The Cable Tow Volume 98, No. 1 April-December 2021

Grand Master for Masonic Year 2021-22 by VW Victorio V.G. Vizcocho III, PDGL (372)

Changing of the Guard by VW Joseph Harold W. Santiago, PGSc (48)

First Flag Raising Rites for Masonic Year 2020-2021

GLP has 19 New Lodges by the end of 2021 by WB Victorio Lenin G. Vizcocho IV, PM (384)

Doctor in the Temple

In View of Variants by Bro. Louie A. Castro, MD (TCT Adv)

Guidelines in Masonic District Turnover and Uniform Code of By-Laws by VW Anthony Tan,PDGL (96)

on a certain

Vantage Point

Feast of St. John the Baptist MY2019 by Bro. Alvin Yeo Tan (225)

CA-FORUM Masons draw Second Blood at CHR by WB Rodolfo T. Azanza, Jr. (12)

of Luzon by By VW Marcus Antonius T. Andaya, PSGL

Laoag Masonic Lodge ties up with DOH in Covid-19 Info Drive by VW Ismael A. Toquero

Scuba Diving by Bro Gary Huerto (37)

Dugong Bayani, Buhay Para sa Bayan (Dugong Alay, Dugtong Buhay) by Bro. John Paul R. Narisma (196) 68 Remembering Brother Akok: A Worshipful Master Who Lived His Life to the Fullest by WB Marvin Dave M. Mascardo (07) 70 An Online Turn-Over for Masonic District NCR-H by Bro Enrique Antonio Reyes (89) 75 Inaugural Remarks for Masonic District NCR-H Turnover Ceremony by VW Kristoffer James E. Purisima, DDGM (NCR-H) Furthermore 78 Beginning by Bro. Giovanni A. Villegas (202) 83 The Seven Great Qualities of Man and Freemasonry by VW Alexander B. Madamba (8) 86 Brigada Eskwela Kicks Off Amidst Pandemic by VW Shubert Ciencia 87 Gat Andres Bonifacio, Hero and Mason by VW Nathaniel James G. Buno, PDGL 90 RW Ariel T. Cayanan is GLP’S Junior Grand Warden for MY 2021-22 by Bro. Randy B. Escolango (103) 94 GLP is 109 Years Old, Pays Tribute to Departed PGMs by VW Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr., GSc/TCT EiC

Editorial Team 2021-2022

VW Victorio V. VIZCOCHO, Jr., GSc (52) Editor-In-Chief

VW Edgar S. BENTULAN, DGL (253) Associate Editor

VW Rhoumel A. YADAO, PDDGM (169) Managing Editor

VW Anthony E. TAN, PDGL (96) Circulation Manager

VW Joseph Harold W. SANTIAGO, PGSc (48) Chief of Columnists

VW Gene B. ILLENBERGER, PDGL (379) Art Director

Bro. Melvin B. BASAS (169) Legal Adviser

Bro. John Paul R. NARISMA (196) Tech Support

VW Charles G. AGAR, PDGL (82) Official Photographer

VW Samuel P. FERNANDEZ, PGC, HA (42) Adviser

TCT Contributors

VW Alexander B. Madamba (8), VW Victorio V.G. Vizcocho III, PDGL (372), VW Nathaniel James G. Buno, VW Kristoffer James E. Purisima, DDGM (NCR-H), VW Marcus Antonius T. Andaya, PSGL, WB Victorio Lenin G. Vizcocho IV, PM (384), WB Marvin Dave M. Mascardo (07), WB Rodolfo T. Azanza, Jr. (12), Bro. Randy B. Escolango (103), Bro. Gary Huerto, Bro. Giovanni A. Villegas (202), Bro. Alvin Yeo Tan (225)

THE CABLE TOW is a quarterly publication of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines. Main Office: Plaridel Masonic Temple, San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila, D 2801, Philippines. Members of Blue Lodges in this grand jurisdiction are regular subscribers thereto. Brethren in other grand jurisdictions are invited to subscribe to it at US $30 a year plus postage. Send check payable to the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines, with complete mailing address, to THE CABLE TOW at the address given above. Subscribers are advised to notify THE CABLE TOW of address changes. Share your stories with The Cable Tow. We welcome written articles in MS Word Format. Photos should be sent as separate attachments. Kindly indicate your complete name and masonic title (use Bro ONLY IF from the floor), your Mother or Parent Lodge and contact numbers. Then send to cabletow@grandlodge.ph / Original articles are subjected to editing and, when published, become Cabletow property. Any article in THE CABLE TOW may be reprinted in full, or excerpts thereof reproduced, provided proper attribution to the author is made, the source is given due credits, and the Cabletow office is furnished with a courtesy copy of the reprinted material.

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MANY were hopeful that a year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that reached our shores in 2020, everything will be back to normal. However, a year of restricted movement, lockdowns, and stringent measures proved not enough for the dreaded virus. In fact, the pandemic turned from bad to worse as I assumed office as Grand Master in April 2021. Thereafter, variants like the Delta, and then Omicron made what was already bad worser than ever. To this day, some two years since, we are still struggling and coping with the situation none were prepared or trained to deal with.

Our fraternity has not been spared. Everyone knew a victim or two, who did not survive. Death was quick, painful, and hopelessly lonely as protocols dictate isolation and quarantine procedures from affliction to cremation, a practice uncommon in our society in the recent past. And then survivors, and those lucky enough to have not been afflicted just yet, had to live with the horror of it all.

But while everything is new to us mortals of present times, our ancient fraternity has seen worse. Lest we forget, in the past, wars of various scales, pandemics, famines, and other disasters, both natural and man-made, have plagued the world but our fraternity lives on, long after our greatgreat grandfathers are gone.

COVID-19 is no respecter of persons, regardless of one’s stature, everyone is vulnerable. From heads of states to the common person, rich or poor, young & old, male or female, all are among the some close to 400 million recorded cases worldwide, close to 6 million of whom died, so far, and the pandemic is not over yet.

As part of my duty and responsibility is to be accessible and available for all, I myself have been repeatedly exposed to and eventually infected by the virus, as was my predecessor, MW Agapito S. Suan, Jr. who had to extend his term for another year, holding in abeyance my ascent to the Grand Oriental Chair. The pandemic has brought us to accept a “new normal,” thus, our Masonic functions and activities had to adapt, and we did adapt.

Relevant to Freemasonry’s basic tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth on which we derive the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, the latter being the greatest because it “extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity,” the brethren in the brotherhood had open helping hands both in and out of the craft. Help was in all ways and forms, from monetary, in kind, time, efforts, to prayers, and even literally, in blood. All this is in line with the teachings of Freemasonry, as well as our direction for the Masonic year which I have expounded on at the very onset of my term as Grand Master.

Beyond the basic needs of our fellow men made scarcer by the pandemic, the Grand Lodge facilitated to make available, provide and cause vaccination to everyone we can possibly reach in various levels and avenues to help produce immunity against COVID-19, and hopefully pave the way back to “normalcy’ as we knew it before the pandemic.

We also afforded due attention and support to the public school system notwithstanding the limitations of resources and strict, but necessary, protocols imposed invariably by the authorities, mainly the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. Education, after all, is a focal point of my term as Grand Master.

Our publication, The Cable Tow has not been spared by the impact of the pandemic, especially with the limited activities, and more so with affliction of Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) officers and staff, and brethren from all over the Philippine jurisdiction.

Editor-in-Chief and Grand Scribe VW Victorio V. Vizcocho, Jr., a veteran of national and international news outfits, and currently publisher of the former publication of the US Naval Base in Subic, and his team, including brethren from various Masonic Districts, have put together their time, talents, and efforts to come out with this issue, both online and hard copy.

Our motto for the Masonic year is “CLEAR VISION OF MASONIC HARMONY.” Being the strength and support of all societies, Harmony bonds us all together as brothers and friends, in the same token as the activities and endeavors of our brethren and Masonic Lodges in various districts under the GLP jurisdiction are harmonized into a single publication.

Brethren, I convey my sincere gratitude and appreciation of your resiliency in the face of adversity, and selfless undertakings that give hope and relief to others. Rest assured they are not unknown to the allknowing and all-

seeing Great Architect of the Universe. May he keep us all safe and healthy, and eventually beat the pandemic and suffering all around us.

EDITORIAL

RESILIENCY, DETERMINATION AND GOOD INTENTION

GRAND MASTER Rolen C. Paulino is no stranger to adversity. After all, he was in the thick of everything in bringing about recovery, progress and change in his beloved Olongapo City.

When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991 releasing energy accumulated for some 500 years, Olongapo was practically buried in tons of tons of volcanic ash, as thick as over a meter in some areas, displacing most of its population, with death and destruction all around. The magnitude of the eruption was so strong that ash clouds from the volcano lingered in the atmosphere for years, lowering the earth’s temperature for almost a degree.

As if the volcanic eruption was not enough to bring the city to its knees, the United States of America (USA) whose ship visits and servicemen’s spending were then the backbone of the local economy shut down its naval base in Subic Bay, barely a year after the volcanic eruption disaster, the result of the Philippine Senate’s rejection of its continuing presence in the country.

The combination of the Pinatubo Volcano eruption in 1991 and US Naval Base’s pull-out in 1992 became known as a “double whammy” to Olongapo’s economy. Not that it’s the only place that suffered in the said events because it wasn’t, but the city and its people sure bore the brunt of the misfortune.

Grand Master Paulino was there, not as a spectator, but actively working to alleviate the people’s sufferings and help hasten recovery. Perhaps, among others, in recognition of his unselfish dedication to the people of Olongapo, the people elected him City Mayor in 2013 before his son, Bro. Rolen C. Paulino, Jr. took over in 2019. Putting an end to the domination of a well-known political family that has ruled the city for generations before them, MW Paulino

led the city to unprecedented heights, both in his capacity as a private citizen, as well as a public servant, a feat Bro. Rolen Jr. has been ably and effectively replicating in the past three (3) years. Fast forward to 2021, around thirty years since Mt. Pinatubo and the US Base’s pull-out, MW Paulino assumed the Grand Oriental Chair of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP), in an unprecedented manner brought about by then already a year old COVID-19 Pandemic.

The deadly virus that has claimed millions of lives worldwide, and over 50,000 in the country so far, including Masons and their relatives, scuttled years of preparations in what could have been a grandiose event befitting a grand Masonic activity.

Even so, MW Paulino took up the challenge to prevail over the most unfavorable conditions, leading his team of dedicated brethren and volunteers, with the wisdom and guidance of his predecessor MW Agapito S. Suan, Jr. to eventually make the 104th Annual Communication (AnCom) happen.

Thus, under strict compliance to government-imposed health and safety protocols, the first ever “hybrid” AnCom was staged in two phases, one in the GLP headquarters in Manila in April 22, and the Installation of elected and appointed Grand Line officers the next day in MW Paulino’s “hometown” Olongapo at Lincoln Masonic Temple with no less than MW Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Past Grand Master as Grand Installing Officer. The 104th Ancom was dubbed hybrid because participation is both physical and virtual.

Thereafter, before, in between, and after being exposed and afflicted with the Covid-19 virus, MW Paulino buckled down to work, addressing not only the administrative concerns of the GLP, the districts and blue lodges, but equally as important, the welfare and safety of the brethren, their families, and the communities they live in.

The struggles and triumphs of MW Paulino perfectly epitomizes our journey over the rough and rugged road in becoming a Mason. His example is a constant reminder to us all that resiliency, determination and good intention can overcome challenges, however gargantuan, in and out of the craft to the glory of the Great Architect of the Universe. (VVV/ tct2021)

OFFICIAL LOGO MASONIC YEAR

2020-2021

PUSONG MASON

This year, our Grand Master has chosen the heart as the symbol of his administration. It is more specifically and clearly shown as the “Pusong Mason.” Together with the Pusong Mason is the picture of the iconic Juan Dela Cruz, who represents every Filipino.

You may ask, “why Pusong Mason?” Every man who has knocked on the doors of freemasonry was first prepared to be a Mason in his heart.

The heart is the center and the source of all virtues. It is where the goodness of a man is held. It is in the heart where the core ideals of Freemasonry are found.

BROTHERLY LOVE: It simply means care and affection for our fellow man, be they be Freemasons or not. We regard the whole human species as one big family.

CHARITY: To remind us that we have responsibilities, first to our family, friends, colleagues, employees, and to everyone else. This virtue means that we have responsibility to

help those we can, when we can. We practice not just the act of giving but any act of support and kindness.

TRUTH: This is about morality. To be good and true is the first lesson we are thought in Masonry. We are expected to be good men. To act within the law, to be good and peaceable citizens and to act at all times as we would want others to.

The iconic caricature of Juan Dela Cruz is included in this year’s logo to depict our Grand Master as an ordinary man, in spite of what he has achieved in his private life and career as a public servant. That he is one of us. A humble public servant and a brother mason. Our Grand Master wants to impart that service and care for other people’s need should be every one’s concern, and responsibility. We should all be men for others, always willing to lend a helping hand. When we have shown ourselves to be men for others, we have shown the world the basic tenets of brotherly love, charity and truth.

While it is the desire of our Grand Master that his term of administration should be filled with fun, fun and loads of fun, let us not forget that our actions should not border on intemperance and excess. Let us circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds. Remember brethren that the eyes of the public are always on us and we are all effective mirrors of Freemasonry.

Let us show everyone that the greatness of our ancient craft is measured by the goodness of the hearts of its craftsmen…. Pusong Mason.

MW Rolen C. Paulino Grand Master

Masonic Year 2021-22

SANS fanfare nor pageantry, now Most Worshipful Rolen C. Paulino was installed on April 23, 2021 as the 103rd Grand Master of all Masons under the jurisdic tion of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ma sons of the Philippines.

In simple ceremonies held at Lincoln Masonic Temple in Olongapo City, home of his mother lodge Lincoln Masonic Lodge no. 34, MW Paulino was installed by no less than MW Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., Past Grand Master (MY 2005-2006), along with the other elected and appointed Grand Line officers that included Deputy Grand Master Johnny T. Pimen tel, and Senior Grand Warden Don Terng R. Uypitching.

“I congratulate you on your ascension to the Grand Oriental Chair,” Most Worshipful Agapito S. Suan, Jr., erstwhile Grand Master said, “I am confident that you will live up to your rank and position and serve this Grand Jurisdiction in the same manner that you have shown as a very capable and well-loved public servant of the city of Olongapo.”

The day before, MW Paulino was elected to serve as Grand Master in proceedings held at the Grand Lodge of the Philippines’ (GLP) headquarters in Manila as part of the “hybrid-type” 104th Annual Communications (AnCom) of the ancient fraternity. The election of a Junior Grand Warden was, however, deferred to a future date.

Dubbed as “Hybrid Ancom” with virtual attendance from all over the country, and physical participation of a limited number who were required to undergo and clear RT-PCR swab tests, the proceedings were successfully completed under strict compliance to protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

MW Paulino is the first Grand Master from Masonic District R3-Zambales since the official launch of the GLP on December 19, 1912. He could have assumed office as Grand Master in 2020 but the AnCom was postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Raised as a Master Mason at 37 years old, he went on to serve as Worshipful Master of Lincoln Masonic Lodge no. 34, then District Grand Lecturer before finally being elected as Junior Grand Warden in the GLP’s Annual Communication in Tagaytay City in 2016.

Aside from MW Ebdane and MW Suan, MW Abraham “Bambol” N. Tolentino (MY 2017-2018) was another Past Grand Master physically present. Other Past Grand Masters and dignitaries joined most of the brethren online from various parts of the country.

A devout family man, GM Paulino was joined by his family in the momentous event, namely Spouse sister Cynthia Co - Paulino and children, Francisco (Kiko), Robert Reginald (RR), incumbent City Olongapo Mayor Rolen, Jr. (Lenj), all brother masons, Cristabelle Marie (Tata), incumbent City Councilor, and Zaza Paulino – Peña. To MW Paulino, everyone’s safety is paramount. “We dropped the pomp and celebrations,” MW Paulino said, “ang mahalaga, walang malalagay sa panganib at walang mapapahamak na buhay. Basta tayo, magta-trabaho para sa kapatiran at mamamayan.” (VW Victorio Verbez G. Vizcocho III, PDGL) ###

Incoming Grand Master

Rolen C. Paulino gets a hand from spouse Sister Cynthia C. Paulino in preparation for his Grand Installation as head of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines at Lincoln Masonic Temple in Olongapo City on April 23, 2021.

The Installation of Officers of Masonic Year 20212022 was conducted in a “hybrid” manner, with a limited number physically present and the rest joining online, including dignitaries like Past Grand Masters (PGM) MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Grand Master of Ceremonies, MW Oscar Bunyi, Asst. Grand Master of Ceremonies and MW Reynato S. Puno.

The circuitous route to the 104th Annual Communication

ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC

The pernicious effect of COVID-19 began to be felt in the Philippines in the beginning of March 2020 prompting the government to place most part of the country under the highest health risk classification of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) which among others banned mass gatherings and restricted travel and movement of people. Consequently, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines was not able to hold its regular Annual Communication (ANCOM) as originally scheduled on April 23 – 25, 2020 in Olongapo City. Thus Edict 332 dated May 21, 2020 was issued - Resetting the Holding of the 104th ANCOM 2020 to April 2021 Pursuant to the mandate of Section 1, Article V, Part I of the Constitution, all elected Grand Lodge Officers composed of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary “shall hold office until their successors have been elected and installed”. In view of the postponement of ANCOM 2020, the said incumbent elected officers were required to remain in office until the next regular ANCOM is convened.

