Standing Tall

It quite something to look back and ponder how can those who wear the purple of the Fraternity could think that this color is a license to do whatever they wish and set aside lessons taught in our Degrees such as justice, tolerance, Brotherly Love and others. Being castigated because being seen in attendance in a ceremony open to public as a warning to those "disobeyed" was not enough, the plot to divide and hijack a lodge was a stuff right out of the TV soap opera show and a demostration of how power can corrupt weak minded men. On this day, again I applaud the action of the Brethren of Pintong Bato Lodge for standing tall against injustice and whimpsical notions of misguided individuals. I congratulate the Brethren and those who support them for courage and persistence againt an overwhelming odds, you and the rest of the Brethren of IGLPI showed the rest of us that Brotherhood doesnt meant blind obedience but of distinguishing what is right and what is wrong then applying Brotherly Love to those who we can trully call Worthy Brothers of the Craft. My profound congratulation to the Brethren of Pintong Bato and the rest of IGPLI. Mabuhay!!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Honorificabilitudinitatibus

Honorificabilitudinitatibus -"the state of being able to achieve honours."

In an organization that espouses a notion of equality among members in particular and humanity in general, it is worth mentioning of the widespread use of Masonic titles and its apparent acceptance. The titles come abound such as religious sounding designation--- Most Worshipful, Right Worshipful to self-styled label as Past Assistant Grand Secretary.

The Fraternity is not immune to this concept. Organized entities such as military, religious or even academia carry out this human pleasure world wide. Like any culture, there are rules when, where, and how honorifics are to be practice. Honorifics are words or terms of respect used when referring a person. Its is given and awarded during the moment as recognition to deserving personage. A manifestation of respect, it is earned and at a times very challenging to own in perpetuity. Those who truly recognize the lessons of the Craft will receive the words with humility and with the same passion of wearing a plain lampskin apron rather than the model bedecked with fancy handwork. Indeed, astute student of the Craft understand that vanity loom to its conclusion when his "weary feet shall come to the end of its toilsome journey."

Masonic Titles – An Observation.

09.09.09

rmolano
HL No. 279

No Host Fellowship

Last Thursday, August 13, 2009, a “NO HOST FELLOWSHIP” was held at Airport Juan, Airport Road , Pasay City. The first similar fellowship was held in March 2007. The affair was attended by 51 brethren from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines , Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Island and the Grand Logia National de Filipinas.

For photos and article see NO HOST FELLOWSHIP at Recent Events In Phil Masonry blog by Bro. Ben Apacible.

Congratulations to organizers, a warm fraternal salutation to all Brethren who enjoyed the spirit of Brotherhood, a thankful appreciation to those who support and an offer of right hand in continuance of friendship to those who might still have doubts on what our Brethren are trying to accomplish.

rmolano
HL#279

One Day Class

There are sections within the Fraternity which tend to “look down” upon those who did not take the “traditional” course of instructions. This group of hard core Brothers played by the rules and to see that the same rules get “optimized” for the benefit of some reasons they don’t agree is always comes down to a very predictable reaction. If we are to view Freemasonry as an entity that provide ladder for societal advancement, then the manner by which a brother achieve his laurel of victory i.e. Master Mason Degree is a consideration may be worth looking into. There are those who in spite of lack of memorization skills forged ahead to get through proficiency examination in front of the entire Lodge therefore, gets annoyed to those who skipped the process. Justice is a tenet of Freemasonry---meeting on the level, acting by the plumb and parting upon the square. Those words are more than learning by rote.

On the other hand, if we perceived Freemasonry as “a system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols,” what moral lessons these one-day class can we identify as deficiencies from the preferred method? If we already taken the interest of some good men, would a one day class would make them less than from what they were? Men stayed with the Fraternity not because of the short or long class but because they found something that held and sustained their interest. Whether the curiosities are about philosophical, mystical, camaraderie, and even religious, these are also examples of why men joined the Craft. Sustaining interest on a deeply held notion is what makes an individual do what others do not even care about.

Having said that, in my view, it is un-Masonic conduct to the Brothers to be treated any “less” than those who did went through the “old fashioned way.” Obviously, there were not many options offered to the candidates as the some jurisdictions made the decision for them. I have witnessed candidates who preferred to go through “long form” rather than the easier “short form” proficiency examinations. One doesn’t have to be surprised why it’s easier for them to get “approval” and recognition from the old-timers.

One Day Class.

rmolano

Hanford Lodge No. 279

On 2009 Independence Day

All rebellion has cause(s), right, wrong, justifiable, etc.. In that rebellion there are leaders who inspire others who felt the same way. Within that dynamics, a large group who is either afraid, indifferent or blind to the issue, just stand by the fence and watch where the winds blows---fence sitters. That description can be applied to any rebellion/revolution. The political upheavals we are witnessing is an obvious manifestation of lingering and dormant economic condition of the country. While the rest of the neighboring country made progress, the Philippines are very hard press to claim such achievement. Which comes first, the hen or the egg? Inept politicians or the people who select their representatives?

