Mario was born and raised in Mission, Texas. He graduated from Mission High School in 1972 and from Pan American University in 1981. He has been in education for 26 years as an assistant music teacher from La Joya ISD. Manuel was instrumental in the creation of the La Joya High School Mariachi Program.

Mario has had the honor of performing with such great bands as, “The Flower Children,” “The Rocking Gents,” “Chanango Street Band,” “Los Dinos” from Corpus Christi, Texas, “Roy Sanchez and Guitano Band,” “Los Maximos,” “Tony’s Country Band,” “Valley Express Band,” “Westside Band,” and for the last eight years, “Noe’ Pro and the Band,” from McAllen, Texas.