Rose Lizo; Sitio Balete, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, April 2, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Written and photographed
By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista
Last March 25 to April 4, 2019, I was able to travel to Burias island (in the north of Masbate) with my aunt Rose Lizo and her church mate, close friend Lala Mañanita. There were several reasons for the trip, first being it was the graduation of several students whom Rose and her children have sponsored through their tuition and allowance.
Rose and her children are continuing the legacy of her late husband Federico ‘PD’ Lizo in helping out their town mates. Having achieved financial and professional success each of their children sponsored students who have earned awards on their graduation. Rose (more popularly known as Tita Set) was scheduled to attend the graduation rites in Burias Colleges Inc.
from left: BCI Pres. Corazon Abella, Vivian Del Rosario, Rose Lizo, Lala Mañanita, Guest Speakers – Master Teacher / Curvada School Head Diones Mejia, BCI English Coordinator Rogelyn Casiano and BCI VP Al Gueta. 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
Tita Set and Tito PD’s eldest son Vincent Troy Lizo has become Business Director at Energizer Holdings, second son Christopher Daniel Lizo is Metro Pacific Tollways Corp (MPTC) Senior Vice Pres. – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, only daughter LisetteLizo is an Associate Delivery Project Executive for IBM Philippines, youngest son Rudymark is a businessman.
Lizo Clan surrounds PD; Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista
Experience the Heart of the Filipino
The second purpose for the trip is to manage the properties of Chris Lizo in the island and third is to extend assistance / gift giving to the poorest of the poor who live there. My own mother Erlinda L. Bautista- Proprietor of Joy’s Ham (sister of PD known there as Manay Manda) and my brother Timothy Bautista, Cable Boss VP have pooled their resources along with Rose Lizo for the gift giving activity.
Recipients of rice and cash assistance from Erlinda Bautista, Timothy Bautista and Rose Lizo. Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province,Philippines, March 30, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
I was lucky enough to be assigned to assist Tita Set and distribute a kilo of rice, ampao to our less fortunate kababayan. Some of them were also able to receive clothes and additional canned goods.
I consider myself lucky because, in spite the existence of poverty, Burias Island is blessed with natural beauty. While inhabited, it still feels and looks untouched and wild. There are rich forests, mangroves, caves, beaches that are just waiting to be explored. There have been recent improvements like the widening of the pier and construction of a community fish port, in the town of Claveria.
Pahowaiian Beach Resort, San Isidro, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Only as a side note, I was able to photograph many sites and resorts in this trip more than any other. This includes islets to the north of Burias, areas that could easily rival Boracay’s white sand beaches. We even had the chance to visit Mayon volcano and Cagsawa Ruins in Albay. All of these places will have articles / stories of their own that will soon follow. But before any of that I have to thank the people who made it all possible and write about the real purpose of the trip.
Makamute, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
We were able to see so many sights in an around the island because of the help of several people. Municipal Engineer Marianito Puerto Jr. generously lent us his boat. It is easily the newest, fastest, lantsa we’ve ridden, called The Gabriel.
Thank you to Engr. Puerto for allowing us the use of his speedy lantsa The Gabriel. Sitio Intramuros, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 25, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Jojo Agdon is the very able and skillful boatman whose experience and knowledge of those waters were invaluable. His father Johnny Agdon also a boatman wears even more hats as master daeng maker, carpenter and cook. We would not have survived without these capable and generous men. We also want to thank Rick and Armi Rubia, who hosted a huge dinner for us. Armi was also very proud of the new buildings, municipal hall and with the expanding facilities in the hospital.
Animasola Islet, San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 26, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Chris Lizo
Christopher Lizo, or simply Chris to friends and family has multiple professional functions. Apart from being SVP & CFO for Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), a toll road development and operation arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) he holds concurrent posts in at least a half dozen other companies.
from right: PLDT Chairman Manny V Pangilinan, Rose Lizo, MPTC Sr. VP CFO and Treasurer Christopher Lizo, Maynilad Water Services Pres. Ramoncito Fernandez, MPTC Pres. Rodrigo Franco, former PLDT SMART Foundation Pres. Butch Meily and Mike Hurley. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 14, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista
Additionally he serves as Treasurer and Director of MPTC, NLEX Corporation (formerly Manila North Tollways Corporation), Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), and Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC). He is also the Director of Nusantara Infrastructure, which also operates energy / power generation as well as toll way projects in Indonesia.