Freemasonry doesn't create or "lift up the condition of the country and our countrymen." The Craft is not about influencing society for "higher and noble" aspirations. Freemasonry is not about community service or Nation building. Its about building a temple hence, guiding an individual to make his choice, to follow his conscience and to do what is right---to be a moral man. What comes after is another choice.

No single person ever accomplishes that Nation building task anywhere. It requires leaders with vision and in Philippine History----individuals who happened to be Masons were the catalyst to the uprisings against Spain and United States. Brother Masons were also key players in the modern history of the country. Freemasons were on both sides of the fence and many others were neither. World History is full individuals known and unknown, who made a difference to their country and countrymen. They are not known as Masons but as people who happened to be Brothers of the Craft. Those are the people who during the course of their membership learned the lesson of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. Lessons about Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Let us not forget my dear Brethren that great many participants of revolutions, who equally endured hardships, lost their properties and lives were not Masons.

Rebels, Freemasons and History.

rmolano

Hanford Lodge No. 279

A Question on Friday the 13th of March

"A Mason is sometimes asked by a friend, a neighbor, or a business associate, "What do the Masons do?" The question may be worded more generally, "What are the Masons?"

The opening sentence of an article titled, What's Your Answer brought out a fundamental question that been asked since time immemorial --- Who are we? The unknown author's real question to the readers was that do we know what Freemasonry is really all about. For what purpose it exist?

Who Are We.

RmOlano
HL#279

Masonic Books

There are hundreds of books authored by hundreds of convincing and not-so convincing writers. What book to read will depend on what may interest the readers. As a historian, John J. Robinson's Born In Blood is akin to reading history book, Lomas and Knight's Hiram series has a good number of speculations, and Laurence Gardner's Shadow of Solomon's has more technical description. Chris Hodapp's Freemasonry for Dummies is easy to read, and then we have anti-masonic series like Stephen Knight 's The Brotherhood. Manly Hall's Lost Secret of Freemasonry was written before he became a Mason while Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma was his grand opus. John R. Heisner’s most recent Advanced Meditations on Masonic Symbolism is his interpretation of familiar symbols we heard and see inside the Lodge. Most readers find topics as the primary requirement and authors as secondary, some preferred the other way around. The bottom line is that the material should be interesting e.g. subject, author, etc., or else the book will be as good as a door stop.

Referring to the study of the Craft, Brother Jim Bantolo, PGM, recently wrote, “There is still so much to read, researched, and to be illumined. So much to digest. So much to understand. So much to feel and see what true Masonry. It is just too much more than simply being Monitorial.” Let us take heed of these words of wisdom. Freemasonry is more than a small group of elite beings who think they are some sort of special. The Craft is more than parroting of arcane ritual lines or participating in an amateurish drama play. It is also embarking on a journey that will take time and patience, of understanding that the travel not the destination is what will matter most. It is about explaining the spots on individual's lambskin apron.

I commend the Brother for his interest and obvious hunger for furthering his Masonic Light. I am glad to find Brothers who understand that Freemasonry is beyond dues card and rings.

*** originally posted at West to East Yahoogroup as response to Brother Erick Calica, Cavite Lodge No. 2, IGLPI.***

F/

RmOlano

Hanford Lodge No. 279

Why Not

Why only one Grand Lodge can exist in the Philippines? Why not? Removing the prejudicial thinking of the motive, be it may imagine or reality, Freemasonry spread around the world not because a Grand Lodge “authorized” the creation of another Grand Lodge but because three or more Lodges banded together and formed their own. Neither Modern nor Ancient Grand Lodges of England authorizes the creation of Grand Lodge of New York or Pennsylvania or California to form Nevada. Individual Lodges warranted by either Grand Lodge of England formed their own Grand Lodge due to their own reasons. Even Spain at one time had two Grand Lodges until both sides settled their differences and merged into one. Needless to say the result of union of Ancients and Modern to become United Grand Lodge of England. If we look back to the history of Grand Lodge of Japan, GLP’s reaction was not something we could be proud of.

Now how about if the three Lodges in Guam decided to form the Grand Lodge of Micronesia or Guam, would GLP declare our Brethren from Guam clandestine too? Or should GLP be a proud parent of a new born GL? Instead of putting roadblocks, GLP could be an example of how a good and caring parent would act watching his offspring takes it's baby step toward maturity.

Why Not?

RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
GLofCA

Political and Religious Discussions

It is NOT the discussion of politics within the Lodge that is prohibited but rather it is the sectarian or the my-way-or-highway approach to civil discussion which often led to disharmony among Brethren. What is not allowed is the mentality that my opinion, my party, my religion and my God is right and all others are wrong. Politics and religion will always be in our thought, to "prohibit" its discussion is to say, I have provided all the argument and all available documentations therefore, the case is close---Period. This kind of mind-set ought to be prohibited not the content of the discussion whether its politics, religion, sports or the best watering hole in the area.

Political and Religious Discussions.

F/
RmOlano

Distorted Report

2008 Finding of CIR re: PHILIPPINES. Source: http://www.recognitioncommission.org/2008 Report

PHILIPPINES
The Grand Lodge of the Philippines has provided additional clarification on the situation with Freemasonry in that country. Members in seven of the eighteen Lodges in the Cavite District formed Lodges with the same name, but different numbers, and formed what they call the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, without a legitimate charter. All those members have been expelled from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. As stated last year, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines is the only Grand Lodge in that country that meets the standards for recognition.

