Righteousness Vs Peace

Righteousness is an ideal closely related to religious belief. Usually expressed in modern vocabulary as "the right thing," the meaning stays the same from the root word "right thus" or "right way." In our Freemasonic lesson the synonym would be Justice—"that standard or boundary of right which enables us to render every man his just due, without distinction" and so on and so forth. It is a virtue that can be learned, practiced or ignored. A person can be peaceful but not peace. Peace is a state or condition which is a result of a choice of acceptance or rejection. One can be righteous and be at peace with himself.

Having the disadvantage of not knowing the full text of the quotes, assuming the other word is "being peaceful," and relating the subject to the context of solving Lodge problem, my impression is that we are talking apples and oranges. While both already made their choices, one was not concerned of the effect of the selection while the other does. This is the classic case of knowing where each member and by large the moral of the local or national organization can be ascertained. What is important justice/righteousness or not upturning the apple cart? We have seen this scenario before while everybody is singing kumbaya for a want of peace and/or harmony within the Lodge, no one wanted to pay attention to some voice yelling that the boat is heading toward the water falls. Those who stood up and sided to "that standard or boundary of right…" were branded as not "team players" or more recently "clandestine" as if being "regular" member before upturning the cart made them practiced the "clandestine form" of Freemasonry.

Should one give up "principle" in exchange for "peace and harmony?" This is rhetorical question only individual Mason can answer. An inquiry that could start with digging deeper into our consciousness to discern what Freemasonry teaches us about morals, of mysteries of that which was lost, and of what Temple we are trying to build? Of what we are in search of? My Brother, define your "principle."

F/
RmOlano
York Rite of CA

Not A Dream

Though this humble Brother might have some thoughts in response to a similar inquiry, I ask your indulgence for sidestepping for I would not hazard the notion as I am not certain if it will satisfy the end result of your question. Being away for more than half of my life and cannot even vote, I am but a lost voice of a former son who yearned for the welfare of the people and land I used to call home. So in way of replying and acknowledging your positive reflection that you might harbor to your Brother of the Craft, allow me to quote the last three paragraphs of The Legacy of Freemasons in Philippine History by Rodel J. Ramos.

Not A Dream.


F/
RmOlano

York Rite of CA

IGLPI District No. 1 Convention Held

IGLPI MASONIC DISTRICT NO. 1 DISTRICT CONVENTION HELD
by Bro Jim Bartolo

19Nov2007

IGLPI MOVES ON !!!

The First Annual District Convention of Masonic District No 1, of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), held their Convention last November 18, 2007 at Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 Masonic Temple, Cavite City from 8:00 a.m. and adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

The Registration recorded a delegation of 21 members from the Grand Line Officers, 16 from Cavite Lodge Nr 2, 7 from Pilar Lodge Nr 3, 18 from Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4, 16 from Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge Nr 5, 17 from Bagong Ilaw Lodge Nr 6, 7 from La Naval Lodge Nr 7, 10 from Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 8, and 4 from Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 for a grand total of 116 members.

The District is headed by its District Grand Supervisor – VW Eduardo V. Bayot, the District Secretary – VW Crisostomo B. Mira DGI,; District Treasurer – Bro Ruel S. Saonoy, SW; District Auditor – WM Jaoquin R. Amores III, District Marshall - WB Johnny T. Bernardo PM, District Chaplain – VW Bayani R. Leoncio GC, and Chairman Sports Committee – Bro Magno C. Herradura, SW. The District Grand Lecturers are : VW Ronulfo S. Saonoy, VW Venancio I. Cuvin and VW Petronilo Bulanhagui. The District Grand Inspectors are : VW Wilberto M. Famoso, VW Javier G. del Rosario, VW Crisostomo B. Mira, VW Mario M. Ramirez, VW Ernesto M. Madrozo, VW Amorico M. Alvarez, VW Jose Lido T. Rosit, and VW Mario C. Leopoldo.

Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 just had their Lodge Installation of elected and appointed officers last November 3, 2007 in a well attended affair. The Junior Warden elected was Bro Arnel F. Teodoro , a middle rank Philippine Navy officer. Likewise, Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 also had their Lodge Installation of elected and appointed officers last November 17, 2008 with Honorable Mayor Strike Revilla, Mayor of Bacoor, Cavite as Guest of Honor and Speaker. The Junior Warden elected was Bro Napoleon A. Monsog, a noted CFI Judge. By and large, all Lodges of the District had a new set of good, proficient , dedicated, loyal and committed officers.

