From 1868 until 1917, there existed Spanish, English, German, Scottish, French, Americans and Filipino Lodges, and that the Philippines was administered by more than one Masonic jurisdiction.
In 1912, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 was recharted and renumbered to Lodge No. 17 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. It was only on February 13, 1917 when Bagong Buhay Lodge was formally constituted and started to be referred as Lodge No. 17 under the unified Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (fusion of the Filipino-dominated Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, and the American-dominated Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, and other small jurisdictions) and became under the direct jurisdiction of American Masons with Bro. Emilio Basa as the Worshipful Master, Bro. Emilio Espinosa, and Bro. Ceferino Lorenzana as the Senior and Junior Warden, respectively.
When the 29 Lodges under the Gran Oriente Espanol, two under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, two under the Grande Oriente de Espana, one under the Grande Oriente Lusitano de Unido, and 11 under the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands were finally united, Bagong Buhay Lodge listed 115 Master Masons as members and after the union, it was originally agreed that a Filipino Grand Master alternates with an American Grand Master in heading the unified Grand Lodge.
In 1918, Manuel L. Quezon became the first Filipino Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, but only next to William H. Taylor, the American Grand Master who became the first Grand Master of the unified Grand Lodge in 1917.
The union of the two Grand Lodges to form the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands came at a price for the Filipino Masons. All the Grand Officers of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines lost their positions; the rituals and ceremonies were abandoned and supplanted by American oriented rituals; the laws and statutes governing members and the Lodges were replaced by the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands; and the Lodges of Filipinos were physically redecorated.
On August 7, 1932, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 successfully hosted the first Masonic District Convention in Cavite Province. Forty two (42) cars and two (2) trucks filled to capacity traveled in procession from Zapote Bridge to Cavite City and disembarked at Padre Pio corner P. Burgos Avenue to march on foot for two (2) kilometers to the Masonic Temple. The parade was led and personally directed the traffic by then City Mayor Ramon Samonte who also became a Governor of Cavite province, a member of Lodge No. 17. The first Chairman of the convention was WB Julian Balmaceda PM Lodge No. 51 and served as the Ceremonial Chaplain was WB Francisco Llamado PM Lodge No.17.
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 has withstood the ravages of two World Wars. Some of its members were hunted and executed by the Japanese Imperial Army. It has savored hours of glory and the agony of misfortune, but always, the Lodge was able to thrive.
The Lodge evolved into a big and dynamic Lodge when in 1989 it had 620 members in good standing. Its membership grew as more petitioners entered its fold in the mid 1980’s. In the 50’s, it attracted members from the medical profession with WB Dr. Jesus Tranquilino as WM in 1956 and Bro. Dr. Cresencio Bellaflor. From the 1960’s it attracted the Chinese community with WB Chin Yin Boo as WM in 1963, WB Wee Dee Chan as WM in 1975, WB Blas Lo Reyes, 1980, and brothers Jimmy, Albert and Danny Chua. It has also attracted members from the government sector with WB Judge Angel Rica. Alvarez WM in 1968 and WB Mayor Julian C. Medina, Jr. WM in 1969. Later on, it attracted members from the Philippine Navy and Philippine National Police with WB Gen. Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. WM in 1991-1992, WB Rejienaldo B. dela Cruz, PNP WM in 1996, WB Amorico M. Alvarez, PNP WM in 1997, WB Commodore Jaime V. Bantolo WM in 1999, WB Commander Edilberto D. Esperat WM in 2000, WB Joel B. Navera PN in 2002, WB Gorgonio V. Necessario, Jr. PN in 2005, WB Rogel C. Syfu PN in 2006, and WB Antonio C. Paulite II PNP in 2007.
The period 1989-1991 was a cloudy period for the Lodge when typhoon Saling in 1989 caused heavy damaged to the Lodge Temple. Almost all its roofs were blown away and its sides were damaged by water. In mid-1990, the Lodge suffered a financial debacle resulting to bankruptcy but the able, patient, resourcefulness and tested leadership of WBs Jaime Ramos, Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. and Armando L. Quion and wholehearted supports of the brethren bore the brunt of rehabilitating the Lodge. The succeeding administrations of WB Jorge de Guzman, Vergel Domingo, Redentor Aranas, Rejienaldo B. dela Cruz and Amorico M. Alvarez progressively brought and restored financial stability to the Lodge.
The 90’s was a glorious grand slam decade for the Lodge. For several years, the Lodge emerged as champion in different sports category and captured the over-all championship in Masonic District No. 10 Sportsfest. Another finest year of sports was in 1999, when the Lodge was the over-all champion in the Masonic District No. 2 Sportsfest. The lodge was the champion in table tennis, bowling, swimming, shootfest, volleyball and basketball. It was 1st runner-up in badminton and softball as well as 2nd runner-up in chess and lawn tennis. At the same time, the Lodge was awarded the” Best in Attendance Award”.
The brethren who brought glory to the Lodge were the following:
· Swimming: the late Bros. Pol Bustillo and Charlie Bautista
· Shooting: Bro. Pol Bustillo, Bro. Gervie Alcid, Bro. Albert Chua, WB Ed Esperat, WB Bec- Bec dela Cruz and Bro. Lyndon Torres
· Basketball and Volleyball: Bro. Rey Juban, Bro. Joselito Briones, Bro. Maylo Hinojales, Bro. Stephen Tuballa, Bro. Ed Hernandez, Bro. Dario Tan, WB Necessario, and WB Esperat
· Softball: same players that comprised the basketball and volleyball team with the addition of Bro. Boy Vanta, Bro. Mike Herradura, WB Bek-Bek dela Cruz, WB Ric Alvarez, the late WB Ric Alfaro, Bro. Sese Montejo, and WB Joel Navera
· Bowling: VWB Paking Expectation, VWB Arman Quion, VWB Vergel Domingo, Bro. Sese Montejo, Bro. Mike Herradura, Bro. Feling Barro, and Bro. Alvin Samonte
· Table Tennis: Bro. Francisco, Bro. Juban, Bro. Briones and Bro. Alcid
· Chess: the late Bro. Charlie Bautista, Bro. Roque Cabalhin, WB Ric Alvarez, WB Joel Navera and Bro. Rafael Mariano
· Badminton: Bro. Juban, Bro. Maylo Hinojales, Bro. Hermie Sorreda and Bro. Bong Briones
Except for 2001, the Lodge held on to the crown at the sportsfest, and with the addition of Bro. Mike Ponsones and Bro. Romel Enriquez, they were champions again in volleyball. Bro. Enriquez also bested the other players in table tennis, emerging as the champion, as also expected, the Lodge softball team win again in the 2005-2006 softball tournament.
The Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 extended their love of sports by participating in Softball Tournaments sponsored by the City Government. Once, again the expertise of the softball team of the Lodge emerged as 3rd runner up in 2002 and 2003, 1st runner in 2004 and the Champion in 2005. Likewise, the master bowler Bro. Mike Herradura also showed his exceptional skills in the field of ten pin bowling emerging several times as the champion when he bested other known players from other subordinate Lodges under Masonic District No. 2.
In 2004, the Lodge eventually had to part with its adopted school – the Bagumbuhay Elementary School which for decades held their classes in the ground floor of the Lodge and had graduated thousands of school children. The ravages of time and termites had deemed it dangerous for the school to continue. Bro. Mayor Bernardo S. Paredes generously put them up in a better, newly constructed school building. Nevertheless, the Lodge maintained its umbilical cord to them when WM Gorgonio V. Necessario, Jr., incumbent Master of the Lodge signed a Memorandum of Agreement in 2005 to make the BAGUMBUHAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL its beneficiary of the ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROJECT of the Local Government Unit and the Department of Education. The Lodge humble contribution to EDUCATION – THE WAR AGAINST ILLITERACY.
