The following is the RCCA that leads to the formation of IGLPI. This is an eye opener for those who are interested in viewing both side of the story and for Brethren who understand the importance of equilibrium in our lives.
"In 2003, many brethren were slighted when they learned about the circulation of an offer by a prospective candidate for Junior Grand Warden to foot the bill for plane tickets to the venue of the scheduled Grand Lodge of the Philippines Annual Communications. This tact was never done before. Cavite Masons were known for their independence and free choice during elections. To the extent of being labeled disunited, even nominees from Cavite were not always supported by Cavite Masons. The blatant attempt to gain support with the use of favors was considered an affront to their sensibilities and adherence to age -old tenets. Therefore, in the exercise of their lawful rights and duty, Cavite brethren filed an electioneering case against the prospective nominee.
The 2003 annual election for Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines was marked with unprecedented events. When the prospective nominee did not land in the short list of five, the electioneering case was declared moot and academic. But in an unprecedented decision of the Past Grand Masters' selection board, alternate nominees were named. The strangest development was when all five principal nominees suddenly withdrew from the race. Naturally, the two succeeding alternate nominees became the only strong contenders. The nominee charged of electioneering by the Cavite brethren won. Three years later in 2006, he became the Grand Master."
For full article see: A View of the Current History of Cavite Masons
F/
RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
GLofCA
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
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.
For full article. Masonry in the History of the Philippines.
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.
Monday, December 17, 2007
About Phil. Masonic History
“Originally attached to the Grand Lodge of Spain - the Philippine archipelago is a former colony of Spain - the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of The Philippines became autonomous on 19 December 1912.”
I thank the WB for his research however, allow me to adjust his article and hopefully fill in some void between. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP) was never been “attached to the Grand Lodge of Spain.” In order to make a balance presentation, the following materials were taken from history pages of two Lodges under the GLP, an equal number from Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) and a Lodge under Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas (GLNF). Furthermore, a short quote from official statements from both Grand Lodges.
About Philippines Masonic History.
I thank the WB for his research however, allow me to adjust his article and hopefully fill in some void between. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP) was never been “attached to the Grand Lodge of Spain.” In order to make a balance presentation, the following materials were taken from history pages of two Lodges under the GLP, an equal number from Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) and a Lodge under Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas (GLNF). Furthermore, a short quote from official statements from both Grand Lodges.
About Philippines Masonic History.
Friday, September 14, 2007
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”.
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
Sunday, September 9, 2007
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.
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
Sunday, September 2, 2007
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Seven (7) years ago, it was done... but only selected participants knew the values of the historical endeavors. And after seven (7) long years, I only now realized that it is my duty to disseminate to the Filipino people especially the Cavitenos that there exist a time capsule that contained important and memorable events that transpired in the City of Cavite, but there’s an old quotation saying, “it’s better late than never”, so, I decided to move on and do what I know is my obligation to our inhabitants, just like any interested individual, for it is also their right to inform everybody, for anything they valued and appreciated, and that would benefited each and every peace loving Caviteno, more particularly the young generation.
The concept started when we were researching good materials to be incorporated to our souvenir program in connection with the Bagong Buhay Lodge centennial commemoration on August 11, 2007. I was then at home, and have just finished doing some household chores when I saw an old issue of Cabletow, official organ of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines Volume 75, No. 5 dated January-February 1999.
The front and back covers shows the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan Marker located at the Japanese Garden, Luneta, Manila. The inside front cover are the Markers of the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan and the Message of MW Enrique L. Locsin Centennial Grand Master. On the inside back cover are photos taken during the Unveiling Ceremony.
For a moment, I was stunned and speechless, and something cherish in my mind, that the then City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. issued Executive Order No. 7 dated October 27, 1999 creating a Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee who are task to research, collate and record significant events, great personalities, trivia and other related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past 1,000 years.
