(From left) Wilbert Tolentino, Herlene Budol. Image: Facebook/Wilbert Tolentino
Wilbert Tolentino, who has propelled actress-comedienne Herlene Budol to try out for beauty pageants, has resigned as her talent manager effective July 31.
Citing health reasons, Tolentino announced his resignation in a lengthy Facebook post on Monday, July 24, where he described himself as the actress-beauty queen’s second parent.
“Ako po ay opisyal ng magbibitiw bilang Talent Manager ni Herlene Hipon Budol effective July 31, 2023. Sa loob ng isa’t kalahating taon, tumayo akong pangalawang magulang niya, sa kanyang karera at tinuring ko siyang para ko na rin anak,” he said. (I’m officially resigning as Herlene “Hipon” Budol’s talent manager effective July 31, 2023. In a span of one and a half years, I stood a her second parent in her career, and I treated her like my own child.)
The entrepreneur admitted that quitting from his position was a “difficult decision,” although he explained that he has to focus on his health and taking care of his daughter.
“Mahirap man gawin, halos matagal ko din pinagisipan. Subalit kailangan ko ng pagtuunan ng pansin ang aking kalusugan, at bigyan oras ang aking anak dahil una sa lahat tumatanda na si KaFreshness, at higit akong kailangan nya lalo’t lumalaki na siya. Di lingid sa lahat, na bilang Talent Manager, ito ay ubos-oras na tungkulin,” he said.
“Kulang ang bente kwatrong oras sa isang araw para sa sarili kong buhay. Walang kapantay ang bawat hamon na aking naranasan, matupad lamang ang aking mga sinumpaang tungkulin para kay Herlene,” he further added.
(I came to this decision after a long period of thinking. But I need to focus on my health and give time to my child. First of all, your KaFreshness is getting older and I need to put her first as she’s getting older. Everyone is aware that talent managers dedicate much of their time to their responsibilities. Twenty-four hours are not enough for myself. Nothing compares to the hardships it entails, just to make sure that Herlene’s dreams come true.)
Tolentino then shared that he’s proud of Budol’s milestones as an actress and beauty queen, as he mentioned the latter’s teleserye “Magandang Dilag” and her title, Miss Philippines Tourism 2023.
“Marami pa cyang upcoming project na naisara ko para sa kanya hangang matapos ang taong 2023 ay magkakaroon cya ng TV Commercial, Billboard at makikita nyo soon sa lahat ng supermarket ang mukha ni Herlene na e lalaunch ang isang produkto sa last quarter ng taon,” he said. “Masaya ako para kay herlene dahil natulungan at natupad ko mga pangarap nya tulad ng Bagong Bahay, kotse at iba pang investment na e pundar po nya.”
(She has a lot of upcoming projects for 2023. She will have a TV commercial, billboard appearances, and you’ll see Herlene’s face on supermarkets as she’s set to be launched as an endorser in the last quarter of the year. I’m happy for Herlene because I helped her achieve her dreams such as having a better life, a new car, and new investments.)
The talent manager also noted that while Budol is on her way to a brighter future, he hoped that she would apply “commitment, professionalism, and gratitude” in her career.
“Malayo pa ang mararating ni Herlene. Sana lang isapuso nya ang core value na itinuro ko sa kanya na COMMITMENT, PROFESSIONALISM and GRATITUDE. I am very optimistic na lalago pa ang karera nya and more endorsement, tv shows and movies to come,” he said.
(Herlene has a bright future ahead of her. I hope she would take to heart the core values that I’ve taught her, such as commitment, professionalism, and gratitude. I am very optimistic that her career will grow, and she’ll have more endorsements, TV shows, and movies to come.)
The “Magandang Dilag” star expressed her gratitude to Tolentino in the comments of his post, saying that she would always be his “baby girl.”
“Salamat sa lahat mima. Dito pa din ako, walang mag babago. I love you forever. I’m still your baby girl. Good health lang and enjoy palagi. Mahal kita,” she said. (Thank you for everything, friend. I’ll still be here. Nothing will change. I love you forever. I’m still your baby girl. I wish you good health and enjoy your life at all times. I love you.)
Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Wilbert Tolentino
Details about Budol’s new talent manager are yet to be revealed, as of this writing.
Tolentino is known for winning Mr. Gay World Philippines 2009, and is currently the national director for Mr. Gay World Philippines Organization. EDV