The other exemplary and outstanding contributions of the Lodge in partnership with the City Government of Cavite and its inhabitants are also worthy of telling:
FEEDINGS AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS to the indigent family in the community and poor but deserving students of Bagumbuhay, Lorenzo Ruiz, Porta Vaga, Dalahican, Ovidio dela Rosa Elementary Schools and Cavite National High School. These were initiated by WM Jun Necessario, WB Ric Alvarez, WB Bert Esperat, Bro. Bay Aquino, and Bro. Mike Ponsones who also personally helped other students on their own. The Lodge very important contribution to society – that of EDUCATION, and the WAR AGAINST HUNGER and MALNUTRITION
PARTICIPATION IN ALL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES, such as: Alay-Lakad program, Independence Day, Ladislao Diwa Day, Jose Rizal Day, Julian Felipe Day, the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite, and Cavite Mutiny of 1872 celebrations. The Lodge nationalistic contribution to society – that of NATIONALISM and PATRIOTISM
GIFT-GIVING to the indigent family in the community. The Lodge humble contribution to society – that of CHARITY
SEVERAL TRAINING PROGRAMS to out-of-school youth and inmates in the City Jail to uplift the masses in skills training. The Lodge modest contribution to the society – the WAR AGAINST UNEMPLOYMENT
SEVERAL MEDICAL-DENTAL OUTREACHED PROGRAMS to indigent community in the city, The Lodge privilege contribution to society– the WAR AGAINST SICKNESS
PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND MORAL SUPPORT to persons with disabilities in the city. The Lodge essential contribution to society – that of BROTHERLY LOVE and RELIEF and the WAR AGAINST PHYSICAL and MENTAL DISABLITIES
INSTITUTED SEVERAL DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAMS through the conduct of symposiums and seminars. The Lodge imperative contribution to society – the WAR AGAINST THE MENACE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, A SCOURGE OF SOCIETY
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT in the renovation of San Rafael Chapel at Barangay 42C (Pinagbuklod). The Lodge religious contribution to Christianity – that of LOVE AND RESPECT TO THE GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE
Some of the members of Bagong Buhay Lodge No.17 that are dual members who served as Master of other Lodges and successfully led their dual temple, were: WB Frisco L. Fong, Jr. 1997; WB Sotero M. Gan 1998; WB Joseph D. Khongun 2000; WB Dominador M. Lorenzo 2003; WB Ernesto P. Sia 2004 all of Pinatubo Lodge No. 52 and WB Ricardo F. Otero, Jr. at Unity Lodge No. 285 all in Olongapo City. VWB Raulito S. Galgana of Rising Sun Lodge in Japan and WB Johnny Asuncion of Guam. Likewise, the late WB Ricardo “Ding” Alfaro of St. Augustine Lodge No. 300 in Tanza, Cavite and WB Marciano Aquino at Cavite Lodge No. 2.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
RECUERDO DE AYER, The Memories of the Past 90 Years
On August 9, 1997, the 90th Founding Anniversary of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17, four (4) important resolutions were adopted and approved. It was planned, projected, constructed and implemented. The first resolution was the naming of the open space to WB LADISLAO N. DIWA PM CENTENNIAL GROUNDS, in memory of a departed true Mason, Filipino patriot, a prominent propagandist, revolutionary leader, and triumvirate of Andres Bonifacio and Teodoro Plata in the founding of Katipunan during the Philippine revolution against Spain in 1896.
WB Ladislao N. Diwa PM (1918)
The second resolution was the construction of the BAGONG BUHAY LODGE MEMORIAL MARKER dedicated to the dearly departed brethren of the Lodge. Perhaps, the marker was the first and only Masonic Lodge Memorial Marker ever installed in the Province of Cavite, if not in the entire Philippines honoring the departed brethren. There were several memorial markers installed in the country, but the Masonic Lodge Memorial Marker of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M. was the only marker dedicated in honor and memory of a dearly departed brethren who dropped their working tools in the pursuit of the realization of the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
The Message…
This marker is dedicated to the dearly departed brethren of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M. who had dropped their working tools in the pursuit of the realization of the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
This is a fitting recognition of their contribution to the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M. in particular and Masonry in general in the service of society.
Inaugurated this 9th day of August 1997 at WB Ladislao N. Diwa PM Centennial Grounds, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M., Cavite City.
Also worthy of telling, was the third resolution, the collection of old pictures of the Lodge and its members, named and now known as “BAGONG BUHAY LODGE HISTORICAL GALLERY OF THE PAST”. The gallery featured the old Masonic Temple, officers, members, the installations, fellowships, the celebration of the silver jubilee or the 25th years founding anniversary of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 held on September 2, 1932, Masonic district conventions of 1932 and 1948, the dignitaries, guests, and many others.
The last but not the least, the fourth resolution, the construction and naming of the “BAGONG BUHAY LODGE MEMORIAL STAGE”, in honor and memory of my late father, WB Angel Ricafrente Alvarez Past Master (1968), former City Assistant Chief of Police, City Councilor, first elected City Vice Mayor, and a retired Executive Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Branch I, Cavite City. A courageous and honest police officer, a brilliant lawyer, an effective and efficient legislator and adjudicator, champion of the masses, prominent leader, and a true Mason, in heart and in mind (The memorial stage was constructed with the able assistance and support of a friend and "compadre", Bro. Antonio M. Quion III of Cavite Lodge No. 2 (F&AM), former Board Member, 1st District of Cavite, Philippines).
My gratitude to the brethren of Bagong Buhay Lodge, and my special thanks to the “Home Boyz” for their precious time, great efforts and all out support, for without them my worthy endeavors will not be accomplished. I owe you this one, guys.
My humble contribution to Bagong Buhay Lodge.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
WB Ladislao N. Diwa PM (1918)
The second resolution was the construction of the BAGONG BUHAY LODGE MEMORIAL MARKER dedicated to the dearly departed brethren of the Lodge. Perhaps, the marker was the first and only Masonic Lodge Memorial Marker ever installed in the Province of Cavite, if not in the entire Philippines honoring the departed brethren. There were several memorial markers installed in the country, but the Masonic Lodge Memorial Marker of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M. was the only marker dedicated in honor and memory of a dearly departed brethren who dropped their working tools in the pursuit of the realization of the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
The Message…
This marker is dedicated to the dearly departed brethren of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M. who had dropped their working tools in the pursuit of the realization of the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
This is a fitting recognition of their contribution to the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M. in particular and Masonry in general in the service of society.
Inaugurated this 9th day of August 1997 at WB Ladislao N. Diwa PM Centennial Grounds, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F. & A. M., Cavite City.
Also worthy of telling, was the third resolution, the collection of old pictures of the Lodge and its members, named and now known as “BAGONG BUHAY LODGE HISTORICAL GALLERY OF THE PAST”. The gallery featured the old Masonic Temple, officers, members, the installations, fellowships, the celebration of the silver jubilee or the 25th years founding anniversary of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 held on September 2, 1932, Masonic district conventions of 1932 and 1948, the dignitaries, guests, and many others.
The last but not the least, the fourth resolution, the construction and naming of the “BAGONG BUHAY LODGE MEMORIAL STAGE”, in honor and memory of my late father, WB Angel Ricafrente Alvarez Past Master (1968), former City Assistant Chief of Police, City Councilor, first elected City Vice Mayor, and a retired Executive Judge of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Branch I, Cavite City. A courageous and honest police officer, a brilliant lawyer, an effective and efficient legislator and adjudicator, champion of the masses, prominent leader, and a true Mason, in heart and in mind (The memorial stage was constructed with the able assistance and support of a friend and "compadre", Bro. Antonio M. Quion III of Cavite Lodge No. 2 (F&AM), former Board Member, 1st District of Cavite, Philippines).
My gratitude to the brethren of Bagong Buhay Lodge, and my special thanks to the “Home Boyz” for their precious time, great efforts and all out support, for without them my worthy endeavors will not be accomplished. I owe you this one, guys.
