16 Facts About Guillermo Tolentino

Guillermo Estrella Tolentino was a Filipino sculptor and professor of the University of the Philippines.

Guillermo Tolentino was designated as a National Artist of the Philippines for Sculpture in 1973, three years before his death.

Guillermo Tolentino was the fourth child in his family and had seven siblings.

The young Guillermo Tolentino showed an early talent in sculpting, having been able to mold figures of horses and dogs out of clay.

Guillermo Tolentino started studying in Malolos Intermediate School and continued his high school years in the same city.

In 1911, Guillermo Tolentino made an illustration of prominent Filipinos posing for a studio portrait.

Guillermo Tolentino graduated in 1915 with a degree in Fine Arts.

Guillermo Tolentino, upon returning from Europe in 1925, was appointed as a professor at the University of the Philippines' School of Fine Arts and opened his studio in Manila on January 24.

Guillermo Tolentino's entry won first place and was given a cash prize of 3,000 pesos.

In 1935, Rafael Palma, president of the University of the Philippines, commissioned Guillermo Tolentino to sculpt the Oblation, a statue based on the second stanza of Jose Rizal's Mi ultimo adios.

Guillermo Tolentino used concrete to create the statue but it was painted to look like bronze.

Besides monuments, Guillermo Tolentino made smaller sculptures, which are now located in the National Museum of Fine Arts and busts of heroes at the Malacanang Palace.

Guillermo Tolentino designed the medals of the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.

In 1955, Guillermo Tolentino retired from service in the University of the Philippines and returned to private practice.

Guillermo Tolentino received various awards and distinctions in his later years, most notably his declaration as National Artist by Ferdinand Marcos on May 15,1973.

Guillermo Tolentino was interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which was part of his privileges as a national artist.