IGLPI Establishes District Center for Research, Other Center for Masonic Activities

January 25, 2008

The Independent Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of the Philippine Islands recently designated several Lodges as District Centers for special Masonic functions. Given the status as sponsors and lead lodges to conceptualize and coordinate specific Masonic programs were: Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 as Center for Research and Information, Cavite Lodge No. 2 as Training Lodge and Pilar Lodge No. 3 as Center for Masonic Formation and Community Services. Mendez Nunez Lodge No. 8 was assigned as lead Lodge for Family Oriented activities while Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 5 was designated to lead and coordinate participation in Masonic historical commemorative events. These Lodges were given latitude to partner with sister Lodges and to form their respective core groups.

The assignments are aimed to create greater focus in the planning and implementation of projects and enhance Lodge collaboration within the District. A comprehensive district program is expected to be completed by the District Grand Supervisor by February.

IGLPI Lodges Under Dispensation

August 2, 2008

We move on, and march forward!

The charter members of Freedom Lodge and Amity Lodge in the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of F & A M of the Philippine Islands based in the Province of Cavite, Philippines petitioned for a dispensation to form and open a new Lodge.

On May 24, 2008, MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente, Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction of the MWIGLPI granted the petition of thirty (30) brethren for a dispensation to open Freedom Lodge at Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. The brethren scheduled the ceremony of formally opening Freedom Lodge U.D. on August 30, 2008 at Angeles City, Pampanga.

On July 25, 2008, another petition for a dispensation to form and open a new Lodge signed by forty seven (47) brethren was granted by the Grand Master. The brethren of Amity Lodge at Taguig City, Philippines scheduled the ceremony of institution on September 19, 2008 at Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9, Bacoor, Cavite.

Masonry in Filipino

January 25, 2008

Center for Masonry in Filipino Established

Grand Master Nicolas G. Ricafrente, attending the January 2008 District Council meeting in Mendez, Cavite announced the designation of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 as the Center for Masonic Studies in Filipino, the national language. Aside from compiling and translating foreign language Masonic literature, the Lodge was also tasked to review existing rituals already written in the national language and to start translating other rituals and ceremonies. Once translated, each ritual shall be exemplified by Pintong Bato Lodge for approval of the Committee on Works and the brethren.

Pintong Bato has been known for its efforts to promote the use of Filipino in Masonic rituals. It has rendered funeral services and installed its officers in Filipino. It also has a translated version of the ceremonies for a Lodge of Remembrance. With the special function designated for the Lodge, it is expected that Filipino rituals will soon get official recognition in the Grand Lodge as an alternative to the existing ceremonies in English. It is also expected that Masonic literature would be enriched with the addition of Filipino essays and lectures in the national language.

Translation of Spanish language Masonic historical records still existing in the archives of some century old Lodges of the IGLPI will be the next task of the Center. Filipino Masonry has its roots from the Spanish Grand Orients. Heroes like Rizal, del Pilar, Bonifacio, Mabini, Aguinaldo and other patriots were all members of these Orients.

April is Masonic Family Month of the IGLPI

Bro. Ric Alvarez

“Strong family ties and the observance of Filipino traditional family values are parts of the Grand Lodge program. This advocacy adheres to the notion that as a foundation of a civilized society, the family is a principal player in strengthening community fabric” – Bro. Nicolas G. Ricafrente

Pursuing the Grand Master MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente’s theme “Sustaining Progress From a Fresh Start By Putting Masonry In The Heart”, IGLPI proceeded with its Program Goals of “Strengthening the Family of Masons” with a Family Summer Camping at the Cavite State University campus in Indang, Cavite last April 26 – 27, 2008.

Approximately sixty seven (67) brethrens brought their families and reestablished and strengthened Masonic family ties in a day and a half of activities involving agro-tourism, sports, livelihood demonstrations, and Masonic education.