My humble contribution to Bagong Buhay Lodge.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
THE CHARTERING OF BAGONG BUHAY LODGE NO. 291
On August 11, 1907, the Charter of Bagong Buhay Lodge referred as Lodge No. 291 under the jurisdiction of Gran Oriente Espanol in Madrid, Spain was approved and the Lodge was formally inaugurated and the officers officially installed by the following Grand Regional Lodge Officers of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines under the Sovereign Obedience of the Gran Oriente Espanol of Madrid, Spain: Illustrious WB Abelardo Cuesta, a 33rd degree Mason as the Installing Officer; Grand Lodge Officer Ramon Zamora 18th degree; Grand Lodge 2nd Vice President Timoteo Paez 13th degree; Grand Lodge Master of Ceremonies Pablo D. Palma 4th degree; Grand Lodge Almoner Daniel Morales 3rd degree; Grand Lodge Assistant Secretary Epifanio Saguil 3rd degree; and Grand Lodge Officer Jose P. Ramos. WB Jose Reyes served the Lodge from 1906 to 1910, in 1915, and in 1916. He was the great grand father of the former City Vice Mayor Bro. Dhino Carlo Reyes Chua, also of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4.
During the grand assembly in 1906, Bro. Ladislao Diwa and WM Jose Reyes took part in the organization of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, and in 1907, it was constituted under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol where WB Reyes was elected Grand 4th Vice President.
Among the more prominent members of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Buencamino, Ramon Diokno, Pantaleon Garcia, Baldomero Aguinaldo and Emilio Aguinaldo.
The Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines was similar to the earlier initiatives of Filipino Masons to have a separate but equal jurisdiction over its territorial Lodges, when in 1894 they initiated the founding of the Grand Regional Council of the Philippines.
After the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines in 1907, four (4) Lodges were formed, Balagtas (149); Taliba (165); Pilar (203); and Bagong Buhay (291).
And of the four Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, only Bagong Buhay was newly established; the others were revived, reconstituted or reorganized old Lodges. In effect, Bagong Buhay Lodge was really the “First New Lodge” founded under the auspices of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines.
The other founding Lodges of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were Nilad (144); Walana (158); Dalisay (177); Sinukuan (272); and Mabini (290).
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
Sources/References
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F&AM 73rd Annual Masonic District Convention 11-28-2005
Francis A. Gealogo, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of History, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
During the grand assembly in 1906, Bro. Ladislao Diwa and WM Jose Reyes took part in the organization of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, and in 1907, it was constituted under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol where WB Reyes was elected Grand 4th Vice President.
Among the more prominent members of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Buencamino, Ramon Diokno, Pantaleon Garcia, Baldomero Aguinaldo and Emilio Aguinaldo.
The Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines was similar to the earlier initiatives of Filipino Masons to have a separate but equal jurisdiction over its territorial Lodges, when in 1894 they initiated the founding of the Grand Regional Council of the Philippines.
After the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines in 1907, four (4) Lodges were formed, Balagtas (149); Taliba (165); Pilar (203); and Bagong Buhay (291).
And of the four Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, only Bagong Buhay was newly established; the others were revived, reconstituted or reorganized old Lodges. In effect, Bagong Buhay Lodge was really the “First New Lodge” founded under the auspices of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines.
The other founding Lodges of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were Nilad (144); Walana (158); Dalisay (177); Sinukuan (272); and Mabini (290).
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
Sources/References
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 F&AM 73rd Annual Masonic District Convention 11-28-2005
Francis A. Gealogo, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of History, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
Saturday, August 25, 2007
THE FOUNDING OF BAGONG BUHAY LODGE UD
THE FOUNDING OF BAGONG BUHAY LODGE UD
The Philippines was colonized by Spain for more than three hundred years and maintained the country as its premiere colony in the Far East. As Masonry reached the shores of Spain, it was not too long for Masonry to reach the Philippines.
During the Spanish regime, Masonic Lodges in the Philippines operated under various jurisdictions of different Grand Lodges. Among them were Gran Oriente Espanol of Madrid, Spain; Gran Oriente Lusitano Unido of Portugal; Grand Lodge of Scotland; Gran Oriente de Espana; and Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana.
In 1890 Jose Rizal, a member of Acacia Lodge No. 9 of the Gran Oriente de Espana and Marcelo H. del Pilar, inspired the brethren to establish Lodges in the Philippines when they secured an authority from the Grand Council of the Gran Oriente Espanol. In December 1891, they commissioned Pedro Serrano Laktaw, together with Anacleto Ramos, Timoteo Paez and Moises Salvador, a member of Solidaridad Lodge in Madrid they established Lodges in Manila and in the provinces.
One of the Lodges formed in Manila was Sinukuan Lodge of Tondo where the three (3) founding members of Bagong Buhay Lodge, Bros. Jose Adriosola Mariano Reyes, Ladislao Nocon Diwa and Juan N. Santos were originally members.
In 1898, there were attempts by Filipino Masons to organize a Lodge in Cavite. Their efforts materialized in 1906 when they held their first meeting in the house of Bro. Jose Salamanca and the second meeting in the house of Bro. Hugo Adorable, a member of Vanguardia Lodge in the Valley of Hongkong.
On September 4, 1906, Masons in Cavite, after long deliberations, wrote the first minutes signed by nine (9) Masons, namely, Bros. Hugo Adorable, Secretary Protempore; Juan N. Santos; Eulogio Santiago; Catalino Nicolas; Andres Perez; Basilio San Jose; Antonio Rivero; Jose A.Reyes; and Ladislao Diwa to constitute a Masonic Lodge in the Valley of Cavite to be named Bagong Buhay Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol. Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (Telemaco) and Bro. Jose Reyes 4 (Cromwell) are the bearers of the resolution to Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 in the Valley of Manila for their affiliation.
The First Minutes:
TO THE GLORY OF THE GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE
Liberty - - - Equality - - - Fraternity
We, the members of the Fraternity of F. and A. M., at the invitation of Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (symbolic name TELEMACO), who was active member of VANGUARDIA LODGE of the Valley of Hong Kong, have assembled this date the 4th of September, 1906, in these valleys of Cavite for the laudable purpose of founding a Masonic Lodge in these valleys, to enable us to return to active membership and labor again for our venerable institution in accordance with our solemn obligations to the Fraternity. The following resolutions have been passed and adopted by us:
1st – To solicit our affiliation with Sinukuan Lodge No. 272
2nd – To solicit the cooperation of Sinukuan Lodge in the founding of the proposed Lodge in these valleys of Cavite and ask that Lodge to recommend to the Grand Council of the Gran Oriente Espanol, the admission in its federation the Lodge that will be constituted here
3rd – The proposed Lodge will be named BAGONG BUHAY (New Life)
4th – To appoint a Committee, to be composed of Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (Symb. TELEMACO), Bro. Jose A. Reyes 4 (Symb. CROMWELL), who will be the bearers of these resolution to SINUKUAN LODGE No. 272, in the valleys of Manila.
A letter for SINUKUAN LODGE is being prepared, expressing in detail the unanimous desire of the Brethren, in which letter all the members present will affix their signatures.
There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned, the members present having signed these minutes which I hereby certify to be correct.
(Sgd) Hugo Adorable
Secretary Protempore
(Sgd) Juan N. Santos (Sgd) Basilio San Jose
(Sgd) Eulogio Santiago (Sgd) Antonio Rivero
(Sgd) Catalino Nicolas (Sgd) Jose A. Reyes
(Sgd) Andres Perez (Sgd) Ladislao Diwa
On September 16, 1906, members from Nilad Lodge No. 144, Sinukuan Lodge No. 272, and Lusong Lodge No. 185 headed by WB’s Ramon Diokno, Timoteo Paez and Inocencio Concepcion, held an assembly of Masons in Cavite and proceed with the election of officers for the purpose Bagong Buhay Lodge under dispensation and elected Bro. Jose Adriosola Mariano Reyes as Worshipful Master, Bro. Ladislao N. Diwa as Senior Warden and Bro. Juan N. Santos as Junior Warden, all were prominent propagandists and revolutionary leaders.
