Roll of Past Masters
*Jose A. Reyes - 1906-1908;1910;1915-1916 BBL 291
*Catalino Nicolas - 1909 BBL 291
*Joaquin Luciano - 1911 BBL 291
*Emilio Espinosa - 1912 BBL 291 (BBL 17)
*Pedro del Carmen - 1913-1914 BBL 291 (BBL 17)
*Emilio J. Basa - 1917;1920 BBL 17
*Ladislao N. Diwa - 1918 BBL 17
*Augusto A. Reyes - 1919 BBL 17
*Luis Serrano - 1921 BBL 17
*Felipe Cabezas - 1922 BBL 17
*Manuel del Carmen 1923-1924;1926-1928 BBL 17
*Pablo A. Reyes - 1925 BBL 17
*Valeriano Custodio - 1929 BBL 17
*Andres de Leon - 1930 BBL 17
*Pedro A. Santos - 1931 BBL 17
*Francisco Llamado - 1932 BBL 17
*Francisco Advincula - 1933 BBL 17
*Pedro Penalosa - 1934 BBL 17
*Ramon Desiderio - 1935 BBL 17
*Ceferino Picache - 1936 BBL 17
*Gervacio Pangilinan - 1937 BBL 17
*Agustin Galang -1938 BBL 17
*Benito Villareal - 1939 BBL 17
*Silvino Picache - 1940 BBL 17
*Herminigildo Santos - 1941 BBL 17
Japanese Occupation - 1942-1944
*Herminigildo Santos - 1945-1946 BBL 17
*Evaristo R. Bautista - 1947 BBL 17
*Apolinar Damian - 1948 BBL 17
*Vicente R. Mendoza - 1949 BBL 17
*Perry S. Breton - 1950 BBL 17
*Charles Caro - 1951 BBL 17
*Arturo Reyes - 1952 BBL 17
*Victoriano Hernandez - 1953 BBL 17
*Gregorio Cataulin - 1954 BBL 17
*Hernando Bautista - 1955 BBL 17
*Jesus Tranquilino - 1956 BBL 17
*Narciso San Agustin - 1957 BBL 17
*Cecilio S. Villanueva - 1958-1962 BBL 17
*Chin Yim Boo - 1963 BBL 17
*Jose B. Legaspi - 1964 BBL 17
*Fortunato Yambao - 1965 BBL 17
*Amado C. Santos - 1966 BBL 17
*Salvador M. Jacinto - 1967 BBL 17
*Angel Rica. Alvarez - 1968 BBL 17
*Julian C. Medina, Jr. - 1969 BBL 17
*Lope A. Anson - 1970 BBL 17
*Perfecto F. Verniz - 1971 BBL 17
Arturo R. Llamado - 1972 BBL 17
Rolando A. Reyes - 1973 BBL 17
*Oliver Ramirez - 1974 BBL 17
*Wee Dee Chan - 1975 BBL 17
*Adriano Anastacio, Sr. - 1976 BBL 17
Oscar Ramirez - 1977;1979 BBL 17
*Salvador San Agustin - 1978 BBL 17
Blas Lo Reyes - 1980 BBL 17
Ireneo L. Racimo - 1981 BBL 17
*Fernando R. Francisco - 1982 BBL 17
*Raul A. Patricio BBL - 1983 17
Francisco E. Expectacion - 1984 BBL 17
Carlos Hernandez - 1985 BBL 17
Rodolfo A. Barron - 1986 BBL 17
Luis A. dela Torre - 1987 BBL 17
Edgardo N. Reyes - 1988 BL 17
Jaime A. Ramos - 1989 BBL 17
Armando L. Quion - 1990 BBL 17
*Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. - 1991-1992 BBL 17
*Jorge G. de Guzman - 1993 BBL 17
Vergel H. Domingo - 1994 BBL 17
Redentor Aranas - 1995 BBL 17
Rejienaldo B. dela Cruz - 1996 BBL 17
Amorico M. Alvarez - 1997 BBL 17
*Abelardo T. Castro - 1998 BBL 17
Jaime V. Bantolo - 1999 BBL 17
Edilberto D. Esperat - 2000 BBL 17
Armando C. Dayao - 2001 BBL 17
Joel B. Navera - 2002 BBL 17
Petronilo M. Bulanhagui - Aug 2003-2004 BBL 17
Gorgonio V. Necessario, Jr. - 2005 BBL 17
Rogel C. Syfu - 2006 BBL 4
Ricardo G. Marmolejo - Sep 2007-2008 BBL 4
Magno C. Herradura - 2009
Primitivo L Domingo, Jr. 2010
Legend: (*) Dropped Working Tools
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291
Under the jurisdiction of Gran Oriente Espanol (August 11, 1907)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
TrestleBoard
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 meets every second (2nd) Friday of the Month starting 6:30 P.M. at No. 14 Lopez Jaena St., San Roque, Cavite City, Philippines.
Officers for MY 2008-2009
Worshipful Master..... Arnel Teodor
Senior Warden........... Francis Gealogo
Junior Warden........... Samuel Aguila
Treasurer....................Ricardo Marmolejo
Secretary.................... Gorgonio Necessario, Jr.
Auditor....................... Vergel Domingo
Chaplain...................... Francisco Expectacion
Marshal....................... Edgardo Aldeguer
Senior Deacon............. Alberto Legaspi, Jr.
Junior Deacon............. Ronald D. Aikman
Senior Steward........... Lorenzo Olaes
Junior Steward............ Ariel Yuzon
Tyler............................ Joselito Briones
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 meets every second (2nd) Friday of the Month starting 6:30 P.M. at No. 14 Lopez Jaena St., San Roque, Cavite City, Philippines.
Officers for MY 2008-2009
Worshipful Master..... Arnel Teodor
Senior Warden........... Francis Gealogo
Junior Warden........... Samuel Aguila
Treasurer....................Ricardo Marmolejo
Secretary.................... Gorgonio Necessario, Jr.
Auditor....................... Vergel Domingo
Chaplain...................... Francisco Expectacion
Marshal....................... Edgardo Aldeguer
Senior Deacon............. Alberto Legaspi, Jr.
Junior Deacon............. Ronald D. Aikman
Senior Steward........... Lorenzo Olaes
Junior Steward............ Ariel Yuzon
Tyler............................ Joselito Briones
Order of XIII Martyrs
Congratulations to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4. The true Brethren of the Craft share your accomplishments, your recognition and your appreciation to the people and government of Cavite City. Your true and worthy Brothers on Freemasonry withersover dispersed are equally proud not only to your first 100 years of existence but more importantly, to the works your Lodge has done and those that will be done. “Last September 12, 2007, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M under IGLPI was permanently honored, commended, recognized and enshrined as the new member of Cavite City Hall of Fame and received the "Order of XIII Martyrs" as reported by Brother Ric Alvarez.
In behalf of all of your true and worthy Brethren of the Craft regardless of jurisdictions, we join your celebration and are equally honored to be associated with members of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4.
F/
RmOlano
Grand Lodge of CA (F&AM)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Tale of Two Lodges
Looking for a map of Olongapo City, I stumbled on a history of Lincoln Lodge No. 34 posted in their previously unknown (to me) website. I took the liberty of minor editing and of pasting old photos (also obtained from the website) and other sources to give the readers visual references. It was very interesting to realize the connection of Lincoln Lodge No. 382 with Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291, under the jurisdiction of Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas. Considering the distance and geographical barrier between the two cities—Cavite and Olongapo, one might be tempted to wonder the linkage. At the time (or once upon a time), in view of the presence of US naval bases in both locations and their military/naval and local civilian Freemasons, the mother-daughter relationship was therefore, not a mere coincidence.
Had Fate were not been so unkind, it would be wonderful to discern and pleasure of knowing who my grandmother Lodge was before my mother Lodge let me go. Though time is relative, I am glad to know my uncles from Bagong Buhay Lodge whether they are from Nos. 291, 17 or 4. They all came from an institution that begat my mother Lodge.
