Mario Montenegro is Pintor Kulapol

In the 1957 LVN movie Pintor Kulapol, Mario Montenegro portrays a role close to his heart, that of a painter. In real life, Mario is one; he studied fine arts at UP and was mentored by his good friend Botong Francisco, National Artist.

In the story, Mario is initially dismissed as a so-so — kulapol — painter. But in the end, his true worth as a gifted artist is recognized.

The Pintor Kulapol’s muse and inspiration in the movie is a blind woman played by Cecilia Lopez.  — RKC