PRELUDE TO THE DISTRICT INSTALLATION RITES

And so the annual installation rites began as the Lodge's delegation trooped to Talavera Lodge No. 273 to witness the ascension of Bro. Michael Beley to the Oriental Chair. Congratulations to our Mother Lodge and thank you for the beer!

The next day, two of the 373 Bikers and a guest rider sparred with their own in a friendly non-competitive bike ride across the famed Villa Isla Trails. But really, the ride was more for burning last night's beer and roasted meat at Talavera Lodge No. 273's post-installation fellowship.

But one ride is not enough to burn the calories consumed so the next day, the Immediate Past Master (who was celebrating is birthday) and Bro. Darwin Pastor went back to the rugged challenge of the Villa Isla Trails with more of the 373 Bikers in tow. It was their first downhill, as in down a rough single track, experience.

THE 8th PUBLIC INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS PHOTO ALBUM

NOTES ON PHOTO ABOVE: The Temple Builder's Badge was presented to Bros. Prudencio Elegado (PM, PDGL), Eduardo Sayco, and Amidon Nicolas. Plaques of Appreciation were presented to Bros. Nathaniel Elegado (Senior Warden), Jojit Floro (Junior Warden), Lino Carandang Jr. (Treasurer), Virgilio Santos (Secretary), Arnel Landingin (Auditor, PM), and Model Court No. 55 of the Order of the Amaranth. Plaques of Recognition were presented to Bro. Virgilio Santos as Most Outstanding Master Mason and to Bros. Ernesto Jimenez, Reynald Martin, and Carlo Valmonte as Outstanding Master Masons.

NOTE ON PHOTO ABOVE: Also installed as Treasurer is Bro. Rafael Perez.

PHOTOS: Bro. James Mata

7th PUBLIC INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

"By our acts shall Masonry be judged".

Those words from Past Grand Master Bro. Danilo D. Angeles which Model Lodge adopted as its motto was the core message of Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia's inaugural address on his installation as the 7th master of the Lodge.

"We will be judged by our peers and not by ourselves if we were able to live up to our name which is a heavy responsibility on our part as it almost leaves no room for mistake," he said.

He also apologized for not tendering the traditional post-installation dinner and fellowship since the money that would be spent on such will be donated for the continuing construction of the Lodge's Masonic temple, and that he hopes that simple installation rites will become a tradition for Model Lodge in order to encourage willing and capable members to serve as Masters without being burdened by the cost of a lavish banquet which have made access to the Oriental Chair exclusive only for those who can afford it.

The occasion was graced by Bro. Sigfredo R. Serrano, a Past Master of Makiling Lodge No. 72 and an Undersecretary for Policy and Planning of the Department of Agriculture, who in his address as the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker urged the brethren to go back to the spiritual anchor of Masonry in order not to lose sight of its noble intentions in making good men better.

He also encouraged the brethren to extend charity and goodwill beyond the confines of Masonry by becoming more involved in social concerns that affects every Filipino and ultimately determines the future of the nation.

Also installed as officers of the Lodge were Bro. Nathaniel N. Elegado as Senior Warden, Bro. Jojit DL Floro as Junior Warden, Bro. Virgilio G. Santos with Bro. Angelito E. Dela Cruz as Assitant Secretary and Bro. Fitzgerald A. Hierco as Assistant Treasurer, Bro. Arnel M. Landingin as Auditor, Bro. James P. Mata as Chaplain, Bro. Allan H. Rios as Marshall, Bro. Rafael S. Perez as Senior Deacon and Bro. Reynald F. Martin as Junior Deacon, Bro. Dean Barry Lao as Almoner, Bro. Ruben S. Talampas as Orator, Bro. Carlo R. Valmonte as Senior Steward and Bro. Wilfredo G. Pagay as Junior Steward, Bro. Elpidio F. Dizon as Organist, and Bro. Aquilino M. Valino, Jr. as Tyler.

The simple but solemn installation ceremony was presided by Bro. Manolo M. Mercado --- a Past Master of the Lodge and an incumbent District Grand Lecturer --- as the Installing Officer with Bro. Arnel M. Landingin as the Master of Ceremony and Bro. Sergio R. Francisco, also a Past Master of the Lodge, as his assistant.