To Bagong Buhay Lodge which just celebrated their 100th Year anniversary---my congratulations and fraternal embrace. Thank you for having the quality of men who exemplified and practiced the Tenets of our Fraternity. Marami pong Salamat.
To Lincoln Lodge, Thank you for the memories.
A History of Lincoln Lodge.
F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
Grand Lodge of CA (F&AM)
Had Fate were not been so unkind, it would be wonderful to discern and pleasure of knowing who my grandmother Lodge was before my mother Lodge let me go. Though time is relative, I am glad to know my uncles from Bagong Buhay Lodge whether they are from Nos. 291, 17 or 4. They all came from an institution that begat my mother Lodge.
To Bagong Buhay Lodge which just celebrated their 100th Year anniversary---my congratulations and fraternal embrace. Thank you for having the quality of men who exemplified and practiced the Tenets of our Fraternity. Marami pong Salamat.
To Lincoln Lodge, Thank you for the memories.
A History of Lincoln Lodge.
F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
Grand Lodge of CA (F&AM)
Friday, September 14, 2007
Cavite's Illustrious XIII Martyrs
(Inspirational Message delivered by a brother Mason during the Commemoration of the 111th Martyrdom of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite held at the XIII Martyrs Centennial Plaza, Isthmus of Rosario, San Roque, Cavite City, Philippines on or about 7:30 A.M., Wednesday, September 12, 2007)
Perhaps, one of the reasons why I was chosen to deliver an inspirational message this morning by the Chairman of today’s affair, the Hon. Larry Crawford aside from being a former City Councilor is my affiliation to Freemasonry. It’s an open book that whenever we touched the Philippines and the Cavite City history, we always encountered and read the words “Masons” and “Masonry” or “Freemasonry”. May be because, or as based from the history books, the Katipunan adopted the “Masonic Procedures” in getting members into the secret society, and perhaps, most of the Katipuneros were leaders and members of Freemasonry.
My simple message is about the sad fate in the life of the 13 Martyrs; how, when and who initiated the construction of the monument; and what are the participation of Freemasonry in the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
But first, please allow me to greet and extend my wealthy greetings to the Hon. City Mayor Bro. Bernardo S. Paredes, life member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, Vice Mayor Romeo Ramos, to the members of the City Council, department heads and employees of the City Government, supervisors, principals, teachers and students of the different schools in the City, officers and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Cavite City Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, different civic and religious organizations present this morning, to our senior citizens and elderly associations, friends of the City library and museum association, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, persons with disabilities and urban poor associations, to the young group of Teatro Baile de Cavite who performed the re-enactment of the execution of the XIII Martyrs, Garita Elementary School drum and lyre, to the pupils of Julian Felipe Elementary School, my alma mater, to MW Jaime V. Bantolo, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands and adopted son of Cavite City, to my brethren from Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, later on, the Lodge will be awarded the Order of XIII Martyrs, to be permanently honored, commended, recognized and to be enshrined as the new member of the Cavite City Hall of Fame, and of course to the descendants of the XIII Martyrs of Cavite, other distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen.
“THE SUCCESSFUL REVOLUTION OF 1896 WAS MASONICALLY INSPIRED, MASONICALLY LED, AND MASONICALLY EXECUTED. AND I VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC OF WHICH I WAS ITS HUMBLE PRESIDENT WAS AN ACHIEVEMENT WE OWE LARGELY TO MASONRY AND THE MASONS…” (President General WB Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, a Mason and member of Logia Pilar in Imus, Cavite, founder and Past Master of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 31, now Lodge No. 5 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).
Philippine Masonry played an important role in the 1896 Philippine revolution against Spain and the Fraternity of Masons had noble mission of liberating the country through the organization of the Katipunan which was founded by Masons. Bro. Ladislao Diwa, Bro. Andres Bonifacio and Bro. Teodoro Plata, the K.K.K. triumvirate, were all Masons.
With the turn of events, Freemasons were placed under surveillance by the Spanish authorities. The distrust arose from the fact that the leaders and members of the Katipunan were mostly Masons and that had adopted some of the rituals of Freemasonry; such as the conferring of degrees, secret ceremonies and the adoption of symbolic names, like our very own Bro. Ladislao Diwa. In the Katipunan his symbolic name is “Balite”, and in Masonry, it’s “Baguio”, and he was conferred degrees in secret ceremonies by both the Katipunan and the Masonry. These two (2) organizations were often mistaken one for the other.
In August 1896, at the height of the Filipino uprising, the Spanish authorities were alarmed and a series of retaliatory measures were conducted. Arrest, tortures and execution became the order of the day in Manila, Cavite and nearby provinces. Several innocent Filipinos were arrested, tortured and forced in signing written confessions but were not allowed to read the contents. With these confessions in the hands of the Spanish authorities, the arrests were inevitable. In Cavite City, first to be arrested among the Cavite’s illustrious thirteen (13) men were Bros. Severino Lapidario, Alfonso de Ocampo and Luis Aguado. They were brought to the cruiser Don Antonio de Ulloa for interrogation. Thereat, Bros. Lapidario and de Ocampo were tortured, for every negative answers reaped brutal beating and as expected, forced confessions were extracted. The house of Bro. Maximo Inocencio was searched for remington rifles, the offices of Warden Bro. Severino Lapidario and Assistant Warden Alfonso de Ocampo were also searched for bolos and other weapons but they found nothing except for Masonic paraphernalias. Nevertheless, it was reported that the confiscated materials were anti-Spain. And one by one, the rest of the thirteen martyrs were arrested and detained at Fort San Felipe including Julian Felipe, Ramon Macauas, Jose A. Reyes, and many others. The thirteen martyrs were implicated in the propaganda movement and accused of alleged conspiracy to overthrow the Spanish government, while some for being suspected members of the Katipunan, and others for being active members of Masonry.
The thirteen martyrs were tried by military tribunal known as the Consejo de Guerra or Council of War. Although represented by their respective counsels, some were not allowed to testify and professed ignorance of any conspiracy, and the verdict…despite for lack of material evidences, all of them were found guilty of rebellion and imposed upon them “the penalty of death”.
That was one hundred eleven (111) years ago, a few minutes after highnoon, September 12 of 1896, infront of the Filipino people, infront of the Cavitenos, the condemned thirteen (13) illustrious men were escorted by Spanish soldiers out of Fort San Felipe to the Plaza de Armas, hands tied at their backs, blind folded and in kneeling positions, the honorable and patriotic sons of the land, were shot from behind.
BY 12:45 P.M., the official doctor, Francisco Masip had examined the fallen, inert bodies of the thirteen men and pronounced “All of them dead”.
Perhaps, one of the reasons why I was chosen to deliver an inspirational message this morning by the Chairman of today’s affair, the Hon. Larry Crawford aside from being a former City Councilor is my affiliation to Freemasonry. It’s an open book that whenever we touched the Philippines and the Cavite City history, we always encountered and read the words “Masons” and “Masonry” or “Freemasonry”. May be because, or as based from the history books, the Katipunan adopted the “Masonic Procedures” in getting members into the secret society, and perhaps, most of the Katipuneros were leaders and members of Freemasonry.
My simple message is about the sad fate in the life of the 13 Martyrs; how, when and who initiated the construction of the monument; and what are the participation of Freemasonry in the Philippine Revolution of 1896.
But first, please allow me to greet and extend my wealthy greetings to the Hon. City Mayor Bro. Bernardo S. Paredes, life member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, Vice Mayor Romeo Ramos, to the members of the City Council, department heads and employees of the City Government, supervisors, principals, teachers and students of the different schools in the City, officers and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Cavite City Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, different civic and religious organizations present this morning, to our senior citizens and elderly associations, friends of the City library and museum association, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, persons with disabilities and urban poor associations, to the young group of Teatro Baile de Cavite who performed the re-enactment of the execution of the XIII Martyrs, Garita Elementary School drum and lyre, to the pupils of Julian Felipe Elementary School, my alma mater, to MW Jaime V. Bantolo, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands and adopted son of Cavite City, to my brethren from Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, later on, the Lodge will be awarded the Order of XIII Martyrs, to be permanently honored, commended, recognized and to be enshrined as the new member of the Cavite City Hall of Fame, and of course to the descendants of the XIII Martyrs of Cavite, other distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen.
