111th DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF BRO. JOSE P. RIZAL COMMEMORATED

111 years ago today on the 30th of December 1896, Filipino national hero Bro. Jose P. Rizal was executed at what is now the Luneta by a firing squad of native Filipino colonial troops after being tried by a Spanish military court for rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy.

Masonic District RIII-D led by Bro. District Deputy Grandmaster Emmanuel Antonio Umali who is a Model Lodge charter member commemorated this watershed event in simple rites at the grounds of the Cabanatuan City Hall. Bro. District Grand Lecturer Froilan Valino, another Model Lodge charter member, delivered the valedictory address in behalf of Bro. Vice-Mayor Jolly Garcia of Cabanatuan City.

The event was attended by representatives all Masonic lodges under the jurisdiction of Masonic District RIII-D with Model Lodge having the biggest delegation. Representatives from the Order of the Amaranth, Job’s Daughters International, and the Knights of Columbus also attended the commemoration rites.

Milestones in Bro. Jose Rizal’s Masonic Life
1861 (June 19): Bro. Jose was born in Calamba, Laguna.

1872-1882: Bro. Jose’s student days at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila (1872-1877) and the University of Sto. Tomas (1878-1882) where at some time he stayed in the house of his uncle Jose Alberto Alonzo who is a Freemason and who perhaps introduced Bro. Jose to the ideals of Freemasonry.

1882-1884: Bro. Jose visited Naples in Italy while studying medicine at Spain’s Universidad Central de Madrid and was impressed by the public adoration shown at the death of Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi who is a Freemason. It was probably at this period when Bro. Jose encountered the ideals of Bros. Miguel Morayta and Francisco Pi y Margal which led him to petition for membership at their Masonic lodge, the Acacia Lodge No. 9 of the Gran Oriente de Espana in 1884, and adopted Dimasalang as his Masonic name.

1885-1887: Bro. Jose left for France and Germany to pursue further studies at the University of Paris and later at the University of Heidelberg where he became a member of the Berlin Ethnological and Anthropological Societies through the intercessions of Bros. Dr. Rudolf Virchow and Dr. Feodor Jagor. It was also while in Germany that Bro. Jose acquired additional degrees in Freemasonry which might have included The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. It was during this period when Bro. Jose wrote his first novel, the “Noli Me Tangere”.

1887 (August 6): Bro. Jose came home to the Philippines and immediately faced charges from the Spanish friars on the alleged subversion of his novel, the “Noli Me Tangere”. Bro. Governor-General Emilio Terrero y Perinat found nothing wrong in the novel and shielded Bro. Jose as far as he can do so, even assigning him a personal bodyguard. But when he thought he can no longer protect Bro. Jose, he advised him to leave the Philippines once again.

1888-1889: Bro. Jose arrived in Paris after travelling via Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, and England. He then moved in Belgium where he started writing his second novel “El Filibusterismo”.

1890 (November 15): During a visit to Spain, Bro. Jose affiliated with the Solidaridad Lodge No. 53 of the Grand Orient of France, an all Filipino Masonic Lodge, where he was elected as Supervising Architect. It was probably in the same year that Bro. Jose was also designated by the Gran Oriente Espanol as its Grand Representative in France and Germany.

1891-1892: Bro. Jose left Europe for Hong Kong where he stayed for 7 months. While in Hong Kong, Bro. Jose was elected in absentia as the Honorable Venerable Master of what was then the Nilad Lodge No. 144 in Manila. The formation of Nilad Lodge inspired the growth of Freemasonry in the Philippines.

1892-1896: Bro. Jose finally returned to the Philippines in 1892 and was soon exiled in Dapitan until July 31, 1896. As soon as Bro. Jose was sent to Dapitan, the Spanish colonial government also closed Masonic lodges and deported active Masons.

1896: Bro. Jose left for Spain to serve in Cuba as a military doctor in the Spanish Colonial army during the Cuban Revolution. He was however arrested upon reaching Spain and sent back to the Philippines to stand trial for treason. On December 30, Bro. Jose was executed by firing squad at what was then Bagumbayan and ignited the Philippine War for Independence under the leadership of two Freemasons --- Bros. Andres Bonifacio and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

FOOTNOTES: Top photo shows Bro. District Grand Lecturer Froilan Valino delivering the valedictory address while the bottom photo shows the Model Lodge delegation to the 111th commemoration of Bro. Jose Rizal's death that was held at the grounds of the Cabanatuan City Hall. An article attributed to Bro. Fred Lamar Pearson, Jrs. for the book "Dimasalang: The Masonic Life of Dr. Jose Rizal" is the primary source of this article. This article was also published in the February-March 2010 issue of "The Craftsman".

MODEL LODGE SINGS AT DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY

The impromptu Model Lodge choir belted out a classic Filipino Christmas carol "Ang Aming Bati ay Magandang Pasko" and the popular holiday love song “Pasko na Sinta Ko” during the annual Christmas party of Masonic District RIII-D (South Nueva Ecija-Aurora) in Cabanatuan City. The choir only had 3 practice dates and half of it came on the day it was to perform. But it was enough for a 5th place finish among a field of eight contesting lodges that was topped by the superb Kuyang-and-Ateng choir of Cabanatuan Lodge 53. Talavera 273 Lodge is a close second while Sta. Rosa Lodge 297 bagged third place.

For Model Lodge, the choir contest is not about competing and winning but being part of a wonderful camaraderie. The P2,000.00 consolation prize is more symbolic than a material reward. But of course, the feast and the fun that went with it filled the brethrens’ tired hearts with youthful joy. And even more with a stash of 3 DVD players, a home theater, an iPod, and a television set some of the lucky brethren took home from the raffle draw.

Thank you very much Bro. Emmanuel Anthony Umali (center in white pants below), the incumbent District Deputy Grandmaster and a Model Lodge charter member, for a night of gladness. And incoming brother Elpidio Dizon (front row, second from left below) of the CLSU Choir and Brass Band for conducting the choir so well it almost sounded like a pro.

19th CENTRAL LUZON MASONIC MULTI-DISTRICT CONVENTION

The Model Lodge delegation stand up (above) as it was acknowledged in the roll call of lodges during the opening of the 19th Central Luzon Masonic Multi-District Convention in Malolos, Bulacan. The convention was attended by all lodges under the jurisdiction of Masonic Districts RIII-A (Pampanga), RIII-B (Bataan), RIII-C (Zambales), RIII-D (South Nueva Ecija-Aurora) where Model Lodge belong, RIII-E (Bulacan), and R-III-F (North Nueva Ecija), and RIII-G (Tarlac).

The night before the convention, Bro. Ramon Sabacan who is the RIII-D champion copped first runner-up honors in the regional elocution contest on the Lambskin Apron that was won by the RIII-F champion --- Bro. Tristan Escudero of San Jose City Lodge 309.

FIRST HONORARY MEMBER ELECTED

In recognition and grateful appreciation of his unwavering support that helped establish Model Lodge 373, District Grand Lecturer Bro. Antonino Manabat was unanimously elected as the Lodge’s first and so far only honorary member.

It was Brother Tony who was then the Worshipful Master of Talavera Lodge 273 in 2004 who recommended and endorsed the creation of Model Lodge which was against the odds at that time. It is for this reason that Talavera Lodge 273 is considered, albeit unofficially, as Model Lodge’s “Mother”.

Brother Tony was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1994. In 2001, he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Master Mason of Talavera Lodge 273 where he later served as Worshipful Master. He was also adjudged as the Most Outstanding Grand Lodge Inspector of Masonic District No. 29 in 2005. Brother Tony is a graduate of the Institute of Masonic Education and Studies and is currently a District Grand Lecturer for Masonic District RIII-D.

FOOTNOTE: Worshipful Master Anacleto Fernandez (center) congratulate District Grand Lecturer Bro. Antonino Manabat (left) after his being elected as Model Lodge 373's first honorary member. Looking on is District Grand Lodge Inspector Bro. Edynnel Medina (righ).

