remain humble, strong, and kind.

Final Moments and a Painful Goodbye

According to Herlene’s family, the night before her passing, Lola Belen had complained of dizziness but downplayed it. “I’m just tired,” she told Herlene, who had pleaded with her to go to the hospital.

She never woke up again.

“I found her in the morning, not breathing. I held her hand—it was cold,” Herlene recalled in anguish.

She rushed her to the hospital, but it was already too late. The woman who had once fought the world for her was gone—silently, swiftly, without a final word.

A Letter Left Behind

Just when Herlene thought her heart couldn’t break any further, she discovered something unexpected while going through her Lola’s Bible. Tucked between the pages was a handwritten letter addressed to her.

“My dear Herlene,” it began,
“If you’re reading this, I may have gone ahead. Don’t cry too much. Live your dreams. Love without fear. And remember, you were never ‘hipon’ to me. You were always a queen.”

Herlene read the note aloud during the wake, her voice shaking. By the time she reached the last line, she was sobbing uncontrollably.

Fame, Grief, and Unseen Battles

Despite being a public figure, Herlene has never shied away from showing vulnerability. But this grief, many close to her say, has shaken her to the core.

At one point during the wake, Herlene collapsed from emotional and physical exhaustion. Paramedics were called, and she was temporarily hospitalized due to stress-induced hypertension and dehydration.

A family representative later confirmed, “She’s stable now, but emotionally, she’s devastated.”

Messages of Love and Solidarity

Fans, celebrities, and friends rallied around her. Hashtags like #StayStrongHerlene and #RIPLolaBelen trended on social media.

Vice Ganda wrote: “You carry her strength with you. She’s proud of you, Hipon.”

Bea Alonzo shared: “There’s no grief like losing the one who raised you. Sending love and strength.”

Willie Revillame sent flowers and a personal message of support, calling Lola Belen “a true queen who raised another.”

International fans from Canada, Japan, and the Middle East also shared videos and messages, remembering how the duo’s TikToks and interviews brought joy during dark times.

What Comes Next

For now, Herlene has postponed all ongoing projects, including a reality show and a major film slated for the Metro Manila Film Festival. Her management has asked for privacy as she grieves.

But Herlene, even in pain, is thinking of others. She announced plans to establish a small foundation in Lola Belen’s name—dedicated to helping single grandmothers raising their grandchildren.

“She always told me, ‘If you get rich, help others.’ I want to honor that promise.”

A Legacy of Love

The wake is being held in Angono, Rizal. On the second day, a public viewing will allow fans to say goodbye to the woman who became a national grandmother figure. Flowers, candles, and letters now crowd the funeral home.

One note left at the gate simply read:

“You raised a warrior. Now rest like the queen you are.”

In a world full of fleeting fame and superficial connections, the story of Herlene and Lola Belen reminds us of what truly matters—unconditional love, quiet sacrifices, and the strength of those who raise us when no one else would.

Though Herlene’s heart is shattered now, the love that built her will remain a guiding light in every dream she dares to chase.

And perhaps, in every stage she steps onto, in every laugh she shares, in every life she inspires—Lola Belen will live on.