Tots Tolentino's interest in jazz began at age 16 upon hearing recordings by
Charlie Parker. a band composed of Pinoy jazz musicians Wowee Posadas (keyboards), Mar Dizon (drums), Meong Pacana (bass), and Tots Tolentino.{{Cite book In the mid-1990s, he was in invited by the famed trumpeter
Terumasa Hino{{Cite web Tots joined
Johnny Alegre AFFINITY in 2002, a
Manila-based jazz group with frontman
Johnny Alegre (guitar), Colby de la Calzada (contrabass), Elhmir Saison (piano), and Koko Bermejo (drums). Johnny Alegre AFFINITY released several albums which were nominated for awards. He was one of the founders and principal soloists of a large
ensemble called
The AMP Band,{{Cite web
Adobo Jazz Tolentino participated in ensembles featured in the
Adobo Jazz series of
Pinoy Jazz anthology albums. •
Bobby Enriquez All-Star Band, featuring Bobby Enriquez (piano) Emil Mijares (vibraphone) Nestor Gonzaga (trumpet) Abel Valdevia (alto sax) Tots Tolentino (tenor sax) Pikoy Villapando (baritone sax) Narding Sanchez (trombone) Roger Herrera (bass) Tony Velarde (drums) Nick Boogie (percussion) •
Johnny Alegre AFFINITY, featuring Johnny Alegre (guitar), Tots Tolentino (alto sax), Elhmir Saison (piano), Colby dela Calzada (bass), and Koko Bermejo (drums) •
'''Monk's Jazz Bureau''', featuring Terry Undag (trumpet), Tots Tolentino (alto sax), Marc Lopez (piano), Colby dela Calzada (bass), and George San Jose (drums) •
ETS Band, featuring Elhmir Saison (keyboards), Tots Tolentino (clarinet), Janno Queyquep (guitar), Noel Asistores (bass), Mar Dizon (drums), and Wilson Matias (2nd keyboards) == Advocacy ==