OFFICERS OF MASONIC YEAR 6010 A.L. ELECTED, APPOINTED

Incumbent Lodge Secretary Bro. Sergio Francisco was unanimously elected by the brethren of Model Lodge 373 as its Junior Warden for Masonic year 6010 A.L. With Brother Serge’s election, incumbent Junior Warden Bro. Marionito Guererro was automatically elevated as Senior Warden and incumbent Senior Warden Bro. Manolo Mercado as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge.

This year’s Worshipful Master Bro. Anacleto Fernandez upon stepping down from the East will assume the position of the Tyler and will succeed immediate Past Master Bro. Prudencio Elegado who was elected to be next year’s Lodge Auditor. Bro. Shubert Ciencia was elected as the new Lodge Secretary while Bro. Lamberto Miranda was retained as the Lodge Treasurer. Assisting them will be Bros. Virgilio Santos and Jojit Floro who were appointed as the Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, respectively.

Almost all other appointive positions were designated to the Lodge’s organic members to assist them in furthering their proficiency in Masonic rituals and floor works. Bros. Nathaniel Elegado and Aquilino Valino Jr. were designated as next year’s Senior and Junior Deacons, respectively. Bro. Erwin Macalinao was appointed as Marshall, Bro. Jomari Valino as Chaplain, Bros. Fitzgerald Hierco and Lino Carandang Jr. as Senior and Junior Stewards respectively, Bro. Angelito Dela Cruz as Almoner, Bro. Reynaldo Requito as Lecturer, and Bro. Eduardo Sayco as Organist. Bros. Ronaldo Sadural (Orator) and Monico Delgado (Harmony Officer) were the only charter members to be appointed.

Model Lodge 373’s officers for Masonic year 6010 A.L. will be installed on January 23, 2010 at Cabanatuan Lodge No. 53's Masonic hall in Cabanatuan City.

REGULAR MEMBER (014-2009)

Bro. Virgilio Santos

Seventh Batch (014-2009): Bro. Virgilio Santos (014-2009) was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason on 21 September 2009, passed as a Fellow Craft Mason on 07 November 2009, and raised as a Master Mason on 30 November 2009 at Model Lodge No. 373’s temporary Masonic temple in Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija.

SNAPSHOTS FROM MODEL LODGE'S CORNERSTONE LAYING AND CONSECRATION CEREMONIES

PHOTOS EXPLAINED: [1] The CLSU brass band play as the brethren wait for the [2] arrival of MW Peter U. Lim Lo Suy (GM) and VW Emmanuel Antonio Umali (DDGM) at the ceremony site in Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija. [3] MW Lim Lo Suy then presided over the opening of the Grand Lodge in a temporary lodge hall while the officers of Model Lodge 373 wait before [4] the procession to the ceremony site where [5] VW Conrado Sante (DGL) and VW Umali helped prepare the implements for the rites. [6] MW Lim Lo Suy presided over the opening of the ceremony where [7] MW Grand Secretary Danilo Angeles (PGM) read the record of the contents of the time capsule namely copies of Model Lodge 373’s constitution and charter, a rooster of its members and a photo of its officers, the 27 November 2009 issues of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila Bulletin, the August and September-October 2009 issues of The Craftsman, the May-June 2009 issue of The Cabletow, the invitation to the ceremony, WB Monico Delgado’s personal calendar for 2009, a letter from Bro. Freddie Ruiz (Memorial Lodge No. 90) to his son to be opened and read after 50 years, and the Grandmaster’s pin. [8] MW Lim Lo Suy then blessed the cornerstone [9] where the time capsule was placed by Grand Treasurer-designate WB Edynnel Medina (DGLI) with the assistance of Grand Chaplain-designate VW Emmanuel Diesta (AAGM). Parts of the cornerstone were then [10] squared by VW Umali, [11] leveled by Senior Grand Warden-designate VW Sante, and [12] plumbed by Junior Grand Warden-designate VW Antonino Manabat (DGL) who reported “the craftsmen [to have] faithfully and skillfully performed their dut[ies]” before pouring the [13] corn, [14] wine, and [15] oil to nourish, refresh and enjoy the “workmen employed”. The working tools were then [16] handed to Bro. Principal Architect-designate VW Jose Matutino after which [17] MW Lim Lo Suy prayed over the cornerstone. [18] The procession marched back to the temporary lodge hall where, after being closed in due form by MW Lim Lo Suy, [19] the brethren had their photo taken with the Grandmaster for posterity before [20] partaking of a modest lunch prepared by Model Lodge 373, and [21] engaging the Grandmaster and his deputy in a farewell informal banter.

FOOTNOTE: This article was also published in the December 2009-January 2010 issue of "The Craftsman".

BASKETBALL TROPHIES AWARDED DURING DISTRICT MEETING

Senior Warden Bro. Manolo Mercado (left) beams after receiving Model Lodge No. 373’s share of the second runner-up trophies for the Masonic District RIII-D’s recently concluded basketball tournament. Also receiving their second runner-up trophies with Model Lodge charter member and incumbent District Deputy Grandmaster Bro. Emmanuel Antonio Umali (center) are the representatives of Kapitan Pepe Lodge No. 373 (from left after brother Manolo), Zaragoza Lodge No. 263, and San Leonardo Lodge No. 386 who like Model Lodge belonged to the Yellow Team. The awarding of trophies was conducted during the regular meeting of Masonic District RIII-D where Bros. Manolito Carlos of Cabanatuan Lodge No. 53, Allan Purisima of General Llanera Memorial Lodge No. 168, and Ramiro Cruz of Sta. Rosa Lodge No. 297 were nominated for the Grandmaster’s pick of next year’s District Deputy Grandmaster.

A BROTHER TURNS 36 WHILE ANOTHER MOVES TO A NEW HOUSE

Bro. Fitzgerald Hierco (left from the photo above) turned 36 last November 14 and treated the brethren of Model Lodge No. 373 with a feast of pritong itik (fried duck), ginataang suso (river snails cooked in coconut milk), kalderetang kambing (goat meat cooked in tomato sauce), an array of sweet rice cakes and many more that were sumptuously washed down with bottles of ice cold San Miguel Beer. Also shown in the photo are (from left after Brother Fitzgerald) District Grand Lodge Inspector Bro. Prudencio Elegado, Bro. Reynaldo Requito, Bro. Ronaldo Sadural, Bro. Arnel Landingin, Bro. Monico Delgado, and Bro. Fredodrigo Hierco of Talavera Lodge No. 273 who is Brother Fitzgerald’s younger brother.

The next day, Bro. Val Santos hosted a fellowship for the brethren of Model Lodge No. 373 and the other subordinate lodges of Masonic District R3-D during the blessing of his spanking new house in Cabanatuan City. The photo below shows Brother Val (third from left in light blue shirt) and the brethren with Brother Val’s father (center in red shirt) Bro. Jose Santos who is a past District Deputy Grandmaster of Masonic District R1-A (formerly District No. 24). Behind Brother Jose on the left is District Grand Lodge Lecturer Bro. Froilan Valino who like Brother Val is a charter member of Model Lodge No. 373. Other Model Lodge members in the photo are Junior Warden Bro. Marionito Guererro (right of Brother Jose) followed immediately by Worshipful Master Bro. Anacleto Fernandez.

1-HECTARE LOT PURCHASED FOR TEMPLE BUILDING

The photo above shows the Master of Model Lodge No. 373, Bro. Anacleto Fernandez (second from right), with District Grand Lecturer Bro. Antonino Manabat (right) and District Grand Lodge Inspector Bro. Edynell Medina (left) conducting an ocular survey of a recently acquired 1-hectare property along the national highway in Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija where Model Lodge will build its Masonic temple. The 1.2 million pesos lot purchase was made possible through the efforts of Bro. Prudencio Elegado who initiated the project during his incumbency as the Master of Model Lodge in 2008, and who after stepping down from the East was designated by Bro. Anacleto Fernandez as the chairperson of Model Lodge’s lot purchase committee. Bro. Prudencio Elegado was ably assisted in the project by Bros. Monico Delgado and Perfecto Parinas.