The Convention was a true straightforward business like convention. The ceremonies started at 9:30 a.m. with an Invocation by VW Bayani R. Leoncio, a Silent Minute Prayer for the deceased members, singing of the National Anthem, welcome remarks by VW Eduardo V. Bayot, a Roll Call of Lodges, a 2-minute Report of WMs of their Lodge. Plenary Session immediately proceeded by 10:00 a.m. with the DGS calling the Convention to Order. RW Joseph A. Capuyan JGW then presented the Rules of the Proceedings.

The Uniform Code of By-Laws of Constituent Lodges was presented by VW Medardo O. Cambaliza and each Article was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval.. The discussion started by 10:10 a.m. and ended by 11:20 a.m..The Code consisting of 11 pages , 18 Articles , with a total of 56 Sections was moved and seconded for approval as amended.

At 11:25 the Elections and Appointments Code was presented by VW Amorico M. Alvarez AGS and member of the Legislative Council. Again the 12 pages, 13 Articles, total of 47 Sections Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The deliberations ended by 12:30.with a Motion duly seconded to approve the Code as amended. The Body recessed for lunch.

At 13:30 p.m. the Body resuned and called to order. The Judicial Code was presented by RW Manuel L. Carranza Jr SGW and Chairman of the Judicial Committee. Again, each of the 3 Articles, 16 Sections, 12 page Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The discussion ended by 4:40 p.m with the Code being moved and seconded for approval as amended..

At 4:50 p.m. the Administrative Code was presented by RW Joseph A. Capuyan JGW and member of the Legislative Council. Again each of the 41 pages, 3 Parts, 55 Articles, 237 Sections Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The Body recessed at 7:00 p.m. for dinner and resumed by 8:00 p.m. The discussion ended at 8:40 p.m. with the Code being moved and seconded for approval as amended.

Immediately the District By-Laws was presented by VW Eduardo V. Bayot DGS. The 8 pages, 12 Articles, 41 Sections Code was discussed, amended or moved and seconded for approval. The deliberations ended by 9:50 p.m.

Immediately, several Resolutions were presented and discussed, moved and seconded for approval.

The Program for Masonic Education in the forthcoming Second Grand Assembly was presented by VW Venancio I. Cuvin.

Closing Remarks was given by MW Jaime V. Bantolo, Grand Master. He also appointed an Oversight Committee to go over the Codes for final correction and for presentation in the Second Grand Assembly for ratification.

The Convention adjourned by 10:10 p.m. A simple fellowship commenced.

Compared to the past DISCONs where business substantive session is done in an hour, the convention took longer. It was indeed a long day. The brethren patiently stayed, participated fully, exchanged ideas, discussed grammar, looked for a better way to rewrite a sentence, reiterate relevance to the vision and ideals of TRUE MASONRY and DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE. BY and large, it was a very productive Convention.

Congratulations to the Host Lodge- Bagong Ilaw Lodge No 6. Congratulations too to the Host Lodge recommended incoming District Grand Supervisor, VW Aldo G. Olaguer Grand Marshall.

.....

On Recognition

by Bro Jim Bantolo

November 14, 2007

Freemasonry is universal and is a worldwide organization. It is ancient and exist in many parts of the world. Freemasons are organized in the smallest group called a Lodge. Several Lodges are thence organized into a District or Bodies; with Districts further organized into a Provincial Grand Lodge, or a Regional Grand Lodge and the larger organization called. a Grand Lodge or a Grand Orient. Each Grand Lodge is autonomous. In each country, state, province, region or even a big City, you find a Grand Lodge or many Grand Lodges.

So back to the question – “ What makes you a Mason?”, “How do I know you to be a Mason?”,” Where were you made a Mason?”

The IGLPI will await their time with PATIENCE. It will progress and moved-on.

For full article read, On Recognition.

