Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291

Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291
Under the jurisdiction of Gran Oriente Espanol (August 11, 1907)

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Institution of Amity Lodge U.D.

Fortis Quo Fidelius !!!

The desirability of establishing a new Lodge in the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) was, in a way, novel since the new Grand Lodge, established just recently in 2006 by seven (7) Blue Lodges and later joined by another Lodge formerly of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), was yet beginning to chart its own destiny.

Exactly one (1) year after however, the idea of organizing to form a new lodge was brought up by WB Nicolas RZ Bolanos, Past Master of La Naval Lodge No. 7, with Bro. Erwin B. Bellen, also of the same lodge, during a casual talk one October afternoon at the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) office in Fort Bonifacio where both brethren work. The idea to establish a new lodge, as enunciated by WB Bolanos, was to be anchored on two (2) relevant arguments: primarily, that such lodge will be formed so that the membership of the newly established Grand Lodge will numerically grow not only in Cavite area but also outside of it; and, that such lodge will be established to benefit the brethren who are not Cavite residents, but whose mother lodges are located in the provinces.

The topic was likewise taken up in a series of discussions with VW Aldo G. Olaguer, DGS of Bagong Ilaw Lodge No. 6 and WB Francisco A. Carranza, PM of La Naval Lodge No. 7, who both liked the initiative. Subsequently, the first organizational meeting was set on December 14, 2007 at the NAMRIA quarters of WB Bolanos in Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Aside from WB Bolanos, twelve Master Masons from different member lodges of the IGLPI, namely, VW Aldo G. Olaguer, Bro. Erwin B. Bellen, Bro. Gerry T. Tuplano, Bro. Antonio Erwin O. Opulencia, Bro. Froilan B. Balucio, Bro. Jay T. Ranola, Bro. Mark Lester A. Limpin, Bro. Frederick R. Masangkay, Bro. Angelito G. Esteban, Bro. Melanio A. Turingan, Bro. Jose Mari A. Duarte, and VW Rae M. Jarder came to the meeting and discussed the following salient points:

1. The proposed name of the lodge
2. Place to hold lodge meetings
3. Dues and Degree Fees
4. Interim Officers
5. Petition for Dispensation
6. Other Matters

With the blossoming prospect of finally establishing a new lodge, a number of brethren endeavored to see their aspiration come into fruition. Subsequent meetings were held in the succeeding months at the CPO’s Clubhouse, Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to iron out some issues such as financial and logistical requirements. Eventually, with the untiring labor of the brethren, financial contributions began to trickle in, with RW Joseph A. Capuyan, SGW together with other unnamed brethren contributed a very substantial amount to jumpstart the plan.

In Omnia Paratus !!!

Finally, it is worth mentioning that with the encouragement given by MWB Jaime V. Bantolo PGM, in whose time at the Oriental Chair the idea of establishing a new lodge was pursued, and with the enthusiastic approval by MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente, Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction, and the other Grand Line Officers who have advanced, guided, and illumined the way, it was agreed that September 19, 2008 (Friday), would become the great date of the Taguig-Manila brethren with destiny as they bear witness and become part of the institution of the new lodge, henceforth known as AMITY LODGE UD, F & A M.

Fiat Lux !!!

“Masonry is a Fraternity of good men and true.
A brotherhood among men of various nationalities, creeds and faiths,
colors under the Fatherhood of God.
All dedicated to justice, liberty and democracy.
Let us have more Masonry
among Masons and more men in Masonry.”

-Osias-


ANG MALAYANG PANGKALAHATANG LOHIYA NG MGA WALANG SIGWAL AT TANGGAP NA MGA MASON NG KAPULUANG PILIPINAS (IGLPI)

The Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) headed by its Grand Master MW Emmanuel Magdiwang Nicolas G. Ricafrente conducted the institution ceremony of a lodge under dispensation.

On or about 1:00 P.M., 19th day of September 2008 (Friday) at Pintong Bato Masonic Center, Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines fifty three (53) charter members of Amity Lodge supported by more than one hundred (100) brethren and guests including Master Masons in other jurisdiction assembled as the Grand Master assumed the grand oriental chair and with the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe proceeded in the institution of Amity Lodge.

The ceremony was followed by a brief discourse of the history of the Warrant of Constitution and Dispensation, followed by the words of guidance from the Grand Master, and then the reading of the Dispensation and the list of the names of chartered members.

