Wilbert Tolentino sheds light on Herlene Budol’s distressing experience at int’l pageant

MANILA, Philippines — There was not much news about the distressing experience of Herlene Budol, who flew to Uganda last month with her manager Wilbert Tolentino to represent our country in the 2022 Miss Planet International.

The last we heard was that Herlene backed out from the pageant along with several candidates from other countries after they experienced some inconveniences from the organizers.

What circulated in the entertainment news for days was Wilbert’s Ang Rebelasyon video that “exposed” social media star Zeinab Harake. It became a trending topic on social media, especially because several celebrities were dragged into the controversy. But here’s hoping that this is now water under the bridge.

I had a conversation with Wilbert a couple of days ago and he shed light on issues linked to him. First, Wilbert narrated what actually happened in Uganda. He said that many candidates were not able to enter Africa because they were required to have yellow fever vaccinations.

“Their understanding was they would get the vaccine upon arrival in Uganda and a 10-day wait for clearing. So, many were denied entry which I think, almost half of the (total number) candidates. And if you noticed, the candidates who were able to join (in the pageant) were mostly Africans because the yellow fever vaccine card is a must for all citizens of African countries, so talagang meron na sila.”

What put the candidates into an equally stressful situation was when they were told that the pageant’s sponsor resort backed out due to the Ebola virus outbreak. Candidates had no choice but to look for alternative accommodations. Herlene told Wilbert that they had no food. “I was with Herlene but that supposed to be a sponsor resort was exclusive for candidates.”

Wilbert mentioned on his Facebook page that due to uncertainties, he decided to withdraw Herlene from the competition “despite the many attempts to fix some pageant debacles.”

He revealed, “We were 50 all in all (in Herlene’s team) at sa akin lahat ng gastos kaya masaklap kasi noong pumunta ‘yung next batch kasi isasakto namin sa coronation night dun po na-cancel, but the tickets were already booked, so tinuloy ko na lang. Ang ginawa ko, pinasyal ko na lang sila.”

Wilbert spent millions for their group — from airfare to food to accommodations in Uganda.

Perhaps, people are now beginning to wonder what pushed Wilbert to have invested so much for the pageant. And you’ll admire him for his noble reason. He said, “Para sa akin, Tito Boy, pride pa rin ng country. Sobrang malaking honor pa rin na may maiuwi tayo para sa bansa natin. Herlene also served as an eye-opener to those who are scared to go out (and compete) only because they can’t speak in straight English.”

What’s gonna happen now, I asked.

“I’m planning to let her join the Miss Grand (International). Nakikita ko na doon siya nag-fi-fit and I don’t see anything wrong for Herlene to try again. We’ve been receiving lots of messages telling her to join the Miss Universe Philippines, but I see her more fitting in Miss Grand.”

But Wilbert would like to make it clear that it’s still up to Herlene, who finished first runner-up in the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas, to decide whether she is going to join another beauty pageant or not. “She said that she’ll be thinking about it,” he added.

Get to know more about Wilbert through our conversation. Below are excerpts.

What do you do when you are alone?

“I pray. Every morning, when I’m alone, I pray and thank Him for all the blessings. I also thank the Lord at night dahil nakatapos na naman ako sa trabaho at na-accomplish ko lahat ng gusto ko.”

Wilbert with his talents Herlene and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate and online personality Daisy Lopez Cabantog, popularly known as Madam Inutz.

Photos from Wilbert’s Facebook page

What makes you happy?

“When I help other people and see them smile.”

What hurts your feelings?

“Actually, I easily get hurt kapag may mga kaibigan na biglang iniwan ka sa ere. I know people will come and go but sometimes I can’t understand why there are people whom you have fully embraced and then all of a sudden, they would just disappear.”

In your life, who is constant? Sino ang hindi umaalis?

“Ako, Tito Boy, hindi ako umaalis. I make sure na nandyan ako through thick and thin.”

It’s another way of saying self-love, na hindi ka makakapag-bigay ng pagmamahal kung wala ka nito.

“Yes, po.”

You said that you get hurt when someone leaves you. Naiwan ka na ba sa ere?

“Yes. When you go to my house, you can see my collection of airplanes.”

Ano ang koneksyon nito?

“Sa bedroom ko, may isang hilera ako ng airplanes. Lahat ng airplane na nasakyan ko, meron ako sa collection ko. I think I have more than 40 airplanes. They always remind me of the people who left me, ‘yung mga taong nang-iwan sa akin sa ere. But, of course, life must go on.”

So, marami na iyon?

“Sobrang dami.”

Maraming tao na ang nang-iwan sa ‘yo sa ere?

“Marami.”

Kailan ka huling iniwan sa ere?

“Last June.”

That controversy?

“Yes, Tito Boy.”

Itong kwento na may kinalaman kay Zeinab, is this over?

“I hope so, Tito, sana matapos na.”

What is it that you want people to know about pagdating sa kontrobersiya?

“Actually, maraming lesson akong natutunan dito.”

What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned?

“To be forgiving. Probably, my being emotional comes with my age. Sobrang layo ng age gap namin though I always acknowledge her as my mentor. S’ya ang pinaka-close ko sa vlogging industry.”

What is the best thing about you?

“The best thing is may puso na nandito lang para sa lahat.”

What are you like as a friend?

“Honest and loyal.”

What is it that you don’t have na gustong-gusto mo?

“Actually, Tito, I have everything, except love life.”

What is it like when you are in love?

“I give my all when I’m in love.”

What is that one dream that remains unfulfilled?

“Actually, I’ve realized all my dreams — car, house and lot. Love life lang ang hindi ko ma-achieve (laughs).”

After all that has happened, what now?

“We need to move forward. Whatever bad experience we’ve had, we need to let go and move forward because life feels lighter when we have peace of mind.”