“THE SUCCESSFUL REVOLUTION OF 1896 WAS MASONICALLY INSPIRED, MASONICALLY LED, AND MASONICALLY EXECUTED. AND I VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC OF WHICH I WAS ITS HUMBLE PRESIDENT WAS AN ACHIEVEMENT WE OWE LARGELY TO MASONRY AND THE MASONS…” (President General WB Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, a Mason and member of Logia Pilar in Imus, Cavite, founder and Past Master of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 31, now Lodge No. 5 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).
Philippine Masonry played an important role in the 1896 Philippine revolution against Spain and the Fraternity of Masons had noble mission of liberating the country through the organization of the Katipunan which was founded by Masons. Bro. Ladislao Diwa, Bro. Andres Bonifacio and Bro. Teodoro Plata, the K.K.K. triumvirate, were all Masons.
With the turn of events, Freemasons were placed under surveillance by the Spanish authorities. The distrust arose from the fact that the leaders and members of the Katipunan were mostly Masons and that had adopted some of the rituals of Freemasonry; such as the conferring of degrees, secret ceremonies and the adoption of symbolic names, like our very own Bro. Ladislao Diwa. In the Katipunan his symbolic name is “Balite”, and in Masonry, it’s “Baguio”, and he was conferred degrees in secret ceremonies by both the Katipunan and the Masonry. These two (2) organizations were often mistaken one for the other.
In August 1896, at the height of the Filipino uprising, the Spanish authorities were alarmed and a series of retaliatory measures were conducted. Arrest, tortures and execution became the order of the day in Manila, Cavite and nearby provinces. Several innocent Filipinos were arrested, tortured and forced in signing written confessions but were not allowed to read the contents. With these confessions in the hands of the Spanish authorities, the arrests were inevitable. In Cavite City, first to be arrested among the Cavite’s illustrious thirteen (13) men were Bros. Severino Lapidario, Alfonso de Ocampo and Luis Aguado. They were brought to the cruiser Don Antonio de Ulloa for interrogation. Thereat, Bros. Lapidario and de Ocampo were tortured, for every negative answers reaped brutal beating and as expected, forced confessions were extracted. The house of Bro. Maximo Inocencio was searched for remington rifles, the offices of Warden Bro. Severino Lapidario and Assistant Warden Alfonso de Ocampo were also searched for bolos and other weapons but they found nothing except for Masonic paraphernalias. Nevertheless, it was reported that the confiscated materials were anti-Spain. And one by one, the rest of the thirteen martyrs were arrested and detained at Fort San Felipe including Julian Felipe, Ramon Macauas, Jose A. Reyes, and many others. The thirteen martyrs were implicated in the propaganda movement and accused of alleged conspiracy to overthrow the Spanish government, while some for being suspected members of the Katipunan, and others for being active members of Masonry.
The thirteen martyrs were tried by military tribunal known as the Consejo de Guerra or Council of War. Although represented by their respective counsels, some were not allowed to testify and professed ignorance of any conspiracy, and the verdict…despite for lack of material evidences, all of them were found guilty of rebellion and imposed upon them “the penalty of death”.
That was one hundred eleven (111) years ago, a few minutes after highnoon, September 12 of 1896, infront of the Filipino people, infront of the Cavitenos, the condemned thirteen (13) illustrious men were escorted by Spanish soldiers out of Fort San Felipe to the Plaza de Armas, hands tied at their backs, blind folded and in kneeling positions, the honorable and patriotic sons of the land, were shot from behind.
BY 12:45 P.M., the official doctor, Francisco Masip had examined the fallen, inert bodies of the thirteen men and pronounced “All of them dead”.
Among the thirteen martyrs executed, ten (10) were Masons, Bros. Maximo Inocencio, Jose Lallana, Eugenio Cabezas, Maximo Gregorio, Hugo Perez, Alfonso de Ocampo, Luis Aguado, Victoriano Luciano, Severino Lapidario and Felipe Cabuco. And eight (8) out of the ten (10) were members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana, one of the oldest Lodge formed in the Philippines before the Filipino uprising. If these eight (8) martyr Masons were not executed, they would have been members of Bagong Buhay Lodge because in 1906 when the Lodge was formed, prominent Masons who were raised from other Lodges or places but residents of Cavite City affiliated to Bagong Buhay Lodge. The non-Masons were; Francisco Osorio, Antonio de San Agustin and Agapito Conchu.
The lifeless bodies of the illustrious thirteen martyrs were carried and loaded in three (3) carabao-drawn carts, guarded by six (6) Spanish soldiers armed with rifles and bayonets and their remains were brought to the convent or Catholic Cemetery at Caridad, The wealthy family of Maximo Inocencio, Francisco Osorio, Luis Aguado, Hugo Perez and Victoriano Luciano were appropriately placed in separate coffins and buried their remains in a common grave but the underprivileged one, Maximo Gregorio, Feliciano Cabuco, Antonio de San Agustin, Agapito Conchu, Eugenio Cabezas, Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso de Ocampo without any caskets were buried altogether in only one grave.
Eight (8) years after the execution, in June 1904, a group of young inhabitants of the community led by Masons together with the descendants of the thirteen martyrs proposed the construction of a monument, in honor of the thirteen Martyrs of Cavite. On September 12, 1904, at Ballesteros Street, now named in honor of Hugo Perez, one of the thirteen martyrs, formed a committee, chaired by Don Ceferino Picache, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge in 1936, grandfather of former ABC and City Councilor Boyie Picache and Grandfather of the wife of former Councilor Boboy dela Rosa, our City Librarian, Jocelyn Picache dela Rosa.
After nine (9) years, in September 1905 under the able leadership of Dr. Catalino Nicolas, Chairman of the Comite Ejecutivo (Executive Committee) and also Municipal President of United Cavite in 1903-1904, grand uncle of Nanay Puring Ballesteros and great grand uncle of Dra. Teresa Ballesteros-Baleda, our City Veterinarian; Don Juan Matias, Secretary; and Don Nicasio Desiderio, Treasurer, they were able to raise funds in the amount of one thousand (Php1,000.00) pesos, which is already a huge amount at that time.
After ten (10) years, September 12, 1906 to be exact, the monument was finally constructed. Again the Cavitenos led by brother Masons of Bagong Buhay Lodge exhumed the remains of the thirteen martyrs and in a public procession escorted, transferred and interred in the newly constructed final resting place, right here, in Isthmus of Rosario, the monument of the Thirteen Martyrs was inaugurated, in honor and memory of the departed sons of Cavite, The Thirteen Martyrs.
The President of the Executive Committee Dr. Catalino Nicolas and Don Gervacio Pangilinan, Cavite Historian, Municipal President of United Cavite in 1919-1921, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge in 1937 and grandfather of Mr. Willy Pangilinan, member of the Cavite Historical Institute delivered a short but meaningful and memorable messages while Dr. Justo Lukban expressed his own in a form of poem, and since then the commemoration was celebrated annually.
In 1930, Bro. Ramon Samonte, Municipal President of United Cavite (1928-1930, 1931-1933), also former governor of Cavite province, a member of Bagong Buhay Lodge, and the great grand father of Councilor Larry Crawford led the first renovation of the monument.
In 1997, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr., historian, lawyer and Mayor of Cavite City (1989-1992, 1992-1995, 1995-1998, 1998-2001) led the further renovation and remodeling of the monument in a more distinctive and significant views, renamed and now called, “The XIII Martyrs Centennial Plaza”.
Last year September 12, 2006, we had celebrated the 100 years existence of the monument and 110th martyrdom of the Cavite’s illustrious thirteen martyrs, and today, we are commemorating the 111th martyrdom of the famous “Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite”, the honorable and patriotic sons of Cavite City.
Good day and muchos gracias!