As the holding of ANCOM in 2021 could no longer be postponed anew and to finally effect the election and appointments of our incoming fraternal leadership, as well as pass upon all the actions taken by the Grand Master in the previous Masonic Years, then Grand Master Agapito

ADOPTION OF ONLINE SYSTEMS

Earlier in 2020, the Grand Lodge and its subordinate Lodges have employed and adopted electronic messaging (FB Messenger / Viber) as part of official communications, conducted referendum voting (online polls), launched online meetings & seminars via Zoom platform, instituted online cash transactions (GCash), allowed electronic submissions of reports, and other masonic activities with satisfactory results and wide acceptance among the brethren. This bolstered the idea of making full use of online technologies but specifically adjusted for an Annual Communication in accord with the stringent health and safety protocols of the government.

Other Grand jurisdictions with whom GLP have amity relations with, have likewise adopted the use of online technologies in their own Masonic Communications. This has become an accepted method of conducting fraternal business in the international masonic community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic due to universal restrictions on face-to-face meetings. These older jurisdictions have established that with some safeguards, no violation of masonic laws, landmarks, customs and traditions will occur.

ADHOC ANCOM PROCEDURES

Edict 340 prescribed a - One Day Plenary Session at SMX Center in Olongapo City with the plan to open physically following the traditional masonic manner in the designated convention

site and thereafter proceed to discharge its plenary business, including the election of officers on Thursday, April 22, 2021 through the use of an abbreviated Order of Business.

AnCom delegates are given the option to attend either physically (subject to 50% venue capacity) or participate online - by including both choices in the ANCOM registration form submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the event. They include all Qualified Voters and Registered Delegates who are either physically in attendance or virtually present during the convention. They are defined by the said edict as follows:

A. Qualified Voters are the only eligible voters for all elective offices of the Grand Lodge and can vote on issues to be decided in the ANCOM. They comprise of the voting representatives of accredited Subordinate Lodges (Incumbent Worshipful Master, Wardens, and the Immediate Past Masters; the Past Grand Masters (PGMs); incumbent elective and appointive Grand Lodge Officers (GLOs) except Grand Lodge Inspectors; and the Immediate Past Masters in representation of all Past Masters of lodges.

B. Registered Delegates shall refer to all attending and duly accredited Past Masters of subordinate lodges. Together with the Qualified Voters, they are eligible to vote on issues to be resolved by the ANCOM.

OTHER PROCEDURAL ADJUSTMENTS

Notable ad hoc directives contained in the said Edict 340 were:

1. All delegates defined above may vote on site or online for the approval or disapproval of matters requiring ANCOM decision or ratification with those physically present voting in the traditional manner while those present virtually will vote using the Zoom Polling System.

2. All papers and documents, proceedings, grand Lodge Officers’ Reports, Reports of Standing and Special Committees and other reports submitted to the Annual Communication for action or ratification shall be available for downloading in the GLP Website. In addition, all duly registered delegates shall be furnished with the usual

ANCOM Kits but in digitized format, the full contents of which shall be made available to all registered voters at least thirty (30) days prior to the ANCOM.

3. Prior objections are to be handled as follows: All delegates presenting proof of registration may submit their written comments or objections to any substantial matter requiring express action or approval of the ANCOM, such as Edicts, Circulars, and other items in the Grand Master’s Report, Reports of Standing Committees, Budget / Appropriation Report, etc. at least fifteen (15) days prior to ANCOM by letter or email addressed to the Grand Master at ogm@grandlodge.com or glp_ ogm@yahoo.com

4. The Grand Master shall respond to the same at least five (5) days after receipt. If the objector is not satisfied with the reply, his objection shall be included for direct plenary voting without further debate. Both the objection and the answer shall be posted online or prominently displayed during the plenary. No objection or debate on other issues shall be entertained on the floor.

5. During the election of JGW, the Past Grand Masters – thru their representative, shall announce the list of seven (7) candidates to be considered for election. Thereafter, the representative of the PGMs physically present in the ANCOM shall draw the final list of five (5) candidates to be voted upon. Only candidates who are present physically and duly registered in the ANCOM can be elected. Voting delegates present at the site shall vote in the traditional manner, while voting delegates registered online shall vote virtually thru the online election system to be administered by the ELECOM.

6. Both physical and online voting issues and the election of officers shall be under the exclusive control and supervision of the ELECOM to be headed by a Past Grand Master. The ELECOM chairman is empowered to appoint four (4) other members from the jurisdiction. He is authorized to call on the IT Committee and other Grand Lodge Committees as may be needed to assist him in the performance of his duties.

7. To validate the online voting system, a

mock election supervised by the ELECOM shall be scheduled as soon as all ANCOM delegates have registered their email addresses. Such prudent action will help identify both possible and unforeseen technical issues that may arise and thus resolve the same prior to the Annual Communication.

8. The Grand Lodge shall strictly implement all government mandated minimum health standards and protocols in the conduct of a physical Annual Communication, which includes:

A. requiring all attendees to undergo swab / saliva test prior to entry;

B. providing a Health Certificate attesting to a negative COVID-19 infection dated at least five (5) days prior to ANCOM; or submission of Vaccination Certificate

SUCCEEDING NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS

A month after the issuance of Edict 340, alarming surges in Covid cases occurred, prompting further escalation of quarantine and travel restrictions by the government. In response, MW Suan in March 22 issued Circular 59 exempting candidates for Junior Grand Warden who are more than sixty five years old, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks from being physically present.

That same day, the Grand Master also issued Circular 60 – suspending Stated Meetings and Other Masonic Activities for NCR, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna from March 22 to April 4, 2021. Worshipful Masters of Masonic Lodges outside of the areas defined in the said circular were given the option to open or cancel stated meetings or masonic activities, depending on the circumstances in their respective localities. The said circular further issued dispensation to re-schedule to a later date but not later than April 15, 2021 any installation of lodge officers originally scheduled between the period March 22 to 30, 2021.

Subsequently, the government announced the extension of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in the National Capital Region, and the neighboring Provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite until April 30, 2021. As a result, delegates from these regions

found it difficult to travel to the proposed ANCOM site in Subic on April 22 & 23, 2021. Although the City of Olongapo was already under the low-risk protocol classification of MGCQ, safety precautions forced local authorities to restrict the entry of visitors coming from high risk areas identified by the government.

Thus, three days prior to the 104th Annual Communications, last minute adjustments had to be made on some of the provisions in Edict 340 for the event to push through leading MW Suan to issue Edict 340-A in April 19, 2021. Among the drastic changes were:

1. The AnCom venue slated on April 22 shall be moved to the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, in the City of Manila, likewise following an abbreviated procedure and dispensing with the usual procession and reception of dignitaries and other ceremonials.

2. From there, the proceedings shall be linked virtually and the ANCOM shall proceed to discharge its plenary business in one day.

3. Only Key Grand Line Officers shall be allowed inside the GLP ANCOM Site. All other Qualified Voters and Registered Delegates shall now be required to be present virtually or be registered remotely and participate online.

4. The election of elective officers of the Grand Lodge shall proceed as usual. However, upon the recommendation of ELECOM, the election of Junior Grand Warden was deferred to a later date pending approval of the electronic voting system or modified physical election procedures thru multi-district clustering as the case may be.

5. Qualified voters for the position of Junior Grand Warden were restricted to all appointive Grand Lodge Officers incumbent as of the issuance of Edict 340-A and already duly registered and/or already paid as voting delegates to the 104th ANCOM.

6. The Installation of elected and appointed officers shall be held virtually the following day – April 23, after which the Grand Lodge shall close the Annual Communication.

Thus was the 104th ANCOM successfully

executed during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2021 following the approved modified procedures:

DAY ONE – PLENARY SESSION, Thursday , April 22, 2021 – City of Manila Morning Session

1. Opening of the Grand Lodge by the Deputy Grand Master (7:30 AM)

a.) Reception of the Grand Master

b.) Reception of the PGMs present

c.) Reception of the Guest of Honor & Speaker

d.) Reception of the Philippine Flag

e.) National Anthem

f.) Tribute to the Flag – Bro Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara

g.) Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat

h.) Grand Lodge March

2. Invocation – Grand Chaplain

3. Declaration of Quorum by the Grand Secretary based on registered delegates online and onsite

4. Declaration by the Grand Master of the Opening of the Hybrid ANCOM

5. Announcement by the Grand Secretary of the online attendance of PGMs and other dignitaries

6. Approval of the Minutes of Proceedings of the 103rd ANCOM

7. Welcome Address of the Deputy Grand Master

8. Introduction of the Guest of Honor & Speaker By RW Rolen C. Paulino, Deputy Grand Master

9. Address of the Guest of Honor & SpeakerBro Senate President Vicente Sotto III of Andres Bonifacio Lodge No. 199

10. Conferment of Honorary Past Junior Grand Warden with the title of Right Worshipful on Bro Senate President Vicente Sotto III By the MW Grand Master Agapito S. Suan, Jr.

11. Grand Oration by VW Julius Thomas A. Esquivias

12. Adoption of the Current Proceedings – as appropriate, for the Annual Meeting of the GLP as a corporation

13. Presentation of Edicts on the Modified Procedures for the 14th ANCOM and the ad hoc procedure on Hybrid ANCOM as approved

14. Report of the Grand Master

15. Report of the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and Senior Grand Lecturer

16. Referral of the Reports of the Grand Lodge Officers (GM, GT, GS, & SGL) to the Committee on Grand Lodge Officers Reports

17. Presentation and Approval of Proposed Budget for Masonic Year 2021 – 2022 By RW Rolen C. Paulino, Deputy Grand Master

18. Acknowledgement of Grand Representatives of Foreign Grand Lodges present online

19. Approval / Notation of the Reports of the Standing and Special Committees

A – For Approval

i. Report of the Committee on Charters & Administration of Lodges ii. Report of the Jurisprudence Committee iii. Report of the Committee on Foreign Relations iv. Report of the Committee on Grievance for MY 2019 - 2021

B – For Notation

i. Report of the Committee on Charters & Administration of Lodges ii. Report of the Committee for General Purposes iii. Report of the Grand Historian iv. Report of the Committee on Resolution v. Report of the Committee on Works vi. Report of the Ways & Means Committee vii. Report of the Committee on Youth viii. Report of the Committee on Accounts for MY 2019 to 2021 ix. Report of the Grand Guild of Past Masters

x. Report of the Cable Tow for Masonic Year 2019 to 2021 xi. Report of the IMES xii. Report of the Building Administrator, Plaridel Masonic Temple xiii. Report of the Co-building

20.

Administrator, Capitol Masonic Temple

xiv. Report of the Masonic Charities for Crippled Children for MY 2019-2020

20. Report of the Committee on Grand Lodge Officers Reports

21. Recess of the Grand Lodge

Afternoon Session (1:00 PM)

22. Turn-over of the gavel to the Chairman of the Electoral Committee

23. Announcement of the deferral for the election of the Junior Grand Warden

24. Casting of Votes for the positions of Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary

25. Acceptance of the position

26. Recess of the Grand Lodge

The Grand Master’s Night was held in the evening with limited participants in compliance with IATF Regulations in the NCR at the time. The List of Grand Lodge Awardees were read in recognition of the Brethren with categories mentioned in Circular 22 (MW Suan) - Grand Lodge Awards for MY 2019-2020. Awards and Tokens were received by awardees present or later sent by the GLP to those who cannot attend.

Day TWO - Installation Ceremonies –Friday, April 23, 2021 – Olongapo City

27. Resumption of the Grand Lodge

28. Installation of the Elected & Appointed Grand Lodge Officers 29. Message of the new MW Grand Master 30. Presentation of the Past Grand Master’s Jewel

31. Response of the Immediate Past Grand Master

32. Closing of the Grand Lodge

Deferment of the Election of the Junior Grand Warden

In accordance with the recommendation of the ELECOM Chairman, the election of Junior Grand Warden originally scheduled on April 22, 2021 was deferred pending approval of the electronic voting system or modified physical election procedure thru Multi District Cluster-

ing, as the Grand Master may decide.

Within sixty (60) days counting from the Installation of the Officers of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master was mandated to call a Special Communication for the conduct of election of the Junior Grand Warden, laying down the conditions and other particulars thereof through a covering Edict.

Qualified Voters for the Position of Junior Grand Warden

As the deferred voting being merely an extension of the 104th ANCOM, it became necessary to redefine the qualified voting delegates for the election to the office in the Grand South, in order not to disenfranchise those who have already complied with the registration requirements and have fully paid their fees, not to mention having already participated in the election of all other elective officials of the Grand Lodge for the same 104th ANCOM.

Thus, Qualified Voters for the deferred election shall comprise of the voting representatives of accredited Subordinate Lodges (incumbent Worshipful Master, Wardens, and the Immediate Past master); the Past Grand Masters (PGMs); and the elective and appointive Grand Lodge Officers (GLOs) except Grand Lodge Inspectors. For the same purpose, the Appointive Grand Lodge Officers shall refer to all such officers incumbent as of the date of the issuance of Edict 340-A (MW Suan) and duly registered and / or paid as voting delegates for the 104th ANCOM, having participated in the election of other elective Grand Lodge Officers during the same Communications. The newly installed Appointive Grand Lodge Officers in the 104th ANCOM shall vote in the succeeding election for Junior Grand Warden of the next Annual Communication.

NEW GRAND MASTER SWORN IN

The newly installed Grand Master wasted no time in acknowledging all agreements resolved in the plenary and as early as April 29, Circular 2 (MW Paulino) was issued, appertaining to Matters Approved during the 104th ANCOM. As the Covid Pandemic raged on into his term of Office, MW Paulino issued several commu-

- December 2021

nications in guiding the Brethren and Lodges on the Conduct of Stated Meetings from the month of May through June via Circulars 3 and 4 dated May 17 and June 1 respectively.

Election for the Junior Grand Warden

On the 1st day of June, the Grand Lodge released two (2) communications namely:

Edict 340-B (MW Paulino) and Circ 5 (MW Paulino).

Edict 340-B (MW Paulino)

Set the schedule for a physical and/or virtual Special Communication at GLP’s Jose Abad Santos Hall of the Plaridel Masonic Temple on June 26, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the purpose of Electing the next Junior Grand Warden.

SpeCom Delegates shall consist of all qualified and registered delegates who are physically or virtually in attendance, as the case maybe, at the Grand Lodge or at the sixty-two (62) District Assemblies of the Grand Jurisdiction.

Qualified voters for the election of Junior Grand Warden shall be those as defined under Section 4 of Edict 340-A (MW Suan).

The Election Committee (ELECOM) was earlier appointed by the Grand Master, MW Rolen C. Paulino on May 24 and is composed of the following Brethren:

Chairman: MW Pacifico B. Aniag, PGM

Members:

VW John V. Aquino, Senior Grand Lecturer

VW Vladimir F. Pelaez, PSGD

VW Lyzander P. Aquino, PDDGM / Deputy Chief of Staff

VW Noel H. Yap, Grand Cyber Warden

The ELECOM shall exercise exclusive control and supervision over the election of the JGW and shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the conduct of the election of the same.

Circular 5 (MW Paulino)

Defines the Rules & Procedures for the conduct of the Election of Junior Grand Warden pursuant to Edict 340-B (MW Paulino), Amending Edict 340-A (MW Suan). It mandated and instructed the District Deputy Grand Masters

to convene, physical and/or virtual District Assemblies in their respective districts on the scheduled date and time. Agenda for the District Assemblies shall be limited to the Election of JGW only.

RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE ELECTION OF JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN PURSUANT TO EDICT NO. 340-B AMENDING EDICT NO. 340-A (MW SUAN) (Further

Amending the Modified Procedures for ANCOM 2021)

By Authority of the Election Committee (ELECOM) as provided for in the Masonic Law Book (Sections 6 and 7 of Article VI; Voting, Representation and Electoral Committee), the following Rules and Procedures are hereby promulgated for the Election of Junior Grand Warden (JGW) on June 26, 2021 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm:

1. Function and Powers. The ELECOM shall exercise such Powers and Functions as provided under Section 7, Article VI of the Masonic Law Book (Voting, Representation and Electoral Committee);

2. Election Officers. For the purpose of conducting the election of the JGW on June 26, 2021, the incumbent District Deputy Grand Masters (DDGMs) of the sixtytwo (62) districts of the Grand Jurisdiction and such other officers as maybe necessary are hereby deputized as Election Officers, acting for and on behalf of the ELECOM, with specific powers, functions and duties therein provided;

3. Powers and Duties of Election Officers. The deputized Election Officers shall: a. Convene a District Assembly of qualified voters for JGW on June 26, 2021 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; b. Secure the necessary permits for the conduct / convening of the District Assembly from the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) or local authorities and comply with the minimum health and safety protocols on COVID-19;

c. Provide venue for the District Assembly which should be an open space or area with sufficient ventilation for

the prevention of the transmission of COVID-19 among the attendees. The site for District Assembly should have a strong internet connection for purposes of monitoring by the ELECOM and transmission of Election Returns;

d. Be responsible for the counting of votes and transmit electronically thru Viber or Email a signed scanned copy or photo image of the Election Returns to the ELECOM;

e. Limit the attendance in the District Assembly of registered and qualified voters to maintain compliance on the protocols on physical/social distancing measures and venue capacity rule of the IATF and LGUs;

f. The ELECOM shall prepare Election Paraphernalia for all qualified voters and shall be sent to the Election Officers; and

g. No form of campaigning, electioneering and solicitations for expenses for the conduct of the District Assembly shall be made as provided for under Sec. 4 Art. VI of our Constitution (Prohibited Practices)

4. List of Qualified Voters. A list of qualified voters, prepared by the IT Commitee and certified by the Grand Secretary, with email addresses and contact numbers shall be provided to the DDGMs, including that of Grand Lodge Officers and Past Grand Masters (PGMs) who may opt to vote in the District Assemblies;

5. Ballots and Election Returns shall be prepared by the ELECOM and distributed by mail or any courier services to the DDGMs at fourteen (14) days before the election of the JGW. The ballots and election returns shall be authenticated by the signature of at least two (2) members of the ELECOM before distribution to the qualified voters on the day of election. The Ballots, Tally Sheet, Attendance Sheet, Election Returns and other paraphernalia used in the proceedings shall be preserved by the Election Officers and shall be transmitted to the GLP thru the ELECOM within seven (7) days after the election of the JGW;

6. Procedure for Election of JGW:

a. On June 26, 2021, the DDGMs shall

convene a District Assembly of the qualified voters pursuant to EDICT 340-B (MW Paulino) calling for Special Communication for the election of the Junior Grand Warden. Grand Lodge Officers may participate and vote in the Districts where they reside;

b. The twelve (12) nominees shall be required to be physically present at the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), New Plaridel Masonic Temple, Manila during the convening of the SPECOM. The announcement of the seven (7) short listed nominees shall be made on the Election Day. Thereafter, the final five (5) nominees shall be drawn and be given five (5) minutes each for the presentation of their programs and/or platforms;

c. The ELECOM Chairman shall set the hour for the conduct of election for JGW. The voting hour shall proceed immediately after the last speaker among the five (5) finalists have spoken;

d. Upon the direction of the ELECOM Chairman, ballots shall be distributed by the deputized election officers and the election process shall begin;

e. The registered and qualified voters shall sign a Registry Sheet that he actually received his ballot and actually voted by writing the name of his chosen candidate, fold the ballot and deposit the same in a designated ballot box. A period of one (1) hour shall be fixed for this process. After the lapse of which the ELECOM Chairman shall declare the voting officially closed. All voters who could not make it to the one (1) hour election period shall inform the election officers who will thereafter inform the ELECOM;

f. After the voting is declared CLOSED, the DDGMs in the presence of the Immediate Past District Deputy Grand Master and other deputized election officers shall count the votes cast. Thereafter, the election officer will transmit electronically thru VIBER (VW John Aquino - 09175121997) or Email (elecom2021@grandlodge.

ph) to the ELECOM the scanned or image copy of the Election Returns with the corresponding photos of all paraphernalia used. A cut-off time shall be fixed for the transmission of the Election Returns;

g. The Election Returns shall be canvassed and tallied by the ELECOM from the District Assemblies. The candidate who garners a majority of the votes casted will be declared winner. In case no one among the candidates gets the majority vote, the provisions of Article V Section 5;d, nos. 34 and 35 shall be applied, to wit: “34. In the election of the JGW, the candidate who obtains the highest majority vote cast by the voting delegates shall be declared the winner. Should none of the candidates voted upon garner the required majority votes on the first balloting, the election shall proceed to a second balloting. Only the candidates who obtain the first and second highest number of votes shall be qualified to be voted upon on the second balloting. (Edict Nos. 268-E & 268-F, MW Momo).

35. The candidate who obtains the highest number of votes by plurality in the second balloting shall be proclaimed the winner and the duly elected Junior Grand Warden. In case of a tie, the same shall be broken by a toss coin and the candidate who wins in said toss coin shall be proclaimed the winner and the duly elected Junior Grand Warden. The toss coin shall be done in public by the Chairman of the ELECOM (Edict Nos. 268-E & 268-F, MW Momo).”

h. Past Grand Masters shall vote separately by communicating their vote to the Chairman of the ELECOM;

i. The proceedings for the election of the Junior Grand Warden shall be under the control and supervision of the ELECOM. All election questions, disputes and protests shall be decided by the ELECOM with finality;

j. Proclamation of the duly elected Junior Grand Warden shall be made by the ELECOM Chairman and the for-

mer’s acceptance of his election shall be sought. Thereafter, the JGW-elect shall be installed by the Grand Master.

ELECTION PROPER

Earlier in March, Vol.97 of the Cable Tow released its ANCOM Issue featuring the 13 nominees for the position of Junior Grand Warden from the different regions of the jurisdiction. They were:

• VW GLENN MATHEW G. BAGGAO, PDDGM (Isabela Masonic Lodge No. 60) – from Northern Luzon / Masonic District RII Isabela (North)

• VW RAUL E. CANON, JR., PGA, HA (Primera Luz Filipina Lodge No. 69) –from Southern Luzon / Masonic District RIV Cavite (East)

• VW ARIEL T. CAYANAN, PDDGM (Walana Lodge No. 13) – Nominee from the National Capital Region / Masonic District NCR-B Manila

• VW GERARD A. CEBALLOS, PDDGM (Pinaglabanan Lodge No. 374) – from the National Capital Region / Masonic District NCR-F Quezon City

• VW EDWARD YU. CHUA, PGO (Makabugwas Lodge No. 47) – from the Visayas / Masonic District R VIII Leyte

• VW SIXTO SANTIAGO ESQUIVIAS IV, PSGL (King Solomon Lodge No. 150) – from the National Capital Region / Masonic District NCR-G Makati

• VW EPIFANIO LAMBERT D. GALIMA, JR., PDDGM, HA (Nueva Vizcaya Lodge No. 144) – from Northern Luzon / Masonic District RII Nueva Vizcaya (North) & Ifugao

• VW GILBERT B. GILLE, PJGL (Maguindanao Lodge No. 40) – from Mindanao / Masonic District RX Misamis Oriental & CDO

• VW MARIANITO DC PACHECO, JR., PSGS (Eduardo L. Joson Lodge No. 326) – from Central Luzon / Masonic District RIII Nueva Ecija (North)

• VW NOEL E. ROSAL, PJGS (Mayon Lodge No. 60) – from Southern Luzon / Masonic District RV Albay, Sorsogon, & Masbate

• VW EMMANUEL R. SACAY, PDDGM, HA (Malolos Lodge No.46) – from Central Luzon / Masonic District RIII Bulacan (West)

• VW NABIL A. TAN, PJGL, HA (Bud Daho Lodge No. 102) – from Mindanao / Masonic District RIX & ARMM Zamboanga City, Sulu, Basilan, & Tawi-Tawi

• VW EMMANUEL ANTONIO M. UMALI, PDDGM, HA (Cabanatuan Lodge No.56) – from Central Luzon / Masonic District RIII Nueva Ecija (South)

Each of the nominated brethren underwent interviews from a panel of Past Grand Masters. During the SpeCom in June 26, they were short-listed to seven (7): VW Raul Canon, VW Ariel Cayanan, VW Gerald Ceballos, VW Edward Chua, VW Sixto Esquiviaz, VW Nabil Tan, and VW Emmanuel Umali.

The names of VW Ceballos and VW Umali were not included after the drawing of lots – a random system that is now part of the selection process initially introduced in Edict 268-B (MW Rentoy) reducing the list down to five (5): VW’s Canon, Cayanan, Chua, Esquiviaz, and Tan. After the SpeCom Delegates cast their votes, VW Ariel T. Cayanan was elected to the position of Junior Grand Warden for Masonic Year 2021 – 2022.

The Past District Deputy Grand Master was then asked by MW Rolen Paulino: “VW Sir, you have just been elected to the Grand South as our Junior Grand Warden. Do you accept the position?” His answer after a brief moment of silence was: I WILL NOT… refuse MW Sir”.

From the floor he was fetched by VW Wharton Chan – who acting as Grand Marshal pro-tempore brought him to the altar where he was obligated with the duties of his office. Told to arise, presented with the Apron and Jewel of the Junior Grand Warden and installed as the Right Worshipful Brother in the Grand South. “It was an emotional moment for me”. Said RW Cayanan after hearing his name being announced as the next Junior Grand Warden. “Considering the tedious modality upon which the said election was proposed, presented, scheduled, deferred, modified, re-scheduled,

planned, and finally executed.” He recalled. “But we cannot complain. We understand perfectly the situation that our Grand Lodge is going through then until now.”

CONCLUSION

This narrative is a chronicle of what transpired a year after the 104th Annual Communication initially set in April 2020 was cancelled by necessity, leaving the incumbent Grand Master then no other choice but to carry on with the stewardship of the GLP in a hold-over capacity. The Masonic Year 2020 –2021 was the second time in the history of the jurisdiction that Grand Lodge Leadership was extended not by want, but by force of circumstance. The first time it happened in 1941 was due to the conflict arising from the Japanese Invasion of the country during the 2nd World War. The current situation though faced with a threat to the health and safety of humanity was less chaotic as the Grand Lodge through the strength and wisdom of the Brethren was able to device adaptive procedures that made the transition of leadership from one Grand Master to the next – possible, without violations in the spirit of masonic laws, landmarks, customs and traditions.

In fine transfer of Masonic Power in the jurisdiction took three (3) Edicts, four (4) Circulars, issued by two (2) Grand Masters between the period of five (5) months – February to June 2021, to be able to execute the changing of the Guard at the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The entire jurisdiction commends both MW Agapito S. Suan, Jr., the immediate PGM and Grand Master Rolen C. Paulino as well as their Teams for rising up to the occasion in guiding the course of Philippine Masonry amidst uncertainties. The former for keeping a steady hand in the onset of the spread of the Corona Virus, and the latter for bravely receiving the torch of leadership during those trying times.

Long Live the Grand Lodge of the Philippines! Long Live Philippine Masonry!

1st Flag-Raising Rites of Masonic Year 2021-2022

no. 452.

GLP has 19 New Masonic Lodges by end of 2021

NINETEEN (19) new Masonic Lodges have been constituted in the first half of the current Masonic Year, end of December 2021, twelve (12) of which were within the first five (5) weeks of the Administration of Most Worshipful (MW) Rolen C. Paulino, Grand Master of Masons in the Republic of the Philippines.

According to MW Paulino, “the constitution of new Masonic Lodges despite the current Pandemic manifests the resiliency of the craft and the firm resolve of the brethren to help make good men better through Masonry.”

In the afternoon of May 10, 2021, Santiago City Masonic Lodge no. 457 was constituted following the constitution of MW Leon Angel P. Bañez Masonic Lodge no. 458 earlier in the morning.

The next day on May 11, 2021, Commonwealth Masonic Lodge no. 460 was constituted, while on May 12, two (2) Masonic Lodges had their

respective turn, namely, Katarungan Masonic Lodge no. 450 and Cavite La Progresus Masonic Lodge no. 467.

Green City Masonic Lodge no. 459 was constituted on May 17, 2021 while May 18 was the constitution day of the MW Jolly R. Bugarin Masonic Lodge no. 468, followed by Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Masonic Lodge no. 469 on May 21, with both Morong Masonic Lodge no. 455 and WB Gil Fernando Masonic Lodge no. 454 being constituted on May 25, 2021.

May 26, 2021 was the constitution day of Filipinas Bondoc Masonic Lodge no. 465 with Ang Bagong Bayan Masonic Lodge no. 463 rounding up the month’s Lodge constitutions on May 29. The constitution of Valenzuela City Masonic Lodge no. 466 was on June 7 followed by South Palawan Masonic Lodge no. 464 on June 8, 2021.

Five (5) Masonic lodges had their constitution in the month of July, namely, Allium Cepa Masonic Lodge no. 453 and Master Builder Masonic Lodge no. 461, both on July 5, Francisco Isabelo Ortega Masonic Lodge no. 452 on July 8, and both Masaraga Masonic Lodge no. 462 and Carmona Sorteo Masonic Lodge no. 451 on July 19, 2021.

Save for a couple or two, the constitution of the 19 new Masonic lodges were all accomplished at the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in Ermita, Manila. (WB Victorio Lenin G. Vizcocho IV, PM)

MW

IN VIEW OF THE VARIANTS

In the current time, the surge of COVID-19 cases has been observed to rise in numbers despite its evident decrease since the instigation of vaccinations against COVID-19. Alongside the recent increase of reported cases, a new variant of COVID-19 has been publicized and disseminated within the public. However, this is not the first variant of the original COVID-19 virus but is only a strain of several other variants. As time passes by, inevitably, the discovery of new strains of this virus may still be reported worldwide and the existence of these variants raises a question: How does these variants affect the already existing pandemic?

Different variants have emerged in England, Brazil, California and other areas. More infectious variants such as beta, which first appeared in South Africa, may have increased ability to re-infect people who have recovered from earlier versions of the coronavirus, and also be somewhat resistant to some of the coronavirus vaccines in development. As the virus continues to exist in the different parts of the globe, the change in its genes causes the mutation. All RNA viruses mutate over time however, geographic separation is one of the chief factors in the mutation that may result to genetically distinct variants. This phenomenon also explains the significance of vaccines, due to the fact that such viruses do not remain stagnant. With this in mind, it is indeed possible that we are able to encounter more variants of the corona virus as long as the virus spreads through the population, it is very much likely that the mutation will continue to happen and currently

ALPHA VARIANT

• Also known as the strain B.1.1.7, this variant was first detected in November of 2020 from a sample taken in September in the United Kingdom, and began to spread quickly by mid-December, around the same time as infections surged. During the surge of the said variant, the Imperial College of London investigated over a million people in England and discovered a wide range of further symptoms linked to Covid. "Chills, loss of appetite, headache and muscle aches" were most common in infected people, as well as classic symptoms.

BETA VARIANT

• Also known as the strain B.1.351, this variant was first detected in a province of South Africa in October 2020. The Beta variant was observed to contain several mutations that would help them to bind more easily to human cells. In addition, this variant also has the E484K mutation which appears to help the virus partially evade antibodies. The symptoms of this variant do not differ from the existing symptoms of the other variants although such is believed to be more transmissible

existing variants will not cease to evolve. The following are the existing variants of the COVID-19 virus:

as compared to the other variants. However, it does not equate to a more severe disease.

GAMMA VARIANT

• Also known as the strain P.1, this variant was first detected in January of 2021 by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) of Japan from four people who had arrived in Tokyo after visiting Amazonas, Brazil, four days prior to the discovery of the said variant. Previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 appears to provide less protection against reinfection with the Gamma variant than other strains. However, the Gamma variant is less resistant to antibody responses from previous illness or vaccination than the Beta variant.

DELTA VARIANT

• Also known as the strain B.1.617.2, this variant was first documented in India. The Delta variant is 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant. Therefore, it spreads easier than the earlier strains of the virus and is responsible for more cases and deaths worldwide. Vaccines appear to be less effective against the Delta variant than the Alpha strain, but they are still highly effective at preventing disease after two doses.

OMICRON VARIANT

• Also known as the strain B.1.1.529, this variant, on the 26th of November in the year 2021, was declared as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization. It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta. There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those of other variants. Initial reported infections were among university students—younger individuals who tend to have more mild disease.

According to Dr. Robert Cyril Bollinger, Jr., Professor of Medicine at John Hopkins University, some of these mutations may enable the coronavirus to spread faster from person to person, and more infections can result in more people getting very sick or dying, therefore, this poses more danger to the public. This serves as a call for the masses to continuously abide by the guidelines set by the World Health Organization as well as the local government agencies to keep one’s self from acquiring such virus. As with all viruses, SARS- COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will continue to evolve as long as it continues to spread, the only thing left for the public to do is to create measures that would stop the spread of the virus.

Guidelines in Masonic District Turnover and Uniform Code of By-Laws

UNIFORM PROCEDURE IN THE DISTRICT TURNOVER CEREMONIES

In order to establish uniformity of practice in this Grand Jurisdiction, guidelines and procedures were issued and promulgated in PGM MW Alan L. Purisima's Manual for Grand Line Officers, M.Y. 2014-2015 in the turnover of the District by the retiring District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) to his successor. The guidelines and procedures provide that the venue of the turnover is the place or hall or Masonic Temple where the District Council regularly holds its meetings. Notwithstanding the issuance of the district turn-over guidelines, Masonic Districts still hold masonic turn-over ceremonies in hotels, restaurants or other commercial places, thereby making lodges in the Districts or the incoming DDGM incur additional expenses for food and venue.

That is why MW Tomas G. Rentoy, III, PGM decreed the following amendments to the current law governing the venue and manner of holding Masonic District Turn-Over Ceremonies by issuing Edict 274.

1. Venue and Date of Turnover

Masonic District Turnover ceremonies shall henceforth be held during any of the stated

meetings of lodges under the jurisdiction of the newly installed DDGM in May of each year as provided in the District By-laws. The choice of the lodge where the turn-over ceremonies is to take place shall be at the discretion of the newly installed DDGM.

2. Attendances

The following must be in attendance: a. The newly installed DDGM b. All newly appointed DGLs c. All Masters of Lodges comprising the District

d. The outgoing DDGM and all outgoing District Officers.

The Grand Master or any elective Grand Lodge Officer may be invited to attend the event to witness the proceedings.