MODEL LODGE TOPS DISTRICT ELOCUTION CONTEST; WINS IN BADMINTON TOO

All sixteen lodges within the jurisdiction of Masonic District RIII-D delivered outstanding performances in elocution but in the end, it was Model Lodge No. 373 who got the most points to win the district’s Masonic Elocution Contest on the Lambskin Apron held last 27 September 2009 at the Kapitan Pepe Lodge No. 293 in Cabanatuan City.

In winning the elocution contest for Model Lodge, Bro. Ramon Sabacan went home with the champion’s trophy and the P5,000.00 cash prize. But this milestone is not unexpected because Brother Ramon is well known for his proficiency in Masonic rituals in both Masonic districts of Nueva Ecija. Brother Ramon is a Past Master of the Apolinario Mabini Lodge No. 235 in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija which is under the jurisdiction of Masonic District RIII-F, and a Charter member of Model Lodge.

Earlier, Model Lodge’s Bro. Marciano Dela Cruz also topped the Class D bracket of the Badminton competition in the recently held District Sports Festival in tandem with Bro. Bro. Laverne Manangbao of Kapatiran Lodge No. 228 in Cabanatuan City. The brethren of Model Lodge also participated in the bowling and darts competition during the festival.

FOOTNOTE: Photo shows Bro. Ramon Sabacan during his installation as Master of the Apolinario Mabiniu Lodge No. 235.

REGULAR MEMBERS (012-2009 to 013-2009)

Bro. Fitzgerald Hierco
Bro. Lino Carandang, Jr.

SIXTH BATCH (012-2009 & 013-2009). Bros. Fitzgerald Hierco (012-2009) and Lino Carandang, Jr. (013-2009) were initiated as Entered Apprentice Masons on 24 July 2009, passed as Fellow Craft Masons on 21 August 2009, and raised as Master Masons on 03 October 2009 at Model Lodge No. 373’s temporary Masonic temple in Baloc Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija.

FOOTNOTE: The photo above shows (from left) Bros. Fitzgerald Hierco and Lino Carandang, Jr.

REGULAR MEMBERS (009-2009 to 011-2009)

Bro. Shubert Ciencia
Bro. Angelito Dela Cruz
Bro. Jojit Floro

FIFTH BATCH (009-2009 & 011-2009). All 3 brothers were initiated as Entered Apprentice Masons on 01 December 2008 and passed as Fellow Craft Masons on 11 February 2009 at the Mario S. Garcia Memorial Lodge No. 306 (Cabanatuan City). They were raised as Master Masons on 04 April 2009 in Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija at Model Lodge No. 373’s temporary Masonic temple thus earning the distinction of being the first among Model Lodge’s organic members to be made as masons in the lodge's registered address.

FOOTNOTE: The photo above shows (from left) Bros. Shubert Ciencia (009-2009), Jojit Floro (010-2009), and Angelito Dela Cruz (011-2009).

MY BROTHER THE PRESIDENT

My brother, Manuel Luis Quezon, was born on August 19, 1878 in the sleepy coastal town of Baler in what is now the province of Aurora. As a child, Kuya Manuel was called “Ang Kastila” because of his mestizo lineage. It is not clear if Kuya Manuel fought in the Philippine War for Independence but his father, a sergeant in the Spanish colonial government’s army, remained loyal to the Spanish flag which led to his and another son’s death in an ambush by Filipino Katipuneros while travelling to Baler from Nueva Ecija.

During the Filipino-American War however, Kuya Manuel served as an aide-de-camp of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and rose through the ranks from private to major until he surrendered in 1901 after which he was imprisoned for 6 months by the Americans. During that war, he was promoted to the rank of captain after rescuing the wounded Novo Ecijano and would-be general Col. Benito Natividad from the frontlines.

Kuya Manuel was made a master mason on 17 March 1908 in Manila’s Sinukuan Lodge No. 16 when already an elected member of the Philippine National Assembly. He went on to become a senator and the country’s first Senate President in 1916.

Most Worshipful Manuel L. Quezon is acknowledged as the First Filipino Grandmaster of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines which he helped establish in 1917 after spearheading the unification of American and Filipino Masonic Lodges in the country. He, however, resigned from Freemasonry in 17 September 1930 apparently due to the request of her wife, Dona Ma. Aurora Aragon-Quezon.

In 1935, Kuya Manuel won the Philippines’ first national presidential election which he contested with two other equally worthy brother Masons: Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Bishop Gregorio Aglipay.

Seven years after leaving Freemasonry, Kuya Manuel clarified his resignation with the following statement: “I didn't and never will renounce Masonry. There is a form which those returning to the Church are supposed to sign but I refused to sign it. Instead, I wrote the Archbishop a personal note saying that I understand that I could not be readmitted to the Roman Catholic Church so long as I remained a Mason, and, for that reason I was resigning from Masonry but I never renounced Masonry”.

Kuya Manuel died of tuberculosis in Saranac Lake, New York while in exile in the United States during World War II. His remains were later interred at the Quezon Memorial in the city named after him.

Today, Kuya Manuel is honored in the town where he was born by the constitution of the Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262 that was presided by now Supreme Court Chief Justice and Past Grand Master Reynato Puno.

It should be noted that aside from Kuya Manuel, 3 more brother Masons served as president of the Philippines. They are Kuya Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo (Philippine Revolutionary Government, 1899-1901) of Pilar Lodge No. 203 and now Pilar Lodge No. 15, and founder of Magdalo Lodge No. 31 that was later renamed Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge No. 31 in his honor; Kuya Jose P. Laurel (Japanese-sponsored Republic, 1943-1945) , past Junior Warden of Batangas Lodge No. 383 and now Batangas Lodge No. 35; and (3) Kuya Manuel Roxas (First Philippine Republic, 1946-1948), Past Master of Acacia Lodge No. 13 and Makawiwili Lodge No. 55.

FOOTNOTES: The information used for this article was gleaned from the following sources: Quezon City Lodge No. 122, Our Famous Brother Masons, Wikipedia, RP Stamps and Postal History, An Online Guide About Philippine History, WikiFilipino, and the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. This article was written by Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia and first appeared in his blog at "Shooting Churches, Eating Noodles” on August 19, 2009 and published in the November 2009 issue of "The Craftsman".

THE BANGKOK CHRONICLES: NOTES BETWEEN CROSSWORDS AND YOSI BREAKS

I was busy doing a bundle of crosswords killing the 3 hours until my flight to Bangkok and did not notice the man seated in front of me.

“Saan ang lakad, bro?”

I looked up surprised but expecting who would be asking such question. That’s how I met Kuya Melo Naguiat (Pampanga Lodge No. 48) who was also on his way to Bangkok with Ateng to watch the Thailand Tennis Open. And that’s when I realized what is meant by the symbols where one brother may know another.

Kuya Melo was a past District Deputy Grandmaster. It would perhaps surprise the people around us if they would know that it was only our first meeting. And yet our long warm conversation would made it look like we had known each other for some time.

We were on the last plane out before the airport was closed due to heavy rains. I was on my way to attend the Bangkok-leg of the United Nations Framework for Climate Change as an official observer. Typhoon Ondoy has just arrived and would unintentionally thrust the Philippines into the limelight during the Bangkok climate change talks as the world’s reluctant poster country on how climate change affect people’s lives.

In Bangkok, I bumped into Kuya Usec. Fred Serrano (Makiling Lodge No. 72) of the Department of Agriculture during one of those yosi breaks in between sessions. I can see the quizzical looks of the other Philippine delegates with us. I’m sure they were thinking why would Kuya Fred call me kuya when he looks older than me? And then I called him kuya too?

That’s one mystery they’ll have to discover on their own, if they’ll ever will.

