A Standing Ovation in a San Diego Gala, Honors in Bataan and an Exhibit in Greenbelt 3

Hollywood based Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino had a 65 piece collection in San Diego for San Diego Women's Week sponsored by the San Diego North Chamber of Commerce.  He used Filipino fabrics in many pieces and he received a standing ovation at the end of his show.

"I feel humbled when my clothes are positively received by an audience like San Diego's. It makes a boy from the province proud," he said.

The province he is referring to is Bataan which honored him during its 70th Araw ng Kagitingan on April 10.  Tolentino grew up in Orani, and regularly visits his home there. 

Wednesday, April 11, my friends and I attended a reception that ETC and Greenbelt hosted for Oliver Tolentino to launch an 11 day exhibit of the outfits Tolentino created for the premiere episode of America's Next Top Model: British Invasion, Cycle 18 which is currently airing on ETC.  For the episode, Tolentino created couture military outfits for the runway "pose off" between the new participants.  The outfits created patriotic colors and flags of the USA and the United Kingdom.  

"I had fun creating something that wasn't my usual couture dresses," commented Tolentino during his appreciation speech in Greenbelt.  

The exhibit runs till April 22 in Greenbelt 3 and is open to the public. 

After his stay in the Philippines, Tolentino will fly to Barbados where he has been invited to open the Barbados Fashion Week. 

I first learned about Oliver Tolentino through Philippine StarBall Organizer Pinky Puno who wore his gown during the Gala dinner of StarBall at the Makati Shangri-la.  Her gown made such an impact that even the foreign guests asked who the designer was. That same year, I wore his red gown to the Tatler Ball.   

Tolentino has a boutique in Melrose Place which is patronized by well known Filipinos abroad and Hollywood celebs as well. During the Pre Oscar Party, Emmy Rossum (TV star of the series Shameless) and Maggie Grace, (co-star of Twilight movies) wore his eco friendly cocktail dresses. Rossum's yellow pina cocktail dress was picked by the New York Post as "Look of the Week."

It is heartening to know that some Filipinos make it to great heights and are admired and respected in foreign shores for their artistry and ingenuity. Bravo Oliver! You do your country proud! 

Oliver during his appreciation speech "I feel humbled when my clothes are positively received...Thank you for all of you who have supported me all these years.."

A two piece eco friendly summer outfit..

During 2010 Tatler's Ball I was in a red Tolentino gown, Lilibeth Campos in a Michelle Sison, Dr. Cecile Infantado in a Patrice Diaz ramos and Tina Jacinto in Ito Curata.

Pinky Puno during last year's Star Ball in a lovely Tolentino gown-dyed pink and orange pineapple silk. Here with Reto Klauser, GM of Makati Shangri-la. 

Oliver with Model Ivey Mansel during his san Diego fashion show

Rene Puno, Ann Puno, Pinky Puno, Oliver T. and Andrew Caruther

Part of his British Invasion Collection

Mayenne C., Oliver T., and Pinky Puno

Tolentino 's muse in a red gown Tutay Maristela