.....

originally posted at West to East yahoogroup. November 14, 2007- Bro Jim Bantolo

Nasaan si John

Aming Kagalang-galang na KaPule,

Ako po ay patawarin kung ang susunod na tanong ay parang malakas na hangin.
Hindi ko lamang natanto kung ang libing ng kabayo ay patungkol,
sa usapang ayon sa inyo ay para bang bumabaho.
Bagamat may tonong-lasing, ang damdamin ay iisa pa rin,
nais po lamang matalakay at mapagusapan, kuro-kuro po tayo ay magpalitan.

Tunay na katawa-tawa kung ang wikang Ingles ay papasa,
Kahit na pango ang ilong, o kaya'y pilipit ang dila,
ang desisyon ng bayan ay lubhang nakapag tataka
Anong klaseng tao ang walang pagpagmamahal sa kanyang kultura,
walang orihinal na pagiisip, tamad at magaling komopya.

Nasaan ang mga katulad ng mga bayaning yumao,
nag alay ng lahat, kayamanan at dugo ngunit hindi po ang prinsipyo?
Nasaan ang kopya ng mga kapatid na ang buhay ay ibinuwis,
Nasaan ang tinig ng mga mamamayan
tunay na humihiyaw sa hapis?
Nasaan ang mga pinuno, ang mga lider na may prinsipyo,
Ano ang nangyari sa mga Mason ngayon?
tanong ng batang Rogel sa kanyang peryodiko.

Nagbulag-bulagan po kami dahil tago na ang buntot,
natakot sa isang bida na gusto po lamang maging sikat na parang haring hambog.
Kaya po yata tatanggapin na ring maging Ingles-espoken si Juan,
baka nga po tumangos ang ilong, maging blonde ang buhok ni John.

mula sa Barangay KaPule yahoogroup.


F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
Grand Lodge of CA (F&AM)

...

Democratic Freemasonry

by Bro Nonoy Carranza
originally written for West to East Forum
04Nov07

The results of the CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS OF MASONS IN NORTH AMERICA should be taken as a welcome development. Although obviously there was a mixed up in the information gathered about the IGLPI and the UGLP, we should appreciate the fact that the conference has somehow addressed our case. In its report, the fact that the IGLPI is not a duly constituted Grand Lodge was the only big issue that stands along the way to recognition. Maybe, given the proper information and the full documentary coverage of our Declaration of Independence and subsequent constitution they will be able to make a better assessment of our present status as a new Grand Lodge.

The IGLPI after one year has survived the ordeals that normally confront new Grand Lodges. We now have eight member lodges which meet regularly and perform its basic functions as blue lodges. The IGLPI has already accomplished its primary goals:
- to establish a truly democratic Freemasonry in this jurisdiction: one that adheres to the basic tenets (BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF & TRUTH) and cardinal virtues of Freemasonry (TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, PRUDENCE & JUSTICE) as well as the basic democratic principles of LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND FRATERNITY;
- empower its member lodges without necessarily rendering the IGLPI powerless.

A truly DEMOCRATIC FREEMASONRY is what the IGLPI is all about. Its basic role is to foster harmony among its member lodges within its jurisdiction and harmony with other Grand Lodge jurisdictions.

The IGLPI Constitution and By-Laws and the implementing Legislative, Judicial and Administrative Codes which provide its basic framework are now in place and just awaiting final ratification. We had exhaustive discussion during the last District Meeting about the Legislative and Administrative Codes and all there is left is the finalization of these drafts and its ratification come November 30 - December 1 during our 2nd IGLPI Grand Assembly.

Standard of Recognition

In mid January 2006, the Grand Lodge of Greece (GLG) installed the officers of Grand Lodge of Cyprus which was formed from six Lodges warranted by GLG. Alluding to the CGMMNA's Standards of Recognition No. 2, "Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction," the new Grand Lodge was found by the Commission as "generally meets the standards of recognition." The issue was that United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has a District Grand Lodge, "has been present in Cyprus since 1888" and does not recognize the "Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction" over its warranted Lodges which apparently did not joined with the new Grand Lodge.

Notwithstanding the identity issue whether its IGLPI or UGLP, the Commission found the recently formed Grand Lodge not meeting the standard while the Grand Lodge of Cyprus does, despite of the glaring violation of their "strictly observed" standard of recognition. Taking the Prince Hall Grand Lodges recognition issue, this Commission finds it agreeable to have two Grand Lodges within a state or country as long as both agree to share the jurisdiction. It is also the opinion of this Commission that a Grand Lodge can be established as "regular" even the there were no sharing agreement with existing Grand Lodge as in the case with Grand Lodge of Cyprus and UGLE.