3. Opening of the Lodge and Reception of Dignitaries:

a. The Lodge will open on the 3rd Degree of Masonry;

b. At the opening of the Lodge, the retiring District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) together with the District Officers without wearing the appropriate jewels shall already be seated inside the Lodge; c. As soon as the lodge is opened, the newly installed District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) and new District Grand Lecturers (DGLs) and Grand Lodge Inspectors (GLIs) shall be received;

d. After the reception of dignitaries, the Lodge will conduct its regular order of business;

e. The first item in the Other Matters shall be the District turnover ceremonies;

f. The newly installed DDGM shall then proceed to install the GLI of the lodge;

g. The Lodge then proceeds to discuss other matters of the lodge, if any;

h. The Lodge then proceeds to close;

4. Physical and Sitting Arrangements/ Preparations;

a. The outgoing DDGM will occupy the seat to the immediate left of the Worshipful Master in the East while the newly installed DDGM shall occupy the seat to the immediate right of the Worshipful Master in the East;

b. DGLs and GLIs of the retiring DDGM shall occupy the South East side of the Lodge while the DGLs and GLIs of the newly installed DDGM shall occupy the North East side of the Lodge;

c. All other brethren in attendance shall occupy the rest of the seats in the lodge.

5. Turn-over Ceremony:

a. At the appointed hour, the presiding Worshipful Master shall turnover the gavel to the new DDGM to preside over the Turn-over ceremonies.

DDGM: (Rises) ''MW GM, (if present) dignitaries seated in the East, brethren.

This Lodge of Master Masons is convened also for the Turnover of District No. by our outgoing DDGM,

VW . We have invited MW GM to witness these proceedings.

''Before we proceed, may I request WB to lead us in prayer. ''

''Please rise ''.

WB: (deliver opening prayer) ''AMEN'' (Compose short prayer and include for uniformity)

All: ''So Mote it be''

DDGM: ''Thank you WB . The brethren may be seated.

Let the Turnover Ceremonies now proceed'' (sits down).

Outgoing DDGM (Rises and faces the new DDGM carrying the Records) says: ''

''VW (new DDGM) I now turnover to you the Gavel of Authority (hands over gavel) that you may now govern our District. I also turnover to you the complete records of the District as listed in this Receipt that I hand to you and which I request you to sign to signify your receipt of District records listed herein ''.

DDGM: ''I accept the Gavel of Authority and the District records listed in this Receipt which I now sign to complete the ceremony of Turnover.'' (retiring DDGM sits and DDGM delivers his message)

DDGM proceeds to install the GLI of the Lodge.

DDGM: ,,With the completion of the turnover and before I declare the turnover ceremonies to be closed, let us now hear the message of the MW GM (or GL elected officer, as the case may be)."

GM: (or GL Elected Officer delivers his message)

DDGM: 'I now declare these proceedings to be duly closed.''

b. District Records: The Outgoing DDGM shall bring with him the following:

1. Minutes of all District Council Meetings held during the year.

2. Copies of correspondence, memos, or circulars issued, if any.

3. Other pertinent records of the District.

4. Monthly financial reports, if any, of the District.

5. Book of Accounts, if any, of the District.

6. Bank books if any showing the remaining

funds of the District.

7. Any other property of the District (banners, trophies, etc.)

Item Nos. 1 to 3 shall be prepared by the outgoing District Secretary while Item Nos. 4 to 7 shall be prepared by the outgoing District Treasurer.

The outgoing District Secretary shall prepare two (2) copies of a consolidated list of the above-stated District records which shall serve as the items to be turned over by the outgoing DDGM to the new DDGM and when signed by the new DDGM, shall serve as a receipt of the items received, together with the actual records received by him. Each DDGM shall have a copy of the Signed Receipt.

However, fellowship after the Masonic District Turn-over ceremonies can be held in hotels, restaurants and other commercial or private places or at the designated fellowship areas of the Grand Lodge or Subordinate lodges subject to the requirements and conditions for the use thereof;

6. Organization of the District

The Election, Appointments and Installation of other District Officers shall take place during the next scheduled District meeting after the turnover.

Immediately after the turnover ceremonies, the District shall proceed to organize by electing the other officers of the District in accordance with the District By-Laws, after which the DDGM shall proceed to fill up by appointment all the other appointive officers of the District.

Immediately after the District Treasurer and District Secretary are elected, the DDGM turns over to each officer, the District Records pertinent to each officer, as received by the DDGM during the Turnover Ceremonies.

Installation of District Officers, by DDGM

The DDGM calls the elected and appointed District officers to the front, and installs them, as follows:

“You will say I, pronounce, your name in full,

having been elected appointed as (state your position) of Masonic District No. ___, do hereby solemnly promise and vow that I will, to the best of my ability, perform the duties of the office to which I have been elected/appointed. So help me God. Amen.”

7. Closing of Turnover Ceremonies

DDGM: “With the organization of the District having been completed with the election and appointment and installation of the other District Officers, and before I declare the turnover ceremonies to be closed, let us now hear the message of the MW GM (or GL elected officer, as the case may be).”

GM: (or GL Elected Officer delivers his message)

DDGM: “I now declare these proceedings to be duly closed.”

Note : Fellowship, if any, follows.

Masonic District Uniform Code of By-Laws

In order to strengthen the implementation of Circular No.2, Series of 1986, by MW Reynold S. Fajardo. MW John L. Choa, PGM issued Edict No. 127 providing for guidelines and procedure relative to the organization of Masonic Districts in the Jurisdiction as follows:

1. Adoption of Uniform Code of By-Law

To update Grand Lodge records, all Districts, thru its DDGM, shall submit to grand Lodge a copy of their approved Uniforms Code of By-Law within 15 days from receipt of this Executive Order. Districts who have not adopted their Uniform Code of By-Laws are hereby directed to do so within ONE Month from receipt of this Edict No.127 and to submit a copy thereof to the Grand Lodge within 15 days from the date of adoption.

2. Turnover to Incoming DDGM & Election of Districts Officers

At the regular District Council meeting (as

THE FAMILY

GRAND MASTER Rolen C. Paulino as a devout family man has always advocated close family ties. He maintains that how one regards his family is a preview of how one regards the Fraternity, and “the whole human species, which as Masons, we regard as one big family.” The Family of MW Paulino: (Left to Right) Bro. Robert Reginald “RR” C. Paulino and Spouse Sis. Mary Ann, Olongapo City Mayor Bro. Rolen “Lenj” C. Paulino, Jr., City Councilor Cristabelle “Tata” C. Paulino, MW Rolen, Sis. Cynthia, Crizzabelle “Zaza” P. Peña ln-laws Bro. Juan Gabriel Peña and Sis. Danica Idanan-Paulino, and Bro. Francis Rollen C. Paulino.

provided for in the District By-Law) in the month of May the retiring DDGM and all outgoing District officers shall attend this District Meeting where arid when the retiring DDGM shall surrender the gavel of authority to his successor, and all outgoing District Officers shall turnover all District records, correspondence, funds, books of accounts, bank books, etc. to the incoming DDGM who shall issue a written receipt therefore.

3. Election of Other District Officer.

At the same Meeting in May where and when the turnover of authority and all districts records is made, the District shall proceed to select their other officers after which with the new DDGM shall proceed to fill up by appointment all other appointive Officers of the District.

Immediately thereafter, and during the same District meeting, the new DDGM shall turnover to each new District officer all records pertaining to the latter office has received from the outgoing Districts Officers.

4. Selection of Grand Lodge Inspectors.

The DDGM shall submit to Grand Lodge not later than 15 days from the date of his installation the names of all the Grand Lodge Inspector in the District recommended for appointment by the Grand Master for prompt issuance of their commission.

5. Hold-over Status of Incumbent Grand Lodge.

Incumbent Grand Lodge Inspectors must continue to perform their duties as GLIs until properly relieved by their successors as provided for below so that no Lodge at any time may be deprived of the services of a GLI.

6. Proper Relief of Former GLI by new GLI

Stated meeting of the Lodge next following the receipt by the assigned GLI of his commission but which should not beyond the Lodge stated meeting in the month of June. the DDGM or any District Officer delegated by him shall present in open Lodge the new

GLI to both the Master and outgoing GLI in order to introduce the new GLI to both the Master and outgoing GLI in order to introduce the new GLI to the Master and the Lodge, and to inform the retiring GLI that he has now been properly relieved.

7. Record of Proceeding.

At each regular or special of the District, a faithful record of all proceedings proper to be written shall he kept and a copy thereof transmitted to Grand Lodge within 15 days from the approval of such proceedings or minute.

A similar record of the proceedings of the District Convention or assembly, if one is held shall also be kept, and a copy thereof Including any resolutions approved and a copy of any printed program shall be transmitted to grand Lodge within 30 days from the date of the Convention.

8.

Recording of Official Acts of DDGM and DGL.

All official acts, decision and rulings made or dispensations issued by the DDGM or DGL in between meetings of the Districts shall be reported by both these officers to the District Council meeting for purposes of proper recording in the Minutes of the District meeting.

In the Case of dispensation of our Constitution, it shall be the duty of the DDGM to see it that the fees therefore are properly paid to and collected by him.

For purposes of compliance with Art. IV, Sec. 60, par. (f) of our constitution, the DDGM may direct payment of the fee to the District Treasurer who shall issue a receipt therefore and duly transmitted the amounts collected as soon as possible to Grand Lodge together with a brief description of the purpose for which the dispensation was issued for which the fee was charged. For dispensation issued by the DDGM, the applicable fees are those provided for in Article VII, Sec. 1 Pars. (c), (d) and (g) of our Ordinances.

MASON BIKERS

: SONS OF LUZON PILIPINAS

Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas is a brotherhood of Mason bikers and a motorcycle club for Masons residing, working, or born in the island of Luzon. They are Mason motorcycle riders wearing leather vests and patches.

The club started as a motorcycle-riding group comprised of members coming from Luzon Lodge No. 57. The group regularly rode to Tanay, Rizal for breakfast, until seven (7) members riding cruiser type big bikes decided to form a motorcycle group for big bikes only, which can traverse the highways and expressways of Luzon.

These seven (7) Masons dreamt of taking a long ride to nowhere for a number of days just like in the movie Wild Hogs. Since almost all of these seven (7) members were relatively new riders, they needed to strengthen their bond not just as Masons, brothers and friends, but also as riders bonded tightly during motorcycle journeys. They needed to be assured among themselves that when they ride together, they will watch each other’s back and that no brother is left behind. The Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas was inspired by the movie, Sons of Anarchy, except for the fact that the latter was an outlaw motorcycle club. The movie inspired Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas, in terms of loyalty to the club and care for one another.

Thus, on November 29, 2020 in a beach house in Morong, Bataan, the Sons of

Luzon, Pilipinas was founded by seven (7) members of Luzon Lodge No. 57 who among themselves elected their first set of officers namely, VW Marcus Antonius “Tony” T. Andaya, PSGL as President, Bro. Jose “Jun” U. Alvarez as Vice-President, VW Roderick “Odhey” M. Isip, PDGL as Secretary, Bro. Adam “Adam” L. Quiambao” as Treasurer, JW Marco “Guaps” A. Gregorio as Road Captain, Bro. Frederick “Erick” L. Valero as Sgt-at- Arms and Bro. Nicariel “AC” R. Isip as Marshal. They called themselves the “First Seven” of Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas.

On December 20, 2020, the first set of invitees, who likewise ride motorcycle cruisers was patched at the Metropolitan Club, Inc. in Makati City namely, VW Eric “Eric” S. Duclan, JGL from Rio Chico Lodge No. 182, Bro. Amiel “Mhel” de Leon of Perpetual Lodge No. 426 and Bro. Rolando “Rolly” Cristobal of Southwest Lodge No. 283. The very first stated meeting of the group was held on the same day and during that meeting, the members deliberated and approved the proposal to accept brothers, who ride other types of motorcycles such as adventure, sports and scooters, but with at least 400 cc engine displacement to become highway legal.

On February 06, 2021, these 10 members rode to Pilar, Bataan where two (2) other brothers were patched namely, WB Levi Hope “Levi” Basilio of Luzon Lodge No. 57 and VW Freddie “Freddie” V. Lilagan, DGL from Island

Luz Minerva Lodge No. 5. On the same day, Mayor Charlie Pizarro of Pilar Bataan was declared as an Honorary Member for the generous support and hospitality he extended to the group.

Thereafter, Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas started patching interested Masons. Patching ceremonies of seven (7) new members took place in Cavinti, which included Mayor of Cavinti Bro. Milbert “MO” D. Oliveros of Pinagsabitan Lodge No.26; four (4) members including the Grand Master himself, MW Rolen C. Paulino of Lincoln Lodge No. 34 were patched in Subic; nine (9) in Tarlac with VW Gil “Gil” Quiambao, Jr., JGL from Mabini Kalaw Masonic Lodge No. 195 as one of them; fourteen (14) in Subic again with VR Wharton “Wharton” R. Chan, Grand Chaplain from Saigon Lodge No. 188, VW Vicente Lim “Jun” Llave, DDGM from Island Luz Minerva Lodge No. 5 and Bro. Rob-

ert Reginald ‘RR” Paulino of Lincoln Lodge No. 34 among other members patched; twenty three (23) in Bulacan with VW Clint Russell “Clint” Tangeres, DDGM from Montalban Masonic Lodge No. 376 and WM Alex “ Alex” Flores of Batasan Lodge No. 381as part of that biggest batch; thirteen (13) in Calamba which included VW Rufino “Jun” Arias, Jr. of Kagitingan Lodge No. 286, VW Paul “Paul” Santos Estrella, PDDGM from Luzon Lode No. 57, VW Gerard “Gerard” Ceballos, PDDGM from Pinaglabanan Lodge No. 374 and Bro. (PBGen) Orlando “Orly” Yebra, Jr. of Red Mountain Lodge No. 241 in that another quality members group; and five (5) new members including Noble ILL Dennis Cunanan, Potentate from Jose Abad Santos Lodge No. 333 at Arzo Hotel in Manila.

As the group membership quickly increased in numbers, provincial chapters needed to be established. Sons of Luzon, Bulacan headed by its first President Bro. Rex “Rex” Rojas of St. John the Baptist Lodge No. 362 was the very fist club chartered on October 3, 2021; Sons of Luzon, Southern Luzon with WI Nahum “Nahum” Tarroza of Dr. Jose Rizal Calamba Lodge No. 270 as its first President was subsequently chartered on November 7, 2021; and Sons of Luzon, Tarlac under the leadership of its first President VW Rampel “Rampel” de Guzman, PDDGM from Unity Lodge No. 285 was the last to be chartered on De -

cember 9, 2021. Two (2) more chapters are soon to be chartered namely, Sons of Luzon, Pampanga, which will be headed by VW Dindo “Dindo” Feliciano, PDDGM of Jose Abad Santos Lodge No. 333 and Sons of Luzon, BataanZambales to be led by WI Dino “Dino” F. Vigo, III of Meridian Lodge No. 268.

Today, after celebrating ifs first founding anniversary last November 29, 2021 at Arzo Hotel, there are 88 duly-patched members of Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas who believe in the guiding Creed of the club that “Sons is a brotherhood of Mason bikers. Unlike so many groups, Sons is a family with Mason bikers who ride for fun and live by a code of honor, loyalty and respect, the likes of which have not been since the days of knighthood.” Members of Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas are true to their sworn obligations that:

“I will honor, respect and be loyal to Sons; I will take care and watch over my brothers during and every after ride; I will take care of my cuts the way I take care of my bike; and I will honor and respect the patch and the group it represents.”

Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas is a bikers’ brotherhood wearing cuts with no brother left behind. Some members are Grand Line Officers and some are not, but Sons of Luzon, Pilipinas ride as one pack.

Laoag Masonic Lodge ties up with DOH in Covid-19 Info Drive

In an effort to help the local government curb the rising cases of Covid-19 in Laoag, Brethren of the Craft together with the Department of Health team up together to launch a piece of city-wide information dissemination campaign as a preventative measure to battle the virus that has been spreading in the country for more than a year now.

Two months ago, the city of Laoag and the municipality of Pagudpud were placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status by Executive Order No. 145-21 by Ilocos Norte Mayor Marcos Manotoc. Data from the Department of Health shows that as of July 31, Ilocos Norte has recorded a total of 8,155 cases of Covid-19, including 3, 170 active cases, 4,861 recoveries, and 124 deaths. Currently, the city of Laoag has the greatest number of active cases with 1,018.

The information dissemination tarpaulins and donation of 20 Oximeter and 4 Blood Pressure

Devices were held at the Northern Christian College (NCC), a Protestant school owned by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) last September 10, 2021. Dr. Fanny Domingo, head of the DOH, and Brethren from Laoag Masonic Lodge participated in the said event.

The Department of Health emphasized the importance of information dissemination drive in Ilocos Norte and Laoag in particular where cases of COVID-19 are still rising.

Sars-Cov2 Virus also known as COVID-19 deadly contagion has left the world struggling for economic survival, forcing economies to succumbed to global collapse and left people jobless because of preventative measures such as militarist lockdowns and longer community quarantine implementation.

Today, living under the pandemic condition seems to be the ‘new normal’ as the country races to vaccinate the people to prevent further spread of the more transmissible virus known as the ‘Delta Variant.’ Under these circumstances, Brother Masons will continue to do works of Charity amid the Pandemic. We are obliged to help our fellow human beings by doing acts of Charity which is one of the foundations of a true mason.

