Wilbert Tolentino goes viral with Cleopatra transformation à la Imelda Papin, Joey de Leon

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Wilbert Tolentino goes viral with Cleopatra transformation à la Imelda Papin, Joey de Leon

Wilbert Tolentino has once again captured the attention of netizens, this time through his extravagant take on the Cleopatra trend, which has now amassed over 33.6 million views on TikTok.

Known online as “KaFreshness,” the controversial social media personality spared no expense or effort in producing a visually striking version of the trend. From the elaborate setup that included two towering columns adorned with authentic Egyptian-inspired decor to his luxurious costume and accessories, Wilbert went all out to outshine other influencers.

A standout detail in the video was his opulent headdress—one of three designs used in his Cleopatra portrayal—which was created by none other than a Philippine National Artist. He also showcased lavish accessories such as a customized royal throne, a gold leopard statue, glittering Swarovski crystals around his neck, and live Burmese pythons, which he boldly handled on camera.

Adding to the buzz were the high-production transformations featured in the video. Wilbert transitioned from a hunter to the God Anubis, then to a mummified figure, a Sphinx, Queen Nefertiti, and finally Queen Cleopatra—the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.

Beyond TikTok, Wilbert’s Cleopatra video has also gained traction on his Facebook page, where it has reached 7.9 million views.

Online reactions poured in, with many commenting that Wilbert resembled OPM icon and Jukebox Queen Imelda Papin in certain angles. Others humorously noted similarities with the late fortune-teller Madam Auring.

“Sa mga natatawa at nagsasabing hawig ko raw si mam Imelda Papin ay thank you po,” Wilbert said.

(Thank you to those who find it funny and say that I look like Ma’am Imelda Papin.)

“Ang hair character kasi ni Queen Cleopatra, e, chinap-chop ang bangs po, kaya natural lang na kung ang wig na chinap-chop ay nataon na suot ng same face frame na may jaw line, e, meron at meron itong makukuhang kahawig,” he explained.

(Cleopatra’s hairstyle has chopped bangs, so it’s only natural that if the wig with chopped bangs is worn by someone with the same face shape and jawline, it will resemble someone else.)

“Kahit na sino pang professional make-up artist ang kunin ay magkakaroon talaga ng kahawig,” he added.

(No matter which professional makeup artist you hire, you’ll always end up resembling someone.)

“Kapag sinakluban naman ako ng gorgeous wavy hair, for sure, e, magiging Latina at super ganda ang aking dating,” he joked.

(If I wore long wavy hair instead, I’d surely look like a beautiful Latina.)

“Ang buhok kasi, e, binabagay din sa mukha ng tao,” he said.

(Hairstyles should complement one’s facial features.)

He went on to reference his past viral transformations in the Asoka trend and Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas makeup challenge, which also earned millions of views and stirred discussions online.

As for those who compared him to Madam Auring, Wilbert responded with humor.

“Again, same face frame sila ni Ms. Imelda Papin at ang hair, chinap-chop talaga,” he said.

(Again, they both have the same face shape, and the hairstyle was really chopped.)

Some netizens also pointed out that Wilbert bore a resemblance to comedian Donita Nose in certain shots. Incidentally, Donita Nose is a close friend of Wilbert, who always describes her as “super cool”—a trait he believes they both share. Staying true to that easygoing personality, Wilbert remains unfazed by negative comments.

Several viewers also said he looked like Joey de Leon’s character in Barbi: Maid in the Philippines.

“Tinatawanan ko lang naman yung mga namba-bash at nagpapaliwanag naman ako sa mga honest reviews ng netizen,” Wilbert said.

(I just laugh at the bashers and explain myself to those giving honest reviews.)

“Ang mahalaga naman, gumawa tayong lahat ng mabuting gawain sa ating kapwa. Mahalaga rin na nakakatulog tayo ng maayos dahil wala tayong tinatapakang tao at alam ko na marami ang nagmamahal sa akin,” he added.

(What matters most is that we do good deeds for others. It’s also important to sleep soundly knowing we haven’t wronged anyone, and I know there are many who love me.)

Wilbert also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his team behind the Cleopatra trend.

“I truly extend my gratitude sa aking team lalo na sa mga nakasama ko sa Cleopatra Trend dahil group effort talaga ang ginawa natin. For me, napakahusay ng execution natin and I highly appreciate all of you. Thank you.”

(I truly extend my gratitude to my team, especially those who worked with me on the Cleopatra trend. It was really a group effort. For me, our execution was excellent, and I highly appreciate all of you. Thank you.)

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