Bro. Manolito “Lito” Mayo a Future National Artist

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.
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.

February 23rd, 2008 at 10:01 pm
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!