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
Cavite City, Philippines
Unforgettable IGLPI First Founding Anniversary
On or about 5:00 P.M., September 9, 2007 (Sunday) at the Cavite School of Life, Panapaan II, Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines, the IGLPI celebrated its First Founding Anniversary. The memorable event registered more than two hundred twenty five (225) members of the eight (8) Lodges under the jurisdiction of the IGLPI, including some visiting brethren from other jurisdiction. The affair was unforgettable when more than seventy five (75) sisters, wives and daughters appeared and supported the gatherings of the brethren. We can safely say that in the history of Freemasonry in Cavite province, it's the first time that such big number of Mason's family gathered together.
The Ladies of the IGLPI even showed their strong support to the Lodges during the District Council meetings and other IGLPI activities when they prepared foods and drinks for the brethren. It never happened yesterday, even once.
To show their real support to the IGLPI brethren, Sisters Estrella del Mundo and Marilyn Rodriguez informed the attendees that since the member brethren of the Order of the Amaranth were suspended and declared clandestine Masons, in a formal letter sent to the Royal Matron, they withdrew their membership from the Order of the Amaranth and officially announced that they were the Ladies of the IGLPI, and soon to organize the "LADIES OF SQUARE AND COMPASSES"., Long Live!!!, the Ladies of Square and Compasses.
At about 6:00 P.M., a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Liberato Gonzaga, Diocese of the Cathedral, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines.
In the program proper, the Grand Chaplain, VW Bayani R. Leoncio delivered an invocation, followed by the mass singing of the Philippine National Anthem and IGLPI March and then RW Nicolas G. Ricafrente Deputy Grand Master welcomed the guests, brethren and sisters.
Before dinner, the Ladies of the IGLPI entertained the brethren in between the reflection delivered by VW Evaristo del Mundo of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9, a Master Mason with fifty two (52) great years of Masonic services, an outstanding Master Mason... they expelled.
Another interesting and notable performance, one of the Ladies Nanay Naida Adriano at the age of seventy five (75) years old gracefully showed her talent and skills in dancing side by side with the younger ones.
As the sumptuous dinner being served, a film presentation of IGLPI's activities are being shown then the offering of toast to the G.A.O.T.U for the blessings, for the IGLPI's successful celebration of the Grand Lodge First Founding Anniversary, the continuous support rendered by the Lodges and brethren, the recognition of foreign Grand Lodges and the long, rough and rugged journey of the Grand Lodge. For every offering of toast, the brethren joyously sang "Happy Bithday".
The message of the Guest of Honor and Speaker, the Honorable Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Congressman, Cavite First District, Philippines and great grandson of the first president of the Republic of the Philippines, Gen. WB Emilio Aguinaldo, touched the victorious Katipuneros during the 1896 Philippine revolution and received an outstanding ovation from the brethren since the delivery are quite familiar and similar to the situation when the brethren declared independence from their mother Grand Lodge.
The Grand Officers headed by MW Jaime V. Bantolo presented a memento to the Honorable Congressman in appreciation of being the first Guest of Honor and Speaker of the IGLPI first founding anniversary.
One of the highlights of the affair was the presentation of the Grand Lodge Award to some individuals who in one way or another extended their genuine and sincere commitment to the formation of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI). The brethren's great effort and meritorious commitment extended to Freemasonry serves as an inspiration to the members of the IGLPI and other brethren withersoever dispersed.
It's only but fitting recognition, the awardees of the First IGLPI Award:
VWB Regalado B. Manimtim PDDGM (Tagaytay Lodge No. 165 GLP)
VWB Medardo Benjamin O. Apacible PDDGM (Kalilayan Lodge No. 37 and Araw Lodge No. 18 GLP)
VWB Rolly H. Sarmiento PDDGM-Posthumous Award (Jose Rizal Lodge No. 1172, New York, USA, Araw Lodge No. 18 GLP, Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 316 GLP and Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 8 IGLPI)
Hon. Bro. Mayor Federico A. Poblete (Municipal Mayor of Kawit, Cavite, EAM Lodge No. 31)
Bro. Rudy M. Olano (Hanford Lodge No. 279, Grand Lodge of California)
A Certificate of Appreciation was also presented to Bro. Ernesto V. Yu, Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 and owner of the Cavite School of Life.
Finally the Grand Master's message (Posted in west to east egroup entitled "The Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) First Founding Anniversary - - The Journey of 365 Days".
SOUVENIR PHOTO...FIREWORKS. ..FELLOWSHIP. ..BALLROOM DANCING..
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
Cavite City, Philippines
The Ladies of the IGLPI even showed their strong support to the Lodges during the District Council meetings and other IGLPI activities when they prepared foods and drinks for the brethren. It never happened yesterday, even once.
To show their real support to the IGLPI brethren, Sisters Estrella del Mundo and Marilyn Rodriguez informed the attendees that since the member brethren of the Order of the Amaranth were suspended and declared clandestine Masons, in a formal letter sent to the Royal Matron, they withdrew their membership from the Order of the Amaranth and officially announced that they were the Ladies of the IGLPI, and soon to organize the "LADIES OF SQUARE AND COMPASSES"., Long Live!!!, the Ladies of Square and Compasses.
At about 6:00 P.M., a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Liberato Gonzaga, Diocese of the Cathedral, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines.
In the program proper, the Grand Chaplain, VW Bayani R. Leoncio delivered an invocation, followed by the mass singing of the Philippine National Anthem and IGLPI March and then RW Nicolas G. Ricafrente Deputy Grand Master welcomed the guests, brethren and sisters.
Before dinner, the Ladies of the IGLPI entertained the brethren in between the reflection delivered by VW Evaristo del Mundo of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9, a Master Mason with fifty two (52) great years of Masonic services, an outstanding Master Mason... they expelled.
Another interesting and notable performance, one of the Ladies Nanay Naida Adriano at the age of seventy five (75) years old gracefully showed her talent and skills in dancing side by side with the younger ones.
As the sumptuous dinner being served, a film presentation of IGLPI's activities are being shown then the offering of toast to the G.A.O.T.U for the blessings, for the IGLPI's successful celebration of the Grand Lodge First Founding Anniversary, the continuous support rendered by the Lodges and brethren, the recognition of foreign Grand Lodges and the long, rough and rugged journey of the Grand Lodge. For every offering of toast, the brethren joyously sang "Happy Bithday".
The message of the Guest of Honor and Speaker, the Honorable Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Congressman, Cavite First District, Philippines and great grandson of the first president of the Republic of the Philippines, Gen. WB Emilio Aguinaldo, touched the victorious Katipuneros during the 1896 Philippine revolution and received an outstanding ovation from the brethren since the delivery are quite familiar and similar to the situation when the brethren declared independence from their mother Grand Lodge.
The Grand Officers headed by MW Jaime V. Bantolo presented a memento to the Honorable Congressman in appreciation of being the first Guest of Honor and Speaker of the IGLPI first founding anniversary.
One of the highlights of the affair was the presentation of the Grand Lodge Award to some individuals who in one way or another extended their genuine and sincere commitment to the formation of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI). The brethren's great effort and meritorious commitment extended to Freemasonry serves as an inspiration to the members of the IGLPI and other brethren withersoever dispersed.
It's only but fitting recognition, the awardees of the First IGLPI Award:
VWB Regalado B. Manimtim PDDGM (Tagaytay Lodge No. 165 GLP)
VWB Medardo Benjamin O. Apacible PDDGM (Kalilayan Lodge No. 37 and Araw Lodge No. 18 GLP)
VWB Rolly H. Sarmiento PDDGM-Posthumous Award (Jose Rizal Lodge No. 1172, New York, USA, Araw Lodge No. 18 GLP, Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 316 GLP and Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 8 IGLPI)
Hon. Bro. Mayor Federico A. Poblete (Municipal Mayor of Kawit, Cavite, EAM Lodge No. 31)
Bro. Rudy M. Olano (Hanford Lodge No. 279, Grand Lodge of California)
A Certificate of Appreciation was also presented to Bro. Ernesto V. Yu, Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 and owner of the Cavite School of Life.