The brethren of Amity Lodge submitted themselves to charges and support of the regulations, the officers received their jewels and repair to their respective places and stations.

The Master of Ceremony made the proclamation and the VR Grand Chaplain pronounced the benediction.

Thereafter the Worshipful Master receives the gavel from the Grand Master and proceeds to open a Lodge of Master Masons and conducted its first official business transactions.

Tu Fui, Ego Eris !!!

Congratulations and more power to the Charter Members of Amity Lodge UD, most especially to the three lights, VW Rae M. Jarder Worshipful Master, Bro. Gerry T. Tuplano Senior Warden and Bro. Mark Lester A. Limpin Junior Warden.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

IGLPI Second Founding Anniversary

The brethren said, “The journey had began – a fresh start for true Masonry; but it is not over yet, we have to continue to move on and march forward, so let us put true Masonry in our heart to sustain more progress from a fresh start – as a Brother Mason once said, it is the journey that counts, not the distance we have traveled.”

On or about 4:00 P.M., September 7, 2007 (Sunday) at Tagaytay Tropical Green, Patutong Malaki, Tagaytay City, Philippines, the IGLPI celebrated its memorable second founding anniversary celebration. The unforgettable event registered more than two hundred fifty (250) brethren of the eight (8) member lodges and two (2) lodges U.D. The affair was also graced by more than one hundred (100) family members of Masons, including visiting brethren from other jurisdiction.

Program of Activities in the morning was also successfully concluded. The First VWB Rolly H. Sarmiento PDDGM Memorial Cup held at Royale Tagaytay Country Club, Inc., Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Hi-Way, Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite

The Ladies of the IGLPI, an organization composed of wives, sisters, daughters and relatives of Masons led by Sis. Estrella del Mundo, wife of Bro. Evaristo del Mundo, one of the pillars of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9, a Master Mason with fifty two (52) great years of Masonic services, an outstanding Master Mason, once expelled without due process in the practice of Freemasonry because of his uncompromising stand showed their strong support in all undertakings of the Grand Lodge.

An instant theme for the night, “Give me some men who are stout hearted men who will fight for the right they adore. Start me with ten who are stout hearted men and I soon give you ten thousand more. Shoulder to shoulder and bolder and bolder we march together to the goal. All ten thousand men will march together man to man – The Journey of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands.”

The program proper started with the singing of the National Anthem led by the Master of Ceremony Bro. Waldo Carbonel followed by the invocation delivered by VW Bayani R. Leoncio Grand Chaplain and the welcome address of the Over-All Chairman of the affair RW Cesar L. Go JGW.

An interesting and notable performance, once more, the apples of the brethren, the Ladies of the IGLPI gracefully showed their talent in dancing side by side with the younger ones.

Thereafter the inspirational talk of RW Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. DGM, followed by the History of the IGLPI by RW Joseph A. Capuyan SGW prepared and played by Bro. Adlai and Dwight Jawid in the form of a film presentation.

After the sumptuous dinner, the Ceremony of Seven Toasts:

The first toast was proposed by MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente GM to the Republic of the Philippines

The second toast by RW Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. DGM to Freemasonry and Harmony of all Masons in the Philippines

The third toast by RW Joseph A. Capuyan SGW to the IGLPI

The fourth toast by RW Cesar L. Go JGW to the District and Lodges Brethren

The fifth toast by VW Bernardo E. Marges GIG to the Newly Raised Master Masons of the IGLPI

The sixth toast by VW Aldo G. Olaguer in tribute to the Sisters, the Ladies of the IGLPI

The seventh toast by VW Eduardo V. Bayot GL to All Masons Withersoever Dispersed

Special toasts were also proposed by the Master of Ceremony, from father to the son and son to the father toasts.

Bro. Waldy Carbonel of Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 8 IGLPI proposed a toast to his son and to the GLP

WM Walden Carbonnel Master of Araw Lodge No. 18 proposed a toast to his father and to the Brotherhood – On the Level.

The last toast by RW Roxy H. Sarmiento GAud and Sis. Baby Sarmiento in Memory of the late VWB Rolly H. Sarmiento PDDGM

The message of the Guest of Honor and Speaker, VWB Ruperto S. Sangalang PDDGM Masonic District No. 2 GLP was delivered very interestingly because it connotes the history of Philippine Masonry during the time of MW Ambrosio Flores. The message was familiar and quite similar to the situation when the Cavite brethren formed and organized the IGLPI. The Grand Officers then headed by MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente presented a Plaque of Appreciation to VWB Sangalang as the Guest of Honor and Speaker of the IGLPI second founding anniversary.

