My name is Mitchelito Orquiola. I was born on the island of Cebu in the Philippines and immigrated with my family to the United States in 1972. I am a student of life and the dynamics of human nature. My education in art and culture has been a unique one. It began early in childhood with the martial arts and its philosophies, which I continue to train and teach to this present day. This influence in learning how to find internal peace within life's turbulence lead me to the exposure and studies of music, literature, languages, and theatre. In practicing these other art forms I was introduced to painting. I am a self-taught painter with an "open" style and mind. I have surrendered myself to my art form and in the pursuit of happiness.