Finally the Grand Master's message (Posted in west to east egroup entitled "The Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) First Founding Anniversary - - The Journey of 365 Days".
SOUVENIR PHOTO...FIREWORKS. ..FELLOWSHIP. ..BALLROOM DANCING..
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
Cavite City, Philippines
Sunday, September 9, 2007
THE THIRTEEN MARTYRS MONUMENT
One hundred eleven years ago, on or about 12:45 P.M., September 12, 1896 at Plaza de Armas, Fort San Felipe (constructed in the year 1637), the people of Cavite personally witnessed the execution of the thirteen (13) honorable and patriotic sons of the land. They were implicated in the propaganda movement and accused in instigating revolutionary movement against Spain, while some for being suspected members of the Katipunan, and others for being an active Masons.
On August 31, 1896, one by one, they were arrested, and executed on September 12, 1896. Among the thirteen martyrs shot, ten were Masons, namely: Maximo Inocencio, 64, a rich proprietor; Jose Lallana, 54, a tailor and a former corporal of the Spanish Marines; Eugenio Cabezas, 41, a clerk at the Cavite Arsenal; Maximo Gregorio, 40, another clerk at the Cavite Arsenal; Hugo Perez, 40, a physician and a member of the Katipunan; Alfonso de Ocampo, 36, a Spanish mestizo who is also a member of the Katipunan; Severino Lapidario, 38, Chief Warden of the Provincial Jail and another member of the Katipunan; Luis Aguado, 33, an employee of the Cavite Arsenal; Victoriano Luciano, 32, a pharmacist and poet; and Feliciano Cabuco, 31, an employee of the Navy Hospital in Cavite. The Three Non-Masons were: Francisco Osorio, 36, a Chinese mestizo and contractor; Antonio de San Agustin, 36, a surgeon and businessman; and Agapito Conchu, 33, a teacher, musician and painter.
The lifeless bodies of the Sons of Cavite were carried into a garbage cart, guarded by six Spanish soldiers armed with rifles and bayonets brought to the Convent cemetery at Caridad. The wealthy family of Maximo Inocencio, Francisco Osorio, Luis Aguado, Hugo Perez and Victoriano Luciano buried their remains appropriately in separate coffins but the underprivileged one, Maximo Gregorio, Feliciano Cabuco, Antonio San Agustin, Agapito Conchu, Eugenio Cabezas (brother of Roberto Cabezas, the first candidate of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291), Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso de Ocampo without caskets were buried altogether in only one grave.
After eight years, in June 1904, a group of young men and other inhabitants of the community known as the “Samahan ng Kabataang Kabitenyo”, (Association of Young Cavitenos) held a dance party, thereat, the group decided to sponsor a meaningful project, in honor of the 13 Martyrs of Cavite. On Monday night, September 12, 1904 at Ballesteros Street, now named in honor of Hugo Perez, one of the 13 Martyrs, the nationalistic young Cavitenos held a formal meeting and a committee was formed chaired by Don Ceferino Picache, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (1936) and discussed the possibility of putting up a monument in honor and memory of the 13 Martyrs of Cavite. The following Saturday night, September 17, 1904, Dona Baltazara Adriosola Reyes suggested to invite and involved wealthy family in the community. On Sunday afternoon of September 25, 1904, together with the invited guests, they agreed to raise funds through donations of the members, distinguished and other wealthy Cavitenos in the community. They also formed a Comite Ejecutivo (Executive Committee) chaired by Dr. Catalino Nicolas, Don Juan Matias, Secretary and Don Nicasio Desiderio, Treasurer, to oversee the project.
After one year, they were able to raise 1,000 pesos and they started to put up the foundation. In the afternoon of September 12, 1905, a simple program was held with Joaquin Balmori and Jose Turiano Santiago of Manila and Alejandro Fojas of Tanza, Cavite were invited as guest speakers.
Ten years after the execution of the 13 Martyrs, September 12, 1906, the Cavitenos led by brother Masons of Bagong Buhay Lodge marched from Magallanes Street, Cavite District Proper up to the Convent cemetery in Caridad. The remains of the Martyrs were exhumed and in public procession, again led by brother Masons escorted, transferred and interred in the newly constructed final resting place at Isthmus of Rosario, now called “The Thirteen Martyrs Centennial Plaza. The Monument was formally inaugurated, in honor and memory of the departed Sons of Cavite.
On August 31, 1896, one by one, they were arrested, and executed on September 12, 1896. Among the thirteen martyrs shot, ten were Masons, namely: Maximo Inocencio, 64, a rich proprietor; Jose Lallana, 54, a tailor and a former corporal of the Spanish Marines; Eugenio Cabezas, 41, a clerk at the Cavite Arsenal; Maximo Gregorio, 40, another clerk at the Cavite Arsenal; Hugo Perez, 40, a physician and a member of the Katipunan; Alfonso de Ocampo, 36, a Spanish mestizo who is also a member of the Katipunan; Severino Lapidario, 38, Chief Warden of the Provincial Jail and another member of the Katipunan; Luis Aguado, 33, an employee of the Cavite Arsenal; Victoriano Luciano, 32, a pharmacist and poet; and Feliciano Cabuco, 31, an employee of the Navy Hospital in Cavite. The Three Non-Masons were: Francisco Osorio, 36, a Chinese mestizo and contractor; Antonio de San Agustin, 36, a surgeon and businessman; and Agapito Conchu, 33, a teacher, musician and painter.
The lifeless bodies of the Sons of Cavite were carried into a garbage cart, guarded by six Spanish soldiers armed with rifles and bayonets brought to the Convent cemetery at Caridad. The wealthy family of Maximo Inocencio, Francisco Osorio, Luis Aguado, Hugo Perez and Victoriano Luciano buried their remains appropriately in separate coffins but the underprivileged one, Maximo Gregorio, Feliciano Cabuco, Antonio San Agustin, Agapito Conchu, Eugenio Cabezas (brother of Roberto Cabezas, the first candidate of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291), Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso de Ocampo without caskets were buried altogether in only one grave.
After eight years, in June 1904, a group of young men and other inhabitants of the community known as the “Samahan ng Kabataang Kabitenyo”, (Association of Young Cavitenos) held a dance party, thereat, the group decided to sponsor a meaningful project, in honor of the 13 Martyrs of Cavite. On Monday night, September 12, 1904 at Ballesteros Street, now named in honor of Hugo Perez, one of the 13 Martyrs, the nationalistic young Cavitenos held a formal meeting and a committee was formed chaired by Don Ceferino Picache, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (1936) and discussed the possibility of putting up a monument in honor and memory of the 13 Martyrs of Cavite. The following Saturday night, September 17, 1904, Dona Baltazara Adriosola Reyes suggested to invite and involved wealthy family in the community. On Sunday afternoon of September 25, 1904, together with the invited guests, they agreed to raise funds through donations of the members, distinguished and other wealthy Cavitenos in the community. They also formed a Comite Ejecutivo (Executive Committee) chaired by Dr. Catalino Nicolas, Don Juan Matias, Secretary and Don Nicasio Desiderio, Treasurer, to oversee the project.
After one year, they were able to raise 1,000 pesos and they started to put up the foundation. In the afternoon of September 12, 1905, a simple program was held with Joaquin Balmori and Jose Turiano Santiago of Manila and Alejandro Fojas of Tanza, Cavite were invited as guest speakers.
Ten years after the execution of the 13 Martyrs, September 12, 1906, the Cavitenos led by brother Masons of Bagong Buhay Lodge marched from Magallanes Street, Cavite District Proper up to the Convent cemetery in Caridad. The remains of the Martyrs were exhumed and in public procession, again led by brother Masons escorted, transferred and interred in the newly constructed final resting place at Isthmus of Rosario, now called “The Thirteen Martyrs Centennial Plaza. The Monument was formally inaugurated, in honor and memory of the departed Sons of Cavite.