It was then followed by the Grand Master’s Message, and finally the highlights of the affair, at the darkness of the night, side by side, the brethren, the Ladies of the IGLPI, wives, sisters, daughters, relatives of Master Masons, the orphans and the visiting brethren from other jurisdiction with lighted candle on one hand, sang “IF WE HOLD ON TOGETHER.”

“Don’t lose your way with each passing day
You’ve come so far don’t throw it away
Leave believing dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story, faith, hope and glory
Hold to the Truth in your heart.

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by for you and I

Souls in the wind must learn how to bend
Seek out a star, hold on to the end
Valley, mountain, there is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying, someone is praying
Please let us come home to stay.

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by for YOU and I”

The essence of the song was felt, touched every one’s heart, carried away, some still with tears, shook hands, embraced each other… and suddenly a burst of laughter, and the feelings are mutual, the IGLPI, the Ladies of the IGLPI, the relatives of Masons, the visiting Brethren from other Jurisdiction, The Moment of Truth… A ONE WHOLE FAMILY, gathered together…

The brethren’s great effort and meritorious commitment extended to Freemasonry serves as an inspiration to the members of the IGLPI and other brethren whithersoever dispersed.

Congratulations, IGLPI!!!

SOUVENIR PHOTO.....FIREWORKS…..FELLOWSHIP…..BALLROOM DANCING…..

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Institution Ceremony of Freedom Lodge U.D.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Clark !
Mabuhay ang Freedom Lodge!

Now we have Freedom Lodge at the Air Force City Clark where freewill and accord, brotherly love, relief, and truth really reside and we meet on the level, act by the plumb, part upon the square willing to fight for principle and rights we adore as a True Mason. Come and see our Temple as we sustain progress from a fresh start by putting Masonry in our heart, a very inspiring opening remarks of RW Cesar L. Go JGW.

The Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) headed by its Grand Master MW Emmanuel Magdiwang Nicolas G. Ricafrente conducted the first institution ceremony of a lodge under dispensation in the history of the Grand Lodge.

On or about 4:00 P.M., 30th day of August 2008 at the Air Force City Officer’s Club, Air Force Base Clark, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines thirty (30) charter members of Freedom Lodge assembled as the Grand Master assumed the oriental chair and reads Psalm CXXXIII and then directed the Very Reverend Grand Chaplain VW Bayani R. Leoncio to lead the brethren in the blessing of the Great Architect of the Universe in the institution ceremony of Freedom Lodge.

The ceremony was followed by a brief discourse of the history of the Warrant of Constitution and Dispensation delivered by RW Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. Master of Ceremonies.

After words of guidance from the Grand Master, VW Aldo G. Olaguer was directed to read the Dispensation and the list of the names of chartered members.

As the brethren of Freedom Lodge submitted themselves to charges and support of the regulations, the officers received their jewels and repair to their respective places and stations.

The Grand Master directed then the Master of Ceremonies to make the proclamation while the VR Grand Chaplain pronounced the benediction.

Thereafter the Worshipful Master receives the gavel from the Grand Master and proceeds to open a Lodge of Master Masons and conducted its first official business transactions.

Finally, RW Joseph A. Capuyan SGW introduced the Grand Officers, District Officers, Worshipful Masters and representatives of the eight (8) lodges in the jurisdiction of the IGLPI and the Guest of Honor and Speaker Col. Francisco Cruz, PAF Wing Commander, 600th Air Force Wing, Clark Air Base, Angeles City , Pampanga followed by sumptuous dinner and fellowship.

Notably, considering the distance of Angeles City, the institution ceremony was remarkably well attended by the brethren and fully supported by the Ladies of the IGLPI, an organization composed of widows, orphans, wives, sisters, daughters and relatives of Master Masons, friends of Masons, more particularly, of course the brethren from other jurisdiction

Congratulations and more power to Charter Members of Freedom Lodge UD, most especially to the three lights.

VW Domingo R. de Leon Worshipful Master, VW Zafiro V. Benedicto Senior Warden and Bro. Doelethone L. Gatdula Junior Warden.