A CENTURY TO REMEMBER
(Speech of MW BANTOLO, GM IGLPI on the 100th Anniversary of Bagong Buhay Lodge on August 11, 2007)
Fraternal Greetings !!!
BAGONG BUHAY Lodge was called the “LODGE OF THE REVOLUTION”, as viewed from historical perspectives according to WB Abelardo P Mojica, of the GLP, a past editor of the Cabletow What could be the reasons to say so?
Perhaps it was because, the leaders of the Lodge were once imprisoned by the Spaniards at Fort Santiago for their membership in the Katipunan
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders were once imprisoned by the Spaniards for their membership in Masonry,
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders fought the Spaniards in the Philippine-Spanish War of Independence
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders fought the Americans in the Philippine American War
Perhaps because its members and leaders, decided that the Lodge secede from the Gran Oriente Espanol and affiliated or joined the American Grand lodge of the Philippine Islands
Perhaps it was because, its members and leaders decided for the Lodge to secede from the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands and form the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands
Perhaps it was because its member and leaders joined the EDSA Revolution to oust a dictator.
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders decided to be free from the dictatorship of its Grand Master and sought refuge in a democratic constitution of a new Grand Lodge.
Truly, the Bagong Buhay Lodge is aptly called a “Lodge of the Revolution”; a revolution from colonizers, a revolution from oppressors, a revolution from invaders, a revolution from tyrants, a revolution from dictators, a revolution from injustice, a revolution from ignorance, a revolution from hunger.
WB Jose Agriosola Mariano Reyes, the Lodge 1st Worshipful Master, was a patriot. He was among those early implicated in the propaganda and revolutionary movement. He was among those twenty seven (27) imprisoned with Dr Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago for being also Masons. He was among those seven (7) who were later released and resumed his Masonic activities.
WB Ladislao Nocon Diwa, a member of Sinukuan Lodge No 272, was one of the founders of Katipunan, and one of the Triangle of Bonifacio-Plata-Diwa. He was imprisoned in Fort Santiago and later released as part of the negotiations of the Pact of the Biac na Bato, He fought against the Spaniards and later against the Americans. He was the first elected Civil Governor of the Province of Cavite
MW Rafael Palma was raised in Bagong Buhay Lodge and became the GLP Grand Master in 1920. A Congressman, a Senator, a President of the University of the Philippines. He was active in the quest for Philippine Independence from the Americans.
The Lodge hosted the Bagum Buhay Elementary School for many decades in its ground floor. Many members had fond memories of their school days. It was the Lodge important contribution to society – that of education.
The Lodge sponsored many FEEDING PROGRAMS for school children among the elementary schools in Cavite City. It was the Lodge humble contribution – the war against hunger and malnutrition.
The Lodge sponsored several medical-dental civic programs to indigent communities in the city. It was the Lodge contribution - the war against sickness.
The Lodge sponsored several out-of-school training programs among the prisoners in the City Jail. It was the Lodge contribution – to uplift the masses in skills training- the war against unemployment.
The Lodge sponsored several seminars on the evils of illegal drugs, It was the Lodge contribution against – the menace of illegal drugs; a scourge of society
The Lodge was originally constituted under the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol as Bagong Buhay Lodge No 291 and was formally inaugurated with its officers officially installed on August 11, 1907. WM Jose A Reyes was the Worshipful Master, Bro Ladislao Diwa was the Senior Warden, Bro Juan N Santos was the Junior Warden, Bro Basilio San Jose was the Treasurer, Bro Hugo Adorable was the Secretary. ILL Timoteo Paez, 33 Degree, the Soberano Gran Commendador of the future Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas A&ASR, installed the officers in its Institution and was one of the officiating officers in its Constitution.
In February, 1917, the Lodge was among those which BROKE away or seceded from the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol; but had to affiliate with the American Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands as the issue of FUSION was not realized.. There was NO merger or fusion as had been promised or promoted. Several other lodges and individual Master Masons reverted back or rejoined the Gran Oriente Espanol, but the Bagong Buhay Lodge 17 remained.