At the inner part or basement of the monument, a box made of mulawen wood covered with thick lead are preserved documents of agreement in the construction of the monument written in a papel culado or pergamino (bleached or white paper) while newspapers/bulletins were saved in a bungbong na bubog (glass cylinder), where all expressions of appreciations and recognitions in the construction of the monument were written. Also preserved are old currencies in different denominations used at that time.
The President of the Executive Committee, Dr. Catalino Nicolas and Don Gervacio Pangilinan, Cavite Historian, Municipal President of United Cavite (1919-1921), and Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (1937) during the affair, delivered a short but meaningful and memorable messages while Dr. Justo Lukban expressed his own in a form of poem, and since then the commemoration was celebrated annually.
In 1930, Bro. Ramon Samonte, of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17, Municipal President of United Cavite (1928-1930, 1931-1933) and in 1997, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr., Cavite Historian and Mayor of Cavite City (1989-1992, 1992-1995, 1995-1998, 1998-2001) led the renovation of the monument in a more distinctive and significant views.
On or about 7:30 A.M., Wednesday of September 12, 2007, Cavite City Government will celebrate the 111th Death Anniversary of the “Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite”, the Honorable and Patriotic Sons of Cavite City.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
Saturday, September 8, 2007
A CRY FOR JUSTICE
BRO. BISHOP ALBERTO B. RAMENTO, 9th Obispo Maximo, I.F.I. and the First Priest Member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly Lodge No.17)
“I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO KILL ME NEXT BUT NEVER WILL I ABANDON MY DUTY TO GOD AND MY MINISTRY TO THE PEOPLE”
(A statement of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento to his family before his death)
On or about 4:00 A.M., 03 October 2006 in the Parish of San Sebastian, Tarlac City, unidentified persons broke through the rectory of the church and entered the room where Most Reverend Alberto B. Ramento was sleeping. With intent to kill, and all the elements of treachery, he was stabbed several times by the faceless murderer in the different parts of the body that caused his instantaneous death.
Accordingly, based from the initial police investigation report, the incident was a mere case of robbery with homicide. However, the Ramento family believed that the motive is much deeper than what has come out from the spot report for there are obvious indications that Bishop Ramento’s murder was allegedly planned and politically motivated. They believed that the good bishop was silenced because of his principled engagement with the people and their struggle for the fullness of life.
The sudden journey of Bishop Ramento to the Eternal Home to live with his Creator brought marks of grief and sadness into the hearts of his family, to all the people of Cavite City as well as for the whole nation, considering the fact that he is well-loved pastor by his clergy and faithful, has earned the reputation as a social prophet, and an icon in the nationalist struggle of the Filipino masses with his uncompromising stand for national sovereignty and patrimony.
Bishop Ramento was born on August 9, 1936 at Guimba, Nueva Ecija. His parents were Felipe Curpoz Ramento and Margarita Bermudez Baldovino. He was married to Celerina V. Mendoza of Hermosa, Bataan (Sister of VW Leonardo Mendoza PDGL and member of non-existing Pilar Lodge No. 15). They were blessed with four children, namely: Alberto II (Aldos); Aleli, Alberto III (Altres); and Liezel. His three great uncles were I.F.I pioneer priests; Rev. Frs. Adriano Mendoza, Anastacio and Luis Curpoz.
He finished his course in B.S. Theology in 1958. His first assignment was in Malabon, Metro Manila, as an Assistant Priest from June to August 1958. He was transferred and became the Parish Priest of St. Anthony de Padua of San Antonio, Cavite City from 1958 to 1969. He became the Diocesan of Cavite from 1970 to 1993 and it was also during the year 1993 when he was elected and became the 9th Obispo Maximo of Iglesia Filipina Independiente. At the time of his death, he was the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac.
Some of Bro. Bishop Ramento’s Ecumenical Involvement:
Member, Executive Commission, National Council of Churches in the Philippines
Co-Chairman, Ecumenical Bishop’s Forum
Member, National Social Action Commission
Third Party Depository on the GRP-NDF Peace Talks
Convenor, Pilgrims for Peace
Co-Chairman, Philippine Peace Center
Initiator, Peace for Life
Founding Convenor, Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties
Provincial Chairman, KARAPATAN-Tarlac
Judge, International People’s Court, 2005
Member, Presidium, Citizens Congress for Truth and Accountability, 2005
Chairperson, Workers Assistance Center, Inc. Cavite, 2006
Considering his outstanding service to his people, he was chosen as one of the Adopted Sons of Cavite City and was awarded as an Outstanding Caviteno during the year 1993. He was also a recipient of the Outstanding Son of Cavite, Province of Cavite, Philippines in the year 2004.
He was a family to the pioneer members of the Parish of St. Anthony de Padua. He was deeply involved in administering not only the spiritual needs of Aglipayan community but also helped his people materially. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the church. When he met and married Sis. Celerina on May 4, 1963, he considered Cavite City his permanent home.
In Masonry, Bro. Bishop Ramento was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft Mason, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in the year 1968 and the first priest member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly Lodge No. 17).
The untimely demise of Bro. Bishop Ramento is a great loss not only for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente but also for the ecumenical movement and people’s organizations.
At the age of 70, the victim of injustice, Most Reverend Bro. Alberto Baldovino Ramento, a fatherly pastor, a social prophet, an uncompromising nationalist, a peacemaker, a champion of the peoples’ cause, and a Mason, now joins the G.A.O.T.U.
“The I.F.I., the Faithful, the Fraternity - Cry for Justice”
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
President, Kapatirang Alagad I.F.I (1999)
Sources / References
Most Reverend Godofredo J. David, 11th Obispo Maximo. Statement of the I.F.I. on the Brutal Killing of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento, 9th Obispo Maximo, I.F.I. October 4, 2006.
Cavaliers and The Hall of Fame, Cavite City.
Cavite City Council Resolution No. 06-138 October 9, 2006.
“I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO KILL ME NEXT BUT NEVER WILL I ABANDON MY DUTY TO GOD AND MY MINISTRY TO THE PEOPLE”
(A statement of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento to his family before his death)
On or about 4:00 A.M., 03 October 2006 in the Parish of San Sebastian, Tarlac City, unidentified persons broke through the rectory of the church and entered the room where Most Reverend Alberto B. Ramento was sleeping. With intent to kill, and all the elements of treachery, he was stabbed several times by the faceless murderer in the different parts of the body that caused his instantaneous death.
Accordingly, based from the initial police investigation report, the incident was a mere case of robbery with homicide. However, the Ramento family believed that the motive is much deeper than what has come out from the spot report for there are obvious indications that Bishop Ramento’s murder was allegedly planned and politically motivated. They believed that the good bishop was silenced because of his principled engagement with the people and their struggle for the fullness of life.
The sudden journey of Bishop Ramento to the Eternal Home to live with his Creator brought marks of grief and sadness into the hearts of his family, to all the people of Cavite City as well as for the whole nation, considering the fact that he is well-loved pastor by his clergy and faithful, has earned the reputation as a social prophet, and an icon in the nationalist struggle of the Filipino masses with his uncompromising stand for national sovereignty and patrimony.
Bishop Ramento was born on August 9, 1936 at Guimba, Nueva Ecija. His parents were Felipe Curpoz Ramento and Margarita Bermudez Baldovino. He was married to Celerina V. Mendoza of Hermosa, Bataan (Sister of VW Leonardo Mendoza PDGL and member of non-existing Pilar Lodge No. 15). They were blessed with four children, namely: Alberto II (Aldos); Aleli, Alberto III (Altres); and Liezel. His three great uncles were I.F.I pioneer priests; Rev. Frs. Adriano Mendoza, Anastacio and Luis Curpoz.
He finished his course in B.S. Theology in 1958. His first assignment was in Malabon, Metro Manila, as an Assistant Priest from June to August 1958. He was transferred and became the Parish Priest of St. Anthony de Padua of San Antonio, Cavite City from 1958 to 1969. He became the Diocesan of Cavite from 1970 to 1993 and it was also during the year 1993 when he was elected and became the 9th Obispo Maximo of Iglesia Filipina Independiente. At the time of his death, he was the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac.