Outside the UNESCAP where the Bangkok talks are being held, wave after wave of protesters came. And the shutterbug that I am urged me to go out and shoot them, which I did, and ran into Kuya Milo Tanchuling (Rafael Palma No. 147) of the Freedom from Debt Coalition. Again, a yosi bonding moment. And these quizzical looks. I can almost read their minds: “Kapatid ba ni Milo yung kausap niya? E ba’t kuya ang tawag niya samantalang hamak namang mas may edad si Milo?”.

Kuya Serge Francisco (Model Lodge No. 373) of the Philippine Rice Research Institute was also in town for a conference. Unfortunately, our hotels were on the extreme sides of the city. That and the legendary traffic gridlock of Bangkok plus the inhumane schedules we have to work on prevented us from having an impromptu Singha Beer-cum-Thai spicy beef salad fellowship. Kuya Fred told me though during one of our yosi breaks that Kuya Serge is his college classmate at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos. “Malayong mas pilyo sa akin yan,” he added.

I did tried brother hunting in Bangkok too. And there are quite a few under the Grand Lodge of Ireland, the Grand Lodge of Scotland, the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware, and the National Grand Lodge of France. The lone lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England is Chula Lodge No. 9745 and they meet only once every third Saturday of the last month of every quarter at the Sukothai Hotel along South Sathorn Road, Bangkok. I leave on October 10. Maybe some other time then.

It was my fifth trip to Bangkok but an entirely new experience. The highlights of my previous trips were mainly shooting those old Buddhist temples, exploring the Thai noodle cuisine, and bargain hunting along Sukhumvit, Pratunam, and Chaktuchak Market. I went home with a more profound appreciation of the brotherhood in this trip.

In Bangkok, I met some brothers and I am one of them.

FOOTNOTE: This article's text and photo are both by Bro. Shubert Ciencia who recently attended the 2009 Bangkok Climate Change Talks. The photo above shows the author (left) with Kuya Usec. Fred Serrano (right) at the UNESCAP building in Bangkok, Thailand. This article was also published in the September-October 2009 issue of "The Craftsman".

MODEL LODGE SETS UP CORPORATE ARM

Moringa Technology Development and Resource Center, Incorporated. Or MTDRCI for short.

No, it’s not another new institute in that research and development hub of the Science City of Munoz.

That kilometric name is in fact Model Lodge No. 373’s newly established corporate arm.

The MTDRCI was officially created on 18 September 2009 upon its registration at the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was meant to supervise Model Lodge’s budding Project Moringa and later the Lodge’s corporate activities and community development program.

In particular to Project Moringa, the MTDRCI intends “to propagate the production of the malunggay tree and from it develop and promote various products through: (1) community-based malunggay production, (2) development of malunggay products and by-products, and (3) market linking for and promotion of malunggay products”.

Among its projects in the pipeline is the establishment of a 6-hectare malunggay seedling production project in Diarbasin, Dipaculao, Aurora in partnership with the Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262 and several cooperating farmers.

The Board of Trustees of the MTDRCI are VW Prudencio Elegado who was also elected as its president, WB Anacleto Fernandez as the vice-president, Bro. Sergio Francisco as corporate secretary, WB Lamberto Miranda as treasurer, VW Monico Delgado, WB Perfecto Parinas, Bro. Manolo Mercado, Bro. Marionito Guerrero, and Bro. Jojit Floro. The trustees are also the incorprators of MTDRCI together with VW Antonio Umali, VW Usec. Narciso Nieto, WB Gov. Aurelio Umali, Bro. Nathaniel Elegado, Bro. Erwin Macalinao, and Bro. Marciano Dela Cruz.

The MTDRCI was conceptualized to enable Model Lodge to pursue its socio-civic interests without being distracted from its Masonic duties and obligations which is the Lodge’s first and foremost priority. All members of the Lodge become Regular Members of MTDRCI upon the payment of at least P30,000.00 as capital contribution at P1,000.00 per share. Payment of at least 1 share qualifies them as Associate Members.

Aside from the members’ contributions, the MTDRCI also plans to acquire its funds from grants, donations, income from its properties, and consultancy fees.

PHOTO EXPLAINED: VW Prudencio Elegado, president, preside over the first meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Moringa Technology Development and Resource Center, Inc. (MTDRCI). Also in the photo are WB and Trustee Monico Delgado (second from left), WB and Vice President Anacleto Fernandez (right), and WB and Treasurer Lamberto Miranda (foreground). This article was also published in the September-October 2009 issue of "The Craftsman".

NUEVA ECIJA'S BOY GENERAL

No, Gregorio del Pilar is not the Philippines’ youngest general ever. He was 22 years old when he got his commission in June (or July) of 1898. In fact, he was still a lieutenant-colonel when the 20 year old Manuel Tinio of Nueva Ecija was promoted to the rank of a General de Brigida in 20 November 1897 by Mi Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo.

Gen. Manuel Tinio after which the town of Papaya was renamed was born on 17 June 1877 in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija to one of the province’s landed and richest families. But unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not have higher education because when the revolt against colonial Spain broke out in 1896, he dropped out of segunda ensenanza at the San Juan de Letran to join the Kaitpunan at the tender age of 18. His first battles were in his province and nearby Bulacan where he distinguished himself and was commissioned a captain by Gen. Mariano Llanera --- Gapan’s capitan-municipal and the Katipunan’s recognized supremo in Central Luzon. That was how he earned his feathers and got noticed by Mi Presidente who soon promoted him to colonel in June 1897, then to brigadier general 5 months later in Biyak-na-Bato.

The general was a protégé of Mi Presidente whom he joined in exile in Hongkong at the conclusion of the Pact of Biyak-na-Bato. He followed Mi Presidente back to the Philippines on May 1898 during the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, was immediately tasked with liberating the Ilocos region from Spanish colonial rule and was placed in command of the ragtag Ilocos Expeditionary Forces. As his Brigada Tinio marched through Ilocos, he linked with pockets of Ilocano revolutionaries and encountered stiff Spanish resistance until the town of Tagudin. From then on, it was a walk in the park as the “natives” in the Spanish colonial army deserted en masse to the side of the Katipunan. By September 1898, Apo Heneral Tinio has accomplished his mission.

However, his next battles during the Filipino-American War were not as glamorous and victorious. His Brigada Tinio was called to the frontline on September 1899 seven months after the war started in Sta. Mesa, Manila. They plunged to action 2 months later in San Jacinto, Pangasinan as the rearguard of Mi Presidente where they fiercely engaged the Americans troops that landed in San Fabian. From then on, it was guerilla warfare for the Brigada Tinio after the regular revolutionary army was disbanded by Mi Presidente before continuing his retreat to the Cordilleras. But aside from waging war, Apo Heneral Tinio also has to contend with the resentful Ilocanos and a deadly rivalry with Batac’s Padre Gregorio Aglipay as an offshoot of the Ilocano Gen. Antonio Luna’s treacherous assassination in Cabanatuan.

Despite the odds, it took the Americans 7,000 troops, 1 and a ½ years, and 2 generals to subdue the Brigada Tinio which has been said as the last remaining army of the Malolos Republic. On March 1901, Mi Presidente was treacherously captured in Palanan, Isabela and a month later issued a general proclamation of surrender. On 01 May 1901, the Brigada Tinio formally surrendered to the Americans. Thus ended what according to Gen. Arthur McArthur is the “most troublesome and perplexing military problem in all Luzon”.

After his military stint, Apo Heneral Tinio returned to Nueva Ecija and became a rich hacendero. He was rivaled in terms of landholdings by his brother Col. Casimiro “Kapitan Berong” Tinio who served under him in the Brigada Tinio and who owned “the largest singularly-titled hacienda estate any Filipino has ever owned”. Apo Heneral Tino was Nueva Ecija governor from 1907 until his resignation in 1909. He died at the age of 47 in 1924 of cirrhosis of the liver. His grandson said he is fond of Tres Cepas brandy of which he consumed a bottle after every meal.

