Federico Lizo’s Legacy

Posted on March 16, 2018

Siblings from left: Beth Javier, Ami Apostol, PD Lizo and Erlinda Bautista. Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Federico Lizo, passed away the same day as astrophysicist, Stephen Hawking, March 14, 2018 at also the same age: 76. While not exactly as renowned as Hawking, most people who knew him affectionately call Federico as Tito P.D. or Tito Pids. He died of cardiac arrest from cancer of the prostate and other complications.

Surrounded by his loving family, he held on to life for more than a day so the date of his passing would not coincide with the birthday of granddaughter Andrea who was born March 13. With him in his last moments, loving wife Rose Lizo, children: Vincent, Christopher, Lisette, Rudymark and grandson Sean.

Lizo Clan surrounds PD; Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Although he lived most of his life in Camella Homes Bicutan, he never forgot his original hometown. Born from humble circumstances in San Pascual, Burias an island just north of Masbate in October 27, 1941. He’s a math whiz and a lover of crosswords… in Filipino. No one would ever consider him wealthy but still managed to help his town mates in whatever way that he could.

Tres Marias bgy Dapdap, Burias Island-May 17, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Burias’ Needs

When a typhoon struck, several times, damaging the church, he asked for donations from family and friends to repair and sponsor, beams, pews and other portions. The gate interestingly enough was his contribution. He involved his sisters Erlinda, Elizabeth and Ami and her husband George Apostol for this effort. Less than a few years later together with the help of many other contributors, they were able to rebuild a new church that is now able to withstand the elements. They have also expanded this by helping construct other structures the parish needs.

St Isidore Parish, Claveria, Burias Island, meeting Rev. Fr. Pablito D. Bendibil Jr., right: the convent in the parish is being constructed and will soon be finished; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

From his involvement, teachers from the local school also tapped his help in providing an artesian well. Although they did not ask for it he also donated books and school supplies. After fulfilling this need, he also helped pay for the tuition of worthy scholars. To this end his children have also sponsored their own scholars.

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, QBO Innovation Hub Pres. Butch Meily and Mike Hurley. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 14, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then it was the hospital (in the person of Armi Gomez Rubia) that came to him requesting a widescreen, high definition TV. This was for patients to watch videos and shows they wouldn’t otherwise see during their stay. The TV was so large they had difficulty transporting and installing it, but provided so much joy to patients and hard working staff.

from right: Armi Gomez Rubia, Teli Gomez, Erlinda Bautista, Nanette Montenegro, Beth Javier, Rose Lizo and Annie Puyo; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Son Chris would offer all expense paid trips abroad, U.S., Hong Kong etc. PD would counter that he preferred the ticket and budget be monetized so he could go to Burias instead and help more people. PD ended up not going out of the country at all because of his one-track mind.

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

Mayon Volcano can be seen from the port of Claveria, Burias-May 18-19, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

His acts of generosity have not all been known. There are a number of relatives and friends he would consistently send money to because of their recurring illness. One of them Rudy Amado has now recovered. These are just some of the acts of kindness recalled by Johnito Agdon, who was his right hand man and caretaker of his home in Burias. Johnito considered PD as a second father.

Erlinda Bautista and PD Lizo continue their mother Vita’s legacy of caring for her town mates; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Rose in his Life

PD had a generous spirit throughout from his youth to his senior years. If he had one fault, it would be his grumpiness that manifested in later years, like most people who grow to a ripe old age. Through the most difficult and the happiest moments of it all is his faithful and loving wife of 49 years: Rose Lizo. Friends and family would come to know her as Tita Rose or Tita Set. Sometimes when he would have difficulty walking or not have enough appetite to eat she would be by his side patiently feeding him and taking care of him.

from left: PD Lizo, Chris, Rose, Lisette and Vincent. (10)

Rose may have been the bigger influence on her children as an epitome of a modern woman. She worked as office manager for Textile Engineering while at the same time cooking, cleaning and caring for her family. She was a very early example of honesty, integrity, discipline and hard work that would bear fruit in all of her children. As the couple settled in Camella Homes, Bicutan, she became very active in the Mary Immaculate Parish of Levi Town. Rose volunteered her time and effort for several organizations: Lector and Commentator Society, Legion of Mary and Mater Dei Choir.