The enormous tasked was assigned to me and chaired the Committee. Together with the members, namely Ms. Jocelyn dela Rosa, City Librarian; Ms. Remedios Ordonez, retired school teacher and member Cavite City Historical Committee and City Tourism Council; Mr. Leon Young Jr. member Cavite City Historical Committee; and Mr. Victor Rufin, Executive Secretary to the City Mayor; researched and prepared the Tagalog-English-Spanish Dictionary, biography of Cavite patriots, great personalities and trivia; collected important materials pertaining to the history of Cavite City, the City’s Great Seal, the City Hymn, and the City March, and other significant events and related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past one thousand (1,000) years while Architect Noelito Atangan of the City Engineer’s Office designed the time capsule and marker; and Ms. Nora Buenaventura, and Rosemarie Basuil, Assistant Secretary and Stenographic Reporter III, respectively of the City Council assisted in compiling the records.
We didn’t waste our time, upon received of the gargantuan order, we immediately conducted an intensive and exhaustive research and interviews. We have to work hard even in the wee hours to finish our assignment on time, for we have a time table, the ceremony was scheduled come January 1, 2000.
The mission was very interesting, you do research, you gain more knowledge, you conduct interviews, you meet nice people, and most importantly was the wholehearted support extended by the members coming from different offices in the City Government. In just two (2) months of being together, camaraderie born-out amongst us, the respect for each and everyone was crystal clear of signified intention to spread the importance of City history and be form part of it with noble cause.
The concept started when we were researching good materials to be incorporated to our souvenir program in connection with the Bagong Buhay Lodge centennial commemoration on August 11, 2007. I was then at home, and have just finished doing some household chores when I saw an old issue of Cabletow, official organ of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines Volume 75, No. 5 dated January-February 1999.
The front and back covers shows the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan Marker located at the Japanese Garden, Luneta, Manila. The inside front cover are the Markers of the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan and the Message of MW Enrique L. Locsin Centennial Grand Master. On the inside back cover are photos taken during the Unveiling Ceremony.
For a moment, I was stunned and speechless, and something cherish in my mind, that the then City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. issued Executive Order No. 7 dated October 27, 1999 creating a Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee who are task to research, collate and record significant events, great personalities, trivia and other related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past 1,000 years.
The enormous tasked was assigned to me and chaired the Committee. Together with the members, namely Ms. Jocelyn dela Rosa, City Librarian; Ms. Remedios Ordonez, retired school teacher and member Cavite City Historical Committee and City Tourism Council; Mr. Leon Young Jr. member Cavite City Historical Committee; and Mr. Victor Rufin, Executive Secretary to the City Mayor; researched and prepared the Tagalog-English-Spanish Dictionary, biography of Cavite patriots, great personalities and trivia; collected important materials pertaining to the history of Cavite City, the City’s Great Seal, the City Hymn, and the City March, and other significant events and related subject matters that transpired and emerged in Cavite City for the past one thousand (1,000) years while Architect Noelito Atangan of the City Engineer’s Office designed the time capsule and marker; and Ms. Nora Buenaventura, and Rosemarie Basuil, Assistant Secretary and Stenographic Reporter III, respectively of the City Council assisted in compiling the records.
We didn’t waste our time, upon received of the gargantuan order, we immediately conducted an intensive and exhaustive research and interviews. We have to work hard even in the wee hours to finish our assignment on time, for we have a time table, the ceremony was scheduled come January 1, 2000.
The mission was very interesting, you do research, you gain more knowledge, you conduct interviews, you meet nice people, and most importantly was the wholehearted support extended by the members coming from different offices in the City Government. In just two (2) months of being together, camaraderie born-out amongst us, the respect for each and everyone was crystal clear of signified intention to spread the importance of City history and be form part of it with noble cause.
It was also worthy of remembering the assistance of City’s local historian, some individuals, organizations and associations in their way of extending contributions and donations, like the collection of poems, essays, riddles, short stories, the Holy Bible, rosary, instructions on how to play old Filipino or childhood games like “patintero, tumbang preso, piko, sipa, sungka, and even including a rubber bond with a stick of “walis tingting”, names of residents of the City as of 1999, list of registered voters, total number of population, recipes of Tagalog and Chavacano viands, old and new pictures of government and private buildings, memorable markers, historical and educational books authored by different personalities, and many others; and of course the food and drinks for our snacks or lunch with corresponding thoughtfulness and encouragement.
