Moms and Dads

From MTV VJ to Mom of Three: Regine Tolentino Reflects on an Era That Shaped Her

by Alexa Villano
October 17, 2025

Regine Tolentino, now a mother of three, actress, and fashion designer, was the first Filipino MTV VJ at 17

As MTV prepares to shut down many of its music channels in the United Kingdom on December 31, according to the BBC, former VJs around the world are sharing their memories — including Regine Tolentino, the first Filipino MTV VJ.

On October 16, Regine took to social media to recall her early years with the music network, a role that opened doors for her to interview international artists and helped shape the career — and woman — she is today.

Grateful and Nostalgic

“Growing up in the US, MTV shaped my love for music, dance, and fashion — it was where I discovered my passion and individuality,” she wrote.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I’d become the first Filipino MTV VJ, working in Singapore and representing the Philippines at just 17 years old. It was such an honor to travel back and forth from Manila to Singapore, do different shows and concerts, and have the chance to meet and interview global artists like the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Boyzone, Simply Red, Aqua, and Alanis Morissette — truly a dream come true for that young girl who grew up watching the channel every day.”

Now raising three children of her own, Regine reflects not just on her MTV days, but on how that era shaped her into the creative, expressive parent she is today.

“Thank you, MTV, for being such a huge part of my journey. You weren’t just a channel — you were an era, an icon, and an inspiration for millions around the world. Your legacy lives on in us forever.”

Regine Tolentino, now a mother of three, actress, and fashion designer, was the first Filipino MTV VJ at 17 — Photo from reginetolentino

A Lasting Legacy

Regine is the latest former VJ to pay tribute to MTV’s impact. Andi Manzano-Reyes and Patty Laurel-Filart have also posted their memories, following news that MTV will deactivate many of its UK-based shows by year’s end.

MTV — short for Music Television — first launched in August 1981, transforming how the world consumed music and media. In the decades that followed, it expanded to several regions, including Asia and the Philippines, where it launched the careers of notable personalities such as Donita Rose, KC Montero, Sarah Meier, and Belinda Panelo. New generations of VJs, including Andi and Patty, would follow.

The last time MTV had an active local presence in the Philippines was in 2014, with the launch of MTV Pinoy, a joint venture between Viva Communications and Viacom International Media Networks.

MTV’s Impact on Generations

Although MTV’s Europe bureau is winding down, its influence continues to resonate across generations — especially for those who grew up watching the channel’s iconic programming and music video premieres.

For Regine and many others, MTV wasn’t just a job or a platform. It was a cultural cornerstone — a place where creativity, identity, and music converged. And while screens and platforms may have changed, the memories — and the music — live on in the next generation.