Likewise, it is the opinion of this confused writer that if it looks, walks and sounds like a duck, it must be a duck. It should not matter whatever is the color of the feather, white, black or brown.

Standard of Recognition.

F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
Grand Lodge of CA (F&AM)

What to Do with GLP Edicts 232

Brothers in Freemasonry,

There are so many tales about meetings and communications between and among Brothers of different Grand Lodge affiliations. There is the true feeling of brotherly love. There were many stories of relief acts , aid and assistance. Sometimes, both smiled after knowing each other's Grand Lodge affiliation. Very few indeed, ever truly invoke the Edicts - to give a wall between Brothers. Hence this article.

Bro Jim Bantolo

WHAT TO DO WITH GLP EDICTS 232s?

At the rate, violations of GLP Edicts 232s are being done, the Edicts LOST its FORCE and EFFECTIVENESS. The reason - - - it is UNJUST, a DOCTRINAL ANOMALY, and UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

So what will GLP do with the VIOLATORs? MORE Edicts 232s !!!

So many Masons here and based abroad, continue to DISREGARD the Edicts of PGM YU despite its affirmation by ANCOM 2007. Masons continue to MEET IGLPI brethrens ON THE LEVEL and vice-versa.

What a beautiful expression of BROTHERLY LOVE and JUSTICE.

On about several occasions, MW Jimmy Gonzales, GM GLP had found opportunities to sit down, talked with IGLPI brethrens; or even sought opportunities for IGLPI members to seek or arrange a PRIVATE meeting with IGLPI members. They did and had talked. These were all reported to the IGLPI hierarchy. IGLPI does not prohibit its members to communicate with other duly made MM of duly constituted lodges so long as they meet on the LEVEL as MASONS should MEET.

Would you like to know what transpired? Or what GM Gonzales intend to do to the IGLPI members and their lodges? after a target date?

KULANG pa ba ang EDICT 232s na parusa? Anymore UNMASONIC CONDUCT? Are we leading to harmony? unity? peace? dialogue? With two or more Grand Lodges existing !

May there be better opportunities with VWB Ben as emissary.

NANDITO lang po kami Kuya MW Gonzales. Maari nyo kaming kausapin kung ang turing po ninyo sa amin ay MASON.

What I felt sad is the “predatory” acts of trying to convince, by any and all means including oppression, intimidation, promise of rewards, promotion, business deals, loss of opportunities/jobs/deals , our members like those among the businessmen, police, soldiers, judiciary, to RETURN kuno back to the GLP, by signing that they did not FREELY or VOLUNTARILY (signed a lodge resolution for the lodge to- is omitted) joined or formed the IGLPI. Thereafter they shall be RESTORED to the GLP. What a process indeed?- to force IGLPI members to tell LIES!!!

But why the singular effort of GM Gonzales, as assisted by PGM Bunda, the Chairman of the Committee on Cavite Affairs, to really win back our members? Thence, to restore them back to membership to the PGM YU supported “phantom clandestine lodges”. What a gross Masonic anomaly ! Bakit? Wala na ba silang members?

We are aware that the “phantom clandestine lodges” are disintegrating. Hence the aggressive effort???

Perhaps, this is related to his speech at the PMAAI Concention in Los Angeles, that there are a thousand letters from IGLPI members who want to return back to GLP??? Which he cannot substantiate!!! Hence the all-out effort!!! Or are there more serious reasons?

The last time MWB Juan Nabong PGM GLP, attended the ANCOM of the Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas, as Guest of Honor, he was immediately CENSURED by the PGMs. He was just seeking to find a window of harmony. What a failed opportunity?

We have FAITH in our members. Continue to be BRAVE. But be watchful as you should always meet masons on the LEVEL, act by the PLUMB and part by the SQUARE.

See you all on our 2nd Grand Assembly where we will ratify our various Codes of our democratic system of governance and lodge empowerment; of our member-friendly and lodge supportive codes; of our respect to the dignity and honor of men; of their rights to justice.

