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.

Tale of Two Lodges

Looking for a map of Olongapo City, I stumbled on a history of Lincoln Lodge No. 34 posted in their previously unknown (to me) website. I took the liberty of minor editing and of pasting old photos (also obtained from the website) and other sources to give the readers visual references. It was very interesting to realize the connection of Lincoln Lodge No. 382 with Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291, under the jurisdiction of Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas. Considering the distance and geographical barrier between the two cities—Cavite and Olongapo, one might be tempted to wonder the linkage. At the time (or once upon a time), in view of the presence of US naval bases in both locations and their military/naval and local civilian Freemasons, the mother-daughter relationship was therefore, not a mere coincidence.

Had Fate were not been so unkind, it would be wonderful to discern and pleasure of knowing who my grandmother Lodge was before my mother Lodge let me go. Though time is relative, I am glad to know my uncles from Bagong Buhay Lodge whether they are from Nos. 291, 17 or 4. They all came from an institution that begat my mother Lodge.

To Bagong Buhay Lodge which just celebrated their 100th Year anniversary---my congratulations and fraternal embrace. Thank you for having the quality of men who exemplified and practiced the Tenets of our Fraternity. Marami pong Salamat.

To Lincoln Lodge, Thank you for the memories.

A History of Lincoln Lodge.



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

Cavite's Illustrious XIII Martyrs

(Inspirational Message delivered by a brother Mason during the Commemoration of the 111th Martyrdom of the Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite held at the XIII Martyrs Centennial Plaza, Isthmus of Rosario, San Roque, Cavite City, Philippines on or about 7:30 A.M., Wednesday, September 12, 2007)

Perhaps, one of the reasons why I was chosen to deliver an inspirational message this morning by the Chairman of today’s affair, the Hon. Larry Crawford aside from being a former City Councilor is my affiliation to Freemasonry. It’s an open book that whenever we touched the Philippines and the Cavite City history, we always encountered and read the words “Masons” and “Masonry” or “Freemasonry”. May be because, or as based from the history books, the Katipunan adopted the “Masonic Procedures” in getting members into the secret society, and perhaps, most of the Katipuneros were leaders and members of Freemasonry.

My simple message is about the sad fate in the life of the 13 Martyrs; how, when and who initiated the construction of the monument; and what are the participation of Freemasonry in the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

But first, please allow me to greet and extend my wealthy greetings to the Hon. City Mayor Bro. Bernardo S. Paredes, life member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, Vice Mayor Romeo Ramos, to the members of the City Council, department heads and employees of the City Government, supervisors, principals, teachers and students of the different schools in the City, officers and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Cavite City Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, different civic and religious organizations present this morning, to our senior citizens and elderly associations, friends of the City library and museum association, barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, persons with disabilities and urban poor associations, to the young group of Teatro Baile de Cavite who performed the re-enactment of the execution of the XIII Martyrs, Garita Elementary School drum and lyre, to the pupils of Julian Felipe Elementary School, my alma mater, to MW Jaime V. Bantolo, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands and adopted son of Cavite City, to my brethren from Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, later on, the Lodge will be awarded the Order of XIII Martyrs, to be permanently honored, commended, recognized and to be enshrined as the new member of the Cavite City Hall of Fame, and of course to the descendants of the XIII Martyrs of Cavite, other distinguished guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen.

“THE SUCCESSFUL REVOLUTION OF 1896 WAS MASONICALLY INSPIRED, MASONICALLY LED, AND MASONICALLY EXECUTED. AND I VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE FIRST PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC OF WHICH I WAS ITS HUMBLE PRESIDENT WAS AN ACHIEVEMENT WE OWE LARGELY TO MASONRY AND THE MASONS…” (President General WB Emilio Famy Aguinaldo, a Mason and member of Logia Pilar in Imus, Cavite, founder and Past Master of Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 31, now Lodge No. 5 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).

Philippine Masonry played an important role in the 1896 Philippine revolution against Spain and the Fraternity of Masons had noble mission of liberating the country through the organization of the Katipunan which was founded by Masons. Bro. Ladislao Diwa, Bro. Andres Bonifacio and Bro. Teodoro Plata, the K.K.K. triumvirate, were all Masons.

With the turn of events, Freemasons were placed under surveillance by the Spanish authorities. The distrust arose from the fact that the leaders and members of the Katipunan were mostly Masons and that had adopted some of the rituals of Freemasonry; such as the conferring of degrees, secret ceremonies and the adoption of symbolic names, like our very own Bro. Ladislao Diwa. In the Katipunan his symbolic name is “Balite”, and in Masonry, it’s “Baguio”, and he was conferred degrees in secret ceremonies by both the Katipunan and the Masonry. These two (2) organizations were often mistaken one for the other.

In August 1896, at the height of the Filipino uprising, the Spanish authorities were alarmed and a series of retaliatory measures were conducted. Arrest, tortures and execution became the order of the day in Manila, Cavite and nearby provinces. Several innocent Filipinos were arrested, tortured and forced in signing written confessions but were not allowed to read the contents. With these confessions in the hands of the Spanish authorities, the arrests were inevitable. In Cavite City, first to be arrested among the Cavite’s illustrious thirteen (13) men were Bros. Severino Lapidario, Alfonso de Ocampo and Luis Aguado. They were brought to the cruiser Don Antonio de Ulloa for interrogation. Thereat, Bros. Lapidario and de Ocampo were tortured, for every negative answers reaped brutal beating and as expected, forced confessions were extracted. The house of Bro. Maximo Inocencio was searched for remington rifles, the offices of Warden Bro. Severino Lapidario and Assistant Warden Alfonso de Ocampo were also searched for bolos and other weapons but they found nothing except for Masonic paraphernalias. Nevertheless, it was reported that the confiscated materials were anti-Spain. And one by one, the rest of the thirteen martyrs were arrested and detained at Fort San Felipe including Julian Felipe, Ramon Macauas, Jose A. Reyes, and many others. The thirteen martyrs were implicated in the propaganda movement and accused of alleged conspiracy to overthrow the Spanish government, while some for being suspected members of the Katipunan, and others for being active members of Masonry.

The thirteen martyrs were tried by military tribunal known as the Consejo de Guerra or Council of War. Although represented by their respective counsels, some were not allowed to testify and professed ignorance of any conspiracy, and the verdict…despite for lack of material evidences, all of them were found guilty of rebellion and imposed upon them “the penalty of death”.

That was one hundred eleven (111) years ago, a few minutes after highnoon, September 12 of 1896, infront of the Filipino people, infront of the Cavitenos, the condemned thirteen (13) illustrious men were escorted by Spanish soldiers out of Fort San Felipe to the Plaza de Armas, hands tied at their backs, blind folded and in kneeling positions, the honorable and patriotic sons of the land, were shot from behind.

BY 12:45 P.M., the official doctor, Francisco Masip had examined the fallen, inert bodies of the thirteen men and pronounced “All of them dead”.

Among the thirteen martyrs executed, ten (10) were Masons, Bros. Maximo Inocencio, Jose Lallana, Eugenio Cabezas, Maximo Gregorio, Hugo Perez, Alfonso de Ocampo, Luis Aguado, Victoriano Luciano, Severino Lapidario and Felipe Cabuco. And eight (8) out of the ten (10) were members of Espana En Filipinas Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Nacional de Espana, one of the oldest Lodge formed in the Philippines before the Filipino uprising. If these eight (8) martyr Masons were not executed, they would have been members of Bagong Buhay Lodge because in 1906 when the Lodge was formed, prominent Masons who were raised from other Lodges or places but residents of Cavite City affiliated to Bagong Buhay Lodge. The non-Masons were; Francisco Osorio, Antonio de San Agustin and Agapito Conchu.

The lifeless bodies of the illustrious thirteen martyrs were carried and loaded in three (3) carabao-drawn carts, guarded by six (6) Spanish soldiers armed with rifles and bayonets and their remains were brought to the convent or Catholic Cemetery at Caridad, The wealthy family of Maximo Inocencio, Francisco Osorio, Luis Aguado, Hugo Perez and Victoriano Luciano were appropriately placed in separate coffins and buried their remains in a common grave but the underprivileged one, Maximo Gregorio, Feliciano Cabuco, Antonio de San Agustin, Agapito Conchu, Eugenio Cabezas, Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso de Ocampo without any caskets were buried altogether in only one grave.

Eight (8) years after the execution, in June 1904, a group of young inhabitants of the community led by Masons together with the descendants of the thirteen martyrs proposed the construction of a monument, in honor of the thirteen Martyrs of Cavite. On September 12, 1904, at Ballesteros Street, now named in honor of Hugo Perez, one of the thirteen martyrs, formed a committee, chaired by Don Ceferino Picache, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge in 1936, grandfather of former ABC and City Councilor Boyie Picache and Grandfather of the wife of former Councilor Boboy dela Rosa, our City Librarian, Jocelyn Picache dela Rosa.

After nine (9) years, in September 1905 under the able leadership of Dr. Catalino Nicolas, Chairman of the Comite Ejecutivo (Executive Committee) and also Municipal President of United Cavite in 1903-1904, grand uncle of Nanay Puring Ballesteros and great grand uncle of Dra. Teresa Ballesteros-Baleda, our City Veterinarian; Don Juan Matias, Secretary; and Don Nicasio Desiderio, Treasurer, they were able to raise funds in the amount of one thousand (Php1,000.00) pesos, which is already a huge amount at that time.

After ten (10) years, September 12, 1906 to be exact, the monument was finally constructed. Again the Cavitenos led by brother Masons of Bagong Buhay Lodge exhumed the remains of the thirteen martyrs and in a public procession escorted, transferred and interred in the newly constructed final resting place, right here, in Isthmus of Rosario, the monument of the Thirteen Martyrs was inaugurated, in honor and memory of the departed sons of Cavite, The Thirteen Martyrs.

The President of the Executive Committee Dr. Catalino Nicolas and Don Gervacio Pangilinan, Cavite Historian, Municipal President of United Cavite in 1919-1921, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge in 1937 and grandfather of Mr. Willy Pangilinan, member of the Cavite Historical Institute delivered a short but meaningful and memorable messages while Dr. Justo Lukban expressed his own in a form of poem, and since then the commemoration was celebrated annually.

In 1930, Bro. Ramon Samonte, Municipal President of United Cavite (1928-1930, 1931-1933), also former governor of Cavite province, a member of Bagong Buhay Lodge, and the great grand father of Councilor Larry Crawford led the first renovation of the monument.

In 1997, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr., historian, lawyer and Mayor of Cavite City (1989-1992, 1992-1995, 1995-1998, 1998-2001) led the further renovation and remodeling of the monument in a more distinctive and significant views, renamed and now called, “The XIII Martyrs Centennial Plaza”.

Last year September 12, 2006, we had celebrated the 100 years existence of the monument and 110th martyrdom of the Cavite’s illustrious thirteen martyrs, and today, we are commemorating the 111th martyrdom of the famous “Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite”, the honorable and patriotic sons of Cavite City.

Good day and muchos gracias!

Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
Cavite City, Philippines

THE THIRTEEN MARTYRS MONUMENT

One hundred eleven years ago, on or about 12:45 P.M., September 12, 1896 at Plaza de Armas, Fort San Felipe (constructed in the year 1637), the people of Cavite personally witnessed the execution of the thirteen (13) honorable and patriotic sons of the land. They were implicated in the propaganda and accused in instigating revolutionary movement against Spain, while some for being suspected members of the Katipunan, and others for being an active Masons.

On August 31, 1896, one by one, they were arrested, and executed on September 12, 1896. Among the thirteen martyrs shot, ten were Masons, namely: Maximo Inocencio, 64, a rich proprietor; Jose Lallana, 54, a tailor and a former corporal of the Spanish Marines; Eugenio Cabezas, 41, a clerk at the Cavite Arsenal; Maximo Gregorio, 40, another clerk at the Cavite Arsenal; Hugo Perez, 40, a physician and a member of the Katipunan; Alfonso de Ocampo, 36, a Spanish mestizo who is also a member of the Katipunan; Severino Lapidario, 38, Chief Warden of the Provincial Jail and another member of the Katipunan; Luis Aguado, 33, an employee of the Cavite Arsenal; Victoriano Luciano, 32, a pharmacist and poet; and Feliciano Cabuco, 31, an employee of the Navy Hospital in Cavite. The Three Non-Masons were: Francisco Osorio, 36, a Chinese mestizo and contractor; Antonio de San Agustin, 36, a surgeon and businessman; and Agapito Conchu, 33, a teacher, musician and painter.

The lifeless bodies of the Sons of Cavite were carried into a garbage cart, guarded by six Spanish soldiers armed with rifles and bayonets brought to the Convent cemetery at Caridad. The wealthy family of Maximo Inocencio, Francisco Osorio, Luis Aguado, Hugo Perez and Victoriano Luciano buried their remains appropriately in separate coffins but the underprivileged one, Maximo Gregorio, Feliciano Cabuco, Antonio San Agustin, Agapito Conchu, Eugenio Cabezas (brother of Roberto Cabezas, the first candidate of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 291), Jose Lallana, Severino Lapidario and Alfonso de Ocampo without caskets were buried altogether in only one grave.

After eight years, in June 1904, a group of young men and other inhabitants of the community known as the “Samahan ng Kabataang Kabitenyo”, (Association of Young Cavitenos) held a dance party, thereat, the group decided to sponsor a meaningful project, in honor of the 13 Martyrs of Cavite. On Monday night, September 12, 1904 at Ballesteros Street, now named in honor of Hugo Perez, one of the 13 Martyrs, the nationalistic young Cavitenos held a formal meeting and a committee was formed chaired by Don Ceferino Picache, Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (1936) and discussed the possibility of putting up a monument in honor and memory of the 13 Martyrs of Cavite. The following Saturday night, September 17, 1904, Dona Baltazara Adriosola Reyes suggested to invite and involved wealthy family in the community. On Sunday afternoon of September 25, 1904, together with the invited guests, they agreed to raise funds through donations of the members, distinguished and other wealthy Cavitenos in the community. They also formed a Comite Ejecutivo (Executive Committee) chaired by Dr. Catalino Nicolas, Don Juan Matias, Secretary and Don Nicasio Desiderio, Treasurer, to oversee the project.

After one year, they were able to raise 1,000 pesos and they started to put up the foundation. In the afternoon of September 12, 1905, a simple program was held with Joaquin Balmori and Jose Turiano Santiago of Manila and Alejandro Fojas of Tanza, Cavite were invited as guest speakers.

Ten years after the execution of the 13 Martyrs, September 12, 1906, the Cavitenos led by brother Masons of Bagong Buhay Lodge marched from Magallanes Street, Cavite District Proper up to the Convent cemetery in Caridad. The remains of the Martyrs were exhumed and in public procession, again led by brother Masons escorted, transferred and interred in the newly constructed final resting place at Isthmus of Rosario, now called “The Thirteen Martyrs Centennial Plaza. The Monument was formally inaugurated, in honor and memory of the departed Sons of Cavite.

At the inner part or basement of the monument, a box made of mulawen wood covered with thick lead are documents of agreement in the construction of the monument written in a papel culado or pergamino (bleached or white paper) while newspapers/bulletins were saved in a bungbong na bubog (glass cylinder), where all expressions of appreciations and recognitions in the construction of the monument were written. Also preserved are old currencies in different denominations used at that time.

The President of the Executive Committee, Dr. Catalino Nicolas and Don Gervacio Pangilinan, Cavite Historian, Municipal President of United Cavite (1919-1921), and Past Master of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (1937) during the affair, delivered a short but meaningful and memorable messages while Dr. Justo Lukban expressed his own in a form of poem, and since then the commemoration was celebrated annually.

In 1930, Bro. Ramon Samonte, of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17, Municipal President of United Cavite (1928-1930, 1931-1933) and in 1997, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr., Cavite Historian and Mayor of Cavite City (1989-1992, 1992-1995, 1995-1998, 1998-2001) led the renovation of the monument in a more distinctive and significant views.

On or about 7:30 A.M., Wednesday of September 12, 2007, Cavite City Government will celebrate the 111th Death Anniversary of the “Thirteen Martyrs of Cavite”, the Honorable and Patriotic Sons of Cavite City.

Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4

A CRY FOR JUSTICE

BRO. BISHOP ALBERTO B. RAMENTO, 9th Obispo Maximo, I.F.I. and the First Priest Member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly Lodge No.17)

“I KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO KILL ME NEXT BUT NEVER WILL I ABANDON MY DUTY TO GOD AND MY MINISTRY TO THE PEOPLE”
(A statement of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento to his family before his death)

On or about 4:00 A.M., 03 October 2006 in the Parish of San Sebastian, Tarlac City, unidentified persons broke through the rectory of the church and entered the room where Most Reverend Alberto B. Ramento was sleeping. With intent to kill, and all the elements of treachery, he was stabbed several times by the faceless murderer in the different parts of the body that caused his instantaneous death.

Accordingly, based from the initial police investigation report, the incident was a mere case of robbery with homicide. However, the Ramento family believed that the motive is much deeper than what has come out from the spot report for there are obvious indications that Bishop Ramento’s murder was allegedly planned and politically motivated. They believed that the good bishop was silenced because of his principled engagement with the people and their struggle for the fullness of life.

The sudden journey of Bishop Ramento to the Eternal Home to live with his Creator brought marks of grief and sadness into the hearts of his family, to all the people of Cavite City as well as for the whole nation, considering the fact that he is well-loved pastor by his clergy and faithful, has earned the reputation as a social prophet, and an icon in the nationalist struggle of the Filipino masses with his uncompromising stand for national sovereignty and patrimony.

Bishop Ramento was born on August 9, 1936 at Guimba, Nueva Ecija. His parents were Felipe Curpoz Ramento and Margarita Bermudez Baldovino. He was married to Celerina V. Mendoza of Hermosa, Bataan (Sister of VW Leonardo Mendoza PDGL and member of non-existing Pilar Lodge No. 15). They were blessed with four children, namely: Alberto II (Aldos); Aleli, Alberto III (Altres); and Liezel. His three great uncles were I.F.I pioneer priests; Rev. Frs. Adriano Mendoza, Anastacio and Luis Curpoz.

He finished his course in B.S. Theology in 1958. His first assignment was in Malabon, Metro Manila, as an Assistant Priest from June to August 1958. He was transferred and became the Parish Priest of St. Anthony de Padua of San Antonio, Cavite City from 1958 to 1969. He became the Diocesan of Cavite from 1970 to 1993 and it was also during the year 1993 when he was elected and became the 9th Obispo Maximo of Iglesia Filipina Independiente. At the time of his death, he was the Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Tarlac.

Some of Bro. Bishop Ramento’s Ecumenical Involvement:

Member, Executive Commission, National Council of Churches in the Philippines
Co-Chairman, Ecumenical Bishop’s Forum
Member, National Social Action Commission
Third Party Depository on the GRP-NDF Peace Talks
Convenor, Pilgrims for Peace
Co-Chairman, Philippine Peace Center
Initiator, Peace for Life
Founding Convenor, Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties
Provincial Chairman, KARAPATAN-Tarlac
Judge, International People’s Court, 2005
Member, Presidium, Citizens Congress for Truth and Accountability, 2005
Chairperson, Workers Assistance Center, Inc. Cavite, 2006
Considering his outstanding service to his people, he was chosen as one of the Adopted Sons of Cavite City and was awarded as an Outstanding Caviteno during the year 1993. He was also a recipient of the Outstanding Son of Cavite, Province of Cavite, Philippines in the year 2004.

He was a family to the pioneer members of the Parish of St. Anthony de Padua. He was deeply involved in administering not only the spiritual needs of Aglipayan community but also helped his people materially. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the church. When he met and married Sis. Celerina on May 4, 1963, he considered Cavite City his permanent home.

In Masonry, Bro. Bishop Ramento was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft Mason, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in the year 1968 and the first priest member of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly Lodge No. 17).

The untimely demise of Bro. Bishop Ramento is a great loss not only for the Iglesia Filipina Independiente but also for the ecumenical movement and people’s organizations.

At the age of 70, the victim of injustice, Most Reverend Bro. Alberto Baldovino Ramento, a fatherly pastor, a social prophet, an uncompromising nationalist, a peacemaker, a champion of the peoples’ cause, and a Mason, now joins the G.A.O.T.U.

“The I.F.I., the Faithful, the Fraternity - Cry for Justice”

Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M
President, Kapatirang Alagad I.F.I (1999)

Sources / References

Most Reverend Godofredo J. David, 11th Obispo Maximo. Statement of the I.F.I. on the Brutal Killing of Bishop Alberto B. Ramento, 9th Obispo Maximo, I.F.I. October 4, 2006.
Cavaliers and The Hall of Fame, Cavite City.
Cavite City Council Resolution No. 06-138 October 9, 2006.

THE RECOLLECTIONS OF 1906, 1907, 1912, 1917, 2006 AND THE FINALE 2007

On September 4, 1906, founders of the Lodge adopted a resolution to form Bagong Buhay Lodge; on September 16, 1906, Bagong Buhay Lodge UD elected and installed its first Lodge officers; on August 11, 1907, Bagong Buhay Lodge was officially constituted. It was chartered and numbered Lodge No. 291 under the jurisdiction of Gran Oriente Espanol and formally installed its officers; in 1912, the Lodge was re-chartered and renumbered to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands; on February 13, 1917, the Lodge was officially constituted and started to be referred as Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 under the unified Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands and became directly under the supervision of American Masons.

After almost 89 years (February 13, 1917 – September 9, 2006) of harmonious relationship, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 with heavy hearts, had to break ties with the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, but the friendship or amity remains forever.

On September 10, 2006, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17, acting on resolution adopted in a regular stated meeting, declared its independence from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and joined the regularly, legally and duly constituted Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), re-chartered and renumbered to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the IGLPI together with six (6) other century old and very old Lodges in the Province of Cavite, Republic of the Philippines, namely: Cavite Lodge No. 2 (retained its number, constituted on October 18, 1902); Pilar Lodge No. 3 (formerly No. 15, constituted on June 5, 1894); Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 5 (formerly No. 31, constituted on December 21, 1915); Bagong Ilaw Lodge No. 6 (formerly No. 97, constituted on January 27, 1925); La Naval Lodge No. 7 (formerly No. 269, constituted on January 20, 1984); and Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 8 (formerly No. 316, constituted on May 31, 1997); and later followed by Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 (formerly No. 51, constituted on February 15, 1919) which was re-chartered and renumbered on January 5, 2007 during the Special Grand Assembly of the IGLPI.

The first candidates of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 after the “Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the IGLPI”, despite the worrying situation but pursued their noble intentions to join the craft, were: Bro. Joseph Camato Macaraig and Bro. Picollo Chester M. Bulanhagui. They were initiated Entered Apprentice Masons on October 31, 2006, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft Masons on November 24, 2006 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Masons on December 6, 2006.

With the theme, “A Fresh Start for True Masonry”, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the IGLPI, moves on and march forward, thus created and adopted three (3) resolutions with the concepts of recognizing the exemplary and outstanding performances and contributions of the brethren to the Lodge and Freemasonry as well as to the community and its inhabitants, bringing the brethren new and fresh ideas, and maintaining brotherly love, relief and truth:

RESOLUTION NO. 4, SERIES OF 2007 “A resolution creating the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M Awards and approving and adopting the guidelines and criteria for the award hereto attached, and to bestow the Worshipful Master the authority to present and award to Master Masons in good standing who and which distinguished and excelled themselves by exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements or services rendered to the Lodge and Freemasonry as well as to the Community and its Inhabitants both in their public and private lives, and to non-Masons, either by an individual, group or associations who unselfishly rendered worthy contributions to member Master Masons, to the Lodge in particular and Freemasonry in general”

The Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 Awards were classified under the name of the prominent members of the Lodge and categorized according to their outstanding achievements and worthy contributions, to wit:

1) MWB Emilio P. Virata PGM Award (Masonic Services)
2) MWB Rafael Palma PGM Award (Government Services)
3) VWB Artemio A. Tadiar Jr. PGLO Award (Posthumous)
4) VWB Ricardo A. Alfaro PDGL Award (Sports)
5) WB Ladislao N. Diwa PM Award (Other Field of Services)
6) WB Jose A. Reyes PM Award (Individual, Group, Association, Master Masons or Non- Masons of worthy accomplishments and unselfish contributions rendered to member Master Masons, the Lodge in particular as well as to Freemasonry in general)

RESOLUTION NO. 5, SERIES OF 2007 “A resolution creating a newsletter and adopting the name “THE NEW LIFE”, as the official bulletin of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F & A M”

RESOLUTION NO. 6, SERIES OF 2007 “A resolution creating and adopting the new official “LODGE SEAL of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4, F & A. M.”

The description and depiction of the new official seal of the Lodge are, as follows:

a. The boarder is an endless double-looped knot of a rope or cord represented in circular shape
b. The name of the Lodge and the year 5907-6007 Anno Lucis are inscribed inside the boarder and outside of the circle
c. The shield vertically divided in two sections are portrayed at the center of the circle
d. The first section consist of two segments of the same size shown at the inside upper portion of the shield while below is the second section of one bigger segment
e. The first segment feature the official flag of the City, the second segment inscribed the letters KKK adorned with laurel leaves, above the third and bigger segment depicted the All-Seeing Eye and below the Square and Compasses

The Lodge also recognized the Outstanding Masons of the Lodge:

Recipient of the First Hiram Award

a. VWB Ireneo I. Racimo (MD#2) - 1994
b. VWB Francisco E. Expectacion (MD#2) - 1994
c. VWB Armando L. Quion (MD#2) - 1994

Masonic District No. 2 Outstanding District Grand Lecturer

a. VW Jaime V. Bantolo (MD#2) - 2004

Masonic District No. 2 Most Outstanding Worshipful Masters

a. WM Edgardo N. Reyes (MD#10) - 1988
b. WM Jaime A. Ramos (MD#10) - 1989
c. WM Armando L. Quion (MD#10) - 1990
d. WM Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. (MD#10) - 1991
e. WM Amorico M. Alvarez (MD#2) - 1997
f. WM Jaime V. Bantolo (MD#2) - 1999
g. WM Gorgonio V. Necessario, Jr. PM (MD#2) - 2005

Grand Lodge of the Philippines Most Outstanding Worshipful Master

a. WM Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. (MD#10) - 1992

On August 11, 2007, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F. & A. M. celebrated its Centennial Anniversary. The memorable celebration started at 2:00 P.M. with a motorcade. There were about thirty (30) cars with balloons and streamers assembled in an open space at the Cavite Coastal Bay City, Dalahican District, Cavite City, and from thereat, passed the City’s major thoroughfares up to the Masonic Lodge Temple. Upon arrival, a Eucharistic Celebration by Rev. Fr. Rizaldy Arnaiz of San Antonio Parish Church, Philippine Independent Church was held at the Lodge Hall by 3:00 P.M.

A formal wreath laying and floral offering at the Masonic Lodge Memorial Marker was participated by the Guest of Honor and Speaker, widows and orphans of the deceased dearly departed brethren, members of different subordinate Lodges, sisters, sons and daughters of appendant bodies, distinguished guests, and friends of Masons. The program proper was held inside the VWB Gen. Artemio A. Tadiar, Jr. Hall PM, PGLO with Bro. Mayor Bernardo S. Paredes as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

The highlights of the program are the reading of 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” passed and adopted by the Cavite City Council on August 6, 2007, and the recognition and presentation of awards to the members and other prominent personalities who rendered exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and worthy contributions to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F. & A. M.

The Centennial Major Awardees. . .

MWB EMILIO P. VIRATA AWARD (Masonic Services)

a. MW Jaime V. Bantolo GM
b. RW Nicolas G. Ricafrente DGM
c. RW Manuel L. Carranza, Jr SGW
d. RW Joseph A. Capuyan JGW
e. RW Armando L. Quion GS
f. Bro. Mayor Bernardo S. Paredes

MWB RAFAEL PALMA PGM AWARD (Government Services)

a. Bro. Mayor Bernardo S. Paredes
b. VWB Councilor Amorico M. Alvarez

VWB ARTEMIO A. TADIAR, JR PGLO AWARD (Posthumous)

a. VWB Ricardo A. Alfaro PDGL
b. WB Raul A. Patricio PM
c. Bro. Alberto B. Ramento
d. Bro. Nilo P. Ramos

VWB RICARDO A. ALFARO PDGL AWARD (Sports)

a. Bro. Magno C. Herradura
b. Bro. Lyndon D. Torres

WB LADISLAO N. DIWA (Other Field of Services)

a. VWB Amorico M. Alvarez AGS
b. VWB Edilberto D. Esperat GBB
c. WB Gorgonio V. Necessario, Jr. PM
d. Bro. Lamberto A. Aquino

WB JOSE A. REYES PM AWARD (Masons, Non-Masons, Associations or Group)

a. VWB Petronilo M. Bulanhagui DGL

The important event of celebrating the 100 years existence of Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 became more memorable when the affair was graced by the presence of the brethren under the jurisdiction of Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas led by its Grand Master, Most Worshipful Victor Valdez.

There were about two hundred twenty five (225) members, sisters and guests attended the successful affair who also participated in the fellowship, ballroom dancing and raffles that went to the wee hours.

As of December 2006, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 had member Master Masons of 202; Dual Members 3; and Life Members by Longevity 80 with a total strength of 285 Master Masons in good standing (Philippines and Foreign Countries).

Through the years, it has remained steadfast to its chosen name “New Life”. It has honorably and faithfully discharged its duties to the Fraternity and maintained its prestige and good name by adhering to the ancient landmarks of the institution.

New members come. Old members laid down their working tools. Others simply fade way. But Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 will stand like a beacon light, diffusing its rays to light up the part of that grand ideal of establishing a Universal League of Mankind under the Fatherhood of GOD.

“Despite the long, rough and rugged journey, the Lodge moves on, and brethren march forward”

- TRUST IN GOD, FEAR NOT WHAT MEN CAN DO, AGAINST US -


Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4

THE RECHARTERING AND RENUMBERING OF BAGONG BUHAY LODGE NO. 17

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

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 !!!

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.

Note from ApoM:

"Bro Jim" is the MW Jaime Bantolo, GM of IGLPI.