The other officers were: Bros. Basilio San Jose, Treasurer; Hugo Adorable, Secretary; Catalino Nicolas, Orator; Eulogio Santiago, Marshall; Herminigildo Maldonado, Senior Deacon; Gregorio Medina, Junior Deacon; and Andres Perez, Almoner. They were installed on September 21, 1906 with WB Timoteo Paez of Lusong Lodge as the Installing Officer at a house located at Calle No. 8, Cavite District proper.
The charter of the Lodge was approved by the Gran Oriente Espanol of Madrid, Spain and was
delivered to WB Jose A. Reyes. On August 11, 1907, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 was formally
inaugurated and the officers officially installed by Illustrious Bro. Abelardo Cuesta, a 33rd
degree Mason.
The organizers of the Lodge came from different Lodges but sixteen (16) of its founding members came from Espana En Filipinas Lodge. Also eight (8) of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite executed on September 12, 1896 were members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge and would have been members of Bagong Buhay Lodge. Among those who affiliated with the Lodge were nineteen (19) members of Sinukuan Lodge and two (2) members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge who were residents of Cavite. When the Lodge was officially constituted, there were already thirty (30) members in its rolls.
When Bagong Buhay Lodge was to be constituted as Lodge UD, the following brethren who were residents of Cavite but were initiated in other Lodges, affiliated in Bagong Buhay Lodge UD.
From Espana En Filipinas Lodge:
Bro. Cipriano A. Santos ............................ Bro. Antonio Rivero
by Bro Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
The Philippines was colonized by Spain for more than three hundred years and maintained the country as its premiere colony in the Far East. As Masonry reached the shores of Spain, it was not too long for Masonry to reach the Philippines.
During the Spanish regime, Masonic Lodges in the Philippines operated under various jurisdictions of different Grand Lodges. Among them were Gran Oriente Espanol of Madrid, Spain; Gran Oriente Lusitano Unido of Portugal; Grand Lodge of Scotland; Gran Oriente de Espana; and Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana.
In 1890 Jose Rizal, a member of Acacia Lodge No. 9 of the Gran Oriente de Espana and Marcelo H. del Pilar, inspired the brethren to establish Lodges in the Philippines when they secured an authority from the Grand Council of the Gran Oriente Espanol. In December 1891, they commissioned Pedro Serrano Laktaw, together with Anacleto Ramos, Timoteo Paez and Moises Salvador, a member of Solidaridad Lodge in Madrid they established Lodges in Manila and in the provinces.
One of the Lodges formed in Manila was Sinukuan Lodge of Tondo where the three (3) founding members of Bagong Buhay Lodge, Bros. Jose Adriosola Mariano Reyes, Ladislao Nocon Diwa and Juan N. Santos were originally members.
In 1898, there were attempts by Filipino Masons to organize a Lodge in Cavite. Their efforts materialized in 1906 when they held their first meeting in the house of Bro. Jose Salamanca and the second meeting in the house of Bro. Hugo Adorable, a member of Vanguardia Lodge in the Valley of Hongkong.On September 4, 1906, Masons in Cavite, after long deliberations, wrote the first minutes signed by nine (9) Masons, namely, Bros. Hugo Adorable, Secretary Protempore; Juan N. Santos; Eulogio Santiago; Catalino Nicolas; Andres Perez; Basilio San Jose; Antonio Rivero; Jose A.Reyes; and Ladislao Diwa to constitute a Masonic Lodge in the Valley of Cavite to be named Bagong Buhay Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol. Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (Telemaco) and Bro. Jose Reyes 4 (Cromwell) are the bearers of the resolution to Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 in the Valley of Manila for their affiliation.
The First Minutes:
TO THE GLORY OF THE GREAT ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE
Liberty - - - Equality - - - Fraternity
We, the members of the Fraternity of F. and A. M., at the invitation of Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (symbolic name TELEMACO), who was active member of VANGUARDIA LODGE of the Valley of Hong Kong, have assembled this date the 4th of September, 1906, in these valleys of Cavite for the laudable purpose of founding a Masonic Lodge in these valleys, to enable us to return to active membership and labor again for our venerable institution in accordance with our solemn obligations to the Fraternity. The following resolutions have been passed and adopted by us:
1st – To solicit our affiliation with Sinukuan Lodge No. 272
2nd – To solicit the cooperation of Sinukuan Lodge in the founding of the proposed Lodge in these valleys of Cavite and ask that Lodge to recommend to the Grand Council of the Gran Oriente Espanol, the admission in its federation the Lodge that will be constituted here
3rd – The proposed Lodge will be named BAGONG BUHAY (New Life)
4th – To appoint a Committee, to be composed of Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (Symb. TELEMACO), Bro. Jose A. Reyes 4 (Symb. CROMWELL), who will be the bearers of these resolution to SINUKUAN LODGE No. 272, in the valleys of Manila.
A letter for SINUKUAN LODGE is being prepared, expressing in detail the unanimous desire of the Brethren, in which letter all the members present will affix their signatures.
There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned, the members present having signed these minutes which I hereby certify to be correct.
(Sgd) Hugo Adorable
Secretary Protempore
(Sgd) Juan N. Santos (Sgd) Basilio San Jose
(Sgd) Eulogio Santiago (Sgd) Antonio Rivero
(Sgd) Catalino Nicolas (Sgd) Jose A. Reyes
(Sgd) Andres Perez (Sgd) Ladislao Diwa
On September 16, 1906, members from Nilad Lodge No. 144, Sinukuan Lodge No. 272, and Lusong Lodge No. 185 headed by WB’s Ramon Diokno, Timoteo Paez and Inocencio Concepcion, held an assembly of Masons in Cavite and proceed with the election of officers for the purpose Bagong Buhay Lodge under dispensation and elected Bro. Jose Adriosola Mariano Reyes as Worshipful Master, Bro. Ladislao N. Diwa as Senior Warden and Bro. Juan N. Santos as Junior Warden, all were prominent propagandists and revolutionary leaders.The other officers were: Bros. Basilio San Jose, Treasurer; Hugo Adorable, Secretary; Catalino Nicolas, Orator; Eulogio Santiago, Marshall; Herminigildo Maldonado, Senior Deacon; Gregorio Medina, Junior Deacon; and Andres Perez, Almoner. They were installed on September 21, 1906 with WB Timoteo Paez of Lusong Lodge as the Installing Officer at a house located at Calle No. 8, Cavite District proper.
The charter of the Lodge was approved by the Gran Oriente Espanol of Madrid, Spain and was
delivered to WB Jose A. Reyes. On August 11, 1907, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 was formally
inaugurated and the officers officially installed by Illustrious Bro. Abelardo Cuesta, a 33rd
degree Mason.
The organizers of the Lodge came from different Lodges but sixteen (16) of its founding members came from Espana En Filipinas Lodge. Also eight (8) of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite executed on September 12, 1896 were members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge and would have been members of Bagong Buhay Lodge. Among those who affiliated with the Lodge were nineteen (19) members of Sinukuan Lodge and two (2) members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge who were residents of Cavite. When the Lodge was officially constituted, there were already thirty (30) members in its rolls.When Bagong Buhay Lodge was to be constituted as Lodge UD, the following brethren who were residents of Cavite but were initiated in other Lodges, affiliated in Bagong Buhay Lodge UD.
