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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lodge also recognized the Outstanding Masons of the Lodge:

Recipient of the First Hiram Award

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

Masonic District No. 2 Outstanding District Grand Lecturer

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

Masonic District No. 2 Most Outstanding Worshipful Masters

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

Grand Lodge of the Philippines Most Outstanding Worshipful Master

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

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

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

The highlights of the program are the reading of Resolution No. 07-081, “A resolution recognizing the exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and worthy contributions extended by the Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (formerly No. 17) under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) to the City Government of Cavite and its inhabitants” passed and adopted by the Cavite City Council on August 6, 2007, and the recognition and presentation of awards to the members and other prominent personalities who rendered exemplary, meritorious and outstanding achievements and worthy contributions to Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 F. & A. M.

The Centennial Major Awardees. . .

MWB EMILIO P. VIRATA AWARD (Masonic Services)

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

MWB RAFAEL PALMA PGM AWARD (Government Services)

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

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

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

VWB RICARDO A. ALFARO PDGL AWARD (Sports)

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

WB LADISLAO N. DIWA (Other Field of Services)

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

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

a. VWB Petronilo M. Bulanhagui DGL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Bro. Ric Alvarez
Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4

A Journey: IGLPI First Anniversary

by RmOlano

01Sep07

On September 9th a year ago, as a result of various emails exchanged with our Brethren mainly in pinoymasons eGroup created by Brother Willy Francia, moderated by WB Amor Mangosing, WB Jay Orolfo and Bro Jerry Azurin, I patched together the body of the thoughts and called it “Cavite Masons.” The main issue this writer was wondering about was the reasons why some selected Brothers were expelled and the subject of edicts whereby listed “names are to be erased from Masonic records forever” or something to that effect. Noting the time difference and coincidence, the day the article was composed was the day the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands was formally announced.

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the travel over rough and rugged road toward the place where the IGLPI now stand under the able leadership of the MW Jaime Bantolo and assisted by numerous unnamed Brethren who also shared the experience. The journey is not yet over but rather just started, there are more work to be done, cornerstones to be laid, arches to support and stones awaiting the workmen in the quarry. Though we look for the time, when our spirit will finally rest onboard that Ark anchored within the protected harbor, let us not forget – in the words of our esteemed Brother Alfred Ferrer of Malinaw Lodge No. 25 of San Pablo City , “it is the journey that counts.” It is the journey that makes who we are, not the goal we achieved. It is an endeavor that will test how much Lessons in Freemasonry each one of us learned during the years. A test of not how much power and prestige we accumulated on our way to the purple of the Fraternity but of much we protected our lambskin apron from being soiled on our way to a “more noble cause.” Standing for what we believed, despite what others might think---what kind of Mason we became. It is my humble wish to the visionaries of IGLPI to be vigilant at the time of burning oil in the middle of the night that it is the travel and not the destination that will make lasting legacy of each man and the institution they are building.

With all my sincerity, I thank the Brethren of IGLPI for allowing me to be a part of a great journey. It is indeed a great pleasure and privilege to be invited to IGLPI historic event. With my utmost regret, I would like to ask your forgiveness as your humble brother cannot be of your service due to personal and professional reasons. I am certain that I will miss the warm camaraderie of the Brethren of IGLPI and hearing the wisdom from the message of your speakers. Without criterion, it is my personal loss for not being able to be a part of your celebration. I would like to ask your indulgence to please send my deepest apology to the Grand Master, the Brethren of IGLPI, and in my behalf to "extend my right hand in token of continuance of friendship and Brotherly Love" to our Brothers of the Craft regardless of their jurisdiction.

Congratulations on your First Anniversary.

...