Angelito "Lito" David, visual artist and restorer, was born and raised in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines. He pursued his college education at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in 1957.
In 1963, the Italian government awarded him with a two-year painting scholarship at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome. While in Rome, Lito became interested in the field of art restoration and in 1965, studied at the Instituto di Restauro di Roma. Afterwards, to complete his education, he studied the Fresco and the restoration of historical monuments and documents for two years. He subsequently joined the team which worked on the rehabilitation and preservation of the voluminous manuscripts, documents, books, paintings, and other objects that were damaged by the great floods in Florence, Italy.
Thereafter, be proceeded to New York City and again found himself immersed in the field of restoration from 1967 to 1969, first at the Corcoran Studio, then for Carolyn Horton, a noted author on restoration. He also had a brief stint with the Morgan Library, also in New York City.
Upon his return to the Philippines in 1969, he was involved with the National Historical Commission and Lopez Memorial Museum where he worked on restoration of rare manuscripts, paintings, drawings, and sketches. He then moved on to become art consultant and member of panel of experts in numerous institutions such as the Asean Institute of Art, the Central Bank of the Philippines, National Archives, Museum of Philippine Art, and the National Museum of the Philippines.
As a leading figure in the contemporary Philippine art scene, Lito David has held successful one-man shows in the Philippines, Italy and the United States. He is also a constant participant in group exhibitions and has joined art competitions in the Philippines and Europe where he has won major prizes, garnering an average of five per month. Although adept in many art media, he is well-known for his watercolors.
Lito David is also a dedicated teacher of young artists. Apart from being a freelance lecturer on art restoration, he has held teaching posts at the Fine Arts De artments of Philippine Women's University, the University of the East and College of the Holy Spirit.
Lito and his family have lived in Elizabeth since 1993. His son, Timothy, attends Jefferson High School.