From Espana En Filipinas Lodge:
Bro. Cipriano A. Santos ............................ Bro. Antonio Rivero
From Sinukuan Lodge:
Bro. Herminigildo Maldonado ................. Bro. Gregorio Medina
Bro. Valeriano Custodio ........................... Bro. Julian Bernal
Bro. Isidro Martinez ................................. Bro. Bro. Ramon Maceo
Bro. Eusebio Lorenzana ........................... Bro. Pedro del Carmen
Bro. Bonifacio B. Reyes ............................ Bro. Marcelo Custodio
Bro. Ruperto Manuel ............................... Bro. Emilio Espinosa
Bro. Casimiro Javier ................................ Bro. Jose Cabezas
Bro. Salvador Macawas ........................... Bro. Ceferino Lorenzana
Bro. Jose Salamante ................................. Bro. Felipe Cabezas
Bro. Manuel Cosca
Among the brethren of Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 who became Past Masters of Bagong Buhay Lodge were:
WB Bro. Emilio Espinosa - 1912
WB Pedro del Carmen - 1913 – 1914
WB Felipe Cabezas - 1922
WB Valeriano Custodio - 1929
Among the brethren of the Lodge who served as Municipal President of United Cavite under the American government and the present set up of government were:
Bro. Hugo Adorable - 1905 – 1906
Bro. Gregorio Medina - 1909 – 1911
WB Gervasio Pangilinan PM - 1919 – 1921
WB Francisco Advincula PM - 1922 – 1924 and 1925 – 1927
Bro. Ramon Samonte - 1928 – 1930 and 1931 – 1933
WB Julian C. Medina Jr. - 1980 – 1986 and 1988 – 1989
Bro Bernardo S. Paredes - 2001-2004; 2004-2007; 2007-2010
The first candidate to be initiated in Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 on September 7, 1907 was Bro. Roberto Cabezas, a brother of the late Bro. Eugenio Cabezas, one of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite. The second candidate initiated was Bro. Rafael Palma. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 14, 1908, affiliated with Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 and became the Master of the Lodge in 1914-1915 and in 1920, he was elected and became the seventh (7th) and second (2nd) Filipino Most Worshipful Grand Master of F. & A. M. of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands and the fourth (4th) to hold such position under the alternating scheme. He was also the first elected Representative of the Province of Cavite.
Source / Reference
1. Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (F&AM), 73rd Annual District Convention Souvenir Program November 25, 2005
2. Municipal Presidente de Cavite, Cavite City Government
3. Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 Historical Gallery of the Past
Bro. Herminigildo Maldonado ................. Bro. Gregorio Medina
Bro. Valeriano Custodio ........................... Bro. Julian Bernal
Bro. Isidro Martinez ................................. Bro. Bro. Ramon Maceo
Bro. Eusebio Lorenzana ........................... Bro. Pedro del Carmen
Bro. Bonifacio B. Reyes ............................ Bro. Marcelo Custodio
Bro. Ruperto Manuel ............................... Bro. Emilio Espinosa
Bro. Casimiro Javier ................................ Bro. Jose Cabezas
Bro. Salvador Macawas ........................... Bro. Ceferino Lorenzana
Bro. Jose Salamante ................................. Bro. Felipe Cabezas
Bro. Manuel Cosca
Among the brethren of Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 who became Past Masters of Bagong Buhay Lodge were:
WB Bro. Emilio Espinosa - 1912
WB Pedro del Carmen - 1913 – 1914
WB Felipe Cabezas - 1922
WB Valeriano Custodio - 1929
Among the brethren of the Lodge who served as Municipal President of United Cavite under the American government and the present set up of government were:
Bro. Hugo Adorable - 1905 – 1906
Bro. Gregorio Medina - 1909 – 1911
WB Gervasio Pangilinan PM - 1919 – 1921
WB Francisco Advincula PM - 1922 – 1924 and 1925 – 1927
Bro. Ramon Samonte - 1928 – 1930 and 1931 – 1933
WB Julian C. Medina Jr. - 1980 – 1986 and 1988 – 1989
Bro Bernardo S. Paredes - 2001-2004; 2004-2007; 2007-2010
The first candidate to be initiated in Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 on September 7, 1907 was Bro. Roberto Cabezas, a brother of the late Bro. Eugenio Cabezas, one of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite. The second candidate initiated was Bro. Rafael Palma. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on July 14, 1908, affiliated with Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 and became the Master of the Lodge in 1914-1915 and in 1920, he was elected and became the seventh (7th) and second (2nd) Filipino Most Worshipful Grand Master of F. & A. M. of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands and the fourth (4th) to hold such position under the alternating scheme. He was also the first elected Representative of the Province of Cavite.Source / Reference
1. Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (F&AM), 73rd Annual District Convention Souvenir Program November 25, 2005
2. Municipal Presidente de Cavite, Cavite City Government
3. Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 Historical Gallery of the Past
Monday, August 20, 2007
A CENTURY TO REMEMBER
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 !!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
WB JOSE A. REYES PM, A Mason to the very end
WB JOSE ADRIOSOLA MARIANO REYES PMThe First Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291
(1906 – 1910, 1915 and 1916)
- Masonic Name “Cromwell” -
JOSE ADRIOSOLA REYES y MARIANO, a prominent propagandist and revolutionary leader was born on April 24, 1864 at San Rafael, San Roque, Cavite (Cavite City). His parents were Maximo Adriosola Reyes, gobernadorcillo in 1863 and Valeriana Mariano. He has only one brother, named Bernardino. He was married to the former Socorro Kaingal of Bulacan, a teacher in a public school, and the first president of the Cavite Women’s Club. They were blessed with four (4) children, Salvador, Augusto, Arturo and Minerva.
During the Spanish regime, he was the leader of the Balangay “Lintik” or Balangay 2 of the Katipunan at Barrio San Rafael, San Roque, Cavite. He also served as Commander in the second stage of the Philippine revolution and during the American regime he served as Justice of Peace (Juez de Paz).
On September 6, 1896, he was among the 27 prominent Mason leaders or organizers who were arrested and detained in Fort San Felipe. Of the 27, there were 20 Masons who died in the firing squad; while the 7 others were released from prison. Bro. Jose Reyes outlived the revolution and witnessed the rebirth of Masonry.
After the overthrow of the Spanish government and the Americans occupied the Philippines in 1898, there were attempts by members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge to organize a Lodge in Cavite. Their efforts materialized in 1906 when they held their first meeting in the house of Bro. Jose Salamanca and the second meeting in the house of Bro. Hugo Adorable, a member of Vanguardia Lodge in the Valley of Hongkong.
On September 4, 1906, Masons in Cavite City, passed a Resolution to constitute a Lodge in the Valley of Cavite to be named Bagong Buhay Lodge to be under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol. Bro. Hugo Adorable 7 (Telemaco) and Bro. Jose Reyes 4 (Cromwell) were the bearers of the Resolutions to Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 in the Valley of Manila for their affiliation.
On September 16, 1906, upon the invitation of the brethren from Cavite, a Commission composed of members from Nilad Lodge No. 144, Sinukuan Lodge No. 272, and Lusong Lodge No. 185 headed by Worshipful Bros. Ramon Diokno, Timoteo Paez and Inocencio Concepcion, held an assembly of Masons and proceed with the election of officers for the purpose BAGONG BUHAY LODGE, under dispensation and elected Jose Adriosola M. Reyes as Worshipful Master, Ladislao N. Diwa as Senior Warden and Juan N. Santos as Junior Warden, all were originally members of Sinukuan Lodge of Tondo. The other officers were: Bro. Basilio San Jose, Treasurer; Bro. Hugo Adorable, Secretary; Bro. Catalino Nicolas, Orator; Bro. Eulogio Santiago, Marshal; Bro. Herminigildo Maldonado, Senior Deacon; Bro. Gregorio Medina, Junior Deacon; and Bro. Andres Perez, Almoner.
On September 21, 1906, the officers were installed with WB Timoteo Paez as Installing Officer at a house located at Calle No. 8, Cavite District proper.
On August 11, 1907, the Charter of the Lodge was approved by the Gran Oriente Espanol in Madrid, Spain and delivered to WB Jose Reyes. The Lodge was formally constituted and the officers officially installed with Illustrious Worshipful Master Abelardo Cuesta, a 33rd degree Mason as Installing Officer.