NLEX Road Warriors from left: Kiefer Ravena, MPTC Sr. VP CFO and Treasurer Christopher Lizo, Emman Monfort, Cyrus Baguio, Jansen Rios, JuamiTiongson and Raul Soyud. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 15, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista
For most people, Chris is known as the top exec financing their promising PBA team, the NLEX Road Warriors. He recently shared that their top draft pick Kiefer Ravena will finally suit up for the Road Warriors this coming July. This is something basketball fans have been eagerly awaiting. Chris was in Burias with the whole family the year before (summer of 2018). I wasn’t able to join them. That’s why I felt compelled to accompany Tita Set this year.
NLEX star Kiefer Ravena and Lisette Lizo. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 15, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista
Ford Everest
Although he wasn’t able to go with us this summer, it was Chris’ 2016 Ford Everest that took us from Manila to the jump off point Pio Duran Port in Albay. The port is where we took a large lantsa (outrigger boat) to the island. And from there go back to Legazpi City, the Cagsawa Ruins and so on.
From their many trips, they found out the Ford Everest to be an outstanding vehicle. It has enough power to easily and speedily conquer hilly zigzags of ‘Bituka Ng Manok’ while being more fuel-efficient than the Explorer and other SUVs.
Ford Everest: Taming the Terrain
Interior space was roomy, including a lot of supplies and pasalubong we needed to take to the island. Although we were concerned on our way back as grateful parents (of the sponsored students) gave us a sack of bananas and our own box full of home made daeng (dried fish).To our surprise, we managed to squeeze everything in the back.
The Everest has features like built in video camera at the back that automatically turns on when going on reverse. Sensors also indicate incoming obstacles. This makes the Everest a safer vehicle than most.
Ford Everest | Extraordinary Fractions Ford Philippines
My personal reason for liking it is the proven 800mm wading capability, which enables it to plow through most Metro Manila floods. So whether its summer or rainy season the Everest is the ideal choice. Thanks Chris, we all felt safer riding it throughout. He also assigned his driver Ray Alicpaya who through frequent visits mastered the best route, easily navigating the difficult turns even at night.
foreground: light trails from tricycles; Plume of smoke rises from Mayon, clearly visible from the port of Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines. April 2, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
PAL Alternative
There are several ways to get to the town of Claveria in Burias. Other than driving which may take 8-12 hours, you can take a bus directly from Manila to Pio Duran actually takes longer (13-15 Hours). If you don’t have the time or want to skip the long road trip you can take a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Manila’s domestic airport to Legazpi City (1.5 hours). From there you can either take a bus, jeep or van ride to Pio Duran port.
Stations of the Cross Sculptures, Kawa kawa Hill, Ligao City, Albay, Philippines, March 31, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Jude Del Rosario
Incidentally, it was Chris Lizo’s ‘scholar’ Jude Del Rosario who garnered the most awards during the Burias Colleges Inc. 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites. Jude’s awards include: Ricardo Llamas Excellence in Academics, Best in Science, Best in English, Best in Filipino, Best in Araling Panlipunan and Best in MAPEH.
from right: Rose Lizo, Jude Del Rosario and Vivian Del Rosario. 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
There was no intention or expectation from our side, to be part of the program. We initially thought Tita Set would just hang some of the medals which totaled 10 on Jude and that would be it. As we entered the venue, however, Rose was ushered to join the march with school officials and the students. Next thing we know she and teacher Lala Mañanita were assigned VIP seats along with guest speakers BCI English Coordinator Rogelyn Casiano and Master Teacher / Curvada School Head Diones Mejia. They were also made to go upstage and shake the hand of every awardee and student, which surprised us.
Rose Lizo congratulated Maria Marjorie Marbella and many other students that night. 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
Then Burias College Inc. (BCI) VP Geronimo ‘Al’ Gueta in his speech acknowledged her, ‘We are grateful for the presence of Rose, the widow of our benefactor FeddieLizo’. For years Tito PD donated whatever the school needed, one time it was sacks of cement, another time it was the water pump. PD, however, had the quirk of eschewing ceremonies or social gatherings. So Al Gueta in turn was happy for the rare opportunity to thank Rose in person for all the help the family has extended over the years. He appreciated the assistance not just to the school but the many students as well.
