While a high school student at the Carcar Academy, Romulo Galicano did decor and lettering jobs; hang around the Abellana brothers' studios (painter Martino and sculptors Ramon and Sindulfo) where he was informally taken in and where he was able to observe and absorb from the masters in his own hometown;

He studied in Manila; was part of Dimasalang Group of artists and writers founded by his future brother-in-law and fellow Cebuano and Abellana apprentice, Sofronio Y. (sym) Mendoza. He formally began his career in the more competitive capital; although there was exposed to various art styles and movements being pursued by their best proponents.

He harkened back to his Abellana awakenings and found his best form in realistic p...