In 1907, he took part in the organization of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines (Gran Logia Regional De Filipinas) and elected Grand 4th Vice President during the assembly in 1906. He joined the Noli Me Tangere Chapter of the Rose Croix No. 53 and Hermanos del 96 Council of Kadosh under the Grand Oriente Espanol where he held a 30th Degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
On November 15, 1908, WB Jose Reyes took part in the first installation of officers of Silanganan Lodge No. 305 (now Lodge No. 19), presided by RW Valentin Polintan and accompanied by Bros. Pantaleon Garcia, Francisco Licuanan, Felipe Buencamino, Elias Asuncion, E. Vergara and Pascual Casimiro.
In 1917, he transferred to the Philippine Bodies of the American Branch of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry.
He served as Worshipful Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291 from 1906 to 1910, and in 1915, and 1916.
WB Jose Adriosola Mariano Reyes died on May 17, 1922 at the age of 58 years, a Mason to the very end.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
DID YOU KNOW... A Short Article
DID YOU KNOW…
That the first Masonic Lodge in the Philippines was La Primera Luz Filipina constituted in Cavite in 1856 under the auspices of the Gran Oriente Lusitano by Spanish naval officers Malcampo and Mendez Nunez, and were composed mainly of officers of the Spanish Navy, Army and the bureaucrats from the Spanish colonial government?
That prominent Masons were part of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite of 1896, most notably Victoriano Luciano, Maximo Inocencio, Feliciano Cabuco, Eugenio Cabezas, Hugo Perez, Maximo Gregorio, Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso Ocampo?
That Bagong Buhay Lodge was founded by prominent propagandists and revolutionary leaders WB Jose A. Reyes, WB Ladislao Diwa, and WB Juan N. Santos on August 11, 1907 in San Roque, Cavite?
That WB Jose A. Reyes, WB Ladislao Diwa, and WB Juan N. Santos were originally members of the Sinukuan Lodge of Tondo before they established the Bagong Buhay Lodge in Cavite?
That aside from the three founders of the Bagong Buhay Lodge, prominent members of the Sinukuan Lodge were Manuel Quezon, Rafael Palma, Quintin Paredes, Jorge Vargas, Juan Nolasco and Manuel Earnshaw?
That Bagong Buhay Lodge was one of the four Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines?
That the four new Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were (with their old numbers) Balagtas (149); Taliba (165): Pilar (203); and Bagong Buhay (291)?
That of the four new Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, only Bagong Buhay was newly established; the others were revived, reconstituted or reorganized old Lodges? In effect, Bagong Buhay was really the first new Lodge founded under the auspices of the Grand Regional Lodge.
That the other founding Lodges (and their old numbers) of the Grand Regional Lodge were Nilad (144); Walana (158); Dalisay (177); Sinukuan (272); and Mabini (290)?
That Bagong Buhay’s WB Jose A. Reyes was elected Grand Fourth Vice President of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines during an assembly in 1906?
That on November 15, 1908, WB Jose Reyes took part in the first installation of officers of Silanganan Lodge No. 305 (now Lodge No. 19), presided by RW Valentin Polintan and accompanied by Bros. Pantaleon Garcia, Francisco Licuanan, Felipe Buencamino, Elias Asuncion, E. Vergara and Pascual Casimiro?
That in 1907, Bagong Buhay Lodge was referred as Lodge 291 under the Filipino-dominated Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines?
That the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines was constituted in 1907 under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol?
That among the more prominent members of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Buencamino, Ramon Diokno, Ladislao Diwa, Pantaleon Garcia, Baldomero Aguinaldo and Emilio Aguinaldo?
That the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines was similar to the earlier initiatives of Filipino Masons to have a separate but equal jurisdiction over its territorial lodges, when in 1894 they initiated the founding of the Grand Regional Council of the Philippines?
That from 1868 until 1917, there existed Spanish, English, German, Scottish, French, Filipino and American lodges, and that the Philippines was administered by more than one Masonic jurisdiction?
That only in 1917, that Bagong Buhay lodge was started to be referred as Lodge No. 17, under the unified Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (fusion of the Filipino-dominated Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, and the American-dominated Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, and other small jurisdictions) and became under the direct jurisdiction of American Masons?
That during the fusion of the Grand Lodge in 1917, Bagong Buhay Lodge listed 115 master Masons as members?
That after the union, it was originally agreed that a Filipino Grand Master alternates with an American Grand Master in heading the unified Grand Lodge?
That in 1918, Manuel Quezon became the first Filipino Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, but only next to William H. Taylor, the American Grand Master who became the first GM of the unified Grand Lodge in 1917?
That in 1920, Rafael Palma became the second Filipino Grand Master of the GLPI, the fourth to hold such a position under the alternating scheme?
That the union of the two Grand Lodges to form the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands came at a price for the Filipino Masons? All the Grand officers of the Grand Regional Lodge lost their positions; the rituals and ceremonies were abandoned and supplanted by American oriented rituals; the laws and statutes governing members and the lodges were replaced by the GLPI; and the Lodges of Filipinos were physically redecorated.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
That the first Masonic Lodge in the Philippines was La Primera Luz Filipina constituted in Cavite in 1856 under the auspices of the Gran Oriente Lusitano by Spanish naval officers Malcampo and Mendez Nunez, and were composed mainly of officers of the Spanish Navy, Army and the bureaucrats from the Spanish colonial government?
That prominent Masons were part of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite of 1896, most notably Victoriano Luciano, Maximo Inocencio, Feliciano Cabuco, Eugenio Cabezas, Hugo Perez, Maximo Gregorio, Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso Ocampo?
That Bagong Buhay Lodge was founded by prominent propagandists and revolutionary leaders WB Jose A. Reyes, WB Ladislao Diwa, and WB Juan N. Santos on August 11, 1907 in San Roque, Cavite?
That WB Jose A. Reyes, WB Ladislao Diwa, and WB Juan N. Santos were originally members of the Sinukuan Lodge of Tondo before they established the Bagong Buhay Lodge in Cavite?
That aside from the three founders of the Bagong Buhay Lodge, prominent members of the Sinukuan Lodge were Manuel Quezon, Rafael Palma, Quintin Paredes, Jorge Vargas, Juan Nolasco and Manuel Earnshaw?
That Bagong Buhay Lodge was one of the four Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines?
That the four new Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were (with their old numbers) Balagtas (149); Taliba (165): Pilar (203); and Bagong Buhay (291)?
That of the four new Lodges formed after the constitution of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, only Bagong Buhay was newly established; the others were revived, reconstituted or reorganized old Lodges? In effect, Bagong Buhay was really the first new Lodge founded under the auspices of the Grand Regional Lodge.
That the other founding Lodges (and their old numbers) of the Grand Regional Lodge were Nilad (144); Walana (158); Dalisay (177); Sinukuan (272); and Mabini (290)?
That Bagong Buhay’s WB Jose A. Reyes was elected Grand Fourth Vice President of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines during an assembly in 1906?
That on November 15, 1908, WB Jose Reyes took part in the first installation of officers of Silanganan Lodge No. 305 (now Lodge No. 19), presided by RW Valentin Polintan and accompanied by Bros. Pantaleon Garcia, Francisco Licuanan, Felipe Buencamino, Elias Asuncion, E. Vergara and Pascual Casimiro?
That in 1907, Bagong Buhay Lodge was referred as Lodge 291 under the Filipino-dominated Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines?
That the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines was constituted in 1907 under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol?
That among the more prominent members of the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines were Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Buencamino, Ramon Diokno, Ladislao Diwa, Pantaleon Garcia, Baldomero Aguinaldo and Emilio Aguinaldo?
That the Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines was similar to the earlier initiatives of Filipino Masons to have a separate but equal jurisdiction over its territorial lodges, when in 1894 they initiated the founding of the Grand Regional Council of the Philippines?
That from 1868 until 1917, there existed Spanish, English, German, Scottish, French, Filipino and American lodges, and that the Philippines was administered by more than one Masonic jurisdiction?
That only in 1917, that Bagong Buhay lodge was started to be referred as Lodge No. 17, under the unified Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (fusion of the Filipino-dominated Grand Regional Lodge of the Philippines, and the American-dominated Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, and other small jurisdictions) and became under the direct jurisdiction of American Masons?