SCUBA DIVING

If Superman has super power, I consider Scuba Diving as my special power. I can breathe underwater and can swim with the fishes. Of course, I can breathe with the help of Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA). There are so many reasons why I love diving, but to enumerate some:

1) It is the most peaceful place to be. Diving is a great way to get away from all the noise, the traffic and the troubles in the world. As soon as you descend into the waters you hear nothing but your own breathing under water. No talking, no phones ringing, all communication goes via hand signals. When you’re below the surface you completely forget about what’s happening on land, and what keeps you busy. For that hour you are under the water it’s just you and your thoughts.

2) You can swim without restrictions. Snorkeling is a great way to have a glimpse of what’s going on under water. Though not being able to breath underwater requires you to come back to the surface every time to gasp for air. This limits you, as you cannot stay underwater for too long and so you can’t go too deep either. Scuba Diving allows you to move freely underwater and makes you feel you are part of the marine life. Another great thing is that diving is the closest thing to flying. Hardly having to deal with gravity makes you feel like you’re weightless and flying into the blue.

3) The people you meet. Just like Freemasonry, wherever you dive, you will always be in great company. It’s great to hear how other people have experienced that dive and you will often find yourself sharing your stories before and after the dive. Many

friendships have started during fun dive, even marriages originated from meetings like this! You all share the same passion for the ocean and feel bonded with one another. No matter what you do for living, what your car looks like or what kind of friends you have, diving makes you feel connected and equal.

Becoming scuba diver takes me to many places not only in the Philippines but around the world. But the Philippines has the most beautiful places to dive. There’s Coron and Tubbataha in Palawan and Anilao in Mabini, Batangas to name a few. The ocean is a magical place! As soon as you submerge, your eyes will access a whole new dimension filled with marine life and biodiversity overall! Bright coral reefs, flashy invertebrates, curious marine mammals and an unbelievable array of colorful fish. Each dive you take will be totally unique and trust me, there's no greater feeling than seeing a new species for the very first time. Whether you’re looking at some wild dolphins dancing, listening to whales singing or swimming next to sea turtles, diving is something that will always surprise you.

Weightlessness, the wonderful sense of not having any weight. A very common phenomenon for a scuba diver! A scuba diver exploring the ocean can be compared to an astronaut space walking! Being able to control your buoyancy will give you a great comfort which enables you to freely dive and experience a real sense of weightlessness.

I have been diving for almost 15 years already. I took my open water course in Davao by accident. I was on a 5-day business trip but I was able to finished the business schedule for 1 day. Nothing to do, I decided to be a tourist for the rest of my trip and accidentally brought me to Sta Ana Wharf. I saw a dive shop there and I was surprised that the dive instructor was a Danish citizen. He invited me to try scuba diving, and the rest is history.

At present, I am active in teaching scuba diving enthusiasts in Anilao. It is a great way to impart the love and care for ocean and marine lives. It is also a great way to release stress after many days of office work. Brethren, in this 7,700 plus islands surrounded by the sea, I invite you to dive with me. #

Feast of St. John the Baptist MY2019

Let me begin this article by saying S.M.I.B.

The day was June 23rd of 2019, a Sunday. It happened to be a celebration on the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist. An important day for the Masonic Community, considered to be a “Family Day” for all of us. Present, that day, were members of Demolays, Jobs Daughter and the Amaranths. Everyone gathered to partake in celebration and commemoration.

As a petitioner invited to such an occasion, it was my first time to witness such a gathering which

gave me great pride and joy to be a part of. So much so that our batch (The Petitioners) came early to help with preparations. It seemed we were not the only eager petitioners since many others were there as well to lend a hand. Food rations, ice chests and box piles were organized and transported in their respective stations ready to be served to the incoming welcomed guests. It was exhilarating to see enthusiastic men and women devote themselves to serve others, strangers for the time being, nonetheless. Everyone shared a sense of community, willing to contribute and make use of themselves.

I asked myself what it was about the Feast of St. John the Baptist that draws those who belong to these Fraternal Organization to give of themselves while reveling in merriment. It occurred to me that I belonged to a fraternity of men who greatly devotes themselves to a Higher Being, the one and only GOD. Despite the notion that the practice of masonry inside the lodge excludes the discussion of one's religion. Even politics should not even be brought up, for it may stir-up some disagreements amongst ourselves. This confused me somewhat because an organization distancing itself from politics and religion held annual elections and had Patron Saints which are St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. During December, each and every lodge, under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, are required to hold an election for officers which is somehow related to the idea of politicking. These are interesting topics to be further discussed as I pursue my journey as a Mason.

Going back to the family day that occurred on June 23rd of 2019. There was

something special happening behind the scenes. Not so much a flamboyant showmanship but a subtle display of character, much like a soft and gentle yet pleasant whisper of a secret only known to dignified men. It seemed like any other gathering but upon close inspection our DDGM for MDR12-B showcased admirable traits becoming of a true leader. He was VW Ricardo F. Jalipa, Jr., PDDGM. To the unkeen eye, it would seem VW Ric Jalipa simply kept on standing from his table to bring back plates of ice. Perhaps the food servers were very busy that day because of the sheer number of attendees. However, even as a petitioner, it occurred to me that in his company were distinguished men considered to be pillars and builders of man in Masonry. Under the scorching heat of the sun, our leader showed great concern for his peers by the simple gesture of bringing them ice to make them feel comfortable. Still, the way he humbly served his companions without weathering, regardless of his stature, awe inspired me. My friend and I couldn’t sit idly by knowing someone like him humbly serves others. We were trying our best to emulate him with lackluster success due to our shy nature. Moreover, under the heat of the sun, the ice we offered guests just melted away. Not to be encumbered, like clockwork, VW Ric Jalipa was quick on his feet and back again to grab several plates of ice. It tantalized me how steadfast and unwavering he was in his conviction to make others feel comfortable. The manner in which he conducts himself, his treatment of others and his belief in the task needed to be completed are examples we need to instill in us and follow. I remember him calling me at around 10PM, telling me he was checking his email and apologizing that he reverted back late. He just came home from a surgery he performed. Instead of going to sleep or rest, he took time to confirm an email that I sent requesting for dispensation. That really just tops it all.

This story I hope will inspire others to be and act like VW Ricardo F. Jalipa, Jr., PDDGM. A man placed into the seat of authority but instead is on his feet serving and making sure that each and every brethren is served well.

"This story I hope will inspire others to be and act like VW Ricardo F. Jalipa, Jr., PDDGM. A man placed into the seat of authority but instead is on his feet serving and making sure that each and every brethren is served well."

BLOOD LETTING

CA-FORUM Masons draw Second Blood at CHR

Commonwealth Ave, Diliman, QC

A few days before Christmas – Craftsmen Assembled for the Rights of the Universal Man (CA-FORUM), a Masonic group advocating human rights organized a blood-letting drive at SAAC Building, UP Complex between 7AM to 12NN. Held last 12 December 2021 (Sunday) the event aimed to augment the country’s blood supply which suffer severe shortages in the months of December and January of each year.

At the helm of the activity is Kuyang Harold Santiago, one of the founding members who helped in organizing the aforesaid event in line with the Human Rights Week – an annual celebration that falls on the week of December 10 – Human Rights Day. Likewise, the blood donation event was held in loving memory of two departed worthy Brother Masons – VW Adria -

tico “Akok Tan” Tee of Biak-na-Bato Lodge No. 7 and Bro. Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon of Hiram Lodge No.88 who dropped their working tools in September 13 and October 9 respectively. The former a blood-donation proponent thru Dugong Alay, Dugtong Buhay, Inc. (DADBI) and the latter a champion for civil liberties and chairman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Both fell victims to the deadly Corona Virus in 2021.

Co-organized with the CHR thru the Human Rights Education & Promotion Office headed by Atty. Francis Tom F. Temprosa and Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit as their focal commissioner for education and promotion activities; together with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital as the partner medical center; and coordinated by the Dugong Alay Dugtong Buhay, Inc. (DADBI) through its founder Mr. Nap Marilag. Kuyang Akok Tan’s widow Ateng Linda Tee as well as their daughter Adrianne Lindsay also offered much needed guidance and assistance based on their extensive experience in organizing blood-letting events.

Now on its 2nd Year, the DUGONG ALAY ng PUSO: Dugo para sa SANGKATAUHAN continues to enjoy avid support among masons like Bros. Anthony Alonzo (369), Joselito Bulawin (305), Mckentyre Cabrera (188), Eduardo Tiu (341), and yours truly. Brother Sernan Dona-

cao (17) though working abroad sent Ateng Bianca and their son Symone to share their blood. Other Brethren present were: Lorenzo Co (383), Dewey Huang (7), AND Carie Duval Uy (357).

Nilad No. 12, led by fellow CA-FORUM member WM Rodolfo T. Azanza, Jr., brought in more than 30 blood donors to throw the Lodge’s wholehearted support to the noble endeavor.

“Nakapag-comply na ako kay Akok today, mga Kuyang!” Ateng Linda proudly claimed after the extraction. “Ang promise ko kasi kay Dad ay 4x ako magdo-donate ng blood this year. I reserved the fourth time for today’s activity.” Akok Tan’s widow added with fulfillment. Their whole family has become blood-donor advocates.

Bro. Mario Tan’s Country Chicken sponsored 130 food packs for the blood donors and medical staff. He also did the same on the first bloodletting initiative held exactly a year before.

Aside from the venue, CHR itself undertook the registration activities and provided donor kits as well as the essential and now very popular “lugaw with egg” for all attendees. Assorted breads, coffee, and bottled water are also available for everyone. Special shout-out to Ms. Rez M. Ylagan from the CHR who is the overall focal person for the event.

More than one hundred fifty persons registered, a third of whom were uniformed personnel. “We are grateful both to the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for sending donors from their ranks, once again.”

Said Ms. Sylvia Angelique S. Umbac, Advocacy & Campaign Division Chief, recalling the previous blood-letting activity back in December 12, 2020.The five-hour activity yielded a total of 84 bags of the vital fluid which when extracted

into three (3) blood components: Plasma, Platelets, and Whole Blood can extend the lives of an estimated 252 patients.

“The Right to Life has been upheld once again.” Said commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit referring to the 3rd of thirty (30) Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Sana makapag-organize ulit tayo next year.” As she looked forward for a third or even fourth bloodletting activity at CHR.

From the Celestial Lodge on high, Masons believe that both Kuyangs Chito and Akok are smiling down in this hallowed corner of the world called the Commission on Human Rights.

Dugong Bayani, Buhay Para sa Bayan (Dugong Alay, Dugtong Buhay)

The blood letting project of the District of which the lead lodge was Shangri-La Masonic Lodge No.196 with WM Albert Y. Veloso and the brethren, pole-vaulted again in spite of the pandemic and health protocols. This was the day when masonry calls even at your sickbed you would try to get up and answer those calls; the last time our lodge made a cellphone call to VW Adriatico Tan Tee to make sure that the 60th IB of Philippine Army would participate through the leadership of Bro. Col Roland D. Sarmiento of Biak na Bato Masonic Lodge No.7.

The Ika-Apat na Yugto Dugong Bayani Blood Letting Project was participated by the PNP Provincial Command of Davao del Norte, 10th ID of the AFP and different sectors of the government including the Davao Regional Medical Center, and the City Health Office of Tagum City as the lead agency in blood extraction. We were able to produce 121 bags of 500 ml (each) blood given to Davao Regional Medical Center which through their medical director express gratitude to the Grand Master MW Bro Rolen C. Paulino for the great and noble undertaking

of which only a few organizations would dare to accomplish from the fear of the pandemic’s risks.

This noble undertaking was made possible by our District Deputy Grand Master VW Bro. Edgar C. De Guzman who suggested that the bloodletting being one of our Grand Master’s program in this masonic year should not only be done once but regularly to have a steady supply of blood. VW Edgar C. De Guzman was assisted by his DGL VW Bernabe G. Cruz and the rest of the Grand Line Officers. Among the district lodges that were present was Panabo Dalisay Lodge No. 237 through the leadership of WM Jose C. Carumba bringing with him the brethren of Panabo Dalisay Lodge No. 237.

Anent to this activity, was the informal talk of making a charity project in the area of responsibility of 60th IB of Bro Col Roland D. Sarmiento which is the hinterlands of Talaingod and San Fernando, Bukidnon; thus on October 30, 2021, the District went to the area which was just recently discovered by the troops of the 60th IB and the charity project through

the leadership of VW Edgar C. De Guzman, bringing the flagship of the Grand Master MW Bro Rolen C. Paulino, and Davao de Oro Lodge No.443 and WM Joselito C. Caballero and Tagum Lodge No.204, as lead lodges, were able to give more than 600 food packs, including rice, noodles, canned goods, salt and sugar; as the Ata Manobo residents would narrate, this was their first time a group of individuals went to their village giving food directly to them and the first time to taste salt and sugar! A small part of the contribution of the goods was given by Bro Ritchie Mansukhani of Biak-naBato Lodge No.7, no distance was spared in extending masonic relief among nonmasons at a time when the world was dark and everyone was hesitant to give a helping hand.

Remembering Brother Akok:

A Worshipful Master Who Lived His Life to the Fullest

Adriatico Tan Tee more popularly known to his fellow Masons as Brother Akok is a Fellow Traveler. He was Born on June 24, 1970. A businessman by profession and a loving father of 4 children.

He was initiated on November 25, 2008, passed March 10, 2009, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on April 14, 2009.

Brother Akok is the Centennial Worshipful

Master of Biak- na -Bato Lodge no. 7 of Masonic District NCR -B year 2017 and became the District Grand Lecturer of the same district, the year 2019.

A Very Charitable Man

Even before becoming a Mason, Brother Akok was already a philanthropist. Every Christmas, neighbors and even MMDA Personnel would line up at his house to claim gifts. He shares his blessings with everyone.

He is a man of focus. He doesn’t stop until he gets the result that he wants. Brother Akok cares regularly by sending text messages to the brethren and their loving wives, most of the time to remind them what medicine or vitamins they need to take to have a healthier life. He tries his best to greet you via text on your birthday. On special occasions like baptismal, blessings, and weddings he always finds time out of his busy schedule to be there for you.

When any of the family gets hospitalized, he is

there and ready to run errands if you need him. He is a person who insists on his services even before you ask for them. He is dependable and always available.

He has a Cable-Tow as far as the eyes can see. He is everywhere. True to his Masonic Virtue of Charity, he is there to lend a helping hand especially to those who have less in life and the marginalized in our society.

The first thing that comes to mind upon hearing his name is “Blood Letting”. He is at the forefront of one of the Grand Lodge’s Pusong Mason Project whose main purpose is to gather blood donors enough to supply the brethren in need and because there is a great shortage of blood, he was able to find a way to convert the shortage to not just amply supply blood banks but to an overwhelming excess, eradicating the need of it because blood became accessible anytime for free that even non-Masons could avail of.

Our Grand Master MW Rolen Paulino’s Pusong Mason Project greatly supported Brother Akok’s advocacy. Hand in Hand, our Grand Master together with the full force of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines contributed its resources to Brother Akok’s advocacy. It became the Grand Lodge’s largest blood donation drive, accumulating blood bags more than any project in the history of the GLP.

Brother Akok is the GO-TO guy. He is very good in doing the legwork and most of the time he goes out of his way to aid and assist, not just to Brother Masons but to those who are in need. He is a detector. When he feels that something is bothering you, or you have problems that can’t be solved, he will ask you, and right then and their act on it. Sometimes you would wonder, how he did it and when you ask him, he would just smile and say “ok na yan Bro.”

Indeed, he is a “Kuyang” to all his brethren and even non-Masons. Brother Ritesh Mansukhani recalls his encounter and experience with Brother Akok’s down-to-earth character and Brotherly Love: “My Brother, My Family, My Friend...Kuya Akok is an answered prayer in my life. He has filled it up with every support a brother would need Love, Joy, and Protection.

He is a brother who would stand by me until things would be alright and many times by my side to make sure I’m protected. I am truly blessed by the Lord to have so many special moments with him, so much that he even filled up what was missing in my childhood. The time of our life on earth may be uncertain, but the way he touched my life will always be cherished. He has filled up my life beyond words could express. I will close my message with the last words I go to tell him in our last conversation; Bro sobra kita na Miss, parang matagal tayo hindi nka pag usap. Until we meet again in the celestial lodge Kuya Akok.”

Worshipful Master Arman Siongco has further elaborated on Brother Akok’s Altruism: “Akok Tan, short name to say but has a long meaning and cable tow for me as a brother and a secretary, a name that always looks for every brother whenever help is needed, I can testify to his willingness to help others or call him in case of emergency. Nothing compares to him. He performs his duties with excellent performance for every task involving a brother in need to the point of even risking his own life and health to help everyone. We will surely miss him. A Brother to all and an example of unconditional love and care for every humankind.”

The Action Man

Brother Akok is a problem solver; you’ll be surprised how he manages to go around things and produce good results. He is the fast and not the Furious driver. If you are in a hurry, you know whom to call.

A good and upright Person, Brother Akok is a huge loss in Masonry. His dedication to humanitarian aid and assistance serves as an inspiration for the brethren to move forward and be a blessing to others as well. A valuable asset and a worthy brother, dropping his working tools at the young age of 51. He will forever be remembered as the brother who tried to help everyone that he can …. Even the people that he can’t.

He is, without a doubt a man you can count on. Travel lite my brother.