On September 10, 2006, the members in a stated meeting, voted unanimously to BREAK away from the GLP and to join or form a new grand Lodge – the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands The reasons were: to exercise its time immemorial right to form Grand Lodges, the issue of Masonic injustice regarding the suspension of its WM without due process, failure of election reforms resulting to electioneering and the rise of the so-called “Grand Master By Purchase”, inefficient administration, bankruptcy of the Fraternity insurance system and the failure to resolve or sanctioned those involved, dictatorship emanating from its American oriented Constitution among others.
The Lodge continued to grow and strengthened itself despite the damage to its temple by typhoons, the loss of its revenues, or the dwindling of its membership through the years. The Lodge rise resulted from the dedication and commitment of its leaders and members. Today new members are initiated with the full conviction of the strength of its Lodge virtues and the value of Masonry in every ones life.
Looking back and revisiting the past history of Philippine Masonry, we were amazed with the wealth of new discoveries and the contrasting stories which our mentors revealed to us. Among these were:
1. Miguel Morayta founded the Gran Oriente Esoanol on January 9, 1889 with more than 90 Lodges to BREAK away from the newly formed Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana on grounds of fraudulent elections.
2. There are many foreign Grand Lodges, which constituted Lodges or Regional Grand Lodges in the Philippines. Among which were:
a. Gran Oriente Lusitano in 1856
b. Gran Oriente de Espana in 1872
c. Oriente Nacional de Espana in 1887
d. Grande Oriente Nacional de Espana in 1894
e. Gran Oriente Espanol in 1892
f. Grand Orient of France in 1901
g. Grand Lodge of Escosia (Scotland) in 1901
h. Grand Lodge of California in 1901
i. Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction, USA A&ASR in 1911
3. There were many Regional Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge or Supreme Councils that were constituted in the Philippines. Among these were:
a. District Grand Lodge under the Gran Oriente de Espana in March 1,1875 by Rufino Torrejon as Acting Grand President
b. Gran Consejo Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol in
1893
c. Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol in 1907
d. Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands in 1912, which BROKE away from the Grand Lodge of California.
e. Gran Logia del Archipelago de Filipinas in 1919 of the Gran Oriente Espanol.
f. Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland
g. Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas A&ASR in 1924 which BROKE away from the Gran Oriente Espanol
h. Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas under the Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas in 1924
i. Soberana Gran Logia de Archipelago de Filipinas in 1927 as patented by the Gran Oriente Espanol
j. Gran Logia Republica de Filipinas in 1960’s, which BROKE from the Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas.
k. Supreme Council 33 and Last Degree, A&ASR of the Philippines in 1950 which presented a Resolution to be INDEPENDENT from the Southern Jurisdiction 33 and last Degree A&ASR USA
l. United Grand Lodge of the Philippines in July 2006 which BROKE away from the GLPI/GLP
m. Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands in September 10, 2006, which BROKE away from the GLPI/GLP.
The century that passed was indeed a history of evolution and revolution towards a TRUE Philippine Masonry. It also manifest the independent act of Lodges to break away and form new Grand Lodges. It exemplifies the independence and time immemorial right of Lodges to form their own Grand Lodge.
The IGLPI was born to establish a true Philippine based Freemasonry actively influenced by the desire for freedom, democracy, equality; and the tenets of brotherly love, relief, and truth
As your Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 continue its journey after a CENTURY of existence, may the GAOTU continue to bless your leaders and members with a renewed vigor to hurdle the new challenges of the century, to enable you to bring back the TRUE faith in Masonry, and to noble you with the virtues necessary to give you wisdom, strength and holiness to build the better temples in the heart of men.
The IGLPI officers and its 8 Lodges and members greet you once again in the celebration of your century of life in service to GOD, country, people and yourself.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
(Speech of MW BANTOLO, GM IGLPI on the 100th Anniversary of Bagong Buhay Lodge on August 11, 2007)
Fraternal Greetings !!!
