IMES 2014-42: THE LUCKY BASTARDS OF MATIKAS CLASS

So far, the 85-strong Matikas Class is the biggest ever of the IMES series.

Of this number, only 5 were not able to complete the course for incurring 1-day absences.

And despite the seemingly unmanageable class size which is more than double the maximum 40/class allowed, Batch 42 was a smashing success as attentive ears were able to endure 6 days of grueling 12-hour/day lectures, and survived.

That's because Matikas Class was fortunate to have a battery of top caliber lecturers whose instructive tongues, consistent and unfaltering from 8 am until 9 pm, inspired the class to go on.

Complementing the Week 1 team of Bros. Samuel Fernandez, Renato Driz, and Manuel Pineda were the legal prowess of Bro. Abelardo Aporteda who anchored "Masonic Jurisprudence, Laws, and Regulations", the unforgettable Bro. Vicente Hao Chin, Jr. who skillfully decoded "Masonic Philosophy and Symbolism", and enlightenment from IMES Executive Director Bro. Armand Cazzalo who explained Canon Law provisions that are related to Freemasonry.

As was explained, all 6 lecturers coming together in a single IMES course is the exception rather than the rule.

Matikas Class is indeed one lucky bastard.

Did the colors of Model Lodge [Amaranth Pink in Day 4, sporty white in Day 5, creamy Barong Tagalog in Day 6] unfurled each day of Week 2 helped the luck?

But that might be credited to Bro. Hossain VC Shamsoddin Vostakalaei who have to endure 6 days of being a photographer and a participant at the same time so those lucky bastards of Matikas Class can have their photos posted in Facebook.

Who would not be lucky with having a past District Deputy Grand Master [Bro. Juan Nepumoceno, Sr.] providing the daily supervision and the District Secretary [Bro. Edison Rivera] elected as class president, both ensuring that things run smoothly, that Matikas Class is happy and well fed?

With two past Grand Masters [Bros. Reynato Puno and Pacifico Aniag] attending the graduation rites too?

Matikas Class is indeed one lucky bastard 5 times over, and the Model Lodge contingent the luckiest bastards many times over as the beam in their faces show when they received their IMES diplomas.

And that's because they have one hell of a District Deputy Grand Master who work hard to make them happy.