Rafael Maniago, born in September 12, 1944 in Mexico, Pampanga, is one of the more prolific artists in the country today. 

Based in Southern California since 1989, Maniago is a master portraitist who has done thousands of portraits. His skill at portraiture was harnessed during his years of experience as a sketch artist in Disneyland, California, churning out around 20 portrait sketches a day of visitors. He did this three times a week for more than a decade. He also held regular art workshops in California, which made him an astute teacher, further honing his power of observation and rendering. His 15 portraits of the past and present governors of Pampanga now adorn its Provincial Capitol. He also did most of the portraits of the past presidents of the Holy Angel University.

Maniago’s style is mostly neo-Impressionist and reflects a master of light and folk scenes. Inspired by Fernando Amorsolo and Botong Francisco, his everyday scenes are given greater energy by the way he throws light at his subject — people in the market, farmers harvesting, people walking in the street. His light gives his composition a natural beauty one could relate to. The viewer can relate as to the time of day and the the type of activity that folks, mostly rural, normally do at that time.

Maniago, a graduate of Fine Arts and Commercial Advertisement at the University of the East Manila, is probably the most bemedalled artist of his generation. His collection of ribbons and trophies run to hundreds and occupy a room in his San Fernando home. It is a product of years of joining art contests mostly in the United States. More than the awards however, Maniago’s core treasure is his expansive body of works that can be found all over the world. His portraits, still life, market scenes and kalesa paintings are displayed in homes and offices in the Philippines and abroad.

A former gallerist, having a gallery business in Angeles for 20 years before migrating to America, Maniago is also a poet and a social activist. He is a member various art groups: Portrait Society of America, American Society of Portrait Artists, California Art Club, and Laguna Plain Air Painter Association. He returns to the country every year for holiday and to connect with the local artists and collectors.