It was at this juncture, when I said to myself, “Why not include the history of Masonry and Lodges in Cavite City?” It’s an open book that Masonry played a vital role during the Spanish, American, Japanese, and even in the modern period. There were many prominent personalities who contributed in the history of the City that were members of Cavite Lodge No. 2, Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4) and La Naval Lodge No. 269 (now Lodge No. 7), all found in Cavite City.
With this in mind, coupled with noble intention to recognize the exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and contributions of the brethren to the Lodge and Masonry as well as to the City of Cavite and its inhabitants, I began to collate Masonic materials, but because of time constraint, I wasn’t able to collect much. The best thing I can do was to gather available Masonic emblems, decals and stickers and referred to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 (now Lodge No. 4 under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands), souvenir programs, trusted and confident with the references, sources, written and edited by WB Herminigildo Perez Santos PM (1945-1946) of Bagong Buhay Lodge and WB Adriano Anastacio, Jr. PM of La Naval Lodge; and with my little contribution, we were able to finish a brief history of Freemasonry in the Philippines, and so with the Lodges in the City.
The celebration of “New Year” was something to remember because we experienced the merriment at the Mayor Julian C. Medina, Jr. Hall at the second floor of the City Hall, and while the parents, children and love ones were praying together at home, and having their “media noche” (midnight snacks), others were celebrating with the traditional lightings of firecrackers, the playing of loud music, homemade trumpets, drums, sirens, etc., and the different voices heard at the top of their “viva voca”, dancing and greetings each other with happy new year, we were inside the hall celebrating with our computer sets, until the job was finally done. It’s already 6:00 A.M., we’re almost exhausted after that long vigorous moment, after those labors and sacrifices, and we went downstairs directly to Samonte Park, and with sweet smiles turned over the big volumes of documentary materials to Mayor Encarnacion. Having accomplished the biggest tasked we ever had, we shook hands and hugged each others. We were also congratulated and greeted by every one for a job well done. We were very proud of ourselves for being a part of a noble cause.
On that momentous day of January 1, 2000, in a simple and solemn ceremonies, the Cavite City Millennium Time Capsule and Marker was officially installed at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City fronting the City Hall at exactly 6:21 A.M. (first sunrise) signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium.
The preservation and immortalization of the contents of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker are dedicated to the future generation of Cavitenos, in order for them to know, learn and appreciate the role played by Cavite City in ancient and modern times.
The installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is very memorable for it is the “First Historical Time Capsule and Marker” ever installed in the City of Cavite, only to be opened up to view its contents at the end of the 3rd Millennium and the beginning of the 4th Millennium, another 1,000 years of significant achievements.
“Under Resolution No. 04-081 dated September 6, 2004, the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker officially installed on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City was recognized as one of the historical sites in the City of Cavite”
The preservation and immortalization of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker is the brainchild of lawyer/historian former City Mayor Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr. dedicated to the future generation.
To the former City Mayor of Cavite City, Atty. Timoteo O. Encarnacion, Jr, the pride of the Cavitenos, a million thanks for leading the preservation and immortalization of the historic past.
To the Millennium Time Capsule, Marker and Perpetuation Committee members, my sincerest gratitude and commendation for a job well done.
To the brethren, it’s an honor to be of service to the Lodge in particular and Freemasonry in general.
Finally, the forgotten documentation, publication, posting and announcement of the installation of the Millennium Time Capsule and Marker on January 1, 2000 at the heart of Samonte Park, Cavite City signifying the end of the 2nd Millennium and the beginning of the 3rd Millennium is now a fulfilled obligation and form part of the manuscripts of history as a source and for references, dedicated to the future generation, to the Cavitenos living in foreign countries, friends, guests from other places, and nearby municipalities, and of course to brother Masons withersoever dispersed.
Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4
(NOTE: This article was posted in West to East, entitled "Millennium Time Capsule and Marker. Thank You.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
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
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
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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