It is interesting to note that almost throughout his Ilocos campaign during the Filipino-American War, Apo Heneral Tinio was with another boy general from Nueva Ecija --- Benito Natividad, twice wounded in action and erstwhile aide to General Luna, who was promoted to General de Brigada at the age of 24. Nueva Ecija should be proud to having contributed the youngest and the third youngest generals in the modern history of the Philippine armed forces.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Unless cited, all the information and the Tinio photo in this article is from Orlino Ochosa’s celebrated “The Tinio Brigade” book which the author recommend for reading to every Filipino, especially Novo Ecijanos. The author also have the chance of a short conversation with Martin Tinio Jr. --- a grandson of the Apo Heneral --- who confirmed the “youngest general” tag and shared surprising anecdotes that are not yet published. Any errors are mine alone.

(2) Like most leaders of the Kaitipunan, GEN. MANUEL TINIO is a member of the craft. The online Wikipedia encyclopedia cited him as the spearhead in “the establishment of the first Masonic Lodge in Nueva Ecija at Cabantuan City” which, however, is erroneously reported to have been named after him. That distinction belongs to the Gen. Manuel Tinio Memorial Lodge No. 167 in Guimba, Nueva Ecija. Wikipedia might be referring to the Cabanatuan Lodge No. 53.

(3) Almost all the other famous personalities mentioned in this article are members of the craft: GEN. EMILIO AGUINALDO who was made a master mason on 01 January 1895 in what is now Pilar Lodge No. 15, and founded the Magdalo Lodge No. 31 that was later renamed as the Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge No. 31 in his honor; Cabiao’s GEN. MARIANO LLANERA whose black with skulls-and-bones Katipunan flag has been inspired by symbols of Freemasonry; FR. GREGORIO AGLIPAY, General Aguinaldo’s Vicar General and the first Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipiniana Independiente, who is also a member of the 32º Philippine Bodies, A. & A.S.R.; GEN. ANTONIO LUNA who was made a master mason in Madrid; and GEN. ARTHUR MCARTHUR, Gen. Douglas McArthur’s father and a former US Military Governor General in the Philippines , who in 1879 was made a master mason in Arkansas’ Magnolia Lodge No. 60 and was a recipient of the US Congressional Medal of Honor. It is not known to the author if Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar and Gen. Benito Natividad are also Freemasons.

(4) This article was written by Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia and first appeared in his blog at “Shooting Churches, Eating Noodles” on September 7, 2007 and was also published in the September-October 2009 issue of "The Craftsman".

REGULAR MEMBERS (005-2008 to 008-2009)

Bro. Aquilino Valino, Jr.
Bro. Jomari Valino
Bro. Erwin Macalinao
Bro. Marciano Dela Cruz

All 4 brothers were initiated as Entered Apprentice Masons on 24 August 2008 and passed as Fellow Craft Masons on 04 October 2008 at the at the Kapatiran Lodge No. 228 (Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija).

THIRD BATCH (005-2008 & and 006-2008). Bros. Jomari Valino (005-2008) and Aquilino Valino, Jr. (006-2008) were raised as Master Masons on 08 November 2008 at the Mario S. Garcia Memorial Lodge No. 306 (Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija).



FOURTH BATCH (007-2009 & 008-2009). Bros. Erwin Macalinao (007-2009) and Marciano Dela Cruz (008-2009) were raised as Master Masons on 24 January 2009 also at the Mario S. Garcia Memorial Lodge No. 306.



FOOTNOTE: The first photo above shows Bro. Aquilino Valino, Jr. (left) and his nephew Bro. Jomari Valino (right) while the second photo shows Bros. Erwin Macalinao (left) and Marciano Dela Cruz (right).

REGULAR MEMBERS (001-2008 to 004-2008)

Bro. Sergio Francisco
Bro. Nathaniel Elegado
Bro. Eduardo Sayco
Bro. Reynaldo Requito

All 4 brothers were initiated as Entered Apprentice Masons on 19 January 2008 at the Kapatiran Lodge No. 228 (Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija) and passed as Fellow Craft Masons on 09 February 2008 at the Talavera Lodge No. 273 (Talavera, Nueva Ecija).

FIRST BATCH (001-2008 & 002-2008). Bros. Nathaniel Elegado (001-2008) and Sergio Francisco (002-2008) were raised as Master Masons on 23 February 2008 at the Talavera Lodge No. 273 thus earning the distinction of being the first organic members of Model Lodge No. 373.

SECOND BATCH (003-2008 & 004-2008). Bros. Reynaldo Requito (003-2008) and Eduardo Sayco (004-2008) were raised as Master Masons two days after the first batch on 25 February 2008 also at the Talavera Lodge No. 273.

FOOTNOTE: Photo above shows the first organic members of Model Lodge No. 373 (from left): Bros. Sergio Francisco, Nathaniel Elegado, Eduardo Sayco, Reynaldo Requito.

THE CHARTER MEMBERS

Model Lodges’ official list of Charter Members is a virtual gallery of Past Masters. They came from 17 Masonic Lodges in the Philippines and are 33 in all in symbolic reference to the highest degree as conferred by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry:

CABANATUAN LODGE NO. 53, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
1. Bro. Antonio M. Umali (Past Master)

NUEVA ECIJA LODGE NO. 73, Quezon, Nueva Ecija
2. Bro. Monico G. Delgado (Past Master)
3. Bro. Prudencio J. Elegado (Past Master)
4. Bro. Hermenegildo C. Gines* (Past Master)
5. Bro. Jimmy C. Obejas* (Past Master)
6. Bro. Perfecto S. Parinas (Past Master)
7. Bro. Eugenio G. Ramirez

MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 90, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
8. Bro. Jose A. Matutino (Past Master)

VICTORY LODGE NO. 116, Camiling, Tarlac
9. Bro. Crescencio S. de Asis (Past Master)

MOISES J. DE GUZMAN MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 161, Lingayen, Pangasinan
10. Bro. Val C. Santos

GEN. LLANERA MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 168, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija
11. Bro. Pedrito M. Gabriel (Past Master)

PANTABANGAN-BONARI LODGE NO. 203, Rizal, Nueva Ecija
12. Bro. Marionito B. Guerrero
13. Bro. Renato L. Escobar (Past Master)

APOLINARIO MABINI LODGE NO. 235, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija
14. Bro. Ramon L. Sabacan (Past Master)
15. Bro. Ronaldo A. Sadural

ZARAGOZA LODGE NO. 263, Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija
16. Bro. Rodolfo D. Yu* (Past Master)

TALAVERA LODGE NO. 273, Talavera, Nueva Ecija
17. Bro. Emil Andrew M. Dela Rosa II (Past Master and DDGM)
18. Bro. Arturo L. Ilagan* (Past Master)
19. Bro. Arnel M. Landingin (Past Master)
20. Bro. Lamberto B. Miranda (Past Master)
21. Bro. Narciso B. Cuison*
22. Bro. Jun S. Capulong*

KAPITAN PEPE LODGE NO. 293, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
23. Bro. Froilan M. Valino (Past Master)
24. Bro. Gov. Aurelio M. Umali
25. Bro. Alberto B. Samson

STA. ROSA LODGE NO. 297, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija
26. Bro. Edynell I. Medina (Past Master)
27. Bro. Manolo M. Mercado

FACTORIA LODGE NO. 311, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
28. Bro. Usec. Narciso B. Nieto (Past Master and DDGM)

EULOGIO R. DIZON LODGE NO. 321, Talugtug, Nueva Ecija
29. Bro. Anacleto C. Fernandez
30. Bro. Jaime J. Dela Cruz

PALAYAN CITY LODGE NO. 332, Palayan, Nueva Ecija
31. Bro. Wilson K. Tan 

GOV. E.L. JOSON MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 326, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
32. Bro. Errol V. Santiago

A.B. YAP MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 328, Victoria, Tarlac
33. Bro. Jose Ariel G. Domingo (Past Master)

FOOTNOTE: Bro. Antonio Umali also served as a District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District RIII-D. Bro. Wilson Tan was Past Master of the Palayan City Lodge No. 332, Bro. Gov. Aurelio Umali of Kapitan Pepe Lodge No. 293, Bro. Val Santos of the Moises J. De Guzman Memorial Lodge No. 161, and Bro. Errol Santiago of the Go. E.L. Joson Memorial Lodge No. 326. Bro. Ronaldo Sadural is the incumbent Master of the Apolinario Mabini Lodge No. 325. Three of the Charter Members also served as Masters of Model Lodge No. 373 namely Bro. Anacleto Fernandez in 2009, Bro, Manolo Mercado in 2010, and Bro. Marionito Guerrero in 2011. Charter/Dual members with asterisks after their names have dimitted from Model Lodge. This post was last updated on 18 March 2012.