There is a big difference between "members in seven of the eighteen Lodges" and "seven of the eighteen member Lodges." The people from GLP who wrote, signed and provided this information knew exactly what they are feeding to the Commision. This is NOT a typo error nor gramatical oversight. This distortion of facts came from official documents of a Masonic body which billed themselves as "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines." Somebody ought to examine the real meaning of "Most Worshipful" even to this contemporary times.

For more comments see VW Ben Apacible's "Personal Comment on 2008 Report."

F/
RmOlano
"Words are manifestition of our inner thoughts, once released it can not be taken back therefore, if not sure it is wiser to keep it or take the responsibilities/consequences of your words--written or spoken."

An Invitation

Universal Masonry

In an article titled Universal Masonry, by the MW Conrad Hahn, PGM, Deputy Executive Secretary of Masonic Service Association, he elucidated the rough and rugged road towards the realization of what he calls a Universal Masonry. In it, he gave us some of the historical facts related to the fraternal recognition practices between Grand Lodges and Grand Orients. The MW correctly stated that not all Freemasons are "free" to communicate with other brethren not" recognized" by their own governing body called Grand Lodge/Orients. Although the removal of the requirement for a belief in a Supreme Being was a popular excuse of withdrawing the "recognition" to other Masonic Lodges, the same old myopic excuse of racial bigotry is rarely mentioned. A student of the craft don't have to seek far to be confronted with fraternal relationship issue with Prince Hall Lodges. The notion of Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God is somehow became a rhetorical quest for definition of Man and God.

Universal Masonry.

Re: The Failure of ACACIA is the Failure of the Fraternity

The failure of Acacia is the failure of people who composed or belongs to a certain group/brand of Fraternity either through indifference, lack of moral values and/or total ignorance of what Freemasonry is about. It is not the Craft fault to be used as a base for ego tripping, it is not the Fraternity's Landmarks to elect leaders and members who will bring shame to the Order, it is not Freemasonry's objective to turn the organization into vehicle of social welfare, good-old-boy-network or stepladder to "fame" by those who crave for self gratification.

The Fraternity is an avenue where men can practice a notion called, Freemasonry--- an ideal such as this doesn't die or get corrupted, it is those with weak moral values that fails --- not the Craft itself. Hence, with all due respect my Brother, through I would venture to say that I understand the point of the message, I am in disagreement as to where the failure must be blamed to.

We should call spade a spade--- those who allow such things happen in the name of "Harmony," those who call themselves "Masons" who kept silent in fear of being castigated by those in power, and those who chose to bury their head and turned their backs to the "Truth" are equally guilty of letting our Fraternity into disarray. The Failure of Acacia is a failure of Filipino men who called themselves "Masons." It was a failure to act and let a small number of real Masons to take the brunt of the work. Fence sitters with weak moral resolve, opportunists who looked out for their own agenda and those men who think wearing a ball cap, ring or sporting a "Masonic" T-shirt makes them a Mason---pathetic men who think they found the secret of Freemasonry must share the burden of this failure.

F/

Brotherhood of us against them

the following are excerpts from postings before and after being banned from a Filipino Masonic discussion group:

“Anyone is free to leave the fraternity or this group if one feels that it no longer fits his views” because “we are always governed by certain rules which we abide.” But before someone pick up his marbles and leave to tell mother that there are bullies in the playground, let me ask for clarification of seemingly well thought “to prevent animosity it was decided not to identify a brother belonging to a certain jurisdiction.” Who was the “it” that made the decision? Did the moderators got together and agreed to this idea or maybe the group was consulted for their opinions and concurred that this is the right thing to do for the benefit of the group? Or this is another example of what the VW Jim Best posted earlier, “This smacks of the same dictatorial policy the immediate Past Grand Master was accused of...”

While it is true that we all come to this group on “our own freewill and accord” but that does not give anyone a license to shove anything to member’s throat. This is not an example of a notion we all proud to flaunt around. Quoting Bro Baltazar of Oceanside-San Dieguito No. 381 earlier post, “This is not Freemasonry to me”--- that would be interesting item on T-shirts and most especially on a banner.

Despite of what happened, I am still holding my ground that the group is not connected or in the words of a Brother "front of iGLP." The recent petty ruling of site owner that can be best summarized by VW Jim Best as "dictatorial" comment has the intent of preserving harmony within the group by burying ones head in the hole so to speak. It has a good intention but was poorly conceived, assessed as well as dismally executed.

As I mentioned to VW Ben Apacible, I wish the unfortunate incident did not torpedoed what he is laboring ever since the schism finally exploded. I am urging the Brother to reconsider his feelings regarding IGLPI Brethren. They are OUR Brothers of the Craft regardless of how some in GLP distorted the real meaning of "clandestine."

For a site that is so proud or being loud about "Brotherly Love," the recent experience with the group was certainly not a high point of being a Filipino Freemason.

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