BAGONG BUHAY Lodge was called the “LODGE OF THE REVOLUTION”, as viewed from historical perspectives according to WB Abelardo P Mojica, of the GLP, a past editor of the Cabletow What could be the reasons to say so?
Perhaps it was because, the leaders of the Lodge were once imprisoned by the Spaniards at Fort Santiago for their membership in the Katipunan
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders were once imprisoned by the Spaniards for their membership in Masonry,
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders fought the Spaniards in the Philippine-Spanish War of Independence
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders fought the Americans in the Philippine American War
Perhaps because its members and leaders, decided that the Lodge secede from the Gran Oriente Espanol and affiliated or joined the American Grand lodge of the Philippine Islands
Perhaps it was because, its members and leaders decided for the Lodge to secede from the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands and form the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands
Perhaps it was because its member and leaders joined the EDSA Revolution to oust a dictator.
Perhaps it was because its members and leaders decided to be free from the dictatorship of its Grand Master and sought refuge in a democratic constitution of a new Grand Lodge.
Truly, the Bagong Buhay Lodge is aptly called a “Lodge of the Revolution”; a revolution from colonizers, a revolution from oppressors, a revolution from invaders, a revolution from tyrants, a revolution from dictators, a revolution from injustice, a revolution from ignorance, a revolution from hunger.
WB Jose Agriosola Mariano Reyes, the Lodge 1st Worshipful Master, was a patriot. He was among those early implicated in the propaganda and revolutionary movement. He was among those twenty seven (27) imprisoned with Dr Jose Rizal in Fort Santiago for being also Masons. He was among those seven (7) who were later released and resumed his Masonic activities.
WB Ladislao Nocon Diwa, a member of Sinukuan Lodge No 272, was one of the founders of Katipunan, and one of the Triangle of Bonifacio-Plata-Diwa. He was imprisoned in Fort Santiago and later released as part of the negotiations of the Pact of the Biac na Bato, He fought against the Spaniards and later against the Americans. He was the first elected Civil Governor of the Province of Cavite
MW Rafael Palma was raised in Bagong Buhay Lodge and became the GLP Grand Master in 1920. A Congressman, a Senator, a President of the University of the Philippines. He was active in the quest for Philippine Independence from the Americans.
The Lodge hosted the Bagum Buhay Elementary School for many decades in its ground floor. Many members had fond memories of their school days. It was the Lodge important contribution to society – that of education.
The Lodge sponsored many FEEDING PROGRAMS for school children among the elementary schools in Cavite City. It was the Lodge humble contribution – the war against hunger and malnutrition.
The Lodge sponsored several medical-dental civic programs to indigent communities in the city. It was the Lodge contribution - the war against sickness.
The Lodge sponsored several out-of-school training programs among the prisoners in the City Jail. It was the Lodge contribution – to uplift the masses in skills training- the war against unemployment.
The Lodge sponsored several seminars on the evils of illegal drugs, It was the Lodge contribution against – the menace of illegal drugs; a scourge of society
The Lodge was originally constituted under the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol as Bagong Buhay Lodge No 291 and was formally inaugurated with its officers officially installed on August 11, 1907. WM Jose A Reyes was the Worshipful Master, Bro Ladislao Diwa was the Senior Warden, Bro Juan N Santos was the Junior Warden, Bro Basilio San Jose was the Treasurer, Bro Hugo Adorable was the Secretary. ILL Timoteo Paez, 33 Degree, the Soberano Gran Commendador of the future Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas A&ASR, installed the officers in its Institution and was one of the officiating officers in its Constitution.
In February, 1917, the Lodge was among those which BROKE away or seceded from the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol; but had to affiliate with the American Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands as the issue of FUSION was not realized.. There was NO merger or fusion as had been promised or promoted. Several other lodges and individual Master Masons reverted back or rejoined the Gran Oriente Espanol, but the Bagong Buhay Lodge 17 remained.
