Nabudol si Budol? Wilbert Tolentino speaks up about the allegations surrounding Miss Planet International 2022
There seems to be trouble brewing at Miss Planet International 2022 which is currently taking place in Kampala, Uganda. Two candidates, namely Miss Jamaica and Miss Czech Republic have called out the organization for their alleged mismanagement and fraudulent behavior.
In a series of instagram stories, Tamila Sparrow, Miss Planet Czech Republic first threw shade, accusing Miss Planet International of fraud.
She shares that they are currently stuck in the country and that no compensation has been made for their activities, food, or lodging. She also claims that the 35 remaining contestants have been scammed.
In another story, Tamila says that they have spent hours in the Police Department of Kampala. Aiming to file a testimony against the organizers, she further states that in the following day, government officials are expected to arrive.
Meanwhile, Tonille Simone Watkis, Miss Planet Jamaica tells her followers that the pageant has been cancelled.
Miss Planet International has yet to confirm these allegations and confirm the status of the pageant.
The Philippines is currently being represented by Bb. Pilipinas 2022 1st runner-up Herlene Budol.
In a statement released by her manager, Wilbert Tolentino, he gives an update on what’s happening at the pageant.
Here’s the full transcript:
Sa mga concern netizens at mga nagtatanong ng update sa Miss Planet International kung totoo ba cancelled ang event, ito ang kwento. Lagpas kalahati ang hindi naka pasok sa Africa dahil wala silang Yellow Fever Vaccine at ang sponsors ng Organisasyon tulad ng Speke Resort, Kampala na matitirahan ng delegate ay nag back out dahil sa issues ng Ebola Virus. Nag karoon sila ng PLAN B at linagay nila sa Zara Gardens ang delegates kahapon. Subalit hindi pa nakapagsettle ang nasasabing Hotel kaya need mag check-out uli ang mga Candidata. So, kanya kanyang diskarte muna sa pagkuha ng kanilang matitirahan sa Airbnb at hindi naman natin masisi sari sari emosyon ang bawat candidata epekto sa hindi maayos ang systema at hindi nakapag kain ng tamang oras mga candidata. May apat hanggang anim nag withdraw dahil mauubusan ang budget kung tumagal pa sila sa Uganda. First time nag host ng international pageant ang bansang Uganda. kaya hindi naka align sa original plan ang Calendar Activities. Ang CEO ng MPI ay darating sa November 12. Wait nalang po natin ang official statement mula sa Organisasyon but rest assured we are all safe buong Team Philippines. Hindi man maganda experience naranasan namin dito, but we are proud to say that We are Survivors in our own way. Tumuloy man o hindi ang Pageant, in good faith tayo lumaban at pinaghandaan. We will keep you posted as soon as we have additional information. Thank you!
Herlene was appointed as Miss Planet Philippines last August. Miss Planet International is scheduled to stage its finals on November 19.
Let us hope and pray that Herlene and her team will continue to be safe despite the turbulent situation. Regardless of whether the pageant would continue or not, we’re already proud of you, Herlene!