An Online TurnOver for Masonic District NCR-H

On 13 May 2021, the Brethren of Masonic District NCR-H gathered for their District Turnover Ceremony. With them were Brethren throughout the Grand Jurisdiction, as well as family, friends, and guests. Given the prevailing number of COVID-19 cases throughout the National Capital Region and the country and considering the prevailing public health emergency occasioned by the pandemic, they gathered neither in a Masonic Hall nor in any physical venue. Rather, they convened online through the video conferencing platform Zoom with the ceremony livestreamed through the District’s Private Facebook Page.

Composed of six (6) constituent lodges — Muog Lodge No. 89 (Parañaque City), MW Roberto Q. Pagotan Masonic Lodge No. 282 (Las Piñas City), Palanyag Masonic Lodge No. 323 (Parañaque City), Dr. FIlemon C. Aguilar (Las Piñas) Masonic Lodge No. 332 (Las Piñas City), Muntinlupa City Masonic Lodge No. 414 (Muntinlupa City), and Taguig Masonic Lodge No. 431 (Taguig City) — MD NCR-H is the

newest and youngest Masonic District in the National Capital Region, having been created by a reapportioning of MD NCR-G on 06 December 2019 by Edict No. 327 promulgated by MW Agapito S. Suan, Jr.

After a meaningful Opening Prayer offered by the District Chaplain, VR Joel O. Porlares PGC, the participants sang the Philippine National Anthem, recited the Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat, and sang the Grand Lodge Hymn while accompanied by videos prepared for the event. The Dignitaries in attendance were thereafter recognized, namely: MW Rolen C. Paulino, Grand Master of Masons in the Jurisdiction of the Philippines, represented by VW John DV Aquino PDDGM, Senior Grand Lecturer; MW Voltaire T Gazmin PGM, Past Grand Master; VW Jeffrey Alba PDDGM, Junior Grand Lecturer for NCR-4 (composed of Masonic Districts NCR-G and NCR-H); VW Brian N. Co PDDGM, Immediate Past District Deputy Grand Master; VW Teodoro Y. Kalaw IV PSGL CSGL PGO PDDGM, Immediate Past Senior Grand Lecturer; and the Past District Deputy Grand Masters of MD NCR-G.

The incoming District Officers were thereafter introduced:

• VW Kristoffer James E. Purisima, District Deputy Grand Master;

• VW Ronald M. Sotto, VW Luis Ian D. Alaras, VW Buenaventura R. Dela Cruz

Jr., and VW Felvin Lennon R. Mariano, District Grand Lecturers;

• WI Hyram Azis L. Dansal (Muog Lodge No. 89), WI Danilo A. Domingo (MW Roberto Q Pagotan Masonic Lodge No. 282), WI Giuseppe S. Cabellon (Palanyag Masonic Lodge No. 323), WI Yahya B. Yusup (Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar (Las Piñas) Masonic Lodge No. 332), WI Norman N. Cruz (Muntinlupa City Masonic Lodge No. 414), and WI Christian D Fernando (Taguig Masonic Lodge No. 431), Grand Lodge Inspectors;

• VW Edgardo C. Espiritu PDGL, District Treasurer; VW Arnel F. Pilapil PJGL, District Secretary; VW Ricardo Z. Lumbre Jr. PDGL, District Auditor; and VR Joel O. Porlares PGC, District Chaplain; and

• VW Ronnie C. Del Birut PDGL, Chair, Relief, Charity & Philanthropy Committee; WB Edwin L. Dimatatac PM, Chair, Health & Wellness Committee; Bro Carmelo M. Mendoza, Chair, Ways & Means Committee; VW Noel F. Yumul PDGL, Chair, Ceremonies & Commemorations Committee; WB Kristoffer Don M. Cruz PGLI, Chair, District Convention Preparation Committee; WB Noriel S. Javier PM, Chair, Lodge of Remembrance Preparation Committee; VW Sim M. Cañonero PDDGM, Chair, Awards & Recognition Committee; and Bro Enrique Antonio B. Reyes, Chair, Social Media Committee. The members of the District Temple of Har-

mony, Masonic Education Committee, Works & Rituals Committee, and Council of Past District Deputy Grand Masters were likewise introduced.

The District Turnover Ceremony thereafter ensued as VW Brian Co turned-over the Gavel of Authority and the District Records to his successor. VW Toby Purisima, the District Deputy Grand Master of MD NCR-H for Masonic Year 6021-6022, accepted the Gavel of Authority and the District Records. In his Valedictory Message, VW Brian Co reported the accomplishments of the Masonic District and thanked the Brethren of MD NCR-H for assisting him during his 17-month term of office.

In his Inaugural Message, VW Toby Purisima expressed his most sincere and genuine gratitude to MW Rolen Paulino for entrusting him the leadership of the Masonic District. “I am honored and privileged to lead during challenging times. Heeding your call, Most Worshipful Sir, the 435-strong Craftsmen of Masonic District NCR-H pledge our support to you and your vision! You can always count on the Heart of Pusong Mason!” VW Toby Purisima stated.

“We thought 2020, when our terms of office ought to have commenced, would give us perfect vision — the heralded 20/20 perfect vision. But in hindsight, through which all perspectives appear to be beyond reproach, 2020 may have nonetheless given us the perfectly ideal vision

we long for as it taught us to have faith genuinely, hope dearly, and love truly,” VW Toby Purisima relayed to the assembly.

Explaining why an online activity was held instead of the usual in-person festivities, VW Toby Purisima stated, “We would have wanted to hold an in-person District Turnover Ceremony so we may renew brotherly ties and the bonds of fellowship. However, we want to stop the spread. Let the spread stop with us. Thus we decided, for the safety of everyone, to hold our District Turnover Ceremony online. We are here to show that it can be done. That while we cannot gather in person, we do not lose our brotherhood and fraternal ties. We will most definitely gather and celebrate our brotherhood and have our much-anticipated fellowship under better and safer circumstances.

“The public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic afforded us the opportunity to employ our working tools to better ourselves — We chipped away the superfluities of life to focus on what matters most and we shaped and smoothed our individual ashlars to improve ourselves in our daily lives. During the most dreadful moments of the pandemic, we may have been transported back to the moment in our lives as craftsmen when we felt most destitute. It is during the moments when we thought that we had nothing to give that we discover the true meaning of giving. In concrete terms, as we care for the safety of those who are

most dear to us, let us start from within. Within ourselves. Within our lodges. Within our District,” VW Toby Purisima added.

Focusing on the theme “Harmony, Health & Hope: Building from Within & Preparing for Better Days”, VW Toby Purisima emphasized the importance of rebuilding our Health, our Homes, and our Horizon as a Masonic District. “We should realize our situatedness — that your incumbent District Officers were chosen to shepherd our District amid a public health emergency. As such, we must act in accordance with the dictates of the times. We shall focus on what matters. We shall look within ourselves, our lodges, and our young District to determine what we need to further grow and sustain ourselves that we may, in turn, contribute to the greater superstructure of our Craft,” he underscored.

Under his term, MD NCR-H aims to implement Kalinga Ng Pusong Mason and, in particular, a vaccination campaign to benefit the Brethren, their families, loved ones, households, and colleagues. “Likewise, as we restrict our Masonic activities due to the prevailing pandemic, let us optimize this opportunity to reflect and introspect. As part of my belief in data-driven Freemasonry, a survey will be launched in our District to see where we are as Craftsmen and where we think we should go.”

In his Keynote Message read by VW John

Aquino, MW Rolen Paulino congratulated the Officers and Brethren of MD NCR-H and emphasized his plans and programs for the ensuing Masonic Year, particularly the conduct of blood-letting activities in the entire Grand Jurisdiction. In particular, the Grand Master emphasized his call for a Clear Vision of Masonic Harmony — a vision that encourages us “to have peace and love in our hearts and minds” that we may “invite peace and harmony in our friendship and fellowship”. Truly, our strong and lasting brotherly love and affection “transcend all religious, cultural, social, educational, and economic differences”. We love regardless because the heart maketh a Mason.

Expounding on Pusong Mason, the iconic symbol of the Grand Master, “the heart is the center and the source of all virtues”. “It is where the goodness of man is held” and it is “where the core ideals of Freemasonry are found”. “We should all be men for others, always willing to lend a helping hand. When we have shown ourselves to be men for others, we have shown the world the basic tenets of Brotherly Love, Charity, and Truth.”

In closing, the Brethren of MD NCR-H presented to the Grand Master a token representing a lasting commitment to further deepen the Masonic District’s already-robust commitment to Masonic Harmony.

The Commitment to Harmony reads:

COMMITMENT TO HARMONY

We, the Brethren of Masonic District NCR-H, under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, do hereby affirm our commitment to MOST WORSHIPFUL ROLEN C PAULINO, GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN THE PHILIPPINES, and his advocacy to promote and preserve a CLEAR VISION OF MASONIC HARMONY.

“Harmony has always been and will always be the Beauty and Strength of Freemasonry”

- MW Rolen Paulino

We dedicate ourselves as Freemasons to live our lives emulating the Tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth whithersoever we may be dispersed, ever remembering to always instill harmony with humanity, most especially our Brothers, always keeping in mind the sublime teaching that harmony is the strength and support of all societies. We bind ourselves to faithfully perform our obligations as Freemasons without deviation or evasion. We solemnly assure our assistance and cooperation to the Grand Master in all respects as we strive to be better men and Masons in thoughts, words, and deeds.

In commemorating this solemn pledge, we, the Grand Lodge Officers for Masonic District NCR-H, the District Officers, and the Worshipful Masters of its constituent Lodges, hereby affix our signatures and inscribe the names of the Brethren of our Masonic District as we undertake that which we have hereunto promised.

SIGNED this 13th day of May 6021 Anno Lucis, on the occasion of the Turnover Cer-

emony of Masonic District NCR-H, at the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, City of Manila, Philippines.

The Brethren also presented the Grand Master a Masonic portrait painted by Bro John Paul R. Vallega of Muog Lodge No. 89. Because of the online arrangements, representatives from MD NCR-H presented the tokens to the Grand Master at the Grand Lodge of the Philippines a day before the District Turnover Ceremony.

To end the meaningful activity, an online kwentuhan and fellowship followed thereafter.

INAUGURAL REMARKS

Masonic District NCR-H Turnover Ceremony

It is very opportune that our Masonic District, the youngest in the National Capital Region, should be designated with the letter “H”. Certain terms and attributes of Masonic significance begin with the letter H:

First of all, the consequential figures in our Masonic life, Hiram — none of us would ever forget them;

Then, to name but a few, there are the words: Happiness Heart Health Home Honor Hope Humility

And, of course, Harmony.

Thus, it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you all to Masonic District NCR-H, the Heart of NCR — the Home of Pusong Mason.

We thought 2020, when our terms of office ought to have commenced, would give us perfect vision — the heralded 20/20 perfect vision.

But in hindsight, through which all perspectives appear to be beyond reproach, 2020 may have nonetheless given us the perfectly ideal vision we long for as it taught us to have faith genuinely, hope dearly, and love truly.

We would have wanted to hold an in-person District Turnover Ceremony so we may renew brotherly ties and the bonds of fellowship.

However, we want to stop the spread. Let the spread stop with us. Thus we decided, for the safety of everyone, to hold our District Turnover Ceremony online. We are here to show that it can be done. That while we cannot gather in person, we do not lose our brotherhood and fraternal ties. We will most definitely gather and celebrate our brotherhood and have our muchanticipated fellowship under better and safer circumstances.

The public health emergency occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic afforded us the opportunity to employ our working tools to better ourselves — We chipped away the superfluities of life to focus on what matters most and we shaped and smoothed our individual ashlars to improve ourselves in our daily lives.

During the most dreadful moments of the pandemic, we may have been transported back to the moment in our lives as craftsmen when we felt most destitute. It is during the moments when we thought that we had nothing to give that we discover the true meaning of giving.

As we give beyond ourselves, let us remember that we are all Masonic Temples. This is simultaneously aspirational, inspirational, and actual: aspirational, as to envision our objective; inspirational, as to guide us in achieving our goals; and actual, as to dictate how we should live our lives daily.

In concrete terms, as we care for the safety of

those who are most dear to us, let us start from within. Within ourselves. Within our lodges. Within our District.

We should realize our situatedness — that your incumbent District Officers were chosen to shepherd our District amid a public health emergency. As such, we must act in accordance with the dictates of the times. We shall focus on what matters. We shall look within ourselves, our lodges, and our young District to determine what we need to further grow and sustain ourselves that we may, in turn, contribute to the greater superstructure of our Craft.

This is exemplified and embodied in our District’s motto and trust: Harmony, Health & Hope: Building From Within & Preparing For Better Days

We will rebuild our Health We will rebuild our Homes We will rebuild our Horizon

And as we rebuild our Masonic Horizon, we have a Clear Vision of Masonic Harmony — a vision that encourages us “to have peace and love in our hearts and minds” that we may “invite peace and harmony in our friendship and fellowship”. Truly, our strong and lasting brotherly love and affection “transcend all religious, cultural, social, educational, and economic differences”. We love regardless because the heart maketh a Mason.

Ganyang po ang ibig sabihin ng Pusong Mason. Expounding on the iconic symbol of our Most Worshipful Grand Master, “the heart is the center and the source of all virtues”. “It is where the goodness of man is held” and it is “where the core ideals of Freemasonry are found”. “We should all be men for others, always willing to lend a helping hand. When we have shown ourselves to be men for others, we have shown the world the basic tenets of Brotherly Love, Charity, and Truth.”

I express my most sincere and genuine gratitude to our Most Worshipful Grand Master for entrusting to me the leadership of our Masonic District. I am honored and privileged to lead during challenging times. Heeding your call, Most Worshipful Sir, the 435-strong Craftsmen of Masonic District NCR-H pledge our support to you and your vision! You can always count on the Heart of Pusong Mason!

In the coming months, we will implement Kalinga Ng Pusong Mason — a vaccination campaign, a blood donation program, and an educational assistance project. Likewise, as we restrict our Masonic activities due to the prevailing pandemic, let us optimize this opportunity to reflect and introspect. As part of my belief in data-driven Freemasonry, a survey will be launched in our District to see where we are as Craftsmen and where we think we should go.

As I end my remarks, allow me to present a gift to our Grand Master. Tokens are usually pre-

sented after the keynote speech. However, what we will present is not simply a mere token but a lasting commitment to further deepen our already-robust commitment to Masonic Harmony. May we therefore present our District’s deliberate and purposeful Commitment to Harmony, which reads:

COMMITMENT TO HARMONY

We, the Brethren of Masonic District NCR-H, under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, do hereby affirm our commitment to MOST WORSHIPFUL ROLEN C PAULINO, GRAND MASTER OF MASONS

IN THE PHILIPPINES, and his advocacy to promote and preserve a CLEAR VISION OF MASONIC HARMONY.

We dedicate ourselves as Freemasons to live our lives emulating the Tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth whithersoever we may be dispersed, ever remembering to always instill harmony with humanity, most especially our Brothers, always keeping in mind the sublime teaching that harmony is the strength and support of all societies. We bind ourselves to faithfully perform our obligations as Freemasons without deviation or evasion. We solemnly assure our assistance and cooperation to the Grand Master in all respects as we strive to be better men and Masons in thoughts, words, and deeds.

In commemorating this solemn pledge, we, the Grand Lodge Officers for Masonic District NCR-H, the District Officers, and the Worshipful Masters of its constituent Lodges, hereby affix our signatures and inscribe the names of the Brethren of our Masonic District as we undertake that which we have hereunto promised.

SIGNED this 13th day of May 6021 Anno Lucis, on the occasion of the Turnover Ceremony of Masonic District NCR-H, at the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, City of Manila, Philippines.

Our Commitment to Harmony is accompanied by the Roll of NCR-H Brethren, 435-strong and well committed to promote and preserve a Clear Vision of Masonic Harmony.

In view of our online arrangements, representatives from our District presented our Commitment to Harmony and the Roll of NCR-H Brethren to our Grand Master at the Grand Lodge yesterday.

Thank you, everyone, for attending. You have honored us by your presence.

Todo bigay tayo sa Masonerya!

Masonic District NCR-H

BEGINNING

YOU HAVE JUST BEEN RAISED as a Master Mason. Now what? What comes next after attaining the highest degree in Craft Masonry? Some say that you have already completed your Masonic travel. Nothing can be further from the truth. In fact, your journey has just begun.

This section, should it become a regular column in future issues of the Cable Tow, will attempt to help Masons navigate through the different avenues of Masonry beyond the third degree. Some choose the path of administrative service – going through the chairs occupying the different positions of office. Some choose to labor among the brethren from the floor by actively participating in lodge programs and activities, whether fund-raisers or medical missions – contributing whatever they can, be it their time, their money, or their expertise. Many unfailingly attend meetings, fellowships, and extra gatherings. All of these typify the standard lifestyle of an ordinary Mason. Is this, however, all that Masonry is – attending meetings, doing charity works, and pursuing ranks and lodge positions?

We all know that Masonry, fundamentally, is about “making good men better” through the observance of its lessons. These include practicing its principal tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth, and its cardinal virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice. It includes applying the moral, ethical, and speculative significances of its working tools such as time management, self-control, discernment, tolerance, and upright living. It includes seeking further light or knowledge by learning the liberal arts and sciences, along with faithfully upholding the obligations we took for the benefit of our brethren, our families, and ourselves. These obligations include keeping confidential the workings of Masonry; answering its call to service; helping and protecting brothers in times of distress; extending such protection to include the women in our lives (wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters); and being personally accountable for our own actions and decisions, including their consequences. These, in a nutshell, are what Craft Masonry is empirically all about. Yet what of the other aspects of Masonic life – those mechanisms that complement, supplement, and help us accomplish all of the above?