Re: Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America

Dear Brethren,

We are aware of this report from the Conference of Grand Masters in North America. The Report pertains to the formation of the United Grand Lodge of the Philippines last July 8, 2006 in Tacloban, Leyte Philippines where 9 lodges from Leyte and Samar BROKE away for many reasons cited. Elected was MW Ed ward Chua as Grand Master These Lodges nor their members were NOT declared "clandestine" by the GLP.

The Report does NOT refer to the IGLPI.

TRUTH is a principal tenet of Freemasonry. May Brotherly Love prevail.

Please pass to all concerned Filipino Masons withersoever dispersed Thanks.

Bro Jim Bantolo

Lodge of Remembrance

by MW Jimmy Bantolo
posted at West to East yahoogroup
2Nov07

Last October 28, 2007, a Lodge of Remembrance was opened to honor and remember our departed brethren who died in the preceding year, in a solemn ceremony. It was held under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) and executed by the Masonic District Nr 1 under the District Grand Supervisor VW Ed Bayot, PDGL.

Paricipants came from the ranks of WMs, SWs and JWs of the District led by WM Jaoquin R Amores III of Bagong Ilaw Lodge No 6, SW Raul S Saonoy of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge N4 5 and WM Antonio B Nepomuceno of Cavite Lodge No 2. Bagong Ilaw Lodge Nr 6 was the Lodge -in-Charge which prepared, rehearsed, and conducted the ceremonies. The Lodge of Remembrance was opened at Pintong Bato Lodge Nr 9 at Bacoor, Cavite..

The honorees who died in the current and preceding year were: Cavite Lodge Nr 2 - WB Efren C Taduran, PM, WB Petronio Espineli PM; Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 – WB Raul Patricio PM, Bro Ong Yu Hao, Bro Rev Fr Nilo Ramos, Bro Cresencio S Bellaflor, and Bro Bishop Alberto Ramiento ; Enilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge Nr 5 -- Bro Leary Balanay, Bro Mauro P Hebrio, Bro Herman Bay, Bro Gerardo Legaspi, Bro Angel Saqueton; Bagong Ilaw Lodge Nr 6 – Bro Zoilo Ricafrente, Bro Nilo E Ilagan; Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 8 - - VWB Rolly H Sarmiento PDDGM.

This is the second time in the history of the IGLPI that a Lodge of Remembrance was opened. In the past the Lodges of IGLPI were active in honoring the deceased brethren by opening a Lodge of Remembrance under the auspices of the District. The ceremony started at 5:00 pm. A simple dinner followed. Liquor ban was imposed on the eve of Local Barangay elections.The well attended affair was graced by MW Jaime V Bantolo GM, RW Nic Ricafrente DGM, and RW Nonoy Carranza Jr SGW.

MAY OUR DEPARTED BRETHREN REST IN PEACE.

Cavite Lodge No. 2 105th Anniversary

Last October 18, 2007, Cavite Lodge Nr. 2 (IGLPI) celebrated their 105th founding anniversary at their spacious lodge. Their theme was " A Renewed Quest for Truth, Peace and Harmony in Masonry". Their newly installed WM Tony Nepomuceno led the celebration. A thanksgiving mass was celebrated by Rev Fr Rizaldy G Arnaiz. Bro Dwight G Jawid gave a powerpoint presentation of "Cavite Lodge Through the Years". Hon Mayor Bro Bernardo s Paredes, as represented by VW Ric Alvarez AGS, gave an inspirational talk. SW Ariel Jawid introduced the Guest Speaker. Mrs Aurora B Aurellano, President of Quality Transcription Solutions and Training Inc gave a clear picture of the medical transcription industry which is creating jobs for Filipinos and earning dollars for the country.

With more brethren arriving late in the afternmoon and evening, the affair lasted from 2:00 pm to late in the evening. Cavite Lodge was constituted in 1902 under the Grand Lodge of California. Later it joined other 2 Lodges in the Philippines to form the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. Later it was joined by other 27 Filipino based lodges under the Grand Logia Regional de Filipinas of the Grand Oriente Espanol in 1917. On September 10, 2007, it joined the other ancient, very old, and old lodges to form the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) WB Mason Mitchel was its first Worshipful Master. Its current Master is WM Tony Nepomuceno.

By Bro Jaime Bantolo