A Model of A Change

by RmOlano

I apologize for gallivanting for sometime but to hear this news (new Masonic Lodges activation) is wonderful indeed. May the passage of time sprout true and worthy Brethren who understand why sometimes change must be done, accept the fact, and move on. Birds of same feather flocked together--a Law of Nature just like Law of Gravity. There is/are reasons for rebellion, justified or not and to succeed rebels need leaders with vision---men who do not see their place in grand scale but rather committed to continuity and eventual accomplishment of their cause. There are Freemasons on both sides of the street, how do we treat each other depends on how much we learned from the lessons of the Craft.

Our history can show that Philippines independence even short lived was led with many Brethren --- men with visions who do not see their place in grand scale. The recent Masonic activities in the the country as reported in Recent Events in Philippine Masonry  blog has shown that Philippines have men with vision who do not see their place in grand scale. Not everything was lost, there is always hope. The Nation needs leaders with vision, the Nation needs role models who can be emulated and be trusted to be ethical in their ways. The Nation does not have to look far and beyond, these leaders are already downrange and on site.

The larger question is whether the Nation itself wants a change. Will it take another one hundred years of injustice, oppression, and servitude before the Nation hears the voices of men with vision? The real issue is not much about the leaders but the people who select their voices. We reap what we sow. It is my hope that may people realize that the leaders do not make miracles, it requires commitment from all those who want the change--- a lesson from IGLPI.

Rebels, Freemasonry and History.

*** edited from posting at West to East yahoogroup.

...

Scoutmaster

Soft night winds bring a bit of chill to the skin yet, nobody really cares. There is warmth from burning logs, cracking as it tumbles down, sending thousands of fiery dust upwards propelled by the breeze. Forest night creatures sing their song, competing and badly losing to a Boy Scout Troop campfire. Forming a loose circle, the boys with their patrol flags slowly waving from the soft breeze, sit on the soft grass while listening to the man we admiringly called, “Sir Frank.”

Scoutmaster.

...

Note:

Though Sir Frank dropped his working tools for sometime now, it is my distinct honor and privilage to call the first man to sign my petition to receive Degrees in Freemasonry a Brother--- Brother Francisco Malicsi.

 
RmOlano

Rizal and Quezon: Freemasons or Not?

by RmOlano

Does Rizal really denounced freemasonry during his trial in Fort Santiago?  --- Bro Erick

First allow me to say that in no way shape or form that I can be considered as a historian nor subject master expert on Jose "Rizal" Mercado's biography. Having said that it is just fair to say that Bro Jose's last minute "retraction" of Freemasonry and/or returning back to fold of Catholic dogma is still being debated by experts. The "evidence" presented by the Church is being contested for its validity. In his fourteen paragraph Ultimo Adios, Bro Jose mentioned God twice and never by His name. The Catholic Dogma is very clear in regards to naming Name. Unlike Manuel Quezon, PGM who in August 1930 demitted not only from his Lodge but was on the record that he "resigned" from the Fraternity because of Masonic and Catholic ideology conflict. Now why is that "small" detail was not even hinted nor mentioned in the official History of Philippine Masonry published and sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines?

As a young veteran Manuel L Quezon, the future first Filipino Grand Master of GLP was "taken under the wings" of American Freemasons. His meteoric political flight from the rank of Major during revolution to Presidency of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was not a matter of luck or chances. If we are to believe that his rediscovered religion guided him to the places he was in then we ought to consider whose hands actually placed him where he can assert his "calling." We should not be naïve to remember that during Quezon's period, American expansionism policy influenced every political, economic, and military affair of the islands. Although the official version of the cause of returning to Catholic Church was due to his children, it could be postulated that Quezon's resignation from Freemasonry in 1930 was a political statement to the Americans that he no longer bound to American policy. Being an ardent nationalist, Quezon was possibly thinking about his other children--- the Filipino people. One could also wonder if Philippines would fare better in terms of pre- WW2 American military and economic aid from Bro Franklin Roosevelt Administration had Quezon did not demitted from the Craft.


There is a lesson in the Prince of Royal Secret degree or better known as 32 Degree of Scotish Rite that emphasized the importance of balance in our life. To achieve equilibrium is to maintain harmony, to support harmony there must be Truth and without Truth there is no Justice.



I salute those who fought for truth to achieve justice, may you find your equilibrium hence, harmony of your spirit. You know who you are as He is what He said He is. I thank the Brother for the nice words.



**reposted from West to East Yahoogroup.

...

Manong Peping, PM

I can’t forget the day when he stepped into our office with ever present smile, pointed my coffee cup with square and compass affixed and asked who owns it. I stood up and said that was mine. With a brighter smile this time, he asked, "Are you a Mason?" which I replied,"I am."



Manong Peping, PM.

...

Mason's Work

The raising is more than a degree work, it is a symbolic of completion the work started by Bro Macario Sr, who by example and providence demonstrated that no words are needed to encourage all of his six boys to become Freemasons. Macario, Jr's rising to the degree of Master Mason is a testimony that good man will knock on the door of Freemasonry "on his own freewill and accord." It is not hard to imagine the smile of the father when all six of his boys to call him a Brother and in return call three of them (so far) Worshipful Brothers.

Masons Work.

...

No Host Fellowship 3

On December 3, 2009, the No Host Fellowship 3 was held at the Airport Juan Restaurant , Airport Road, Pasay City and was attended by Filipino Masons from different Grand Jurisdiction/Obedience. Those who attended brought gifts for the orphans as agreed in the last No Host Fellowship. The brethren once again experienced mutual respect, harmony and brotherly love.

For photos and article see No Host Fellowship by Bro.Ben Apacible