Beyond the Lodge

Masonry is useful to all men. It has everything of value to everyone, of whatever interest or inclinations. For instance, it can offer an opportunity for study to those interested in its lessons and histories. It can be a convenient venue for exhibiting and contributing one’s talent in writing, for those so inclined; or in oratorical showcases, for those who have such God-given skills. Masonry can also be a place of noble of useful recreation, where a traveller may travel and where a philanthropist may exercise charity. It can be a place of fellowship and, at the same time, a place of solace. It all depends on the Mason to find in Masonry what his heart beckons him to seek.

Some have sought to further their interests in Masonry by congregating into subgroups that focus on such interests. Here in the Philippines, we have several pursuits and specialized organizations within the Masonic fraternity dedicated to their own purposes. Some may be devoted to helping fellow Masons in need, while others to promoting Masonic learning. The Shriners, for instance, are actively involved in diverse medical and charity projects, while the Order of the Secret Monitor instills a deeper and more intense bond of brotherly love among its members.

Here is a short guide to the other Masonic bodies beyond the Craft that you may consider participating in order to further enrich your Masonic experience:

If you wish to learn more about the tradition and allegories related to the Temple story of the Blue Lodge, and are interested in chivalric pursuits, join the appendant bodies of the York Rite. If you wish to delve deeper into the eso-

teric components of Masonic philosophy, join the appendant bodies of the Scottish Rite. If you wish to give back to society through philanthropy and likewise engage in fun-filled activities, join the Shriners. If you wish to be of service to your brethren by helping them find the assistances they require, whether personal, medical, financial, or in times of emergencies, join the service and networking clubs like Aidand-Assist Master Masons or Square-and-Compass We-Connect. If you wish to involve your family in Masonic endeavors, you and your wife may together join organizations like the Order of the Eastern Star or the Order of Amaranth, or you may encourage your kids to join Masonicsupported youth groups like DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow for Girls. If you wish to become a lodge officer one day, you should take the mandatory classes of the Institute of Masonic Education and Studies. These are just some of the post-lodge undertakings you may consider after being raised a Master Mason.

There are other clubs that exist for almost every Masonic niche. There are some for lawyers, for the police, for medical practitioners, for academicians, and even for motorcycle riders. It is really up to the Mason to discover his Masonic calling or where his skills and professional experience could best be utilized for the benefit of his brethren, the community, and himself.

Self-Righteousness

Though there are many different “styles” or “Masonic personalities,” they do not necessarily make a Mason better than the other. He who claims to have consistently been attending stated meetings every month, for instance, cannot use such claim to imply that he is better than

he who asserts to have instead helped a lot of brothers in his profession, and vice versa. Every Mason has his own unique little way of serving and practicing Masonry that we all should respect.

However, self-righteous “holier-than-thou” attitudes seem a disease with which many Masons are afflicted. They seem to believe that their ways alone are the only true paths to Masonic progress and that others are merely distracted by superfluous activities. For instance, some of those who have taken additional degrees in the appendant bodies may look down upon their brethren who have not yet done so, developing a sort of superiority complex over them. Similarly, those whom they have looked down upon, yet are active in lodge conferrals, may criticize them who have joined appendant bodies yet not as proficient as they are in Blue Lodge ritual works, even challenging them to try delivering full degree lectures from memory, as if a deficiency in such does not entitle them to seek further light. Those who have devoted their time, money, and effort to building a strong administrative foundation for their lodges may criticize those who, instead of doing so, have seemingly lost themselves reading so many books on Masonic history, philosophy, and symbolism – perhaps labelling such brethren as lazy nerds who cannot put into practice what they claim to learn through study. These are all perspectives that arise when Masons only recognize their own worth, and fail to see the advantages of synergizing each of their unique and individual diversities together.

Diversity

Every Mason is different. Each has his own Masonic calling, talent, and interest. There are those who prefer expressing brotherly love through fellowships and joyful gatherings, and there are those who prefer exercising the tenet of relief by doing charity works. Those gifted with leadership qualities and managerial skills could perfectly serve in the oriental chair , while those with clerical experiences could better fill secretarial positions. Those who like to read about history and Masonic traditions may be best suited in research and writing instead of fund-raising activities. By the same token, those belonging to the upper financial class could bet-

ter serve charity events than engaging in heavy Masonic scholarship.

The key is finding your place in the fraternity – where you are needed and where you can best contribute. If you believe that you still lack leadership skills, do not aspire Masonic positions. You do not have to. Some believe that becoming a Worshipful Master is a goal each Mason must one day seek. Fact is – we all can’t sit in the East. To force ourselves where we do not belong is detrimental to the health of the lodge. If your aptitude is secretarial, become a secretary instead. If your talent is organizing, serve in committees. If your interest is Masonic education, pursue mentoring, teaching, or lecturing. If you are young and still have good memory and retention, take part in degree conferrals. We all have our place and our own individual roles to play – helping each other and offering our strengths to compensate other’s weaknesses.

Diversity, therefore, should make us strong as a fraternity, as we learn to complement one another with each of our own differences. Whereas other people quarrel amongst themselves over their differences and try to impose their own views as the only correct ones, we Masons, on the other hand, should be able to use each other’s differences to our advantage. One Mason’s weakness, perhaps in terms of Masonic knowledge, can be compensated by another Mason’s expertise on the subject. When another Mason is financially short, there are others who can take his place in according charity to the community. Our differences are our strength. We can’t all be Masonic scholars, or else we might neglect other aspects of Masonic undertakings, such as lodge management and politics for instance. We can’t all be too preoccupied with too many Masonic activities as well, or else we might neglect and lose time for our respective jobs and families.

In short, we cannot all serve and practice Masonry the same way at the same time, or else we cannot take advantage of each of our individual strengths to compensate each of our inherent weaknesses. But together, with each of our differences, we stand strong. Together, we nullify our weaknesses. Together, we learn from each other’s wisdom and expertise. What one lacks,

the other possesses. What one needs, the other can provide.

on the other hand, simply cannot be acquired by merely going through the chairs or by bestowing fancy awards.

Arrogance and Ignorance

Often, especially on social media, you would encounter interactions between Masons belonging to different obedience and jurisdictions. Often too, you would see them carelessly displaying their Masonic ignorance – one that is due precisely to their lack of reading or further travels – whether to lodges outside the country, or to other Masonic bodies and orders. I admit, I was once one of them.

Perhaps, instead of trying to reason that our own views and practices alone are correct, we should instead allow ourselves to live our Masonic lives in our own ways, and allow others to do the same. Live and let live. Others want to drink and be merry during fellowships? Fine. Let them. I bet they are the ones who can easily do the job of organizing a successful fund-raising activity, and still manage to have fun while doing it. Others want to climb the “Masonic ladder” and sit in all the chairs? Fine. Let them. I bet they are the ones who are better versed in lodge politics and jurisprudence, and therefore better suited to manage our affairs.

Find, therefore, your best place in Masonry, for it is the only way to best utilize your labors and better serve the fraternity, while at the same time learning to improve yourself in the process. The key word here is “improve” – to improve your character and your skills, not to create new traits that weren’t there to begin with.

That having said, let us also avoid rewarding our brethren whom we deem “deserving” by bestowing upon them positions they are not prepared to undertake, or capable of maintaining, or even interested in accepting. If you give a ball to a cripple, he probably won’t play with it.

By the same token, if you give a book to an athlete, he probably won’t read it. It is important to give the right reward and the right responsibility to the right person. Do not just elect someone in office because you think he is worthy or deserving. That is not enough. He should likewise be well qualified or possess the right traits. Unlike skills that can be learned, traits,

I had already been a Master Mason for over a year and was already fairly confident of my proficiency in the Craft, until somebody – a non-Mason – asked me to identify two photos if they were Masonic or not. Unfamiliar with the photos, I told him, quite assertively, that they were not Masonic. The first picture showed a creepy looking table with a skull on top, along with other images of death such as the scythe. The second picture, just as creepy, showed a group of unidentified men in a darkened room, wearing unfamiliar regalia and seated around what appeared to be a large cross-shaped table with candles on top. The disturbing pictures did

not look anything that I had ever come across in all my experiences as a Mason that time. Imagine my embarrassment when I realized, later on, that they were in fact Masonic after all. The first was something called a Chamber of Reflection – an initiation component that exists in some European Masonic jurisdictions. It was something I never could have known then as I never travelled to foreign lodges or other

Masonic jurisdictions, and thought that all Masonic practices were the same everywhere. Apparently, I was wrong. The second picture was that of the Scottish Rite Feast of the Paschal Lamb, which, again, I never knew at the time, as I limited myself to the activities of the Blue Lodge, the District, and the Grand Lodge only – thinking that all I needed to know about the Masonic world were already contained therein. Again, I was wrong.

That mistake and presumptuous arrogance on my part humbled me and made me acknowledge my own Masonic ignorance, prompting me to want to learn more Masonry outside my Blue Lodge. I then began studying and reading about the practices of other jurisdictions – their rituals, their customs, and their traditions. I also joined the appendant bodies and progressive orders – carefully learned their degrees and histories – all in order to rid myself of Masonic ignorance.

Sadly, there are still many Masons who do not have a clue as to who Albert Pike was, for instance, or what the lessons of the Masonic degrees were, or the differences between regular and irregular forms of Masonry. There are even more Masons out there with a wrong or inaccurate understanding of Masonry. Some still believe that we were historically descended from the Knights Templar; or that Jesus Christ was a Freemason, or that our rituals are universal and immutable since time immemorial. I also remember one local brother challenging someone from another jurisdiction with the question: “What’s the name (and age) of your mother (or grandmother)?” Unable to answer, the latter was immediately branded a fake Mason or pretender by the former who did not know that it was an unfamiliar challenge question elsewhere, much less that it was not an actual Masonic mode of recognition to begin with. In fact, in the US and Canada, those in the habit of asking that particular challenge question often belong to irregular and unrecognized lodges. And then we also have those fanatical and overly zealous Masons in the Philippines who seem to believe that they have the right, the authority, not to mention the audacity to legally demand from motorists the immediate removal of Masonic decals from their vehicles; or to confiscate “Masonic rings” directly from the fingers of those whom they

have identified or “caught” to be non-Masons. These blatant, even public, displays of Masonic ignorance and arrogance by extremist Masons are rabid and should, by all means, be prevented from being proliferated to the next generation of Masons. By curing Masonic ignorance, the different paths to Masonic progress become more discernable and less misconstrued.

Blue Lodge First

Indeed, the next step in your Masonic life is laden with numerous paths to choose from, and it is important to take caution so as not to lose yourself to the wrong company and to the wrong practices. Above all else, it is important to remember that the most imperative responsibility as a Mason is still your commitment and continued service to the Masonic body that made you a Mason to begin with – your Blue Lodge. Do attend to its monthly meetings whenever able. Participate in its programs and activities. Support its officers, even by becoming one yourself when called upon. Render to it the promises you made when you took your Masonic obligations. Those obligations are your perfect roadmap in knowing the subsequent duties you are required to fulfill as a Mason. Everything else you do thereafter is entirely up to you. Choose wisely and be not a slave to arrogance and ignorance. Subdue your passions and improve yourself in Masonry.

THE SEVEN GREAT QUALITIES OF MAN AND FREEMASONRY

During my early years in Freemasonry, I have heard from the brethren the remark allegedly made by the late Brother Ading Fernando, a well-known Comedian and a movie Director during his time, who said “it is easy to become a Mason but it is hard to be a true Mason”. On another occasion, I heard the remark that says: “if a Mason will follow all the lessons taught in Freemasonry, he will be more than a saint”.

These remarks are meaningful which, to my mind, are related to and jibed with the lecture of the first degree of Freemasonry, a part of which states that “by the Perfect Ashlar, of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors and the blessings of God; ……”. This, of course, is easier said than done; but the most serious concern here is the possibility of man attaining perfection.

To some, perhaps, it is a metaphor and therefore should not be taken literally, notwithstanding the passage in the Christian scripture (Matthew 5:48) in which Jesus said “but you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect”. In like manner, Buddhism teaches that “such perfection is the highest goal which a person must attain before gaining his salvation”. Though I am not an erudite Freemason, I, nevertheless, would like to give my personal insight on this matter in light of the wisdom shared by Occultism and Esotericism.

By definition, Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols. My perception is Freemasonry goes beyond morality. It is about spirituality. Lest we

forget, man by nature is a spiritual being “made in God’s image”. The rituals, gestures, virtuous lessons in Freemasonry are geared towards its ultimate aim to unfold the spiritual and true nature of man in order to become a Perfect Ashlar. Robert Crosbie, in his book entitled “Universal Theosophy” said “the true nature is not far away; it is right within us – within our hearts”. Hinduism believes that “To know thyself is to know God” which is synonymous to the Christian teaching which says “Behold the kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:21).

Freemasonry laid the basic foundations to reach this goal through virtuous education, endeavors, and prayers. Virtuous education implies the diligent study and understanding of the Holy Scriptures päri pässu the religious teachings of Freemasonry. Hence the saying “knowledge is power”, a Freemason can use this power in understanding and realizing the nature of man and the Universal Laws and to act accordingly so that he will never go astray similar to the principle of the “point within a circle”.

The knowledge attained is necessary for the spiritual growth; it can be used for understanding and accepting the corporeal experience, good or evil, that comes to life. The endeavors mentioned herein definitely refer to the will to do good for the love of God and benefit of mankind. In so doing, Freemason, must first improve his character and consequently develop his positive qualities which will guide him to his spiritual quest.

There is a saying that the character of man will lead him to his destiny. Likewise, Sufi mysticism believes that if “you sow a character, you will reap a destiny”. This explains why character-building is a major concern of Freemasonry. By faithfully and conscientiously discharging the Masonic duties and fulfilling the important trusts and obligations of Freemasonry, a Freemason, without doubt, shall be able to improve himself.

These duties and obligations are summed up in the three (3) degrees and other ceremonials of Freemasonry. The philosophies, principles, admonitions and lessons contained therein (albeit some are allegoricals) are enormous, comprehensive and encompassing which practically cover the ideas of and obligations to the Deity, universe and humanity. Blessed is the Brother

"THAT STATE OF PERFECTION AT WHICH WE HOPE TO ARRIVE"

Mason who can comprehend and apply the Masonic teachings to his day-to-day activities.

The question will arise, what particular character of man must be developed? According to the Occultists, man has seven (7) great characteristics or positive qualities (sometimes called rays or temperaments) but only one is predominant, the manifestation of which can be readily known through his current tendencies, actions, interests or position in life.

However, there is a possibility that the prevailing or active quality of man may, at the same time, blend with his other qualities which are likewise manifesting. It is emphasized that what is presented here are the positive or great characteristics/qualities, which are inherent in man, and not their antithesis (e.g. Positive– love its antithesis–hate; Positive-knowledge its antithesis–ignorance).

The unmanifested characteristics are either undeveloped or unharnessed. With developed qualities, man shall be capable of gaining vast knowledge and fruitful experience; and will be able to understand Nature and life better, how to deal with them in accordance with the Divine Plan of the Great Architect of the Universe; thus, enhancing and quickening his personal and spiritual growth. The negative (antithesis) qualities of man, on the other hand, are temporary, unreal, and can be changed permanently. Put simply, they are illusions. They occur due to (1) man’s ignorance of his true self and (2) the influence of the material world which in itself is impermanent and to which man is attached.

Geoffrey Hodson, in his book entitled “The Seven Human Temperaments” shows samples of the positive qualities of each ray with corresponding type, and summarized as follows:

Ray 1 – Power, strength, leadership, will, courage, self-reliance, determination, independence (Type: Ruler, Leader)

Ray 2 – Wisdom, intuition, generosity, love, insight, philanthropy, spiritual sympathy, compassion (Type: Teacher, Reformer, Philanthropist, Healer, Humanitarian)

Ray 3 – Creative ideation, comprehension, understanding, penetrative and interpretative mental power, adaptability, tact, dignity, impartiality (Type: Philosopher, Organizer, Diplomat, Strategist)

Ray 4 – Beauty, harmony, balance, stability, rhythm (Type: Artist, Mediator, Interpreter)

Ray 5 – Knowledge, analytical and logical mind, ac-

curacy, patience, truth (Type: Scientist, Alchemist, Mathematician)

Ray 6 – One pointedness, ardour, enthusiasm, devotion, adoration, loyalty, sympathy for the suffering of others (Type: Saint, Martyr, Devotee, Server, Loyal friend)

Ray 7 – Ordered activity, skill, dignity, grace, precision, chivalry, careful attention to detail and method, splendour (Type: Ceremonialist, Ritualist, Knight)

Going over the seven (7) great qualities of man vis-à-vis the motive or purpose of Freemasonry, it would appear that Freemasons are being molded into the state of spirituality wherein their seven (7) inherent positive qualities are being harnessed by way of the lessons, virtues and practices learned and obtained from the Masonic Fraternity. For better appreciation, let us cite some Masonic usages and practices in relation to these qualities in consideration. From the above illustration, Freemasons fall under Ray 7, being Ceremonialists, Ritualists and particular to “orderliness” (e.g. before taking the OB, the SW would say, “WM, the cdt is in ord”).