That during the fusion of the Grand Lodge in 1917, Bagong Buhay Lodge listed 115 master Masons as members?
That after the union, it was originally agreed that a Filipino Grand Master alternates with an American Grand Master in heading the unified Grand Lodge?
That in 1918, Manuel Quezon became the first Filipino Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, but only next to William H. Taylor, the American Grand Master who became the first GM of the unified Grand Lodge in 1917?
That in 1920, Rafael Palma became the second Filipino Grand Master of the GLPI, the fourth to hold such a position under the alternating scheme?
That the union of the two Grand Lodges to form the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands came at a price for the Filipino Masons? All the Grand officers of the Grand Regional Lodge lost their positions; the rituals and ceremonies were abandoned and supplanted by American oriented rituals; the laws and statutes governing members and the lodges were replaced by the GLPI; and the Lodges of Filipinos were physically redecorated.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Friday, August 17, 2007
A Message from Bro Jim
Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 IGLPI, was originally constituted as Lodge Nr 291 on August 11, 1907, It was among the first FOUR Lodges and the FIRST newly constituted Lodge which were affiliated with or constituted under the GRAN LOGIA REGIONAL DE FILIPINAS under the GRAN ORIENTE ESPANOL.
In 1917, the Lodge BROKE away from the GLRF, and AFFILIATED with the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands as an exercise of its time immemorial RIGHT to secede from and join or form a new Grand Lodge.
Again on September 10, 2006, the Lodge BROKE away, with 7 other Lodges, from the GLPI/GLP and formed the IGLPI.
The celebrations started at 2:00 p.m. with a motorcade of 30 cars from the Cavite Coastal Bay City to the Lodge Temple. A Eucharistic Celebration by Fr Rizaldy Arnaiz of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, founded by Bro Bishop Gregorio Aglipay of Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge Nr 5, was held at the Lodge Hall by 3:00 p.m. A Wreath Laying and Floral Offering at the Lodge Memorial Marker was participated by widows and orphans of deceased brothers. The program proper was held inside the Bro General Artemio Tadiar, PM, PGLO Hall with our Bro Mayor Bernardo S Paredes as Guest of Honor. Fellowship, Ballroom Dancing and Raffles went to the wee hours of early morning and ended at around 3:00 a.m.About 225 members, sisters and guest attended the successful affair.
For more illumination, see attached " A Century to Remember". Please pass on to other Brethren of the Lodge and post into our blogsites or e-groups.
Our special thanks to all who supported this event to make it a very wonderful affair to remember
Bro Jim.
In 1917, the Lodge BROKE away from the GLRF, and AFFILIATED with the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands as an exercise of its time immemorial RIGHT to secede from and join or form a new Grand Lodge.
Again on September 10, 2006, the Lodge BROKE away, with 7 other Lodges, from the GLPI/GLP and formed the IGLPI.
The celebrations started at 2:00 p.m. with a motorcade of 30 cars from the Cavite Coastal Bay City to the Lodge Temple. A Eucharistic Celebration by Fr Rizaldy Arnaiz of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, founded by Bro Bishop Gregorio Aglipay of Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge Nr 5, was held at the Lodge Hall by 3:00 p.m. A Wreath Laying and Floral Offering at the Lodge Memorial Marker was participated by widows and orphans of deceased brothers. The program proper was held inside the Bro General Artemio Tadiar, PM, PGLO Hall with our Bro Mayor Bernardo S Paredes as Guest of Honor. Fellowship, Ballroom Dancing and Raffles went to the wee hours of early morning and ended at around 3:00 a.m.About 225 members, sisters and guest attended the successful affair.
For more illumination, see attached " A Century to Remember". Please pass on to other Brethren of the Lodge and post into our blogsites or e-groups.
Our special thanks to all who supported this event to make it a very wonderful affair to remember
Bro Jim.
Note from ApoM:
"Bro Jim" is the MW Jaime Bantolo, GM of IGLPI.
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 Centennial Year
El Nuevo Vida Logia # 4
(The Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4)
5907 - 6007 Anno Lucis
"El Consejo del Ciudad de Cavite ya reconoci El Nuevo Vida Logia # 4 del Agosto 11, 2007"
"The City Council of Cavite recognized the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 on August 11, 2007"
(The Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4)
5907 - 6007 Anno Lucis
"El Consejo del Ciudad de Cavite ya reconoci El Nuevo Vida Logia # 4 del Agosto 11, 2007"
"The City Council of Cavite recognized the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 on August 11, 2007"
On August 6, 2007, the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Cavite adopted Resolution No. 07-081, "A resolution recognizing the exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and worthy contributions extended by the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly No. 17) under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) to the City Government of Cavite and its inhabitants"
The resolution was very timely since the Lodge will celebrate its memorable 100 years of existence on August 11, 2007 and the adoption of the recognition of the noble and distinguished Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 is considered an addendum to the momentuous moment in the commemoration of the historic Lodge centennial years.
The recognition was in deed a beautiful gift from the City Government of Cavite more particularly from the City Council and a great surprised when it was read during the program of the centennial celebration held on August 11, 2007 at VWB Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. Hall, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 Masonic Temple, San Roque, Cavite City.
For a brief backgrounder, founders and members of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the IGLPI (chartered and numbered Lodge No. 291 under the Gran Oriente Espanol, then rechartered and renumbered to Lodge No. 17 under the GLPI and GLP) are Masonic distinguished leaders, prominent propagandists and revolutionary leaders during the Spanish regime.
On August 11, 1907, the first elected officers of Lodge No. 291 were WM Jose Ariosola Mariano Reyes PM (1906 - 1910; 1915; and 1916) as its Master; Bros. Ladislao N. Diwa PM (1918) and Bro. Juan N. Santos as Senior and Junior Wardens, respectively. They are known associates of Dr. Jose Rizal, Gat Andres Bonifacio, Teodoro Plata, Apolinario Mabini, Felipe Buencamino, Ramon Diokno, Gen. Pantaleon Garcia, Baldomero and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
There were distinguished leaders and members of the Lodge who were originally members of other Lodges. Among the brethren of Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 who were residents of Cavite and affiliated to the Lodge that became Past Masters of Bagong Buhay Lodge were: WB Emilio Espinosa PM (1912); WB Pedro del Carmen PM (1913 - 1914); WB Felipe Cabezas PM (1922); and WB Valeriano Custodio PM (1929); the other prominent leaders of the Lodge were: WB Emilio Basa PM (1917); MWB Rafael Palma PGM (1920); MWB Emilio P. Virata PGM (1947); and WB Gervacio Pangilinan PM (1937).
In modern times, there were also prominent personalities of the Lodge: WB Dr. Jesus Tranquillino PM (1956); WB Judge Angel Rica. Alvarez PM (1968); WB Mayor Julian C. Medina, Jr. PM (1969);WB Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. PM (1991-1992); Bros. Bishop Alberto C. Ramento and Rev Fr. Nilo P. Ramos of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente; Bro. Vice Admiral Pio Carranza PN; Bro. Brig Gen. Francisco Callelero PAF; Bro. P/Supt. Asher Dolina PNP; Bro. Capt. Roberto Q. Estioko PN; Bro. Capt. Reynaldo Bernardino PN; WB Jaime V. Bantolo PM (1999), adopted son of Cavite City and GM of the IGLPI; and the incumbent City Mayor Bro. Bernardo S. Paredes; to name a few.
In 2005 to 2007, the Lodge eventually had to part with its adopted school - the Bagumbuhay Elem. School which for decades held their classes in the ground floor of the Lodge and had graduated thousands of school children, including several brother Masons. The ravages of time and termites had deemed it dangerous for the school to continue. Bro. Mayor Totie Paredes generously put them up in a better, newly constructed school building. Nevertheless, the Lodge maintained its umbilical cord to them with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement in 2005 to make the school its beneficiary of the Adopt-A-School project. The Lodge also supported indigent but deserving students from different schools. This was initiated by WM Jun Necessario, WB Ric Alvarez, WB Bert Esperat and Bro. Bay Aquino who also personally helped other students on their own.
