IN THE MIX BY MIC DIAZ
Growing up in Balud, a remote town in Masbate, Philippines, Leo Abelita understood firsthand what it meant to live without access to the most basic necessities. His childhood was marked by challenges that many in urban centers take for granted—no electricity, no paved roads, and little connection to the outside world. Yet, it was in this environment that Abelita’s resilience, determination, and vision for community transformation were born.
From Balud to Manila: A Journey of Grit
Despite the odds, Abelita pursued higher education in Manila. Along with his brothers, he navigated life independently while studying dentistry. Living away from home in an unfamiliar city tested his perseverance, but it also gave him the confidence and drive to build a life beyond the limitations of his hometown. His journey from a small rural village to dental school in the capital was the first of many milestones that proved his commitment to turning obstacles into opportunities.
A New Beginning in the United States
Like many Filipinos seeking brighter futures, Abelita eventually migrated to the United States. Starting fresh in a new country meant learning, adapting, and rebuilding from the ground up. He worked tirelessly to establish his career and building his own dental practice while keeping his hometown close to his heart. Even as he embraced life in America, he never forgot the struggles of Balud—the very struggles that shaped him.
Founding Balud Enterprise for Sustainable Transformation (B.E.S.T.)
Motivated by a deep desire to give back, Abelita founded Balud Enterprise for Sustainable Transformation (B.E.S.T.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting his hometown. B.E.S.T. focuses on creating sustainable solutions that empower the people of Balud through education, infrastructure, livelihood programs, and access to resources that can break cycles of poverty.
For Abelita, sustainability is more than just a word—it’s a promise to ensure that development efforts are not temporary fixes but long-term solutions that transform communities for generations. His vision is rooted in inclusivity: every child deserves access to education, every family deserves opportunities for livelihood, and every community deserves the infrastructure to thrive.
A Family of Passion and Purpose
Beyond his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Dr. Abelita is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife have raised a loving family with one daughter and three sons—each of whom has stepped confidently into modeling and beauty pageants, continuing a legacy of creativity and visibility. Dr. Abelita himself once modeled, an experience that not only built his confidence but also deepened his appreciation for art, culture, and representation.
In recent years, he has proudly introduced his children to his hometown of Balud, giving them the chance to see where his journey began. His ties to the world of pageantry also led him to collaborate with Miss Philippines USA, bringing titleholders back to Balud to support B.E.S.T.’s projects and missions. These efforts not only gave back to the community but also exposed the younger generation—including his children—to the values of service, heritage, and pride in their roots.
Giving Back, Building Forward
Abelita’s story is not only about personal triumph but also about community transformation. Through B.E.S.T., he continues to bridge the gap between his humble beginnings and his vision for a stronger, more sustainable Balud. His journey reminds us that true success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by the lives we uplift and the communities we transform.
Reflecting on his journey during his interview on Chat with Mic, Abelita shared:
“When I was young, I studied under the light of a kerosene lamp. Now, I want to make sure that the children of Balud don’t have to go through the same struggles. They deserve better—and together, we can build it.”
A Legacy in the Making
What makes Abelita’s work remarkable is not just the scope of B.E.S.T.’s programs but the heart behind them. His efforts are deeply personal—rooted in his own memories of struggle and his desire to see Balud flourish. Each initiative is a reflection of his belief that transformation begins when those who have “made it out” reach back to lift others up.
From the dirt roads of Masbate to the opportunities of America, Abelita’s journey is proof that resilience can carry a person across oceans, and compassion can carry a community into the future. Through Balud Enterprise for Sustainable Transformation, he has turned his life’s challenges into a beacon of hope.
Leo Abelita’s story is not just his own—it is the story of Balud, of every child who dreams beyond their circumstances, and of every community waiting for someone to believe in their potential.