OUR STORY (Part 2): Institution and Constitution

On the 31st of October 2007 in Cabanatuan City, Model Lodge was finally instituted by Most Worshipful Jaime Gonzales, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. Among those present to witness the institution were Grand Secretary Danilo Angeles, Grand Chaplain Manuel Palomo, Senior Grand Lecturer Flor Nicolas, and District Deputy Grand Masters Emil Dela Rosa of RIII-D and Celso Paderes of RIII-F.

Installed as the officers of Model Lodge were Bro. Prudencio Elegado as Worshipful Master, Bro. Narciso Nieto (Factoria Lodge No. 311) as Senior Warden, Bro. Anacleto Fernandez (Eulogio R. Dizon Lodge No. 321) as Junior Warden, Bro. Lamberto Miranda as Treasurer, Bro. Arnel Landingin as Secretary, and Bro. Jose Matutino (Memorial Lodge No. 90) as Auditor.


Also installed were Bro. Ramon Sabacan as Chaplain, Bro. Val Santos (Moises J. De Guzman Memorial Lodge No. 161) as Marshal, Bros. Wilson Tan (Palayan City Lodge No. 332) and Errol Santiago (Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Lodge No. 326) as Senior and Junior Deacons, respectively; Bros. Marionito Guererro (Pantabangan-Bonari Lodge No. 203) and Bro. Ronaldo Sadural (Apolinario Mabini Lodge No.235) as Senior and Junior Stewards, respectively; Bro. Froilan Valino (Kapitan Pepe Lodge No. 293) as Organist, Bro. Jaime Dela Cruz (Eulogio R. Dizon Lodge No. 321) as Almoner, Bro. Eugenio Ramirez as Orator, Bro. Manolo Mercado (Sta. Rosa Lodge No. 297) as Lecturer, Bro. Monico Delgado as Harmony Officer, and Bro. Perfecto Parinas (Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73) as Tyler.

The final listed number of the Model Lodge’s Charter Members is 33 as conceived by Bro. Prudencio Elegado in a symbolic reference to the highest degree conferred by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

After its institution, Model Lodge conducted its first meeting at the Talavera Lodge No. 273 Masonic Temple where it was first conceived, and whose patronage and endorsement were instrumental in its creation. Talavera Lodge No. 273 also passed a resolution giving permission to Model Lodge, then Under Dispensation, to use its Temple until such time that Model Lodge’s own Temple is built for which an inspired Bro. Monico Delgado shelled an advance payment of P50,000.00 from his own personal funds to purchase the proposed site in Baloc.

Lodge No. 373 was later assigned to Model Lodge during the 92nd Annual Communications of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines on April 2008 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. A month later on the 17th of May 2008, the lodge was formally constituted as Model Lodge No. 373. With the appointment of Bro. Narciso Nieto as the District Deputy Grand Master, he was replaced by Bro. Anacleto Fernandez as Senior Warden who was also replaced by Bro. Manolo Mercado as Junior Warden.

It took 7 seven years to build King Solomon’s Temple and Model Lodge No. 373 might take that number of years to build its own. For most of 2008, it held its meetings at Talavera Lodge No. 273 where its first organic members --- Bros. Sergio Francisco, Eduardo Sayco, Nathaniel Elegado, and Reynaldo Requito --- were entered, passed and raised. Model Lodge No. 373’s stated meetings were then moved to Kapatiran Lodge No. 228 and later to the Mario S. Garcia Memorial Lodge No. 306 both in Cabanatuan City.

In 2009 and during the incumbency of Bro. Analceto Fernandez as Worshipful Master, Model Lodge No. 373 finally moved to its registered address in Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija where it continue to pursue its labors.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) The photo above shows Bro. Prudencio Elegado, Model Lodge's Charter Master, during the lodge's second public installation of officers. Kuya Amang as he is known in Masonic circles has the rare distinction of having served as a Past Master thrice having also been previously elevated as such in the Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73 and the Zaragoza Lodge No. 263.

(2) The information and materials used in this article were culled from a document written by Bro. Monico Delgado (PM) titled “History of Model Lodge U.D.”and another article he co-wrote with Bro. Ramon Sabacan (PM) with the same title. Another source is a historical sketch from the archives of Model Lodge No. 373 with no title and no author/s listed. Bros. Lamberto Miranda (PM) and Arnel Landingin (PM) were also valuable resource persons for this article. Model Lodge No. 373's history is a work in progress and any ommissions and fallacies are unintended. Any additional information that will help illustrate a complete picture of our story will be highly appreciated.

OUR STORY (Part 1): The Formative Years

It all started in 1999 with a conversation during a degree work for Entered Apprentice Masons at the Talavera Lodge No. 273.

Among those in a huddle were Bro. Monico Delgado of Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73, Bros. Lamberto Miranda and Arnel Landingin of Talavera Lodge No. 273, Bro. Angelito Tomas of the Eulogio R. Dizon Memorial Lodge No. 264, and Bro. Virgilio Catbagan Jr. of San Jose City Lodge No. 309 who are mostly employees of the Talavera municipal government. The discussion was on the challenges that confront Masonic lodges in Nueva Ecija and Bro. Monico Delgado’s proposal of establishing a model lodge as a resource center that will “encourage proficiency in [Masonic] rituals” and a showcase of compliance to “the edicts of the [Most Worshipful] Grand Lodge [of the Philippines] concerning conferrals”, with the mission of elevating “Masonic relationship to a higher level” and developing “competent, respectable and honorable leaders” who will be “models of Masonic demeanor”.


Then the meetings became frequent: a brief conversation at a chance meeting, muted corner discussions during District activities, a table occupied by serious looking men talking in low tones during fellowships. Finally in April 2000, Bro. Lamberto Miranda started the push for the Model Lodge project by being the first to give a contribution of P500.00 to get things going.

There were challenges. The province of Nueva Ecija is divided into 2 Masonic districts --- the south which is basically covered by then Masonic District No. 29 and the north which is under the jurisdiction of then Masonic District No. 33 --- which complicated the charter membership of brothers from Masonic District No. 33 because Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija where the proposed Model Lodge will be established is located in Masonic District No. 29. This problem was eventually resolved but the Model Lodge project stalled and went into a parking mode until February 2004 when brothers from the Regional Trial Court in Baloc, Sto. Domingo were invited to join and the list of Charter Members was finally drawn. Bro. Monico Delagado then approached Bro. Felicisimo Joson Jr. of Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73 who agreed to become the Charter Master.

In a 25th June 2004 meeting, the Model Lodge project’s organizational documents were discussed and prepared. One key agreement made was to ensure the proficiency of future officers of the Lodge and their capacity in handling various tasks by being rotated to the various Lodge offices before being elevated as Worshipful Master, and then appointing those who have served as such as Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor in that order. In a subsequent July 9 meeting, the founding brothers assigned among themselves the tasks required by the realization of the Model Lodge project including securing the listed Charter Members’ Certificates of Good Standing from their Mother Lodges which would later spawn another complication. On August 30, the committees on finance, membership, and documentation were created and a strategic planning process to determine the vision and mission of the Model Lodge project was set.