By strict adherence to the tenets of the Craft, it is hoped that Freemasons will become aware of their three (3) qualities, i.e. Ray 2 (Brotherly love), Ray 6 (Relief) and Ray 5 (Truth). Patience is a virtue corresponding to Ray 5, which we are admonished to “await a time with patience”. We are reminded that “harmony is as essential for the strength and beauty of our noble brotherhood….”; and we often hear similar and familiar phrases such as “peace and harmony prevailing” and “harmony being the strength…….”.

Harmony corresponds to Ray 4. There are three (3) principal officers of the Lodge representing the three (3) great pillars of Masonry which are likewise the attributes of the Great Architect of the Universe, and which we are taught to adapt, viz. Wisdom, Strength and Beauty corresponding to Ray 2, Ray 1 and Ray 4, respectively. In the ritual of the 2nd degree, we are encouraged to study the seven (7) liberal arts and sciences which, like the other Masonic lessons, we must understand and comprehend (Ray 3).

Moreover, the three (3) principal rounds (Faith, Hope and Charity) and the four (4) cardinal virtues (Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice) which we are taught to practice similarly correspond to the various qualities. It was men-

tioned earlier that it is possible for a man to have one or more qualities with one (1) quality prevailing. A sample of this man is General and Bro. George Washington who depicted his predominant quality of a strong leader (Ray 1), together with sub-qualities such as that of a ritualist (Ray 7), being an active Mason at that time; of a strategist (Ray 3) and of having an analytical mind (Ray 5), being the Commanding Officer during the war with Britain.

It is not necessary to go over in details the lessons taught in Freemasonry and associate them with said qualities or rays. From the above illustrations, there is no doubt that Freemasonry is paving the way and providing tools and all possible opportunities for Freemasons to attain that quality of life, “state of perfection” in order to fit their minds “as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in heavens”.

In other related studies, the physical body of man consists, among others, endocrine glands that secrete hormones to regulate various bodily functions. These glands, from the point of view of Occultism and Esotericism, have corresponding psychic functions. It is said that deficient or excessive hormones/energies would lead, physically, a certain gland unhealthy and block or reduce, psychically, the flow of positive qualities/ energy therein. Therefore, it is important to have a well-balanced hormone for the glands to function properly, physically and psychically. Yoga and Occultism teach that man has seven (7) centers of vital energy/power (chakras in Sanskrit meaning vortexes/wheels) which are seated on the major endocrine glands.

It is interesting to note that man has seven (7) great qualities as explained above and seven (7) chakras. Septenary seems to be significant. Indeed, seven (7) is a universal number signifying “complete” (e.g. 7 notes in the musical scale, 7 colors in the prism and rainbow, 7 days a week, 7 angels of God, creation completed in 7 days, etc.). For purposes of simplicity, the presentation will be limited to only three (3) major glands or chakras, viz. thyroid (responsible for body metabolism), thymus (associated with immune system) and pancreas (associated with digestive system). Each of the sign of the three (3) degrees of Freemasonry (representing symbolically the “penalty”), is associated with a certain gland, i.e. thyroid (throat) during initiation, thymus (heart)

during passing and solar plexus (navel area) during raising.

Please bear in mind that our ancient brethren did not choose these signs and other Masonic gestures at random; rather, they have specific purposes which are veiled in allegories. Having said that, it is important that we must execute the due guards and signs properly and solemnly; because when we give these signs, we are actually reminded of the obligations we took, and we are, esoterically, becoming aware of the three (3) energies corresponding to various positive qualities (shown below), in the hope that we will, in due time, be able to enhance them.

1. Truth, Service, Artistry, Communication, Expression, Understanding (Throat Chakra)

2. Love, Healing, Compassion, Trust (Heart Chakra)

3. Power, Strong Will, Leadership, Confidence, Charisma (Solar Plexus Chakra)

Aside from character-building and virtuous conduct, there are other practices to make the chakras function to the fullest thereby maintaining hormonal balanced; through meditation, breathing exercises and hand gestures (pranayama/mudras) and yoga postures (asanas). Accordingly, there are corresponding powers, physical as well psychic, that can be attained when these chakras are opened but Freemasonry is interested only in the development of positive qualities in man.

Freemasons should ponder upon this premise and should appreciate and consider what our noble Fraternity is offering to enable us to travel to “that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns”. The stupendous teachings of Freemasonry are exhaustive which rationalize the statement given during the installation of appointed officers of the Lodge, to wit: “There is no other human institution which requires of its votaries a more faithful and conscientious discharge of duties than does the Masonic Fraternity” (underscoring supplied). We are aware that Freemasonry does not offer salvation, but we believe in God and the immortality of the soul. We likewise believe that there will be a time when our souls will stand before Him to be judged on the basis of the deeds we have done while in the body. At this point, it shall be an eternal bliss to hear from Him the words “well done my faithful servant: enter thou into thy joy of thy Lord”.

“May the blessings of Heaven rest upon us”.

Brigada Eskwela Kicks Off Amidst Pandemic

The Coronavirus Pandemic that has crippled the nation’s economy and demobilize the people by stringent lockdowns and imposition of curfew hours in its nationwide implementation practically changed the social landscape and the way of life of the Filipinos. The education sector was also severely affected by COVID-19, forcing schools and universities to adopt a method of learning and teaching that relies heavily on the internet. The advent of “virtual” and “online” classes emerged as the new normal in relation to academic learning process.

Adopting to the new normal means students doing the study and exams on an online platform. As the nation struggles to recuperate from this Pandemic, Brethren of the Craft spearheaded a yearly program called “Brigada Eskwela” aimed at helping the modular approach program of schools by providing

the necessary tools for learning via the internet. Through the initiative of the District Deputy Grand Master Very Worshipful Hossain Vito Cruz Shamsoddin Vostakalaei last June 17, 2021, Brigada Eskwela was formally initiated through MD R3 Nueva Ecija East and Aurora by teaming up with WB Alfred Leonard Domingo and Talavera Masonic Lodge no. 273 in donating materials and equipment to 4 barangay schools in Talavera.

Talavera Mayor Nerivi Santos Martinez was present on the said event to personally witness and assist the distribution of 1 printer, 5 bottles of printer ink and 40 rims of bond paper each for the Basang Hamog, Pantoc Bulac, Tagaytay and Casulucan Este elementary schools to support their module production.

The Brigada Eskwela is an annual initiative of Lodges for public schools with the support of the District. The objectives are to support the public school system through donations, participation in school pre-opening activities and respond to any related requests from the PTA. Another objective of the program is to redirect the charity work of Lodges in support of public education through strategic partnerships with the PTA which is sustainable.

Gat Andres Bonifacio, Hero and Mason

As a yearly Masonic activity, Gen. Artemio Ricarte Lodge No. 322 commemorated at Libingan ng Mga Bayani, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro-Manila on November 30, 2021 the 158th birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio, a mason and “the only other Filipino currently given implied recognition as a national hero.”

“Bro. Andres Bonifacio’s support of the masses and civic and moral duties of the Craft are as predominant in showing our love for country, and practicing the principal tenets of Freemasonry,” remarked VW Crisostomo Gregorio L. Cayabyab, District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) of Masonic District NCR-G.

In the reading of the biography of the Brother Andres, Brother Rodrigo D. Bonifacio of Lodge Perla Del Oriente no. 1034 S.C. and a descendant of the Filipino hero, described him as “hardworking, intelligent, and well-read.”

Guest of Honor & Speaker was Bro. Ricardo B. Jalad, Administrator of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Executive Director of the National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NRRDMC), who was introduced by Worshipful Master Hubert Acierto.

Brother Jalad expounded on the character and sacrifices of Brother Andres that made him worthy of recognition as a hero.

Incumbent Junior Warden VW Danny Espiritu, Past District Deputy Grand Master (PDDGM) delivered the welcome remarks.

A wreath-laying ceremony was conducted with the participation of the brethren of the Lodge and guests. (VW Nathaniel James G. Buno, PDGL)

JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN

RW ARIEL T. CAYANAN IS GLP’S JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN for MY 2021-22

AT FIRST there were thirteen (13) candidates, then seven (7), then five (5), and finally the one – Right Worshipful (RW) Ariel T. Cayanan, the elected Junior Grand Warden of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines for Masonic Year 2021-2022.

“I will not… refuse, Most Worshipful, Sir,” responded RW Cayanan to Grand Master MW Rolen C. Paulino when asked if he accepts the position the brethren have just elected him to that sets him up for a future engagement with the Grand Oriental Chair. MW Paulino installed him soon after his election.

Overcoming the chal lenges posed by the pandemic, the brethren successfully held the Special Communication (SPECOM), called for the purpose of elect ing a Junior Grand Warden after the election was left out of the proceedings of the already yearlong delayed 104th Annual Commu nication, on April 22-23, 2021.

This was made possible by con -

vening the sixty-two (62) Masonic Districts in their respective areas under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), in full compliance of Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, with pre-determined qualified delegates voting virtually along with the physically present participants of the SPECOM at the GLP in Manila.

RW Cayanan, 47, was initiated, passed, and raised by Walana Lodge no. 13, Masonic District NCR-B, Manila on April 9, June 2, and August 24, respectively, all in 1999. In 2016, the brethren of Walana Lodge no. 13 elected him Worshipful Master, and again in 2017 before being appointed District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) of his Masonic District in 2019.

Earning both his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering degrees from the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), RW Cayanan went on to earn his Doctor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Management degrees from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila). He also took up and completed his Master of Science in Teaching Physics degree at De La Salle University.

RW Cayanan shared his passion by teaching and serving as a catalyst in the improvement of the curriculum and medium of instruction of MIT, eventually becoming the Head of the Mapua Computer Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory. Sent to University of Louisville and AMATROL (American Control) in Kentucky, United States of America (USA), he became the first Filipino to

be certified to Install and Operate a Computer Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory and develop Learning Activity Packets. Consequently, he was conferred the rank of Professor VI, at 27 years old the youngest to be honored as such by MIT.

Since February 2017, RW Cayanan has been serving as the Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization of the Department of Agriculture (DA), with supervision and control of regional offices, ensuring full compliance to department policies, rules, and regulations. He is also in charge of DA attached agencies and bureaus.

On top of his DA duties, RW Cayanan is currently National Program Director of both the Rice and Corn Programs (RCP) and Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). He has also served as Approving Authority on the Certificates of Eligibility for Reclassification of Agricultural Lands, Chairperson of the Cold Storage Warehouse Accreditation Certification, and Administrator of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV).

RW Cayanan’s competency and integrity has been well-recognized that when DA Secretary William D. Bar assumed office, he appointed him Over-All Chairman of the DA Crisis Management Team (DA-CMT).

He is also a member of various professional organizations, including the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) where recently he has been promoted to Rear Admiral, a rank equivalent to a two-star general. He has handled the PCGA’s Marine Environmental Protection (MAREP) Programs, was part of the National Advisory Board (NAB) and was Squadron Director of the Subic and Manila Division – Squadron 111 in 2014.

In 2017, RW Cayanan was named one of MIT’s Ten Outstanding Mapuans, earning the award for the Government Sector. In 2018, no less than the Grand Lodge of the Philippines honored him as an awardee for Public Service.

There is more to write about RW Cayanan’s achievements and valuable services in both the private and business sectors, but let’s save that for later.

Going back to his Masonic life, RW Cayanan was a charter member of Katarungan Masonic Lodge no. 450 and Pres. Diosdado Macapagal Masonic Lodge no. 469, and Honorary Member of Island Luz Minerva Masonic Lodge no. 5, Nilad Masonic Lodge no. 13 and Intramuros Masonic no. 69. He is an active member of Mabuhay Shriners of the Philippines, as well as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

Happily married to Sister Pamela, they have been blessed with three (3) children, namely, Arvin, Aj and Ariela Francesca.

His plans and programs for Masonry are aptly summarized by his slogan: “Together Brethren we Survive, Recover, Grow and Heal as One.”

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(About the writer: Bro. Randy B. Escolango, Ph.D., of Zambales Lodge 103 is a lawyer and currently the Deputy Commissioner – Legal Services Group of the Insurance Commission (IC). A member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary with the rank of Rear Admiral, he also writes a column for the national daily newspaper The Manila Times)

GLP is 109 Years Old, Pays Tribute to Departed PGMs

Despite prevailing COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions, the brethren successfully commemorated the 109th Anniversary of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP) on December 17, 2021.

“We have come a long way and we have not wavered in our resolve to foster the tenets of Harmony, Charity and Relief,” Most Worshipful Rolen C. Paulino, Grand Master, remarked in leading the festivities of the important activity.

Six (6) Past Grand Masters attended the celebrations, two (2) physically and four (4) virtually via the internet.

Physically present at the GLP Headquarters in Ermita, Manila was MW Abraham Tolentino (GM 2017), and MW John L. Choa (GM 1990), while MW Pacifico B. Aniag (GM 2008), MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. (GM 2012), MW

Juanito G. Espino (GM 2013, and MW Voltaire T. Gazmin (GM 2016). Also physically present was RW Ariel T. Cayanan, Junior Grand Warden.

As part of the observance of the GLP’s anniversary, a fitting tribute was given to several Past Grand Masters who have already passed, namely, MW Rudyardo V. Bunda (GM 1982), MW Rosendo C. Herrera (GM 1983), MW Oscar V. Bunyi (GM 2000), GM Eugenio S. Labitoria (GM 2002), and MW Jaime Y. Gonzales (GM 2007).

MW Rudyardo V. Bunda

At 48 years old in 1982, MW Rudyardo V. Bunda was the 65th Grand Master of the GLP, but also served as the Grand Treasurer from 1985 to 1990, and again in 2005 to 2017. He was also Grand Secretary from 1991 to 1993.

Born on November 4, 1934 in Noveleta, Cavite, MW Bunda was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Banker, Financier and Church & Civic Leader. He was Initiated, Passed and Raised on June 12, 1965, June 26, 1965 and July 10, 1965, respectively. MW Bunda was Worshipful Master of Bagong-Ilaw masonic Lodge for two (2) years, in 1971 and 1972.

MW Bunda is known to be a loving husband to Sister Celia Bunda, and a caring father to Ephraim and Reuel. Sister Celia was a special guest in the tribute given in honor of her husband.

MW Rosendo C. Herrera

Born on March 1, 1939 in Naic, Cavite, MW Rosendo C. Herrera was the 66th Grand Master of the GLP at 44 years old in 1983. A businessman and Ship Captain, he is recognized as the “most traveled Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines.”

Initiated on Nov. 7, 1970, Passed on Novem-

ber14, 1970 and Raised on November 21, 1970, MW Herrera served as Worshipful Master of Cosmos Lodge in 1977, and again in 1979, Grand Secretary in 1990, and Grand Treasurer in 1995 and 1996.

He was also Grand Master of the Supreme Council of Demolay of the Republic of the Philippines and coroneted, in 1992, a 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of the Philippines.

On May 5, 2021, MW Herrera was bestowed recognition for being a faithful member of the craft for 50 years.

He was a loving husband to Sister Esperanza S. Herrera and caring father to Cynthia, Ramon, Agnes and Antonio.

MW Oscar V. Bunyi

Initiated, Passed and Raised on March 17, 1982, May 19, 1982 and June 16, 1982, respectively, MW Oscar V. Bunyi was Past Master of Saigon and Tayabas Masonic Lodges.

A District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) in 1995, he went on to become the 83rd Grand Master of the GLP at age 53 in year 2000.

MW Bunyi was in the military service but later went into business in the field of pharmaceuticals, putting up his own company in 1978.

Known as a loving husband to Sister Ester O. Bunyi, he was also a caring father to Oliver, Ella Cecilia, Evita, Enrico, Kristian, Oscar Jr., Monina and Eugene.

MW Eugenio S. Labitoria

An awardee as one of the Most Outstanding Master Masons of the Philippines in 2001, MW Eugenio S. Labitoria was the 85th Grand Master of the GLP in 2002 at age 66 in 2002.

A Past Master of Magat Masonic Lodge no. 68, MW Labitoria was Initiated on March 9, 1968, passed on July 6, 1968, and Raised as a Master Mason on February 8, 1969.

He was a Justice of the Court of Appeals (CA) where he retired without a pending case whatsoever on his, a rare feat in the profession. MW Labitoria served the government for 34 years after graduating from the Lyceum of the Philippines for his Associate of Arts Degree, then San Beda College of Law where he earned his Bachelor of Law Degree.

MW Labitoria also served as a Professor of Law at Far Eastern University (FEU) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila from 1995 to 2010.

He was a loving husband to Sister Dra. Juliet Falguera-Labitoria, and only daughter Janet.

MW Jaime Y. Gonzales

MW Jaime Y. Gonzales was 59 years old when he became the 90th Grand Master of the GLP in 2007.

Initiated on February 6, 1980, Passed on February 20, 1980 and raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 7, 1980, MW Gonzales was Worshipful Master of Dapitan Lodge no. 21.

Born on May 5, 1948, he earned a Bachelor of Science, Major in Accounting Degree from De La Salle University, a Masters Degree in Business Administration in the same university, and took a Doctorate Degree Program in Business Administration at Kennedy Western University in Idaho, Ohio.

A banker, he provided well and was a loving Sister Lylwynn Tusalem-Gonzales and caring father to his daughters, Camilla, Katrina, Rea, and Lisa. (VW Victorio V. Vizcocho, Jr., GSc/ TCT-EiC/PJGL/PDGL/PM)