Family History
Jose Livioko Atienza, Jr., more popularly known as Lito Atienza was born on August 10, 1941 in the district of San Andres Bukid, Manila. Lito’s father, Jose J. Atienza, Sr., or Pepe was a distinguished public servant who would get up in the middle of the night to help neighbors in distress (Pepe Atienza was the pioneering head of the Department of Public Services in Manila.)
Lito’s parents: Jose J. Atienza, Sr. or Don Pepe (2nd from left) and Encarnita L. Atienza or Titang,(leftmost) renewing their vows during their 40th Anniversary celebration
Indeed, public service runs in Atienza’s blood. His uncle Herminigildo Atienza, Sr., brother of Pepe, was appointed Mayor of the City of Manila right after the Liberation of the City. He is better known as the Military Mayor of the premiere city.
According to the book, Liberal Chronicles, the publication on the Liberal Party’s history, the two people solely credited by history as the Founders of the LP—Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino—were actually part of a “collective decision of Filipino leaders disenchanted with the conservative policies of the old guards of their original party. Liberal Chronicles list five other people as being part of the core of LP founders and are some of the most prominent names in the political history of the Republic. These five were Senators Melecio Arranz, Jose Avelino, and Mariano Cuenco; Speaker Eugenio Perez; Secretary Narciso Ramos; and Mayor Herminigildo Atienza, Sr.
Lito Atienza grew up amidst the ruins of the City, walked through neighborhoods and streets littered with debris, and on weekends swam in the waters of Manila Bay. In his young mind he told himself, as Manila started to rise from the ashes of the war, this City will be vibrant, beautiful, zestful and progressive again one day. He dreamt of Manila being up in the pedestal where it rightfully belongs.
Lito took up his primary and secondary education from the Ateneo de Manila University and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. His family was not very wealthy but his father Pepe worked so hard to provide for the family and put their kids in reputable schools. His mother Encarnita or Titang would always be at his father’s side to support him, take care of the kids and be a loving wife, instilling in all of them good values and faith in God.
Don Pepe (3rd from left) and Titang (center) celebrating their wonderful marriage with friends and colleagues from their Barangay and the Department of Public Services, City of Manila. Don Pepe was the founder and pioneering head of DPS.
According to his father, no wealth could be at par with the heritage of a clean and respected name. Lito also took pride of the fact that his father had so many friends. Friends, according to his father, are treasures who would help you unconditionally in times of distress.
Lito, young as he was, would always look up to his parents and promised himself that he would pass on the heritage of a clean and respected Atienza name to his very own family.
When Pepe ran and lost for the City Council under the Liberal Party. Pepe, who always yearned to be of constant service to his countrymen, lost his self-esteem and gave up on politics.
Almost all the family’s savings were spent and they had to move to a smaller house. Little Lito would always wait for his classmates who had cars to get a free ride to school. Whenever he doesn’t get free rides, he would always look down as he walked to and from school not because he was ashamed of not having a car, but to find a “piso” and keep it for future use. Day after day Lito would get busy staring at the road hoping to find a dime and he would always be lucky to get one each day. His “piso” collection would always help him get through his daily needs in school… Up until this day, Mayor Lito Atienza would always find a shinning dime everytime he looks down on the streets while walking. Call it coincidence or luck, maybe symbolic at times. But it really does happen.
He also worked as “kargador” at the pier to help him sustain his needs in school. At the same time he became a dancer of the Bayanihan, the Philippine National Dance Company where he met Evelina Ilagan, the youngest and prettiest female dancer.
Bayanihan Adelaide Sydney Tour: Beng (standing,2nd from left) and Lito (wearing hat and standing 2nd from right) pose with co-dancers after their successful tour.
Beng (front row, 6th from left) and Lito (back row, 2nd from left) sing the Bayanihan Finale Song.
Lito (crouched 2nd from left) in the Tinikling number.
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