Story & Lesson Highlights with Ms. Reena Tolentino of The Peninsula

Ms. Reena Tolentino shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Reena, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first thing I do is text my boyfriend “good morning.” Then I head to the kitchen for a ginger shot, it’s my wake-up ritual. While the water’s heating for my French press, I usually put dishes away from the dishwasher (even though I use it as a drying rack than an actual dishwasher). Once my coffee is ready, I settle in with whatever book I’m reading and give myself 30–40 minutes to absorb.
I like to multitask while reading, I might start prepping food for later, soaking vegetables in purified water, or throwing in a load of laundry. It’s a rhythm that keeps me grounded and efficient. By late morning, I usually shift into creative mode, checking in on Arte Youth Program’s social media, planning posts for my art profile and drafting newsletters for Arte Youth Program, and somewhere in there, my boyfriend FaceTimes me. It balances me with routine, reflection, and connection.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Reena Tolentino, and I live at the intersection of art, purpose, and community. I’m a visual artist focusing on commissions, gallery exhibitions, working with hospitality brands and museum collaborations, but my work extends beyond the canvas. I’m also the Founder of the Arte Youth Program, a foundation dedicated to empowering youth through S.T.E.A.M. education, art healing initiatives, and mental health awareness.
Right now, I’m focused on creative fundraising experiences and developing art-in-education projects for underprivileged communities in the Philippines. My parents are from there, so this work feels deeply personal. Our mission is to use art as a tool for prevention, helping kids stay away from drugs, violence, or despair, and instead guiding them toward creativity, confidence, and healing. It’s about giving back to my roots while building bridges for our next generations.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always known I’m a child of God. Nothing in this world has ever made me forget that. The world can call me whatever it wants, but I’ve always been grounded in where I come from and who I am. That kind of faith makes you unshakeable.
The world will always try to mold you, to test your spirit, to create fear, to surround you with doubtful frequencies, but when you choose to operate on a higher frequency, you start aligning with truth and with the right people. The danger is when we start loving the world’s validation more than we love ourselves, now that’s when we lose our grip. For me, every time the world decides who I am, I’ve already evolved into another version of myself.

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes, I do and it’s rare. There are so many people who ask questions just to talk over you, not to actually hear you. I’ve had moments where I’m trying to express something, and before I can finish, they jump in. Why even ask the question if you’re not sincere? It’s exhausting, because my thoughts feel incomplete and I feel the imbalance of respect.
I’ve also had a couple friends who just listened, REALLY listened. I remember one time, I was rushing to get a thought out, and there was silence on the other end. They weren’t waiting to reply, they were just present with me. And that alone felt healing. When someone listens without interrupting, without trying to finish my sentences or make assumptions, something that seems so obvious in doing, means everything. It’s such a rare act now, but when it happens, it really stays with you.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m fully committed to my foundation, Arte Youth Program. Even when I start a family one day, I see myself still being deeply involved and I imagine my children being part of it too. I think it’s such a powerful way to teach humility, gratitude, and how to find happiness despite life’s limitations.
Of course, there will always be challenges and people who support or care to understand the mission. But I’ve been blessed with incredible supporters, especially within the Filipino community, who share their own stories of growing up in hardship and now want to give back. We just had our Colors Of Expression: Speak Through Art Gala, which was a success and together, we’re creating a ripple effect of change. This foundation isn’t just a project, it’s a legacy. I want to plant seeds that will create traditions of something lasting and meaningful for generations. I’m currently seeking on going sponsors for future fundraising events, and if you’re interested please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT I would, and have. I’ve done a few things, for example creative projects, and personal goals, that no one knows about, and I actually love that. There’s something powerful about doing your best without needing validation. It’s like this subtle confidence that no one can take away from you.
When you do something just for yourself, it becomes sacred. We live in a world where everyone shares every moment online, sometimes even the smallest things, just to be seen. But the real character shows when you can do great things privately. It’s like how the biggest celebrity charity donors are often anonymous, or how the richest people in the world aren’t on the cover on Forbes. There’s beauty in moving quietly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arteyouthprogram.org
• Instagram: @arteyouthprogram
• Youtube: @ArteYouthProgram501c3

Image Credits
For the main headshot, please credit ImageFocus.
Two photos of me in front of a painting is at BLVKBOOK Art Gallery in Beverly Center.
Photo of me talking with parent is a AYP/ NoHo Arts Council Event
Photo of me with a little girl painting is at NFT LA’s Philanthropy Day
The painting is called “The Night Night Harvest” of Steph Curry, painting for the Live Auction for Colors Of Expression: Speak Through Art Gala 2025.