Rose Lizo with the Mary Help of Christian Legionnaires. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 15, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Imperial and Monetnegro Clan; Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: Lola Vita, Rose, Lisette and PD.

Family

There was no mystery why PD felt a strong need to help the less fortunate. His mother Manuela Gomez Lizo often went back to the island bringing clothes, sometimes cash for the less fortunate. She was known as Manay Vita and would sometimes even give the clothes from her own back.

NLEX star Kiefer Ravena and Lisette Lizo. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 15, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

PD’s children however are a source of pride and have actually been his support for the financial assistance that he has provided for his kababayan. Eldest son Vincent Troy Lizo has become Business Director at Energizer Holdings, second son Christopher Daniel Lizo is Metro Pacific Tollways Corp (MPTC) Senior VP Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, only daughter Lisette Lizo is an Associate Delivery Project Executive for IBM Philippines, youngest son Rudymark is a businessman.

NLEX Road Warriors from left: Kiefer Ravena, MPTC Sr. VP CFO and Treasurer Christopher Lizo, Emman Monfort, Cyrus Baguio, Jansen Rios, Juami Tiongson and Raul Soyud. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 15, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista (15)

Apart from having scholars from Burias whose tuitions they support, they’ve committed themselves to an even bigger project that they recently promised him. They will establish a school named after their father Federico G. Lizo in Burias island.

Kids are thankful for their school supplies and candy; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Sports

One of PD’s obsessions is sports in general. He played a mean game of table tennis but never anything serious, as in amateur or school competition. PD was more the quintessential sports fan. He benefitted the most with the explosion of cable television. There was nothing he wouldn’t watch, I remember he had the patience to try and figure out the scoring system of cricket and rugby. There are two sports however that are most dear to his heart: tennis and basketball.

from right: Proud dad Vincent Lizo with Julia and Jalen. From facebook post.

PD’s love for basketball is something that has rubbed off on his children. Vincent had a distinguished amateur basketball career as multiple MVP awardee in the PICAA (Philippine Integrated Chinese Athletic Association), played in the PBL and was also part of the Team B in De La Salle University. He is still active in hoops, playing in the alumni league. Vince’s son Jalen has recently qualified for the Manta Ray international Swimming Competition held in Hong Kong in the 15-18 age category.

Grandson Jalen Lizo has qualified for Manta Rays Hong Kong Swimming competition in the 15-18 year old age category. Facebook post.

NLEX Road Warriors

PD’s second eldest son Christopher Lizo, apart from being MPTC Senior VP is also the team manager of NLEX Road Warriors. Chris has been with the team years before helping guide their 6-peat championship in the D-League. You can imagine PD’s pride grow even bigger when the team made its PBA debut in 2014. It hasn’t been easy but NLEX finally has a chance to get to the finals this conference.

NLEX Road Warriors standing in bg from left: Kenneth Ighalo, Jansen Rios, Kiefer Ravena, Juami Tiongson, Emman Monfort and Raul Soyud with Rose Lizo in white. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 15, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

To do that they have to go through a semi final series against the tough Magnolia Hotshots. If they do make it and finally win their first PBA championship PD will be smiling in heaven. And even if they don’t, in the greater scheme of things he knows his hometown of Burias is in good and capable hands of his children.

