Amid the noise of the upcoming elections, a familiar face from the world of social media and entertainment has decided to venture into deeper service. In an interview with talent manager and vlogger Ogie Diaz, Wilbert Tolentino recounts his colorful and emotional journey that led him to establish the Ahon Mahirap Party-list .

Wilbert’s beginnings were not easy. At the age of 14, he experienced being a toilet cleaner and a rag maker in Binondo [10:27]. These experiences shaped his “entrepreneurial spirit” that led him to the pinnacle of success as a supply manager for large companies such as San Miguel Corporation [12:02]. But according to him, his biggest challenge was battling the deadly COVID-19 in 2021, where he was given only an 8% chance of survival [18:24]. After surviving, Wilbert felt that God had a deeper mission for him.

“That was my calling when I got COVID… the Lord even gave me a second life,” said Wilbert [17:51]. This became the spark for his run as a representative of every sector—from grandparents, the LGBTQIA community, to fishermen and farmers. He will push for laws like Financial Literacy in the elementary curriculum [16:18] and the No Age Limit Policy in employment to give opportunities to even stronger senior citizens [26:35].

Aside from politics, the discussion about his family was also emotional. Wilbert shared the story of his 30-year-old daughter and his 8-year-old son, Willard King, who has special needs [30:42]. For him, having a son with the same birthday as his late father was “good karma” after he went back and forgave his parents [35:06].

Despite bashers and discrimination because of his gender, Wilbert remains steadfast. He does his best to help Herlene “Hipon” Budol and Madam Inutz without any commission because he believes that true wealth lies in the upliftment of others [06:54]. When he entered politics, Wilbert’s only desire was to leave a “good mark” and be the voice of those who feel left behind by society.