Lolito Go
Lolito Go is a multi-talented Filipino artist celebrated for his significant contributions to the Philippine music and entertainment industries. born July 21, 1985, in Olongapo City, Philippines, he has built a reputation as a singer-songwriter, poet, scriptwriter, journalist, and social media influencer, showcasing remarkable versatility across various artistic disciplines. Lolito gained national recognition in 2017 when he won the Himig Handog Grand Prize as the ukulele arranger of “Titibo-tibo,” performed by Moira Dela Torre. Reflecting on this milestone, he shares, “It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to write songs for film, television, and theater.” He further cemented his reputation in the industry as a finalist in the Philpop Songwriting Festival 2020 with the song “Balikan,” performed by Benj Manalo, while also winning the Smart People’s Choice Award in the same competition. Beyond competitions, Lolito has made significant contributions to television, composing songs for Maalaala Mo Kaya, MMK’s 28th-anniversary theme and the OST of GMA-7’s Koreanovela—Another Ms. Oh". His collaborations include renowned artists such as Ken Chan, Bituin Escalante, Juris Fernandez, Elaine Duran, and Moira Dela Torre. He has also written tourism songs for the municipalities of San Antonio and Masinloc in Zambales, further expanding his creative impact. Lolito cites musical legends such as The Beatles, Eraserheads, and Sugarfree, as well as songwriters like Gary Granada, Rico Blanco, Ebe Dancel, and Ryan Cayabyab, as his greatest influences. Despite his deep passion for music, he humbly admits, “I decided to just write and stay in the background because my voice isn’t good enough for singing.” In the entertainment industry, Lolito has also showcased his talent as a scriptwriter. He co-wrote Vivamax’s debut film, "Paglaki Ko Gusto Kong Maging Porn Star," and served as a lyricist for several television shows. His hobbies, such as playing chess, delving into trivia, and critiquing movies, serve as creative outlets that further enhance his artistry. Despite his achievements, Lolito remains grounded. “My motivation has never been fame. I write because I love it. Fame would just be a bonus,” he states. However, his journey has not been without challenges. Controversies surrounding his politically themed songs and personal conflicts, including an issue with Moira Dela Torre, have tested his resolve. He reveals, “There were even death threats,” yet these experiences only strengthened his resilience. To aspiring songwriters, Lolito offers sage advice: “Be prepared. The industry is tough, but you can be kind while being tough.” He emphasizes the importance of balancing personal ideals with professional adaptability, saying, “Be mindful of when to go with—and when to go against—the flow.” Lolito Go continues to inspire with his unwavering dedication to the craft, enriching the Philippine arts and entertainment scene with his creativity and authenticity.
