True artists are born, and not bred, and Cornelito Aro is living proof of this adage. Lito’s fondest memories as a young child of 6 was making sand sketches in between chores, at their home’s front yard. Lito went on to win several awards during his elementary and high school years, both in the regional and provincial level. One of his works was ultimately adjudged the winner in the national category of the Philippine Motors Association in 1978.
A Dumagueteño to the core, Lito honed his craft working on billboards, backdrops and murals for local establishments in the city. As early as 1981, he then started to explore the art of stone-craft and began developing different mediums and styles. Eventually, Lito found his niche with NOAH (Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage), one of the country’s most prestigious players in the international stone-craft industry. As head of NOAH’s Product and Research Development Department for 20 years, Lito’s intricate designs have graced the desks of Philippine presidents and countless foreign dignitaries.
Of late, Lito has been allied with local furniture and architecture firm Arte de Negros, but he continues to do commissioned historical and cultural artwork for banks and private collectors. On his downtime, Lito continues to paint, and paint well it seems—among his latest awards was the first prize for the esteemed Gregorio Alano Memorial in 2005.
Lito Aro is also the resident artist of Antulang Beach Resort, where he enjoys painting by day and expresses himself in another medium which is singing at night. He continues to mesmerize audiences with his painting and voice.
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