On October 8 of the same year, the following Charter Officers of the Model Lodge were appointed: Bro. Felicisimo Joson Jr. as the Charter Master, Bro. Ramon Sabacan (Apolinario Mabini Lodge No. 235) as Senior Warden, Bro. Celso Paderes (Memorial Lodge No. 90) as Junior Warden, Bro. Monico Delgado as Secretary and Bro. Gener Umipig as Assistant Secretary, Bro. Lamberto Miranda as Treasurer, Bro. Alex Villanueva as Auditor and Bro. Eugenio Ramirez (Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73) as Assistant Auditor, Bro. Angelito Tomas as Marshall, Bro. Arnel Landingin as Chaplain, Bro. Marvin Domingo as Senior Deacon and Bro. Bro. Erick Sadural (Apolinario Mabini Lodge No. 235) as Junior Deacon, Bro. Virgilio Catbagan Jr. as Lecturer, Bro. Jasper Abalos as Senior Steward and Bro. Sebastian Tobias as Junior Steward, Bro. Alexander George Pacheco (E.L. Joson Memorial Lodge No. 326) as Organist, Bro. Eduardo Manaois as Orator, Bro. Reynaldo Santos as Almoner, and Bro. Marlon De Guzman as Tyler.

In a December 20 meeting, the founding brothers reiterated the Lodge’s name to be “Model Lodge”, agreed to hold its stated meetings every first Saturday of the month, and set a timetable for the submission of all requirements to the Grand Lodge. The founding brothers again met 9 days later to discuss the Model Lodge project’s Petition to Form a New Lodge pending before the District Deputy Grandmaster of Masonic District No. 29, and the ways and means in acquiring the necessary Lodge paraphernalia.

Throughout its formation process in 2004, the Model Lodge project was graciously supported by the brothers of Talavera Lodge No. 273 whose Worshipful Master at that time, Bro. Antonio Manabat, recommended and endorsed the creation of the Model Lodge. Unfortunately in 2005, Bro. Antonio Manabat’s car was stolen while he was attending the installation of Sta. Rosa Lodge No. 297’s officers. Among the items lost with the vehicle were the papers required for Model Lodge’s institution.

Then a long hiatus and an almost fatal blow in February 2007 with the death of Bro. Felicisimo Joson Jr. who was the appointed Charter Master. The founding brothers stopped meeting for a while but kept in touched regularly until Bro. Monico Delgado approached Bro. Prudencio Elegado also of Nueva Lodge No. 73 who agreed to replace the late Bro. Felicisimo Joson Jr. as the Charter Master. Losing no time, Bros. Monico Delgado and Prudencio Delgado with Bro. Lamberto Miranda went on with the urgent task of resubmitting the requirements for the institution of Model Lodge. Bro. Arnel Landingin who was then the Worshipful Master of Talavera Lodge No. 273 gave a second endorsement. Invaluable assistance was also extended by Bro. Emil Dela Rosa also of Talavera Lodge No. 273 who was then the District Deputy Grand Master, and Bro. Danilo Angeles who is a Past Grand Master and the Grand Secretary at that time.

(To be continued...)

FOOTNOTES:
(1) The photo above shows Bro. Monico Delgado (highlighted), a Past Master of the Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73 and Charter Master of Zaragoza Lodge No. 263, who first proposed the establishment of a Model Lodge in Nueva Ecija.

(2) The information and materials used in this article were culled from a document written by Bro. Monico Delgado (PM) titled “History of Model Lodge U.D.”and another article he co-wrote with Bro. Ramon Sabacan (PM) with the same title. Another source is a historical sketch from the archives of Model Lodge No. 373 with no title and no author/s listed. Bros. Lamberto Miranda (PM) and Arnel Landingin (PM) were also valuable resource persons for this article. Model Lodge No. 373's history is a work in progress and any ommissions and fallacies are unintended. Any additional information that will help illustrate a complete picture of our story will be highly appreciated.

MODEL 373 AND MLQ 262 GOLF TOURNAMENT: TYPHOON-ed BUT SUCCESFUL

The night before the tournament, Typhoon Feria did its war dance in the sky with swirling dark clouds and blowing winds threatening to break out anytime. Typhoon Signal Number 2 has been declared and classes suspended in Metro Manila.

But by next day, the winds calmed down. The sun broke through the dark sky and blessed the green with the warm rays of its golden light. It’s tee-off time!

And so it was that Model Lodge No. 373 and the Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262 successfully held their golf tournament to raise funds in building their respective Masonic lodges. In no time, the club house of the Veterans Golf Club and Country Club along Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City emptied as brethren and guests prepared to conquer the rain-washed golf course.

Col. Toots Tutaan topped the Class A competition while Gardy Cruz lorded it over the Class B bracket. Bro. Ben Garrido of Laong Laan Lodge No. 185 was the champion in the Class C category.

A fellowship dinner after the tournament was hosted by Model Lodge No. 373 and Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262 for those who came to play, and the brethren and friends who gave their support to the project. Prizes were raffled in between the awarding of trophies for the champions and all who attended went home happy with their Adidas sports shirts. But some were happier by winning brand new colored TV sets, DVD players, a personal refrigerator, rice cookers and flat irons, and gift certificates.

The golf tournament was supported mainly by the Land Bank of the Philippine and Ampani Cemets Corporation, and the following hole sponsors: Bro. Jojit Floro of Model Lodge No. 373, Bro. Freddie Ruiz and Bro. Teody Sayco of the Munoz Memorial Lodge No. 90, Bro. Joey Matutino of Model Lodge No. 373 and Munoz Memorial Lodge No. 90, Bro. Bobby Villarosa of Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73, Bro. Junjun Sebastian of the Eulogio R. Dizon Lodge No. 321, Bro. Waldo Geli of Teodoro R. Yango Memorial Lodge No. 351, Bro. Bernie Bolisay of T.M. Kalaw Memorial Lodge No. 136, Bro. Col. Ray Romero, Bro. Gary Maningas, Bobby Asis, Baby Isip, St. Jerome Petron Services and Station, VRF Construction, Pako’s Restaurant, and the Mass V Group of Companies.

Bro. Col. Rey Romero who is the manager of the Veterans Golf Club and Country Club also gave a 45 percent discount on the green fee of the tournament while Nestle Philippines provided free drinks.

The golf tournament is actually the second to be held at the Veterans Golf Club and Country Club with the first having been hosted by Model Lodge No. 373 last year. Already, plans are being drawn for a third edition next year. Same time, same place. Typhoon and all.

FOOTNOTE: This article by Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia first appeared in the July 2009 issue of “The Craftsman” --- the official newsletter of RIII-D under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. The photo shows Model Lodge 373's WB Anacleto Fernandez (left) and MLQ Memorial Lodge 262's VW Rick Gutierrez (right) awarding a trophy to one of the tournament champions.

AGREEMENTS SIGNED, PARTNERSHIPS FORGED AS MODEL 373 INITIATES "PROJECT"

A FAMOUS LITTLE big doctor once advised Novo Ecijanos to eat a lot of malunggay (and onions).

That doctor went on to become a senator while the lowly malunggay tree has evolved into Model Lodge 373’s Project Moringa.

Project Moringa took-off with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Model Lodge 373 represented by WB Anacleto Fernandez, and the Manuel L. Quezon (MLQ) Memorial Lodge 262 represented by then its incoming Worshipful Master WB Noel Vedad. The signing ceremony was conducted during this year’s public installation of Model Lodge 373’s officers and was witnessed by Gov. WB Aurelio Umali and then District Deputy Grand Master Usec. VW Narciso Nieto.

Central Luzon’s Regional Executive Director Bro. Redentor Gatuz of the Department of Agriculture (DA) also later signed-in in a separate Memorandum of Agreement his agency’s commitment to provide technical support to Project Moringa including the initial seedlings for production.

And just recently, Model Lodge 373 and MLQ Memorial Lodge 262 along with brethren from the Kooperatibang Likas ng Nueva Ecija, the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, and the Asian Fisheries Academy of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute who are assisting the project discussed Project Moringa with a very receptive Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and the province’s Provincial Agriculturist.

