After traveling for almost 10 years, Bro. Manolo M. Mercado finally ascended the oriental chair of Model Lodge No. 373 in an installation ceremony presided by past District Deputy Grandmaster Bro. Trese Wenceslao (Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73) in the hallowed grounds of the historic Cabanatuan Lodge No. 53.
Brother Manolo, or Kuya Boy as he is more popularly known, thus became Model Lodge’s 3rd Worshipful Master after Bro. Prudencio Elegado in 2008 and Bro. Anacleto Fernandez in 2009.
In his inaugural speech, Brother Manolo outlined the construction of Model Lodge’s Masonic temple, the launching of a Model Lodge Learning School, and sustaining the program of the Moringa Technology Development and Resource Center as his priority projects. Likewise in his farewell speech, outgoing Master Brother Anacleto thanked the brethren of Model Lodge, his advisers, and the district officers, particularly District Junior Grand Lecturer Bro. Antonino Manabat and District Grand Lodge Inspector Bro. Edynell Medina whom he presented with ironwood mallets, for their support during his incumbency.
The installation ceremony was punctuated by Bro. Ramon Sabacan’s stirring tribute to the Philippine flag; past District Deputy Grandmaster and keynote speaker Bro. Narciso Nieto’s reminder for the brethren to observe “brotherly love, relief, and truth” during the upcoming Philippine local and national elections; and the presentation of hand-carved tokens of gratitude from Ifugao to the patrons of Model Lodge namely past Grandmaster Bro. Danilo Angeles whose support was instrumental in the establishment of the Lodge, and past District Deputy Grandmaster Bro. Antonio Alfonso who graciously offered a place in Baloc, Sto. Domingo where the Lodge can pursue its labors.
Also installed with Brother Manolo are Bro. Marionito Guererro as Senior Warden, Bro. Sergio Francisco as Junior Warden, Bro. Lamberto Miranda who was retained as Treasurer, Bro. Shubert Ciencia as Secretary, and Brother Prudencio as Auditor. The other officers of Model Lodge are Bro. Jomari Valino (Chaplain), Bro. Erwin Macalinao (Marshall), Bro. Nathaniel Elegado (Senior Deacon) and Bro. Aquilino Valino, Jr. (Junior Deacon), Bro. Reynaldo Requito (Lecturer), Bro. Ronaldo Sadural (Orator), Bro. Angelito Dela Cruz (Almoner), Bro. Jojit Floro (Assistant Treasurer), Bro. Virgilio Santos (Assistant Secretary), Bro. Lino Carandang, Jr. (Senior Steward) and Bro. Fitzgerald Hierco (Junior Steward), Bro. Eduardo Sayco (Organist), and Brother Anacleto who in keeping with tradition was appointed as the Tyler.
Assisting Bro. Trese Wenceslao in the installation ceremony are Bro. Laverne Manangbao (Kapatiran Lodge No. 228) who acted as the Master of Ceremony and his assistant Bro. Arnel Landingin, while Bro. Jose Matutino served as the emcee.
FOOTNOTE: This article was also published in the February-March 2010 issue of "The Craftsman".
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