From us, Rose Lizo, Lala Mañanita, Jude Bautista, our families, Thank you and congratulations to BCI, the students, graduates and everyone in Burias who made our stay a joy!
from left: Marites Marbella, Maria Marjorie Marbella (4 Awards) BCI Principal Domingo Raymundo and BCI Sec / Treasurer Merriam Gueta, BCI Pres. Corazon Abella and LalaMañanita.4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
Thank you to Engr. Puerto for allowing us the use of his speedy lantsa The Gabriel. Sitio Intramuros, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 25, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (17)
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from left: Rose Lizo, PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Erlinda Bautista, Joe Bautista and Ami Apostol. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 14, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista
The future site of Chris Lizo’s villa, photo from his property in Sitio Intramuros, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 25, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Recipients of rice and cash assistance from Erlinda Bautista, Timothy Bautista and Rose Lizo. Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province,Philippines, March 30, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)
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Recipients of rice and cash assistance from Erlinda Bautista, Timothy Bautista and Rose Lizo. Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province,Philippines, March 30, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Kiramona Islet, San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 26, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Mayon Volcano, Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga, Albay, Philippines, March 31, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (23)
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PAL Premium Economy
Exceptional comfort and convenience are just some of the perks available on board PAL’s New Premium Economy cabin. Whether passengers are traveling for leisure or business, this choice offers premium comfort and convenience without the sky-high prices. They can skip queues with priority check in, boarding and check in, boarding and baggage retrieval, in addition to greater baggage allowance.
For international flights passengers will have extra spacious seats with 38-inch leg room and 8 inch recline. They can also indulge on delicious meals and enjoy their
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Stations of the Cross Sculptures, Kawa kawa Hill, Ligao City, Albay, Philippines, March 31, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Recipients of rice and cash assistance from Erlinda Bautista, Timothy Bautista and Rose Lizo. Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province,Philippines, March 30, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Shell on sandbar visible only during low tide; Sitio Balete, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, April 2, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (26)
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Scholars from left: Anna Rose Delos Angeles, Rose Lizo, John Paul Del Rosario and Maria Claire Del Rosario – Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
The future site of Chris Lizo’s villa, photo from his property in Sitio Intramuros, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 25, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Scholars w family members from left: from left: John Jedan Del Rosario, Obdulio Del Rosario, Olemna Delos Angeles, Anna Rose Delos Angeles, Rose Lizo, John Paul Del Rosario, Maria Claire Del Rosario, Mailinda Del Rosario and Clarita Del Rosario.- Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (29)
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Tinalisayan Islet, San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 26, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Eugene Bailon, Wendy SanneBailon (5 awards);4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
San Isidro, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (32)
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from right: Rose Lizo, Jude Del Rosario and Vivian Del Rosario. 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
Sombrero Island, San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 26, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
from left: Eugene Bailon, Wendy Sanne Bailon (5 awards), BCI Principal Domingo Raymundo and BCI Sec / Treasurer Merriam Gueta. 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista (35)
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Tinalisayan Islet, San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 26, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Grade 10 batch mates; 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
Pagi – sting ray is a delicacy cooked in coconut milk, gata; Sitio Balete, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, April 2, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (38)
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Recipients of rice and cash assistance from Erlinda Bautista, Timothy Bautista and Rose Lizo. Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province,Philippines, March 30, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Some handicraft sold in Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga, Albay,Philippines, March 31, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Recipients of rice and cash assistance from Erlinda Bautista, Timothy Bautista and Rose Lizo. Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province,Philippines, March 30, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (41)
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Mayon Volcano, Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga, Albay, Philippines, March 31, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Johnny Agdon with Grand kids; Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Makamute, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (44)
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Grade 10 batch mates; 4th Junior High school Completion Ceremony and Recognition Rites of Burias Colleges Inc.- April 3, 2019, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province. Photo by Jude Bautista
Pahowaiian Beach Resort, San Isidro, Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, March 28, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Plume of smoke rises from Mayon, clearly visible from the port of Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, April 2, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
Grade 10 batch mates of Burias Colleges Inc (BCI); Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, April 3, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
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Dawn at the port of Claveria, Burias Island, Masbate Province, Philippines, April 2, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista
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