On September 10, 2006, the members in a stated meeting, voted unanimously to BREAK away from the GLP and to join or form a new grand Lodge – the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands The reasons were: to exercise its time immemorial right to form Grand Lodges, the issue of Masonic injustice regarding the suspension of its WM without due process, failure of election reforms resulting to electioneering and the rise of the so-called “Grand Master By Purchase”, inefficient administration, bankruptcy of the Fraternity insurance system and the failure to resolve or sanctioned those involved, dictatorship emanating from its American oriented Constitution among others.
The Lodge continued to grow and strengthened itself despite the damage to its temple by typhoons, the loss of its revenues, or the dwindling of its membership through the years. The Lodge rise resulted from the dedication and commitment of its leaders and members. Today new members are initiated with the full conviction of the strength of its Lodge virtues and the value of Masonry in every ones life.
Looking back and revisiting the past history of Philippine Masonry, we were amazed with the wealth of new discoveries and the contrasting stories which our mentors revealed to us. Among these were:
1. Miguel Morayta founded the Gran Oriente Esoanol on January 9, 1889 with more than 90 Lodges to BREAK away from the newly formed Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana on grounds of fraudulent elections.
2. There are many foreign Grand Lodges, which constituted Lodges or Regional Grand Lodges in the Philippines. Among which were:
a. Gran Oriente Lusitano in 1856
b. Gran Oriente de Espana in 1872
c. Oriente Nacional de Espana in 1887
d. Grande Oriente Nacional de Espana in 1894
e. Gran Oriente Espanol in 1892
f. Grand Orient of France in 1901
g. Grand Lodge of Escosia (Scotland) in 1901
h. Grand Lodge of California in 1901
i. Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction, USA A&ASR in 1911
3. There were many Regional Grand Lodge or Grand Lodge or Supreme Councils that were constituted in the Philippines. Among these were:
a. District Grand Lodge under the Gran Oriente de Espana in March 1,1875 by Rufino Torrejon as Acting Grand President
b. Gran Consejo Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol in
1893
c. Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Gran Oriente Espanol in 1907
d. Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands in 1912, which BROKE away from the Grand Lodge of California.
e. Gran Logia del Archipelago de Filipinas in 1919 of the Gran Oriente Espanol.
f. Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland
g. Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas A&ASR in 1924 which BROKE away from the Gran Oriente Espanol
h. Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas under the Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas in 1924
i. Soberana Gran Logia de Archipelago de Filipinas in 1927 as patented by the Gran Oriente Espanol
j. Gran Logia Republica de Filipinas in 1960’s, which BROKE from the Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas.
k. Supreme Council 33 and Last Degree, A&ASR of the Philippines in 1950 which presented a Resolution to be INDEPENDENT from the Southern Jurisdiction 33 and last Degree A&ASR USA
l. United Grand Lodge of the Philippines in July 2006 which BROKE away from the GLPI/GLP
m. Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands in September 10, 2006, which BROKE away from the GLPI/GLP.
The century that passed was indeed a history of evolution and revolution towards a TRUE Philippine Masonry. It also manifest the independent act of Lodges to break away and form new Grand Lodges. It exemplifies the independence and time immemorial right of Lodges to form their own Grand Lodge.
The IGLPI was born to establish a true Philippine based Freemasonry actively influenced by the desire for freedom, democracy, equality; and the tenets of brotherly love, relief, and truth
As your Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 continue its journey after a CENTURY of existence, may the GAOTU continue to bless your leaders and members with a renewed vigor to hurdle the new challenges of the century, to enable you to bring back the TRUE faith in Masonry, and to noble you with the virtues necessary to give you wisdom, strength and holiness to build the better temples in the heart of men.
The IGLPI officers and its 8 Lodges and members greet you once again in the celebration of your century of life in service to GOD, country, people and yourself.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
1 comment:
Hello,
I am not a mason, but I really like the posting, Jose Adriosola Reyes is my grandfather and my fathers name is Oscar Adriosola Reyes PM. I personally thank you for posting my relatives and really proud of them.
Thank You,
Raymond Reyes
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