The Past Master's apron and jewel was presented by Bro. Monico G. Delgado --- the Chairperson Emeritus of the Lodge's Council of Past Masters --- and Bro. Sergio to Bro. Aquilino M. Valino, Jr. who in his farewell speech as the outgoing Master said that although his Masonic career may be over, his Masonic journey is just starting and will continue forever.

Model Lodge's 7th public installation of officers was marked by historical "firsts": [1] it was the first time in a long stretch of time in the District that a post-installation dinner and fellowship was omitted, [2] it was the first to be conducted by an installing team who came from the Lodge's own ranks, [3] and the first to be well-attended by the wives of the brethren and the Honored Ladies of Model Court No. 55 of the Order of the Amaranth.

Photos: Juan Gabriel L. Ciencia

6th PUBLIC INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

INSTALLED ELECTED OFFICERS FOR 2013

BRO. AQUILINO M. VALINO, JR.

Master

BRO. SHUBERT L. CIENCIA

Senior Warden

BRO. NATHANIEL N. ELEGADO

Junior Warden

BRO. LINO M. CARANDANG, JR.

Treasurer

BRO. JOJIT DL. FLOR

Secretary

BRO. MARIONITO L. GUERRERO

Auditor

REFLECTIONS OF A BLUE BOY AND A PROMISE (almost) KEPT

I am a Blue Boy.

Not those MMDA guys but of Model Lodge who were called as such by District Deputy Grandmaster Bro. Rodolfo Estrada for the blue suits we wore for this year’s installation rites.

The blue suits were a gift from Bro. Marionito Guerrero who, upon his installation as Master of Model Lodge, made a pact with us to attend all such rites within the Masonic District. And that means from the opening of the Lodges until the fellowships.

We were usually a car pool of two vehicles coming from the northern and southern parts of Nueva Ecija province.

We have assignments. We worked on schedules and rotations. Some have to file leaves of absence. Others have to go AWOL or drop commitments or delete schedules. It was tough sometimes. But were happier than blue.

It was at first a routine requirement for us. But we learned much at each installation and somehow developed a deeper appreciation on the ritual. Finally, it became our initiation into a broader fraternity beyond the confines our Lodge. We toasted, gut drunk, and made many friends on a first name basis. We finally let our hair down and with it our inhibitions. We are the blue boys and we are happily at ease now.

The Blue Boys were able to attend all 16 installations (including ours) within the District plus 4 more outside of it. We were there for the openings, stayed during the restrained moments, came back for the rites, listened to the speeches, and enjoyed the fellowships.

On a personal note, I made a promise last year to attend all 15 (minus ours) since I only made 6 then. I tried hard even if it meant wearing the same blue barong for 2 consecutive days at times. But I only made 13 (minus ours) because I got called to a conference in Batangas when the Blue Boys attended that of the manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262, and had to mind the kids as it was wife in conference when they went to San Leonardo Lodge No. 386.

But the Blue Boys were there, always there, and we are them.

FOOTNOTE: This essay was written by Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia and originally intended for publication in "The Craftsman" --- Masonic District RIII-D's official newsletter.

MOISES J. DE GUZMAN MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 161

Congratulations to Bro. Fernando Santos who was recently installed as Worshipful Master of the Moises J. De Guzman Memorial Lodge No. 161. Brother Fernando (left) is shown above with his younger blood brother and outgoing Past Master Bro. Val Santos (right), a dual member of Model Lodge, who served as the installation rites' Master of Ceremonies.

Photo grabbed from Brother Val's Facebook account.

APOLINARIO MABINI LODGE NO. 235

Congratulations to Bro. Ronaldo Sadural (photo below), a dual member of Model Lodge, who was recently installed as Senior Warden of the Apolinario Mabini Lodge No. 235 in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija. Model Lodge is also proud of Bro. Ernesto Jimenez (second photo from above) who delivered a stirring tribute to the flag during the installation rites. Brother Ernesto and Bro. Darwin Pastor are honorary members of the Apolinario Mabini Lodge No. 235 which is under the jurisdiction of Masonic District RIII-F (North Nueva Ecija).