Mangroves in barangay Canomay, Claveria, Burias Island, May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)

Legacy

George Apostol, a successful businessman in his own right is PD’s brother in-law, husband of Ami. George offers an insight into why PD was so mindful of others. It is a view that is relevant, as he himself has helped his kababayan in Calbayog, Samar. He believes that the desire to help is a way to acknowledge the life changing blessings that God has given them. So whatever form of help they provide is just a way to thank the Lord and give back to the community. “I can relate to his generosity. Di naman masabi na mayaman kami pero na lampasan namin. It’s only natural maging generous ka balikan mo. Kung walang ginawa sa atin ang nasa taas maaring nandoon pa rin tayo. We were like them before. Siya sa Burias, ako sa Samar diba? Yon yung binabalikan ko, binibigyan ko. Siya yon din binabalikan niya sa Burias. Natural reaction yon ng pagpapasalamat. I do not know if generosity is the right word for that sukli lang, giving back lang. Once nilagay mo ko rito salamat ako mag-aabot.”

Standing from left: George Apostol, Rose Lizo and Joe Bautista Seated from left: Beth Javier, Ami Apostol, PD Lizo and Erlinda Bautista. Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

For George this is apart from PD’s true legacy, “Normal na tanong ng tao, ano kaya iniwan na legacy ni PD? Definitely it cannot be wealth, it cannot be power, it cannot be fame. The only legacy he will be leaving behind will be his family. How his family will behave and react will be a reflection of his own character. Yon yung siya. Kung anak mo bum, kung anak mo drug addicts, that is a reflection. Kung pamilya mo maging productive Christian citizens of the world, that is a reflection on you, meron kang ginawa diyan kahit papano. Yan ang legacy.”

NLEX Road Warriors Coaching Staff with the Lizo family. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 15, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

standing from left: Dr Ollie Alix, Carlo Serapio, seated from left: Dr. Jenneylyn Javier-Alix, Beth Javier, Nate Serapio and Leah Serapio. Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista (23)

The family would like to thank all relatives and friends who have expressed their love and offered many prayers.

They would also like to thank:

Dr. Ollie Alix and Dr. Jennelyn Javier Alix for their invaluable medical advice and support.

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Fr. John Paulo (Pipo) Bautista, Parish Priest and Fr. Dick Eslopor for the spiritual guidance.

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Lector and Commentator’s Society

top left Linda Bautista with Sister Peñafrancia Misa of the Holy Face of Jesus; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Junior Legionaries Youth

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Mater Dei Choir

Choirmaster Bernie De Leon

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Mary Immaculate Parish Levi Town

from left: Jun Montenegro, Annie Puyo, Rose Lizo, TeliGomez, Rev. Fr. Pablito D. Bendibil Jr., Erlinda Bautista, Nanette Montenegro, Beth Javier and Goody Montenegro; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista (25)

Mangroves in barangay Canomay, Claveria, Burias Island, May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Apostol Clan; Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

from right: MPTC Sr. VP CFO and Treasurer Christopher Lizo, PLDT Chairman Manny V Pangilinan and Magnolia Hotshots Asst. Coach Juno Sauler. Chapel 1- Heritage Park, Taguig, March 14, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Rudymark Lizo with daughter Leeann and wife Cheryl. From instagram post.

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We had a sumptuous lunch while floating on the sandbar; barangay Balete, Claveria, Burias Island, May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista (30)

Erlinda Bautista and PD Lizo continue their mother Vita’s legacy of caring for her town mates; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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PD surrounded by family; Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tree grows in middle of sea; barangay Balete, Claveria, Burias Island, May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista (33)

Kids are thankful for their school supplies and candy; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Center in red is Lola Vita Gomez Lizo

from left: Lisette Lizo with son Basty, Maoie Lizo with daughter Julia. Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Malapinggan coast, Burias Island-May 19, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista (37)

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Bautista Clan; Phil Columbian Association Manila, January 7, 2018. Photo by Jude Bautista

Erlinda Bautista and PD Lizo continue their mother Vita’s legacy of caring for her town mates; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Mayon Volcano can be seen from the port of Claveria, Burias-May 18-19, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Rose Lizo and Sean Panaligan; Malapinggan beach, Burias Island-May 19, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

Kids are thankful for their school supplies and candy; Claveria, Burias-May 18, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

PD Lizo tries to irritate Linda Bautista & Rose Lizo crossing the waters to Burias Island from the port of Pio Duran- May 17, 2015. Photo by Jude Bautista

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