MODEL LODGE SINGS AT DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY

The impromptu Model Lodge choir belted out a classic Filipino Christmas carol "Ang Aming Bati ay Magandang Pasko" and the popular holiday love song “Pasko na Sinta Ko” during the annual Christmas party of Masonic District RIII-D (South Nueva Ecija-Aurora) in Cabanatuan City. The choir only had 3 practice dates and half of it came on the day it was to perform. But it was enough for a 5th place finish among a field of eight contesting lodges that was topped by the superb Kuyang-and-Ateng choir of Cabanatuan Lodge 53. Talavera 273 Lodge is a close second while Sta. Rosa Lodge 297 bagged third place.

For Model Lodge, the choir contest is not about competing and winning but being part of a wonderful camaraderie. The P2,000.00 consolation prize is more symbolic than a material reward. But of course, the feast and the fun that went with it filled the brethrens’ tired hearts with youthful joy. And even more with a stash of 3 DVD players, a home theater, an iPod, and a television set some of the lucky brethren took home from the raffle draw.

Thank you very much Bro. Emmanuel Anthony Umali (center in white pants below), the incumbent District Deputy Grandmaster and a Model Lodge charter member, for a night of gladness. And incoming brother Elpidio Dizon (front row, second from left below) of the CLSU Choir and Brass Band for conducting the choir so well it almost sounded like a pro.

19th CENTRAL LUZON MASONIC MULTI-DISTRICT CONVENTION

The Model Lodge delegation stand up (above) as it was acknowledged in the roll call of lodges during the opening of the 19th Central Luzon Masonic Multi-District Convention in Malolos, Bulacan. The convention was attended by all lodges under the jurisdiction of Masonic Districts RIII-A (Pampanga), RIII-B (Bataan), RIII-C (Zambales), RIII-D (South Nueva Ecija-Aurora) where Model Lodge belong, RIII-E (Bulacan), and R-III-F (North Nueva Ecija), and RIII-G (Tarlac).

The night before the convention, Bro. Ramon Sabacan who is the RIII-D champion copped first runner-up honors in the regional elocution contest on the Lambskin Apron that was won by the RIII-F champion --- Bro. Tristan Escudero of San Jose City Lodge 309.

FIRST HONORARY MEMBER ELECTED

In recognition and grateful appreciation of his unwavering support that helped establish Model Lodge 373, District Grand Lecturer Bro. Antonino Manabat was unanimously elected as the Lodge’s first and so far only honorary member.

It was Brother Tony who was then the Worshipful Master of Talavera Lodge 273 in 2004 who recommended and endorsed the creation of Model Lodge which was against the odds at that time. It is for this reason that Talavera Lodge 273 is considered, albeit unofficially, as Model Lodge’s “Mother”.

Brother Tony was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1994. In 2001, he was recognized as the Most Outstanding Master Mason of Talavera Lodge 273 where he later served as Worshipful Master. He was also adjudged as the Most Outstanding Grand Lodge Inspector of Masonic District No. 29 in 2005. Brother Tony is a graduate of the Institute of Masonic Education and Studies and is currently a District Grand Lecturer for Masonic District RIII-D.

FOOTNOTE: Worshipful Master Anacleto Fernandez (center) congratulate District Grand Lecturer Bro. Antonino Manabat (left) after his being elected as Model Lodge 373's first honorary member. Looking on is District Grand Lodge Inspector Bro. Edynnel Medina (righ).

OFFICERS OF MASONIC YEAR 6010 A.L. ELECTED, APPOINTED

Incumbent Lodge Secretary Bro. Sergio Francisco was unanimously elected by the brethren of Model Lodge 373 as its Junior Warden for Masonic year 6010 A.L. With Brother Serge’s election, incumbent Junior Warden Bro. Marionito Guererro was automatically elevated as Senior Warden and incumbent Senior Warden Bro. Manolo Mercado as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge.

This year’s Worshipful Master Bro. Anacleto Fernandez upon stepping down from the East will assume the position of the Tyler and will succeed immediate Past Master Bro. Prudencio Elegado who was elected to be next year’s Lodge Auditor. Bro. Shubert Ciencia was elected as the new Lodge Secretary while Bro. Lamberto Miranda was retained as the Lodge Treasurer. Assisting them will be Bros. Virgilio Santos and Jojit Floro who were appointed as the Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, respectively.

Almost all other appointive positions were designated to the Lodge’s organic members to assist them in furthering their proficiency in Masonic rituals and floor works. Bros. Nathaniel Elegado and Aquilino Valino Jr. were designated as next year’s Senior and Junior Deacons, respectively. Bro. Erwin Macalinao was appointed as Marshall, Bro. Jomari Valino as Chaplain, Bros. Fitzgerald Hierco and Lino Carandang Jr. as Senior and Junior Stewards respectively, Bro. Angelito Dela Cruz as Almoner, Bro. Reynaldo Requito as Lecturer, and Bro. Eduardo Sayco as Organist. Bros. Ronaldo Sadural (Orator) and Monico Delgado (Harmony Officer) were the only charter members to be appointed.

Model Lodge 373’s officers for Masonic year 6010 A.L. will be installed on January 23, 2010 at Cabanatuan Lodge No. 53's Masonic hall in Cabanatuan City.

REGULAR MEMBER (014-2009)

Bro. Virgilio Santos

Seventh Batch (014-2009): Bro. Virgilio Santos (014-2009) was initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason on 21 September 2009, passed as a Fellow Craft Mason on 07 November 2009, and raised as a Master Mason on 30 November 2009 at Model Lodge No. 373’s temporary Masonic temple in Baloc, Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija.