Masonry in the History of the Philippines

By Nicolas G. Ricafrente, GM

Masonry has existed in the Philippines since 1856, when the first Masonic Lodge was established in the country. This lodge was called “Primera Luz Filipina” established by a Spanish naval officer, Jose Malcampo in the province of Cavite. Although organized under a Portuguese Grand Orient and exclusively for Spaniards, its formation marked the introduction of Masonry in Philippine soil.

Philippine history is rich in the contributions and role of Masonry and Masons in the country. The propagation of the ideals of democracy is perhaps their biggest contribution. Our heroes Jose Rizal, Marcelo del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Emilio Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and many other Filipino patriots were all Masons.

The influence of Masons and Masonry on nationalism was not confined in Spain. Once the Filipinos were allowed access to lodges established under the Grand Spanish Orients, Masonry flourished and nationalistic fervor grew. Filipino Masons found support and protection even from colonial governors and Spanish government officials.

The impact and influence of Masons and Masonry in the struggle for freedom can not be denied. This is probably even more evident in the fact that our heroes were descendants of Continental Grand Orients; nurtured in the same brand of Masonry that inspired the Masonically led 1789–1799 French Revolution and the Spanish uprising of 1868. Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio and General Emilio Aguinaldo were said to have studied the history of the French Revolution. Aguinaldo’s revolutionary theme, Equality, Fraternity and Liberty was definitely inspired by the French revolution

For full article. Masonry in the History of the Philippines.

Views and Information

The Filipino Masons did not get and were not given a chance to put up their own Grand Lodge because of their subservience to Spain. They saw their chance after the revolution but their republic was short lived because of the invasion by the Americans. When Spain ceded the country to the U.S. all hopes were lost. American Masons followed the American doctrine of ownership of war spoils and claimed the Philippines as their own territory.

It is unfortunate that GLP continues to subscribe to the idea of exclusive territorial jurisdiction which was not observed during the Spanish regime in the country. In fact this doctrine imbedded in the Constitution was purely an American imposition.

For complete article: Views and Information.

IGLPI MOVES ON

CENTER FOR MASONRY IN FILIPINO ESTABLISHED

Grand Master Nicolas Ricafrente, attending the January 2008 District Council meeting in Mendez, Cavite announced the designation of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 as the Center for Masonic Studies in Filipino, the national language. Aside from compiling and translating English Masonic literature, the Lodge was also tasked to review existing rituals already written in the national language and to start translating other rituals and ceremonies. Once translated, each ritual shall be exemplified by Pintong Bato Lodge for approval of the Committee on Works and the brethren.

Pintong Bato has been known for its efforts to promote the use of Filipino in Masonic rituals. It has rendered funeral services and installed its officers in Filipino. It has also translated the ceremonies for a Lodge of Remembrance. With the special function designated for the Lodge, it is expected that Filipino rituals will soon get official recognition as an alternative to the existing ceremonies in English. It is also expected that Masonic literature would be enriched with the addition of Filipino essays and lectures in the national language.

There are still Spanish language Masonic historical records in the Philippine archives and some old Lodges like Pilar which traces its roots from the Gran Oriente Espanol. With the research work being undertaken by Bagong Buhay a century old lodge itself and Center for Research and Information, it is also expected that Pintong Bato will in the future include Spanish-Filipino translations that can add further to the rich literature and heritage of Filipino Masonry.

IGLPI ESTABLISHES DISTRICT CENTER FOR RESEARCH, OTHER CENTERS FOR MASONIC ACTIVITIES

The Independent Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of the Philippine Islands recently designated several Lodges as District Centers for special Masonic functions. Given the status as sponsors and lead lodges to conceptualize and coordinate specific Masonic programs were: Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 2 as Center for Research and Information, Cavite Lodge No. 2 as Training Lodge and Pilar Lodge No. 3 as Center for Masonic Formation and Community Services. Mendez Nunez Lodge No. 8 was assigned as lead Lodge for Family Oriented activities while Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge No. 5 was designated to lead and coordinate participation in Masonic historical commemorative events. These Lodges were given latitude to partner with sister Lodges and to form their respective core groups.

The assignments are aimed to create greater focus in the planning and implementation of projects and enhance Lodge collaboration within the District. A comprehensive district program is expected to be completed by the Grand District Supervisor by February.

IGLPI Medical Mission

The Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) moves on and immediately blazed the trail with the conduct of its First Grand Medical Mission. Immediately after a successful 2nd Grand Assembly last November 30-December 1, 2007, MW Nic Ricafrente, Grand Master, IGLPI immediately set to motion the conduct of a Grand Medical Mission. It is part of our Community Outreach Program to serve the underprivileged citizenry in our jurisdiction in relation to our Masonic tenets of love, charity and relief.

For full article by Jim Bartolo, PGM, see 1st Grand Medical Mission.

IGLPI MOVES ON - 2nd Grand Christmas Party Held

by Jim Bartolo
5Jan08

After a hectic but successful 2nd Grand Assembly last November 30-December 1, 2007, the Masonic District Nr 1 of IGLPI , headed by its District Grand Supervisor, VW Aldo Olaguer, set the District Council to task of holding the IGLPI 2nd Grand Christmas Party. Following the lessons learned in Lodge Leadership and Administration in the last Masonic Education Seminar Series of December 1, 2007 conducted by Grand Lecturer, VW Ambet Poblete, the District Council and the Lodge leaders set off their plans and programs. The test for leadership and administration was to come.

On December 16, 2007, the IGLPI lodges members and their families motored to Mendez Nunez with overcast skies, scattered rain showers and an expected cool weather prevailing. Nonetheless, many cars double parked on the road leading to the sprawling compound of the Madrazo’s family of VW Ernie Madrazo. Several tents had been put-up; two long tables of food, fruits and drinks were ready; another long table is filled with gifts and prices for raffles or exchange. A mini band of VW Rey Fabros provided the music and entertainment. Several guests from the GLP and the Grand Lodge of Virginia came.

After the usual opening prayers and welcome remarks by the District Grand Supervisor, VW Aldo Olaguer, the members set to a sumptuous lunch. After lunch, the program started with each lodge managing a contest for children, adults, male and female. There was much fun and enjoyment as children broke the pots, as adults played the sack race, as ladies walked the spoon with egg, as men and wife played the banana eating contest; and many more. Raffle was announced in between the games. Gifts were exchanged. Music played and guest danced away. Later the Grand Master MW Nic Ricafrente gave his Christmas message. As more drinks flowed, visitors strayed into the evening and parted by 8 pm. We thanked the Madrazo family for availing their place. We acknowledged the organizers for a job well done. We acknowledged the Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 8 for leading the way.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!! to all brethren.