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.