The activity started with the usual Invocation by VW Bernardo E. Marges, Grand Inspector General, Welcome Remarks by VW Aldo G. Olaguer, the District Grand Supervisor, Presentation of Activities by WM Manuel A. Madrazo, of Mendez Nunez Lodge No. 8, the lead Lodge and District Center for Family Oriented Activities, the presentation of Sports Activities by Bro. Mike Herradura, SW of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, the District Sports Director, and Inspirational Messages delivered by MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente GM and MWB Jaime V. Bantolo PGM.

After the program, the brothers then proceeded to the University’s Gym for the Basketball Shootout, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Lawn Tennis and Badminton events; while the others together with the ladies of IGLPI, children and young adults toured the Cavite State University Memorial Library and Museum, named after WB Ladislao Nocon Diwa, one of the founder and Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 under the jurisdiction of Gran Oriente Espanol (now Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 in the jurisdiction of the MWIGLPI), the Dragon Fruit Experimental Farms, and the Orchids Experimental Farms.

By the afternoon, the brothers proceeded to play the modified Softball, Darts, Chess and Tug-of-War events; while the others toured the coffee plantation, and the SAKA plantation. The wives of Masons and craft enthusiasts took the opportunity to learn how to convert hobbies into livelihood projects like orchid propagation, jewelry making and corsage design as they participated in the workshops shared by the CavSU faculty. The children and young adults enjoyed swimming in the cool water pools.

Late afternoon, the host Lodge together with the Ladies of IGLPI, the association composed of Masons’ wives, widows and ladies from the Amaranth and Eastern Star introduced the traditional Filipino family games all enjoying the fun and the prizes at stake. Family raffle was also held with many prizes and souvenirs given away.

By evening, the ladies met and discussed their undertakings, and then joined the rest in hot dogs, barbecues and native lechons (roasted pigs) party around the campsite bonfire, followed by fireworks display. The fellowship and singing lasted up to the early morning of Sunday.

For the physically fit, pre-breakfast hiking and fun run ushered the second day of the affair, followed by sumptuous breakfast. The families of Masons then gathered after breakfast for the closing ceremony, a well highlighted constructive critique of the events and the whole process of planning, organizing and executing a program.

By and large, it was deemed a big success, achieving its objectives, and the proponents of the project hope that this year’s activity will serve as a starting point for an Annual Youth Camp among children of Masons.

Our congratulations to the Grand Lodge and District officers who were there to lend their service and attention; to the IGLPI-District Center for Family Oriented Activities Mendez Nunez Lodge No. 8 led by WM Nonong Madrazo, VW Bernie Marges, VW Tony San Juan, VW Ador Ramos, VW Rey Fabros, VW Pol Toledo, RW Roxy Sarmiento, and others.

Our appreciation to those who came and fully participated in all the events, the large delegations came from Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 8, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 and Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9.

Our sincerest thanks and appreciation to the Ladies of IGLPI for their untiring support and assistance, and to the wives and kids of Masons as well, for their great participation in the affair.

Congratulations again to the Blue Team composed of Lodge Nos. 2, 4, 6 and 8 for winning the Over All Championships.

We also appreciate our brethren from the other Grand Lodge who joined us in this affair.

Thank you very much Cavite State University. Mabuhay po kayo VW Pert Sangalang, President CSU, and PDDGM MD No. 2 Cavite.

One Hundred One

Bro. Ric Alvarez

On August 9, 2008 another feather was added to the cap of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 when she celebrated its 101st Foundation Anniversary. The officers and members together with the brethren from other Member Lodges, widows and orphans, sisters, daughters and sons from appendant bodies, distinguished guests and friends of Masons in a simple but memorable event celebrated her birthday. (BBL4 anniversary is August 11 which is a working day, so the brethren decided to celebrate on August 9, 2008 Saturday).

The registration started on or about 2:00 P.M.; by 3:00 P.M. a thanksgiving mass celebrated by Rev Fr. Rizaldy G. Arnaiz, Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua, Philippine Independent Church was held. Followed by wreath laying at Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 memorial marker headed by the Master of the Lodge WM Ricardo G. Marmolejo, MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente GM, RW Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. DGM, RW Joseph A. Capuyan SGW, RW Cesar L. Go JGW and VW Aldo G. Olaguer District Grand Supervisor. Thereafter, the widows and orphans offered flowers and prayers in honor and memory of the departed brethren who dropped their working tools in the pursuit of the realization of the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. The memorial marker was constructed as a fitting recognition of the brethren’s contribution to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 in particular and Masonry in general in the service of society.