Some of Bro. Bishop Ramento’s Ecumenical Involvement:
Member, Executive Commission, National Council of Churches in the Philippines
Co-Chairman, Ecumenical Bishop’s Forum
Member, National Social Action Commission
Third Party Depository on the GRP-NDF Peace Talks
Convenor, Pilgrims for Peace
Co-Chairman, Philippine Peace Center
Initiator, Peace for Life
Founding Convenor, Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties
Provincial Chairman, KARAPATAN-Tarlac
Judge, International People’s Court, 2005
Member, Presidium, Citizens Congress for Truth and Accountability, 2005
Chairperson, Workers Assistance Center, Inc. Cavite, 2006
Considering his outstanding service to his people, he was chosen as one of the Adopted Sons of Cavite City and was awarded as an Outstanding Caviteno during the year 1993. He was also a recipient of the Outstanding Son of Cavite, Province of Cavite, Philippines in the year 2004.
He was a family to the pioneer members of the Parish of St. Anthony de Padua. He was deeply involved in administering not only the spiritual needs of Aglipayan community but also helped his people materially. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the church. When he met and married Sis. Celerina on May 4, 1963, he considered Cavite City his permanent home.
In Masonry, Bro. Bishop Ramento was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft Mason, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in the year 1968 and the first priest member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly Lodge No. 17).
The untimely demise of Bro. Bishop Ramento is a great loss not only for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente but also for the ecumenical movement and people’s organizations.
At the age of 70, the victim of injustice, Most Reverend Bro. Alberto Baldovino Ramento, a fatherly pastor, a social prophet, an uncompromising nationalist, a peacemaker, a champion of the peoples’ cause, and a Mason, now joins the G.A.O.T.U.
“The I.F.I., the Faithful, the Fraternity - Cry for Justice”
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
President, Kapatirang Alagad I.F.I (1999)
Sources / References
Most Reverend Godofredo J. David, 11th Obispo Maximo. Statement of the I.F.I. on the Brutal Killing of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento, 9th Obispo Maximo, I.F.I. October 4, 2006.
Cavaliers and The Hall of Fame, Cavite City.
Cavite City Council Resolution No. 06-138 October 9, 2006.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
THE MILLENNIUM TIME CAPSULE AND MARKER: "BETTER LATE THAN NEVER"
Seven (7) years ago, it was done... but only selected participants knew the values of the historical endeavors. And after seven (7) long years, I only now realized that it is my duty to disseminate to the Filipino people especially the Cavitenos that there exist a time capsule that contained important and memorable events that transpired in the City of Cavite, but there’s an old quotation saying, “it’s better late than never”, so, I decided to move on and do what I know is my obligation to our inhabitants, just like any interested individual, for it is also their right to inform everybody, for anything they valued and appreciated, and that would benefited each and every peace loving Caviteno, more particularly the young generation.
The concept started when we were researching good materials to be incorporated to our souvenir program in connection with the Bagong Buhay Lodge centennial commemoration on August 11, 2007. I was then at home, and have just finished doing some household chores when I saw an old issue of Cabletow, official organ of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines Volume 75, No. 5 dated January-February 1999.
The front and back covers shows the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan Marker located at the Japanese Garden, Luneta, Manila. The inside front cover are the Markers of the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan and the Message of MW Enrique L. Locsin Centennial Grand Master. On the inside back cover are photos taken during the Unveiling Ceremony.
For a moment, I was stunned and speechless, and something cherish in my mind, that the then City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. issued Executive Order No. 7 dated October 27, 1999 creating a Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee who are task to research, collate and record significant events, great personalities, trivia and other related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past 1,000 years.
The enormous tasked was assigned to me and chaired the Committee. Together with the members, namely Ms. Jocelyn dela Rosa, City Librarian; Ms. Remedios Ordonez, retired school teacher and member Cavite City Historical Committee and City Tourism Council; Mr. Leon Young Jr. member Cavite City Historical Committee; and Mr. Victor Rufin, Executive Secretary to the City Mayor; researched and prepared the Tagalog-English-Spanish Dictionary, biography of Cavite patriots, great personalities and trivia; collected important materials pertaining to the history of Cavite City, the City’s Great Seal, the City Hymn, and the City March, and other significant events and related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past one thousand (1,000) years while Architect Noelito Atangan of the City Engineer’s Office designed the time capsule and marker; and Ms. Nora Buenaventura, and Rosemarie Basuil, Assistant Secretary and Stenographic Reporter III, respectively of the City Council assisted in compiling the records.
We didn’t waste our time, upon received of the gargantuan order, we immediately conducted an intensive and exhaustive research and interviews. We have to work hard even in the wee hours to finish our assignment on time, for we have a time table, the ceremony was scheduled come January 1, 2000.
The mission was very interesting, you do research, you gain more knowledge, you conduct interviews, you meet nice people, and most importantly was the wholehearted support extended by the members coming from different offices in the City Government. In just two (2) months of being together, camaraderie born-out amongst us, the respect for each and everyone was crystal clear of signified intention to spread the importance of City history and be form part of it with noble cause.
It was also worthy of remembering the assistance of City’s local historian, some individuals, organizations and associations in their way of extending contributions and donations, like the collection of poems, essays, riddles, short stories, the Holy Bible, rosary, instructions on how to play old Filipino or childhood games like “patintero, tumbang preso, piko, sipa, sungka, and even including a rubber bond with a stick of “walis tingting”, names of residents of the City as of 1999, list of registered voters, total number of population, recipes of Tagalog and Chavacano viands, old and new pictures of government and private buildings, memorable markers, historical and educational books authored by different personalities, and many others; and of course the food and drinks for our snacks or lunch with corresponding thoughtfulness and encouragement.
It was at this juncture, when I said to myself, “Why not include the history of Masonry and Lodges in Cavite City?” It’s an open book that Masonry played a vital role during the Spanish, American, Japanese, and even in the modern period. There were many prominent personalities who contributed in the history of the City that were members of Cavite Lodge No. 2, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4) and La Naval Lodge No. 269 (now Lodge No. 7), all found in Cavite City.
With this in mind, coupled with noble intention to recognize the exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and contributions of the brethren to the Lodge and Masonry as well as to the City of Cavite and its inhabitants, I began to collate Masonic materials, but because of time constraint, I wasn’t able to collect much. The best thing I can do was to gather available Masonic emblems, decals and stickers and referred to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands), souvenir programs, trusted and confident with the references, sources, written and edited by WB Herminigildo Perez Santos PM (1945-1946) of Bagong Buhay Lodge and WB Adriano Anastacio, Jr. PM of La Naval Lodge; and with my little contribution, we were able to finish a brief history of Freemasonry in the Philippines, and so with the Lodges in the City.
The celebration of “New Year” was something to remember because we experienced the merriment at the Mayor Julian C. Medina, Jr. Hall at the second floor of the City Hall, and while the parents, children and love ones were praying together at home, and having their “media noche” (midnight snacks), others were celebrating with the traditional lightings of firecrackers, the playing of loud music, homemade trumpets, drums, sirens, etc., and the different voices heard at the top of their “viva voca”, dancing and greetings each other with happy new year, we were inside the hall celebrating with our computer sets, until the job was finally done. It’s already 6:00 A.M., we’re almost exhausted after that long vigorous moment, after those labors and sacrifices, and we went downstairs directly to Samonte Park, and with sweet smiles turned over the big volumes of documentary materials to Mayor Encarnacion. Having accomplished the biggest tasked we ever had, we shook hands and hugged each others. We were also congratulated and greeted by every one for a job well done. We were very proud of ourselves for being a part of a noble cause.
On that momentous day of January 1, 2000, in a simple and solemn ceremonies, the Cavite City Millennium Time Capsule and Marker was officially installed at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City fronting the City Hall at exactly 6:21 A.M. (first sunrise) signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium.