The other exemplary, meritorious and outstanding contributions of the Lodge in partnership with the City Government of Cavite and its inhabitants were: feeding and scholarships programs to the students of Bagumbuhay, Lorenzo Ruiz, Porta Vaga, Dalahican, Ovidio dela Rosa Elem Schools and Cavite National High School; participation in Alay-Lakad program, Independence Day, Ladislao Diwa, Julian Felipe, Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite, Jose Rizal and Cavite Mutiny of 1872 celebrations; providing financial assistance and support to persons with disabilities; instituted drug awareness programs through the conduct of symposiums and seminars; medical and dental missions; financial assistance and support in the renovation of San Rafael Chapel at Barangay 42C (Pinagbuklod, San Antonio, Cavite City; and many others.
Through the years, the Lodge moves forward and has remained steadfast to its chosen name "New Life" (In Cahavacano dialect - Nuevo Vida).
To the brethren of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, congratulations, happy birthday and more power.
And a million thanks to the City Government of Cavite more particularly to the City Council of Cavite.
(Note: Attached herewith is reproduction of the resolution, as soon as the original copy is already scanned and available, same will again be posted to form part of the documented materials for future references).
(The above resolution was originally posted at West to East yahoogroup by Bro Ric Alvarez)
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Without Permission
The MW Jim Bantolo’s short History of Philippine Freemasonry was certainly illuminating especially the events that unfolded in Spain before the Philippine Revolution. The similarity of the schism between Grande Oriente Nacional de Espana and Gran Oriente Espanol, their principle and membership are somewhat striking relative to Masonic activities in pre-United States e.g. Moderns against Ancients. In one hand, a pro-establishment Grand Lodge and the other, a young upstart anti-establishment Grand Lodge.
In the recent published book Solomon’s Builder by the author of Freemasons for Dummies, Bro Christopher Hodapp narrated that in the history of Freemasonry in U.S., Grand Lodges established itself in the same manner that the Grand Lodge of England created itself--- individual Lodges forming alliance among themselves. Even the late-comers known as “Ancients” from York formed their own Grand Lodge WITHOUT asking anybody. At the conclusion of Chapter 4 (War Among Brothers), the author wrote that due to schism between Ancients and Moderns in England and America, “… Masons in the United States had fallen into the pattern of founding their own individual Grand Lodges.”
For full article: Without Permission.
F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
Grand Lodge of CA (F&AM)
In the recent published book Solomon’s Builder by the author of Freemasons for Dummies, Bro Christopher Hodapp narrated that in the history of Freemasonry in U.S., Grand Lodges established itself in the same manner that the Grand Lodge of England created itself--- individual Lodges forming alliance among themselves. Even the late-comers known as “Ancients” from York formed their own Grand Lodge WITHOUT asking anybody. At the conclusion of Chapter 4 (War Among Brothers), the author wrote that due to schism between Ancients and Moderns in England and America, “… Masons in the United States had fallen into the pattern of founding their own individual Grand Lodges.”
For full article: Without Permission.
F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
Grand Lodge of CA (F&AM)
Monday, August 6, 2007
A History of Philippine Masonry
Bro Ben Apacible reported the visit of the Deputy Grand Master of the Gran Oriente Espanol/Grand Lodge of Spain in the Philippines last month in search of the Grand Lodge which they patented in 1924.
Our research showed that the 27 lodges under the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas , under the Gran Oriente Espanol, BROKE OFF and AFFILIATED with the Americans - Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands with their 10 lodges in 1917 under the reason of FUSION.
When the FUSION did not happen, the lodges REVERTED back to the Gran Oriente Espanol.
In 1924, a DISPUTE aroused between the Grand Master of the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas and the Grand Delegate of the Gran Oriente Espanol. This dispute resulted to the formation of two (2) Grand Lodges , namely : the Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas , which BROKE OFF, and the Gran Logia Soberana del Archipelago Filipinas.
In 1924, the Gran Oriente Espanol granted a Patent to the Gran Logia Soberana del Archipelago Filipinas. This Grand Lodge has dwindled reportedly to only one (1) lodge located in Manila. This Grand Lodge is NOT recognized by the GLPI / GLP.
It is interesting to note that BREAKING OFF is an INDEPENDENT ACT. The same is true for affiliating. What a history of Philippine Masonry. For Masonic education of Filipino Masons. Please pass.
After reading a lot of masonic history, it can be concluded that all Grand Lodges were created by INDEPENDENT ACTS of the Lodges.
Bro Ben had already written about the history of the Grand Lodge of Japan which BROKE OFF from the GLP. There is the history of the United Grand Lodge of the Philippines (UGLP) of Leyte-Samar which BROKE OFF from the GLP. the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) which BROKE OFF from the GLP, the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (GLPI) which BROKE OFF from the Grand Lodge of California.
On April 4, 1888, some 160 Lodge representatives met for the purpose of merging the Gran Oriente Nacional with the Gran Oriente de Espana. The result was a new Grand Lodge to be known as Grande Oriente Nacional de Espana. In the election, the Viscount of Ros, Alfredo Vega was elected Grand Commander.
MIGUEL MORAYTA BROKE OFF from the newly organized Grande Oriente Nacional de Espana, airing charges that the election was FRAUDULENT.
With over 90 Lodges, he organized the GRAN ORIENTE ESPANOL on January 9, 1889 with a goal of actively propagating Masonry in the Philippines.
What Masonic history teaches us is that GRAND LODGES COULD BE CREATED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF ANYBODY...
Please pass for Masonic illumination.
Bro Jim Bantolo
Our research showed that the 27 lodges under the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas , under the Gran Oriente Espanol, BROKE OFF and AFFILIATED with the Americans - Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands with their 10 lodges in 1917 under the reason of FUSION.
When the FUSION did not happen, the lodges REVERTED back to the Gran Oriente Espanol.
In 1924, a DISPUTE aroused between the Grand Master of the Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas and the Grand Delegate of the Gran Oriente Espanol. This dispute resulted to the formation of two (2) Grand Lodges , namely : the Supremo Consejo del Grado 33 Para Filipinas , which BROKE OFF, and the Gran Logia Soberana del Archipelago Filipinas.
In 1924, the Gran Oriente Espanol granted a Patent to the Gran Logia Soberana del Archipelago Filipinas. This Grand Lodge has dwindled reportedly to only one (1) lodge located in Manila. This Grand Lodge is NOT recognized by the GLPI / GLP.
It is interesting to note that BREAKING OFF is an INDEPENDENT ACT. The same is true for affiliating. What a history of Philippine Masonry. For Masonic education of Filipino Masons. Please pass.
After reading a lot of masonic history, it can be concluded that all Grand Lodges were created by INDEPENDENT ACTS of the Lodges.
Bro Ben had already written about the history of the Grand Lodge of Japan which BROKE OFF from the GLP. There is the history of the United Grand Lodge of the Philippines (UGLP) of Leyte-Samar which BROKE OFF from the GLP. the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) which BROKE OFF from the GLP, the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (GLPI) which BROKE OFF from the Grand Lodge of California.
On April 4, 1888, some 160 Lodge representatives met for the purpose of merging the Gran Oriente Nacional with the Gran Oriente de Espana. The result was a new Grand Lodge to be known as Grande Oriente Nacional de Espana. In the election, the Viscount of Ros, Alfredo Vega was elected Grand Commander.
MIGUEL MORAYTA BROKE OFF from the newly organized Grande Oriente Nacional de Espana, airing charges that the election was FRAUDULENT.
With over 90 Lodges, he organized the GRAN ORIENTE ESPANOL on January 9, 1889 with a goal of actively propagating Masonry in the Philippines.
What Masonic history teaches us is that GRAND LODGES COULD BE CREATED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF ANYBODY...
Please pass for Masonic illumination.
Bro Jim Bantolo
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