The program proper was held at VWB Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. Memorial Hall wherein WM Marmolejo welcomed the attendees, followed by inspirational speeches of VW Olaguer DGS and MW Ricafrente GM. A sumptuous dinner, fellowship and raffle ensued.

In behalf of the Officers and Members of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to generous sponsors of the raffle prizes, to wit: Hon. Bro. Bernardo S. Paredes, City Mayor, Cavite City one (1) 7 cu ft refrigerator for first prize, RW Joseph A. Capuyan SGW one (1) 21” colored television with TV rack for second prize, WM Ricardo G. Marmolejo one (1) microwave for third prize and for ten (10) consolation prizes in the amount of Php 500.00 cash each donated by RW Cesar L. Go Php 1,000.00, Bro. Gustavo D. Gonzales Php 1,000.00, Bro. Fernando J. Legaspi Php 1,000.00, VW Javier G. del Rosario Php 1,000.00, Bro. Arnel F. Teodoro Php 500.00 and Bro. Jimmy C. Chua Php 500.00.

We would also like to announce and congratulate the winners of the raffle, to wit:

Bro. Samuel S. Aguila First Prize (refrigerator) Ticket No. 1206
Sis. Elisa A. Supnet Second Prize (television) Ticket No. 2321
VW Rogel C. Syfu Third Prize (microwave) Ticket No. 2545
Bro. Michael R. Ponsones Php 500.00 Ticket No. 1903
VW Apolonio S. Toledo Php 500.00 Ticket No. 0073
Ms Aaleya Domingo Php 500.00 Ticket No. 0740
VW Rogel C. Syfu Php 500.00 Ticket No. 2514
Ms Ronabeth Savio Php 500.00 Ticket No. 0107
Ms Marilou Poceran Php 500.00 Ticket No. 0635
Bro. Romel R. Enriquez Php 500.00 Ticket No. 1619
Bro. Ronel L. Manuel Php 500.00 Ticket No. 2656
Bro. Geraldo V. Agbunag Php 500.00 Ticket No. 2777
Mr. John Christian Briones Php 500.00 Ticket No. 1382

Once again, congratulations and happy birthday!

First Filipino Masons in Cavite

Bro. Ric Alvarez

Some members of the Fraternity who were remnants of a group of gallant patriots, of those who escaped unscathed with their lives; who surmounted great obstacles and sacrifices and risked their fortunes and their own lives and those of their loved ones; those who were survivors of a despotic government and its cruel officials, the bigots, tyrants and extortionist, who lorded over the lives, properties and the souls of the poor and enslaved people of these fair islands; those who, like the proverbial bees, active and industrious, fearless and decided champions of liberty, gathered together to build up the honey-comb with which to sweeten the arid existence of the suffering humanity in these valleys. And they founded a Masonic lodge so that its benevolent and radiant light could reach and brighten the nebulous and superstitious minds of men and be emancipated, freed from the mire of ignorance, fallacy and fanaticism in which they were sank. These brethren were the “First Filipino Masons in Cavite” during and after the Spanish domination, they having been initiated in the Espana en Filipinas Lodge and in other lodges abroad, in 1894 and 1895, under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana: The Founding Members of Bagong Buhay Lodge – HPS1946

Bagong Buhay Lodge is a century old lodge in Cavite. It was organized in 1906 and constituted as Logia Bagong Buhay No. 291 under the Gran Oriente Espanol on August 11, 1907. It affiliated with the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands on February 13, 1917 and became Bagong Buhay Lodge No 17.

On September 10, 2006, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 together with seven (7) century old and very old lodges in Cavite declared their independence with the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) and formed a regularly, legally and duly constituted Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), in a fitting ceremonies held at the historic WB Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite, where the first Philippine National Flag was hoisted and the first Philippine National Anthem “Marcha Nacional Filipina” was played by San Francisco de Malabon marching band during the declaration of independence on June 12, 1898.

Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 was re-chartered and renumbered to Lodge No. 4 in the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).

The Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F. & A. M. has been true to its chosen name “New Life”, a life of enlightenment and usefulness to communities and places wherever its members had migrated, lived and stayed for business, for work or for permanent residence. It has honorably and faithfully discharged its duties to the Fraternity; it has maintained its prestige and good name by strict adherence to the ancient landmarks of the Institution and the continued progress it has made from the time of its organization.

The lodge multiplied later and became a beacon-light within the sphere of its radiation. Members from Bagong Buhay Lodge, like crusaders or missionaries of the Golden Gospel, like harbingers of “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”, have been founders, co-founders or charter members of other lodges which bring glory to the Mother Lodge.

New members come; old members dropped their working tools, others simply fade away, but Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 will stand like a beacon light, diffusing its rays to light up the part of that grand ideal of establishing a Universal League of Mankind under the Fatherhood of God.

“Despite the long, rough and rugged journey, the Lodge moves on, and brethren march forward.”

First Laying of Foundation Stones and Consecration in the History of IGLPI

Bro. Ric Alvarez

MW Emmanuel Magdiwang Nicolas G. Ricafrente Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of F&AM of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) and other Grand Officers met at Kawit, Cavite and opened the Grand Lodge in due form at exactly 10:00 A.M. 09 August 2008.

MW Ricafrente announced that the Grand Lodge has convened for the purpose of holding a special ceremony of laying the foundation stones and consecration of Emilio Aguinaldo Masonic Temple in a lot of about 2,000 sqm purchased by the brethren of the lodge at Gahak, Kawit, Cavite, in accordance with the invitation of WM Eduardo I. Tanguanco of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 5, presented to the Grand Master on the 29th day of July 2008.

Thereafter, the Grand Marshal was directed to form the Grand Officers and brethren of Member Lodges in procession and led the march to the site of the proposed temple for the ceremony of laying foundation stones and consecration.

WM Tanguanco, in behalf of the brethren of the lodge requested the Grand Master to commence with the ceremonies of laying its foundation stones and consecration; and before entering upon any great or important undertaking, and in accordance with the teachings of the Ancient Craft, the brethren were united with the Grand Chaplain in an invocation to the Throne of Grace.

The Grand Master assisted by the SGW and JGW then proceeded with the ceremony of laying foundation stones of Emilio Aguinaldo Masonic Temple. The memorial record of the contents of the capsule safely deposited within a cavity beneath the foundation stone are the following, to wit:

1. Charter of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 5 in the jurisdiction of the IGLPI.
2. List of 2008 Officers and Members of the lodge.
3. List of birthday celebrants for the month of August.
4. List of members raise to the sublime degree of Master Mason from December 8, 2007 up to

the present August 9, 2008.
5. Deed of Sale.
6. List of IGLPI Grand Officers.
7. Current newspapers and coins.

Thereafter, the Principal Architect distributed the working tools among the Grand Officers; the trowel, square, level and plumb to the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, respectively. After faithfully and skillfully performed their duties, the Grand Master declared that the foundation stones are well-formed, true and trusty, and laid according to the rules of the Ancient Craft.

After the customary laying of the foundation stones to the proposed Lodge Temple of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 5, the Grand Marshal was directed by the Grand Master to distribute the vessels of Corn, Wine and Oil to the Deputy Grand Master and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, respectively.

After the consecration in which the corn, wine and oil are deposited on the upper surface of the newly laid stone, as symbols of the prosperity, peace, freedom, and joy which a grateful people acknowledge as gifts bestowed upon them by the Divine Creator, in Whom they put their trust, the working tools were collected and entrusted into the hands of the Principal Architect of the proposed Lodge Temple.

WM Eduardo I. Tanguanco delivered a brief but very meaningful message, then the inspirational speech of MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente, Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction of the IGLPI.

The Grand Marshall then at the instruction of the Grand Master reformed the procession and returns to the Lodge.

The Grand Lodge was closed in due form on or about 11:45 A.M., 09 August 2008.