Back in 2009 when Eric Butter and Dean Nelson embarked on a mission to create a global competition that would inspire and empower gay men to come together in a public performance that would show the world that being gay encompasses a broad spectrum. The mission to demonstrate that both inward beauty and physical appearance are equally important as is leadership and confidence. It was their hope that by bringing these men together they would share their experiences to open both each others’ as well as the public’s eyes that in many regions on our planet being gay is a challenge and a fight for basic human rights. The pageant was held at Whistler Canada on February 2009. Mr. Gay World was born.

Wilbert Ting Tolentino was appointed by its national director Noemi Alberto to represent the Philippines for the Mr. Gay World 2009 based from his former placement at Mr. Gay International. He became the first delegate from the Philippines for this pageant.

 

 
While Wilbert did not win the big prize (Max Krzyzanowski of Ireland did), he was able to establish a mark by clinching two very special awards – Best in National Costume and Mr. Gay Popularity – on top of Best in Casual Wear. And during Mr. Gay International-Philippines 2008, he collected for himself the prizes for being Best in Talent, Congeniality Award and Photographer’s Choice Award. Below is a short video clip of his National Costume Presentation during Mr. Gay World 2009.

courtesy of topshooter32

With his colorful and free-spirited personality, Wilbert has built a pageant career that spans from the early years of the new millennium up until last year when he took part in “I am Pogay” of ABS-CBN’s ‘It’s Showtime’ and reached some good measure of success.

As the CEO and Founder of F Philippines, our subject is the hands-on boss of the establishment that was more popularly known as Fahrenheit Cafe and Fitness Center, but now running by the simple one-letter ‘F’. Through this successful business venture, he has brought a lot of joy and nightly entertainment to the LGBT community in more ways than one. He is also the President and Marketing Director of Illusion Bags, as well as the CEO/Founder of G.E.B.