4TH MASTER OF MODEL LODGE INSTALLED

Both of Nueva Ecija’s District Deputy Grandmasters and their Junior Grand Lecturers are present. So are key officers of the Order of Amaranth. The guest of honor and speaker is a past Grand Master and the incumbent Grand Secretary. And the multitude of brethren from various Lodges, friends from near and far, and family members who came filled the cavernous gymnasium of the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

It was indeed a moment of celebration as Bro. Marionito Guerrero’s Masonic journey finally came full circle as he was installed the 4th Master of Model Lodge No. 373.

Those who are familiar with Brother Marionito's Masonic career are aware of its twists and turns for rather than following a straight line to the East as would have been the case, his journey went around it having been chosen first to lead 2 prestigious Masonic appendant bodies. He served as the Venerable Master of the Munoz Bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rites (A&ASR) in 2008 then Royal Patron of the Order of Amaranth’s Pantabangan-Bonari Court No. 46 the following year. His distinguished service to the 2 organizations earned him recognitions as an Outstanding Member of the A&ASR and Outstanding Royal Patron.

It was also a milestone of sorts as members of Model Lodge took center stage: District Deputy Grandmaster Bro. Jose Matutino, Jr. who led the contingent of Masonic District RIII-F and presented the Past Master’s jewel and apron to outgoing Master Bro. Manolo Mercado, Bro. Wilson Tan who presided over the installation rites, and Past Grand Master and incumbent Grand Secretary Bro. Danilo Angeles who is an honorary member and the acknowledged godfather of Model Lodge as the guest of honor and speaker.

The installation rites concluded with the presentation of plaques and certificates of appreciation to District Junior Grand Lecturer Bro.  Dennis Villasenor and Bro. Ed Ang who served as the installation rites’ Master of Ceremonies and Assistant Master of Ceremonies, respectively; and to Bro. Ambrocio Palolan of Sta. Rosa LodgeNo. 297, Sto. Domingo mayor Bro. Leonido “Baby Boy” De Guzman of Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73, and members of Model Lodge for their support in the ongoing construction of the Lodge’s Masonic temple.

Bro. Rodolfo Estrada, the newly designated District Deputy Grandmaster of Masonic District RIII-D, gave the closing remarks and formally closed the installation ceremonies.

A PHOTO ESSAY: INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS FOR MASONIC YEAR 6010 A.L.

[1] Outgoing Marshall Bro. Val Santos receiving and introducing dignitaries, [2] Bro. Ramon Sabacan’s stirring tribute to the Philippine flag, [3] immediate Past Master Bro. Anacleto Fernandez on his way to surrender the jewels of his office; [4] Bro. Manolo Mercado taking his oath as Master of the Lodge, [5] Bro. Marionito Guererro as Senior Warden, and [6] Bro. Sergio Francisco as Junior Warden; installation of the [7] Senior and Junior Stewards, [8] Treasurer, [9] Marshall, [10] Auditor, [11] Tyler, [12] Lecturer, Orator, Almoner, Assistant Treasurer and Secretary, [13] Organist, [14] Senior and Junior Deacons, [15] Secretary, and [16] Chaplain; [17] Master of Ceremony Bro. Laverne Manangbao declaring the officers of Model Lodge for Masonic year 6020 AL to have been duly installed; [18] Worshipful Master Bro. Manolo Mercado receive from emcee Bro. Jose Matutino, Jr. the architectural plan for Model Lodge’s future Masonic temple, [19] Bro. Monico Delgado putting the Past Master’s jewel on Bro. Anacleto Fernandez, [20] keynote speaker Bro. Undersecretary Narciso Nieto of the Department of Agrarian Reform, [21] arrival of District Deputy Grandmaster Bro. Emmanuel Antonio Umali who [22] presented to Bro. Anacleto Fernandez the symbol of his inclusion in the Past Masters’ roll; [23] the brethren pledge their allegiance to the Philippine flag as it is retired, [24] incoming Chaplain Bro. Jomari Valino giving the closing prayer, [25] incoming Senior Deacon Bro. Nathaniel Elegado turned off the lights and rearrange the altar, [26] the District Deputy Grandmaster closing the Lodge, and [27] post-installation fellowship.

BRO. MANOLO M. MERCADO INSTALLED AS MASTER OF MODEL LODGE

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".