CHARITY diva Token Lizares always look for means on how she can continue her advocacy by using her gift of singing to help the poor.
She is known for her charity works for a while now - from abandoned infants, children to the adult who can hardly afford to get proper medications and even provided some of their basic needs like food, and clothing.
Lizares is part of the upcoming concert for a cause dubbed as “Unforgettable” on October 13 at SMX Convention Center along with actor and singer Richard Yap and Ilonggo singer Jed Madella.
In a press conference, Lizares said: “I will be singing with the two known stars Jed and Richard with some comedians from Manila and also with the participation of the Voice Chords. We will offer our audience with great songs. I want to help local talents to be known and someday can also do their own charity work. Our talents come from God. It is not ours. I am not getting any younger anymore and one day, others will also replace me and continue to offer your gift of singing to serve the poor.”
“We are going to help St. Mary’s Home for the Aged and I am also helping the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa. They don’t ask for anything. But in my own little way, every time I have my show, I provide them with some assistance to help the helpless brothers and sisters whom some of them are sick. The nuns are taking care of them. I brought a lot of patients there and I know that I need to continue to help them. There are a lot of foundations that exist in our community and there is no limit when we want to help others. I cannot do this alone. For me, I considered myself as a servant of God. I don’t own this glory as glory is for the Lord,” she said.
Lizares started singing when she was in grade school. But her professional singing career started when she was 19. After graduating college, she worked in a bank for four to five years then a band just came and offered her to join them in Singapore. From there, she already sings in events held abroad.
“God assigned me to help others. My heart is really happy when I help others. I got this from my mother who also had this compassion to help the poor. She used to tell me to send these goods to this family and I did it. We are not rich. But we have enough to share our food and other things to others,” she said.
“I am not saying this to brag but to encourage others to also do charity work. Whatever is your talent, share it to serve God through the poor,” she added.
She plans to also establish her own foundation that will help mentally-ill persons in the city.
“I am still praying to God for what He wants for my life. I cannot decide on my own. He is the only one who can direct me on what to do,” she said.
Do not doubt the love of God especially for the poor and sick. I am a witness to God’s love for the needy, she also said.
“I am being evangelized by my work. The poor and the sick that I helped would always express their gratitude to me. But I told them that I will be the one to thank you all because you become the instrument or ladder for us to get to heaven. We are not perfect people. We have sinfulness but then love, will eventually save us and that is what God wants us to share with others,” she said.