The preservation and immortalization of the contents of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker are dedicated to the future generation of Cavitenos, in order for them to know, learn and appreciate the role played by Cavite City in ancient and modern times.
The installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is very memorable for it is the “First Historical Time Capsule and Marker” ever installed in the City of Cavite, only to be opened up to view its contents at the end of the 3rd Millennium and the beginning of the 4th Millennium, another 1,000 years of significant achievements.
“Under Resolution No. 04-081 dated September 6, 2004, the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker officially installed on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City was recognized as one of the historical sites in the City of Cavite”
The preservation and immortalization of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is the brainchild of lawyer/historian former City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. dedicated to the future generation.
To the former City Mayor of Cavite City, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr, the pride of the Cavitenos, a million thanks for leading the preservation and immortalization of the historic past.
To the Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee members, my sincerest gratitude and commendations for a job well done.
To the brethren, it’s an honor to be of service to the Lodge in particular and Freemasonry in general.
Finally, the forgotten documentation, publication, posting and announcement of the installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium is now a fulfilled obligation and form part of the manuscripts of history as a source and for references, dedicated to the future generation, to the Cavitenos living in foreign countries, friends, guests from other places, and nearby municipalities, and of course to brother Masons withersoever dispersed.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
Seven (7) years ago, it was done... but only selected participants knew the values of the historical endeavors. And after seven (7) long years, I only now realized that it is my duty to disseminate to the Filipino people especially the Cavitenos that there exist a time capsule that contained important and memorable events that transpired in the City of Cavite, but there’s an old quotation saying, “it’s better late than never”, so, I decided to move on and do what I know is my obligation to our inhabitants, just like any interested individual, for it is also their right to inform everybody, for anything they valued and appreciated, and that would benefited each and every peace loving Caviteno, more particularly the young generation.
The concept started when we were researching good materials to be incorporated to our souvenir program in connection with the Bagong Buhay Lodge centennial commemoration on August 11, 2007. I was then at home, and have just finished doing some household chores when I saw an old issue of Cabletow, official organ of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines Volume 75, No. 5 dated January-February 1999.
The front and back covers shows the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan Marker located at the Japanese Garden, Luneta, Manila. The inside front cover are the Markers of the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan and the Message of MW Enrique L. Locsin Centennial Grand Master. On the inside back cover are photos taken during the Unveiling Ceremony.
For a moment, I was stunned and speechless, and something cherish in my mind, that the then City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. issued Executive Order No. 7 dated October 27, 1999 creating a Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee who are task to research, collate and record significant events, great personalities, trivia and other related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past 1,000 years.
The enormous tasked was assigned to me and chaired the Committee. Together with the members, namely Ms. Jocelyn dela Rosa, City Librarian; Ms. Remedios Ordonez, retired school teacher and member Cavite City Historical Committee and City Tourism Council; Mr. Leon Young Jr. member Cavite City Historical Committee; and Mr. Victor Rufin, Executive Secretary to the City Mayor; researched and prepared the Tagalog-English-Spanish Dictionary, biography of Cavite patriots, great personalities and trivia; collected important materials pertaining to the history of Cavite City, the City’s Great Seal, the City Hymn, and the City March, and other significant events and related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past one thousand (1,000) years while Architect Noelito Atangan of the City Engineer’s Office designed the time capsule and marker; and Ms. Nora Buenaventura, and Rosemarie Basuil, Assistant Secretary and Stenographic Reporter III, respectively of the City Council assisted in compiling the records.
We didn’t waste our time, upon received of the gargantuan order, we immediately conducted an intensive and exhaustive research and interviews. We have to work hard even in the wee hours to finish our assignment on time, for we have a time table, the ceremony was scheduled come January 1, 2000.
The mission was very interesting, you do research, you gain more knowledge, you conduct interviews, you meet nice people, and most importantly was the wholehearted support extended by the members coming from different offices in the City Government. In just two (2) months of being together, camaraderie born-out amongst us, the respect for each and everyone was crystal clear of signified intention to spread the importance of City history and be form part of it with noble cause.
It was also worthy of remembering the assistance of City’s local historian, some individuals, organizations and associations in their way of extending contributions and donations, like the collection of poems, essays, riddles, short stories, the Holy Bible, rosary, instructions on how to play old Filipino or childhood games like “patintero, tumbang preso, piko, sipa, sungka, and even including a rubber bond with a stick of “walis tingting”, names of residents of the City as of 1999, list of registered voters, total number of population, recipes of Tagalog and Chavacano viands, old and new pictures of government and private buildings, memorable markers, historical and educational books authored by different personalities, and many others; and of course the food and drinks for our snacks or lunch with corresponding thoughtfulness and encouragement.
It was at this juncture, when I said to myself, “Why not include the history of Masonry and Lodges in Cavite City?” It’s an open book that Masonry played a vital role during the Spanish, American, Japanese, and even in the modern period. There were many prominent personalities who contributed in the history of the City that were members of Cavite Lodge No. 2, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4) and La Naval Lodge No. 269 (now Lodge No. 7), all found in Cavite City.
With this in mind, coupled with noble intention to recognize the exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and contributions of the brethren to the Lodge and Masonry as well as to the City of Cavite and its inhabitants, I began to collate Masonic materials, but because of time constraint, I wasn’t able to collect much. The best thing I can do was to gather available Masonic emblems, decals and stickers and referred to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands), souvenir programs, trusted and confident with the references, sources, written and edited by WB Herminigildo Perez Santos PM (1945-1946) of Bagong Buhay Lodge and WB Adriano Anastacio, Jr. PM of La Naval Lodge; and with my little contribution, we were able to finish a brief history of Freemasonry in the Philippines, and so with the Lodges in the City.
The celebration of “New Year” was something to remember because we experienced the merriment at the Mayor Julian C. Medina, Jr. Hall at the second floor of the City Hall, and while the parents, children and love ones were praying together at home, and having their “media noche” (midnight snacks), others were celebrating with the traditional lightings of firecrackers, the playing of loud music, homemade trumpets, drums, sirens, etc., and the different voices heard at the top of their “viva voca”, dancing and greetings each other with happy new year, we were inside the hall celebrating with our computer sets, until the job was finally done. It’s already 6:00 A.M., we’re almost exhausted after that long vigorous moment, after those labors and sacrifices, and we went downstairs directly to Samonte Park, and with sweet smiles turned over the big volumes of documentary materials to Mayor Encarnacion. Having accomplished the biggest tasked we ever had, we shook hands and hugged each others. We were also congratulated and greeted by every one for a job well done. We were very proud of ourselves for being a part of a noble cause.
On that momentous day of January 1, 2000, in a simple and solemn ceremonies, the Cavite City Millennium Time Capsule and Marker was officially installed at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City fronting the City Hall at exactly 6:21 A.M. (first sunrise) signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium.
The preservation and immortalization of the contents of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker are dedicated to the future generation of Cavitenos, in order for them to know, learn and appreciate the role played by Cavite City in ancient and modern times.
The installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is very memorable for it is the “First Historical Time Capsule and Marker” ever installed in the City of Cavite, only to be opened up to view its contents at the end of the 3rd Millennium and the beginning of the 4th Millennium, another 1,000 years of significant achievements.
“Under Resolution No. 04-081 dated September 6, 2004, the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker officially installed on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City was recognized as one of the historical sites in the City of Cavite”
The preservation and immortalization of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is the brainchild of lawyer/historian former City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. dedicated to the future generation.
To the former City Mayor of Cavite City, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr, the pride of the Cavitenos, a million thanks for leading the preservation and immortalization of the historic past.
To the Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee members, my sincerest gratitude and commendations for a job well done.
To the brethren, it’s an honor to be of service to the Lodge in particular and Freemasonry in general.
Finally, the forgotten documentation, publication, posting and announcement of the installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium is now a fulfilled obligation and form part of the manuscripts of history as a source and for references, dedicated to the future generation, to the Cavitenos living in foreign countries, friends, guests from other places, and nearby municipalities, and of course to brother Masons withersoever dispersed.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
