Iloilo City going global, says Ilonggo Broadway winner

• Source: http://www.panaynews.net/iloilo-city-going-global-says-ilonggo-broadway-winner/
• Friday, October 27, 2017

(Iloilo City PIO/PN)

ILOILO City – Ilonggo award-winning Broadway producer Jhett Tolentino turned over two of his trophies to the City Gallery to serve as inspirations to the Ilonggo youth.

“Every time I am here, especially during Dinagyang, I always try to bring people who have yet to visit our place. I hope to continue that because they really need to see our city that is becoming global and its progress unstoppable,” said Tolentino who hails from Barangay Calumpang, Molo district.

Tolentino shared his trophy as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines awarded by President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang on Dec.12, 2016.

The other trophy was from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) – Ani ng Dangal for giving international recognition to the Philippines last year.

The City Gallery has become a popular study tour site among students and attraction to visitors.

“I will always be proud of my roots,” said Tolentino.

He hoped to bring more recognition to the city.

Tolentino won a Tony Award for producing the “Best Revival of a Play” A Raisin in the Sun in 2015.

He had also produced the Tony “Best Musical” A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder in 2014 and the Tony “Best Play” Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in 2013.

Early this year, Tolentino also won his first Grammy Award (Best Musical Theater Album) for the play The Color Purple he produced.

Tolentino encouraged the Ilonggo youth “to dream something big and something that scares you and do not settle for less, because dreams are for free.”