Bataan fetes Pinoy intl fashion designer Oliver Tolentino

BALANGA CITY - Bataan local government officials on Tuesday gave recognition to United States-based Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino whose fashion creations have become popular among Hollywood celebrities.

 

Balanga City Mayor Jose Enrique Garcia III and his mother, Bataan Tourism Council chairperson Vicky Garcia, led the rites honoring Tolentino and other achievers at the provincial capitol in Balanga City.

 

Tolentino was the guest of honor during the "Galing Bataan" (From Bataan) fair that showcases both achievers who hail from Bataan as well as exceptional products manufactured by people from the province.  

Mayor Garcia described Tolentino as among the new breed of heroes who are using their talents in giving honor to the country.

 

“Nakakatuwa dahil ang ultimate dream ko na makabalik sa Bataan ay natupad at sa panahon

pa naman ng Bataan Day at Araw ng Kagitingan ako nabigyan ng pagkilala,” Tolentino told GMA News Online.

 

Tolentino was born in Balanga but grew up in Orani, Bataan. “Wherever I go, Orani goes with me. I will always be the little Bataeno who will offer my success to the province,” he said.

 

Three years ago, Tolentino opened a boutique on Melrose Avenue near Beverly Hills. He has dressed people for the Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys and American Billboard awards.

 

He has presented clothes promoting Philippine fabrics in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Diego, Hongkong, Switzerland, Bali, the Bahamas and soon in Barbados.

 

At the Galing Bataan Trade Fair, Tolentino displayed three gowns worn by celebrities like Amber Riley of the TV show Glee, Shamcey Supsup and Gwen Ruais.

 

He came fresh from his successful San Diego gala and dressing Michelle Trachtenberg of Gossip Girl. He was given standing ovation at the Lexus Centre where he presented 65 pieces of his

collections, mostly made of Philippine fabrics. - VVP, GMA News