Project Moringa pertains to a malunggay production project in Baler, Aurora and a collateral community development outreach program in Diarabasin, Dipaculao, Aurora that will be jointly undertaken by Model Lodge 373 and MLQ Memorial Lodge 262.

But why malunggay? What’s so special about it?

Research showed that Moringa oleifera or horse radish, commonly known in the Philippines as malunggay, is the next best tree to the coconut in terms of beneficial use.

Now called as the Golden Green, the flexible malunggay tree is more than the usual backyard vegetable and border plant it has come to be known. Essences from its leaves, fruits, roots, barks, seeds and flowers can cure a variety of afflictions. Its leaves are not only good sources of calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins but are also effective natural pesticides when fermented, and nutrient-rich green manure when incorporated into the soil. Malunggay derivatives have also been used as a domestic cleaning agent, water purifier, animal fodder, and so on.

But the most valuable product is the oil extracted from the malunggay flowers which can be used for cooking, cosmetics and personal care products, and industrial materials such as lubricants.

With these boundless possibilities, Model Lodge 373 and MLQ Memorial Lodge 262 intends Project Moringa to become a feasible income generating social enterprise that will not only support the organizational activities of both Lodges but also a viable community development outreach for both.

So far, more than 30,000 malunggay seedlings are growing in a nursery in Baler, Aurora. Another 50,000 seeds was just recently provided by Director Alice Ilaga of the DA’s bio-technology bureau. Meanwhile in Nueva Ecija, Project Moringa’s business plan takes shape over cups of malunggay juice, plates of malunggay canton, and slices of malunggay puto pao.

FOOTNOTE: This article by Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia first appeared in the July 2009 issue of “The Craftsman” --- the official newsletter of District RIII-D under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. The photo above shows WM Anacleto Fernandez (right) and JW Marionito Guerrero (foreground) discussing Project Moringa with Aurora governor Bellaflor Angara-Castillo (left).

FREEMASONRY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Primera Luz Filipina, the first Masonic lodge in the Philippines, was established in 1856 by Jose Malcampo y Monge through a Charter issued by the Gran Oriente Luisitano. Only Spaniards were admitted as members of the lodge and consequently, 3 other lodges were established: one by the Germans, another by the British, and a fourth by the Spaniards.

According to Wikipilipinas, the first Filipino mason is Jacobo Zobel y Zangroniz who joined the Scottish Lodge in Nagtahan in 1869. On the other hand, the web site of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines says that the first Filipinos to join a Masonic lodge were the patriots Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Gen. Antonio Luna and his brother Juan, Galicano Apacible, Domingo Panganiban, Jose Alejandrino, Tomas Arejola, Ariston Bautista, Julio Llorente, and Jose Rizal. They joined either the Logia Solidaridad 53 or the Lodgia Revoluccion sometime in the 1880s while studying in Spain. These brethren upon their return to the Philippines established the Nilad Lodge on 06 January 1891. By 1893, a Grand Regional Council was established under the leadership of Ambrocio Flores.

After the Philippine-American War, Masonic lodges mushroomed in the Philippines with the establishment of American lodges led by the American Military Lodge, the Knights Templar, and the African-American Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri. Not to be outdone, several Filipino lodges were also established: Ambrocio Flores’ Filipino Grand Orient, the Gran Oriente Espanol, the Grand Orient of France through Trinidad Pardo de Tavera, Jose Utor y Fernandez’s Philippine Grand Orient, the Grand Lodge of Scotland which established a lodge in Manila and Cebu, the Gran Oriente de Espana, and the Gran Oriente Luisitano Unido.

Ultimately, the lodges were in constant friction against its other until 19 December 1912 when the Grand Lodge of California succeeded in establishing a single and unified Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands. Under this new Grand Lodge of the Philippines, the Manila Lodge became Lodge No. 1. But since race was still an issue then, the brethren were polarized into two main factions: the Americans’ Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands and the Filipino Regional Grand Lodge.

In 1917, the two Masonic factions finally united together with an agreement of electing an alternating American and Filipino Grand Masters. The first Grand Master of the united lodge was MW William H. Taylor who is an American, and was succeeded by MW Manuel L. Quezon who was the first Filipino Grand Master. This lodge is now known today as the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.

FOOTNOTE: Wikipedia listed Jose Malcampo y Monge, Marquis of San Rafael and Count of Jolo, as having served as Prime Minister of Spain for almost 3 months from October to December 1871. Unless cited, almost all iformation in this article is sourced from the website of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. All errors in the interpretation of its work are the blog administrator's alone. The photo showing Dr. Jose P. Rizal (Logia Solidaridad 53, Nilad Lodge 144), Marcelo F. Del Pilar (Logia Solidaridad 53, Logia Revoluccion), and Mariano Ponce (Logia Solidaridad 53, Logia Revoluccion) was downloaded from Wikipedia while that of Manuel L. Quezon was downloaded from Our Famous Brother Masons.

FREEMASONRY 102: Proven History

Freemasonry history as backed by solid empirical evidence has been traced back to 1390 as illustrated by the following timeline:

1390. The year when the Regius Manuscripts, the oldest authenticated Masonic documents, was written. The Masonic phrase “So Mote it be” originated from this document.

1450. The year when the Cooke Manuscript was written by a Speculative Mason. This document of immense Masonic significance was the source of many important Masonic usages including Andersen’s Constitutions written in 1723, and references to the seven liberal arts and sciences, and King Solomon’s Temple. It consists of 100 manuscripts known collectively as The Old Charges.

1473. The London Company of Freemasons was granted its coat and arms.

1583. Appointment of William Schaw by King James IV as a Master of the Work and Warden General. He issued the Schaw Statutes which spelled out the duties owed by members to their Lodges. His second Statute issued in 1599 included requiring all Lodges to keep written records, meeting at specific times, and testing members in the Art of Memory. Schaw is regarded as the founder of modern Freemasonry.

1600. The first recorded Masonic initiation was that of John Boswell in the Lodge of Edinburgh.

1717. Four London lodges formed the Premier Grand Lodge of England on June 24 --- the feast day of St. John the Baptist.

1730. Masonic ritual was widely published for the first time by Prichard in his Masonry Dissected. The words “hele”, “conceal” and “points of fellowship” were first published in 1696 in the Edinburgh Register House Manuscript; the square, compass and bible in 1710 in the Dumfries Manuscript No. 4; and the Five Noble Orders of Architecture and Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth in 1724.

1731. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the first American Grand Lodge, was given its Constitution.

1738. First Papal Bull banning Freemasonry was issued by Pope Clement 12.

1751. The Antients followed the “Grand Lodge of All England Held at York” in breaking away from the Premiere Grand Lodge of England (i.e. the Moderns) and established The Grand Lodge of England. The main reasons cited for the split was the drastic changes made to the ritual and passwords supposedly to prevent their abuse by immigrant Freemasons from Ireland and Scotland, and the creation of a third degree. A Second Papal Bull banning Freemasonry was issued at this time.

1777. The motto “Vide Aude Tace” first appeared in a Masonic calendar.

1813. The Antients and Modern Freemasons were reunited under the United Grand Lodge of England on December 27, the feast day of St. John the Evangelist.

1877. Split between the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Orient de France. The main reasons cited for the split were when the Grand Orient de France started accepting atheists and recognized women masonry as co-masonry

1884. Third Papal Bull banning Freemasonry was issued. All the 3 Papal Bulls issued banning Freemasonry were rescinded by the Vatican in 1974.

FOOTNOTE: The images used in this article were downloaded from the following sources: a portion of the Regis Manuscript from the web site of the Brattleboro Lodge No. 102; portions of the Cooke Manuscript and Prichard's Masonry Dissected from the web site of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon; and a portion of the Schaw Statutes from The Masonic Trowel. Almost all information in this article is from the web site of the Old Epsomian Lodge. Any errors in the interpretation of their work are the Blog Administrator’s alone.