Bro. Manolito “Lito” Mayo a Future National Artist

Posted on September 15th, 2007 in Features by JohnB

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Bro. Manolito Tolentino Mayo
(December 1954 - May 1983) locally known as Toto Mayo or Lito Mayo(UST Chapter Batch 1977) , was a Philippine artist who won several major competitions while in the University of Sto. Tomas, including the 1973 Sculpture and Graphics Awards, 1977 AAP Graphic Arts Competition, and the 1980 Critic’s Choice Awards for Graphic Arts.His early work in college was heavily inspired by Cubism, wood print blocks and scupltures. Bro. Lito established himself in graphic arts, with print plate etching as his major technique. Intaglio, xerographics, and silkscreen processes were also incorporated into his early works. Business Day writer Angel G. De Jesus wrote that Mayo was ‘a surrealistic expressionist with a satiric sense of humor.’

Bro. Lito was born in Lipa City, Batangas, the eldest son, and second child, of entrepreneur Sebastian Mayo, and Belen Tolentino Mayo. He studied at De La Salle Lipa in high school. Eventually, he enrolled in the University of Sto. Tomas where he befriended two of the most talented artists of the 1970s - Fernando Modesto and Omi Velasquez.

Mayo’s subjects and compositions usually embodied magical themes, amulets, animal people, and subconscious wonderings. In his work Pula Puti, he depicted a cockfight scene with roosters having human forms - the two gladiatorial roosters having strong, muscular physiques.

Bro. Lito is believed to be the very first punk, thru his hairstyle, looks, lifestyle and his artworks. He also supported the alternative music in the mid-1970s.

Bro. Abet ‘75 wrote :
Before I left the Philippines, I spent a few months with Brother Lito 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. We spent two weeks in Puerto Azul fixing the damaged artworks he created hanging in each room of the hotel.
Lito was one of a kind soul. One of the best I have ever known. I was shocked to hear about his death a few months after I left. I was wondering why my letters were not answered.One of my fondest memory was of him piercing my ear with a gold earring one morning while I was still asleep. Ouch! I remember the night before I came to NY, he gave my girlfriend then, a rose plant and predicted that we will meet again and be married. Lito was right. Mes and I got married in NY 10 years later.Lito, my brother, may your soul have found peace in God’s arms. May the angels have led you into paradise. You will always live in my heart. I will forever see you in my prayers.

5 Responses to “Bro. Manolito “Lito” Mayo a Future National Artist”

  1. 1
    gBong Says:

    Magandang araw! kilala nyo po ba c Manolito Mayo. saan ko po kaya pwede makita mga gawa nya? balak ko kasi gumawa ng dokyu 2ngkol sa kanya.

    email nyo na lang ko sa kunebrehmubments@yahoo.com.ph kung matutulungan nyo ko! salamat!

  2. 2
    josezhesard r. gealon Says:

    tau gamma phi is the supreme fraternity

  3. 3
    Michael Mayo Says:

    Thank you for taking the time to honor my father. I know that he was very dedicated to the Tau Gamma Phi organization. It has been almost 30 years since he has gone. I am humbled by your recognition of his works outside and inside the organization. I am proud that he has touched many lives.

  4. 4
    Nelson Mayo` Says:

    Salamat sa pag-alala sa aking kapatid.

  5. 5
    zaide manes Says:

    my dear brother manolito will always bei n my heart. we your family miss u so much. love you

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