Kuya Tony served the
Craft well. He was a 4-time Master of his Lodge --- Memorial Lodge No. 90 in
the Science City of Munoz --- in 1970, 1978-1979, and 1982; a 2-time District
Deputy Grand Master in 1982 and 1983 when Nueva Ecija was still a single
District; a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rites from 1982 until 1995; and the acknowledged “Founding Father” of
Munoz Royal Court No. 17 of the Order of the Amaranth.
In 2009,
then MD RIII-D District Deputy Grand Master Emmanuel Antonio M. Umali hosted a tribute
for Past District Deputy Grand Masters and Senior Masons where Kuya Tony was supposed to deliver the
response in behalf of the honorees. He prepared his speech, by his own hand,
which unfortunately was not delivered that night. That speech was finally
delivered during the Last Rites tendered for him by Munoz Royal Court No. 17. In
his memory and to honor him, that speech is being published now; perhaps the parting
words of wisdom from an exemplary Mason on his final journey to the Celestial
Lodge, to his fellow Travelers who are tasked to continue the work of the Craft
in this earth...
Right Worshipful Sir, Very Worshipful Sirs,
Worshipful Sirs, Friends, Ladies, and All.
After wandering my eyes inside this hall
and see the faces of everyone, I am finally convinced that I am the most senior
Mason among us here present today. The truth to say is I am now 86 years of age
with 15 grandchildren, two of which are the daughter and son of Bro. and Mrs.
Lino Carandang. For all you know, Bro. Lino Carandang is a Fellow Craft Mason
of Model Lodge No. 373 at Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija. He is expected to
be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason on October 3, 2009 while my
daughter, Pacita P. Caarandang, is a manager of Metrobank in Cabanatuan City.
At my age of 86, I feel still young in
heart, strong, healthy, willing, and able but no longer usable. But in spite of
a damaged spinal cord, I managed to stand upright to avoid being humpbacked.
How and why I’ve maintained a normal bodily
heath is due to my belief and learning in Masonry: “When human strength and
wisdom fails, DIVINE ASSISTANCE vouchsafes us thru the medium of PRAYER”.
I always pray to the ONE AND ONLY LIVING
GOD WHOSE POWER AND WISDOM ARE EXPLICITLY BEYOND THE CHALLENGES OF THE MOST
POWERFUL MEN ON EARTH.
Going back to my younger age, I wish to
share with you my experience and accomplishment as a Mason. I served my Lodge,
Memorial Lodge No. 90, as Worshipful Master for 4 years. It was also during
those trying years that I organized Munoz Royal Court No. 17 of the Order of
the Amaranth where I served as Royal Patron for 8 years. Today, the Court has
more than 100 active members.
How I managed to perform those
accomplishments is perhaps due to my robust enthusiasm, my deep commitment, my
loyalty, and dedication to the principles of Freemasonry.
Today, Masonic District RIII-D, in line
with the plans and programs of MW Grand Master Peter Lim Lo Sur, is giving a
tribute to senior Masons and PDDGMs which I believe is a good precedent for
other Lodges to follow which will serve as an ardent gift of gratitude and
affection to all senior Masons.
Thanks to the keen foresight of the
District officers headed by VW Emmanuel Antonio M. Umali for sponsoring this
kind of program.
Thanks also for giving me a chance to give
a short response in behalf of my co-senior Masons.
Again, thank you, good night, and God
Bless.
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