Push Admin

30,000 flying hours later, viral retired pilot finds new passion

Article (news)

Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/08/22/20180822pilot.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Capt. Rizalino Irizari during his last flight before retiring. <em>Photo courtesy of Enolueno T. Barona</em></figcaption></figure></div><p><br/>MANILA- After over 30,000 flying hours, 67-year-old pilot Capt. Rizalino Irizari finally retired from service but not without fanfare.</p><p>Irizari, whose speech during his last flight has become viral on social media, said he now looks forward to life after retirement.</p><p>&quot;I think this is more than enough for me because I believe that flying was more than enough for me. It&#x27;s time for me to serve the Lord already,&quot; he told radio DZMM on Wednesday.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6XegoDhT0yg?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>A Cebu Pacific pilot for 22 years, Irizari went viral after a passenger posted a video of him giving a heartwarming speech after the last flight of his career.</p><p>“It’s a pleasure to have you on board. I would like to inform you in my career, this is my last flight here,” Irizari told his passengers.</p><p>Prior to working in Cebu Pacific, Irizari said he was a pilot for the Philippine Air Force for 26 years.</p><p>Now that he is finally retired, Irizari said he plans to make up for lost time with his family and serve in Church.</p><p>&quot;Marami na ho akong pagkukulang sa pamilya ko... Ako&#x27;y nagpapasalamat sa pamilya ko na they always pray for me even when I&#x27;m not around,&quot; he said.</p><p>(I have many shortcomings to my family. I thank them for always praying for me when I&#x27;m not around.)</p><p>&quot;I have spent almost 50 percent of my life flying and this flying has become my passion but this passion has to come to an end. Now that I&#x27;m retired, I&#x27;m so excited because I&#x27;ll be full time in serving the Lord and my family,&quot; he added.</p><p>And his advice to aspiring pilots? </p><p>&quot;Mag-aral lang ho sila (just study) and they&#x27;ll become a pilot soon,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Irizari, whose speech during his last flight has become viral on social media, said he now looks forward to life after retirement.</p>

Irizari, whose speech during his last flight has become viral on social media, said he now looks forward to life after retirement.

30,000 flying hours later, viral retired pilot finds new passion

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Trending

30,000 flying hours later, viral retired pilot finds new passion

Arianne Merez,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 22, 2018 06:40 PM PHT

|

Updated Sep 23, 2019 01:55 PM PHT

Read More:

DZMM

viral

trending

Cebu Pacific pilot

retired pilot

Rizalino Irizari

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.