MODEL LODGE MOURNS ITS FIRST DEATH

BRO. ALBERTO B. SAMSON

1956-2014

The Brethren of Model Lodge No. 373 extends its deepest sympathies and solidarity to the family of the late Bro. Alberto "Kuya Bobby" Samson who has been called to the Celestial Lodge Above.

Kuya Bobby is a member of Kapitan Pepe Lodge No. 293 and one of Model Lodge's 33 founding members.

And like most members of the Lodge, he is affiliated with the Munoz Bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rites who, in solemn ceremonies, conferred upon his mortal remains the last rites befitting a good man and a true friend.

RUMBLE IN PANTABANGAN

Not in the violent manner but rather a friendly hustle among brothers with a result that made everybody happy.

And so it was that the Temple Builders of Model Lodge met the Pantabangan Masons of Pantabangan-Bonari Lodge in a friendly contest that was officially the team's first competitive game.

For the Temple Builders, the game was more of an assessment of what it has.

And it was a revelation as the Mountain Man emerged from Bro. Dean Barry Lao who dominated inside while Bro. Reynald Martin fired one triple after another as Bros. Jojit Floro and Angelito Dela Cruz dazzled with their plays and Bro. Ernesto Jimenez provided additional power inside.

The bench also proved its worth as able relief came from Bros. Shubert Ciencia, Virgilio Santos, Robert Bulanadi, Kristian Ronald Sioson, and Marciano Dela Cruz.

The game was close with several lead changes but it was the pulsating last 16 seconds that electrified the Municipal Gym as the Temple Builders, with a lot of help from the fresh legs of guest player Bro. Rhomel Martinez, overcame a 4-point lead to tie the game.

And that was the final score because after all, nobody loses in a game between brothers.

The Lodge is grateful to Bro. Vincent Uera --- the incumbent Master of Pantabangan-Bonari Lodge No. 203 --- for the warm accommodation, excellent arrangements, and the superb lunch he hosted at his residence; and to Bro. Anthony Reyes who with Bros. Jonathan Requintel and Don King Barcelo served as the game coordinator in behalf of the Lodge.

THE 2014 BOWLING GAMES: BREAK EVEN

Team 373[55] lost to Team 306.

[Team 306 are the defending Class A champions anyway].

Then won against Team 293.

[Team 293 could have been defaulted for not having a full team but it's a competition among brothers and winning is not really the desired end-scenario].

Just the same, everybody from Team 373[55] played.

Big thanks also to the Pantabangan Squad who anchored the team.

Outside, the beer bottles fall.

And a friendly basketball game with Team 203 and Team 263 was hatched.

THE GUNS OF MODEL LODGE

The guns need some firing.

But first, a quick breakfast at McDonald's, meeting the MPs of Fort Magsaysay, an interesting Humvee ride to the Pistol Range, and finally meeting Bro. Alex Ampati (Major, PA) of Tamaraw Lodge No. 65 --- the Assistant Commandant of the Special Forces School in Fort Magsaysay --- who gave a basic orientation on gun safety.

After passing the Range Officers' inspection on the correct firing posture and doing the requisite dry firing, the sound of mixed guns exploded: a .22, several 9 mms, an assortment of .45s, various versions of the M16, and even a 12-gauge shotgun.

Guns seldom used let loose as they finally got properly introduced to their owners, many of whom have just fired their first shots.

When the gun smoke cleared, a boodle fight over chicken-and-pork adobo, pansit kanin, and a medley of boiled vegetable ensued. 

Then an unexpected visit from Raymart Santiago back at the SOCOM Headquarters.

The Lodge's first ever Gun Safety Clinic was conducted to inform its members on responsible gun ownership and proper gun handling since most of them legally own guns but don't actually have any proper training related to such.

It is also part of the Lodge's attempt to transform its forms of fellowship into wholesome fun that will include the families of its members.

The Lodge is grateful to Bro. Erwin Macalinao (Major, PA) who made the gun safety clinic happen, the men of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) for their accommodation and assistance, and Model Court No. 55 (Order of the Amaranth) for its support.

DAY OF THE AMARANTH AND A WEDDING

Congratulations to Model Court No. 55 (Order of the Amaranth) for successfully hosting the last official District Visitation of their Order in the province!

The Sir Knights and Honored Ladies of the Court also warmly welcome Bro. Antonio Manabat, the incumbent District Royal Matron of the Order of the Amaranth and one of the first honorary members of Model Lodge, who with the incumbent District Royal Matron was declared as an honorary member of Model Court No. 55. 

And the best of everything to to Bro. Jomari Valino and Sis. Olive Tuscano who later in the afternoon exchanged "I dos" and embarked on a new chapter of a blissful marriage. 

+IN MEMORIAM

Go in peace, dear brother...

BRO. DARWIN MENDOZA

Aliaga Lodge No. 404

"We only part to meet again." --- JOHN GAY

BALER DISTRICT MEETING (The 2014 Edition)

Every second Saturday of July, all subordinate Lodges of Masonic District RIII-D converge in Baler to attend what is usually the 3rd District Council Meeting, plant mangrove propagules the next day and witness the installation of the assigned Grand Lodge Lodge Inspector for the Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262.

But unlike the previous Baler meetings, this edition is extraordinary because it was reported for the first time in a long while that all Lodges under the jurisdiction of the District have paid their dues and contributions in full.

It was also well-attended, which tells much on the leadership of the incumbent District Deputy Grand Master, Bro. Jerome Malaca, with the able assistance of the District Grand Lecturers and District officers who are all present.

Model Lodge was represented in the District Council Meeting by its Master, its Senior and Junior Wardens, and its Secretary. 

The next day, the Model Lodge delegation as the 373 Bikers pedaled their way to the traditional mangrove propagule planting site which is being maintained by the brethren of Manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262.

Breakfast was next served at the Baler Fish Port ala the traditional boodle fight that was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Aurora DENR-PENRO and MD RIII-D for the continuing rehabilitation and expansion of mangroves in Baler, Aurora.

And yet another Baler-related tradition was observed on the way home as the Lodge delegation partake of the lunch served by its Pantabangan-based members in a sort of "welcome back" rite. 

BRO. JUNIOR WARDEN TURNS 40!

The brethren of Model Lodge wish its Junior Warden --- Bro. Jojit Floro --- and his family all the best things in life as he celebrate his 40th birthday!

Long life, peace, prosperity and more biking days ahead for you!

SECOND BLOOD AND A GIFT FROM UK-BASED BRODS

On Month 2 of Model Court No. 55's blood sugar and blood pressure monitoring, the brethren were more relaxed as they got pricked, and more aware as a 2-month chart of the results was shown to them.

Those who got high and borderline results were eager to know of any improvements, while those who stayed within normal values are happy of being "normal".

This wellness program will be conducted by the Court on a monthly basis every regular stated meeting for the benefit of the members of the Lodge, and part of the shift to focus on the well-being of the brethren with charity work and community service delegated to partner Appendant Bodies who are actually mandated to do such. 

Also highlighting the month's regular stated meeting was the turn-over of a donation from the Novo Ecijano Travelers of United Kingdom who, on their own and through the efforts of Bro. Benjamin Fe, Jr. of Eltham Palace Lodge No. 2980, collected funds in support of the continuing construction of the Lodge's Masonic Temple.

The brethren of Model Lodge is grateful to them...