The Cabletow Centennial Staff In this Issue... VW JESUS FLOR R. NICOLAS Editor-in-Chief

WB EDMUND CORONEL Associate Editor

Editorial VW PERCIVAL T. SALAZAR Contributing to making Philippine Managing Editor

2 Masonry Glorious Again VW EMMANUEL J. DIESTA By VW Flor Nicolas Circulation Manager

From the Grand East BRO JOSE EUGENIO B. ILLENBERGER Mentoring: A Key to Recapturing Art Director 5 the Glory of Philippine Masonry By MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. MW REYNATO S. PUNO, PGM, GMH Consultant

Pro Bono Fraternitatis JENNIFER C. MAGALLANES The Proper Watch and Conduct Secretary 9 at the West Gate (Part 1) By MW Danilo Angeles, PGM, GS

Edicts 13 THE CABLETOW is a bimonthly publication of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines. Main Office: Plaridel Masonic Temple, San Marcelino St., Circulars Ermita, Manila, D 2801, Philippines. Members of Blue Lodges in this grand jurisdic- tion are regular subscribers thereto. Brethren in other grand jurisdictions are invited 14 to subscribe to it at US $20 a year. Send check payable to the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines, with complete mailing address, to THE CABLE- TOW at the address given above. Subscribers are advised to notify THE CABLETOW of address changes. Original articles are subjected to editing and, when published, News become Cabletow property. Any article in THE CABLETOW may be reprinted in full, or excerpts thereof reproduced, provided proper attribution to the author is made, 17 the source is given due credits, and the Cabletow office is furnished with a courtesy copy of the reprinted material.

Cover Story Paid advertisements are accepted for printing in THE CABLETOW. 26 R13-A sets the Centennial record straight Errata & Corrections The obelisk through time 63 33 By Bro. Carlo Reynaldo F. Lozada Jr Mindanao Affairs District Visits 64 Advances in Western Mindanao 34 All is warm and bright in our Pacific Lodges Community Service By WB Armando Cazzola, PM 67 Seoul Shriners donate toys to Korean kiddie hospital Feature By VW Teddy Kalaw IV, CSGL 40 Firming up the cabletow via text By Bro. Alex C. Daniel Out of the Humdrum 67 Of Organizations, Temples, Lodges, Ancom 2013 and other matters Masonic 46 Official list of JGW nominees out By VW Robert Asuncion, PSGL

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 1 Editorial Comment

By VW Flor Nicolas Editor in Chief, THE CABLETOW

Contributing to making Philippine Masonry Glorious Again “No matter how tall our grandfathers were, we must do our own growing; no matter how great our Masonic forebears were, we must attain our own greatness”

OUR YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION of league of mankind or to establish on earth the 100th anniversary of the founding of a veritable brotherhood of men of differ- our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge is over. ent colors, creeds, and conditions under The Special Communication held in Manila the Fatherhood of God.. By doing so, we on December 18-19, 2012, which served as renewed our commitment and strength- the culminating activity of our celebration, ened our resolve to immerse ourselves in was attended not only by members of the an honest-to-goodness Masonic education Masonic Family in this sovereign Jurisdic- and study in order to get very familiar with tion but by representatives of other Grand the ideals, principles, and values of Free- Lodges as well. On those dates, the con- masonry; to persistently practice wherever stituent Districts and subordinate Lodges we are the ideals, principles, and values we of our MW Grand Lodge held their own have learned in our readings and study; culminating activities, particularly car- and to widely disseminate them among our rying out charitable or benevolent works fellowmen, particularly our compatriots, for the benefit of less fortunate Filipinos and especially those who come within the in their respective areas of responsibility. circle of our influence each day. They strictly observed the Grand Lodge injunction that they should put in strategic During our one-year celebration, places in the local community tarpaulins we recalled with justifiable pride the ac- congratulating the MW Grand Lodge of complishments of our Masonic forebears the Philippines on its Centennial Celebra- in the last two decades of the 19th century tion. and in the first seven decades of the 20th. During that glorious period, the brethren During the Special Communica- exerted their deciding and decisive influ- tion in Manila, we were led by our Centen- ence on the affairs of the communities in nial Grand Master, MW Santiago T. Gabi- which they lived and helped chart a bright onza, Jr., in rededicating our MW Grand destiny for our relatively young nation. Lodge to Freemasonry, the self-imposed mission or long-term goal of which has Yes, we recalled that in the last always been to bring about a universal two decades of the 19th century, many

2 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Masons led their compatriots in the cou- in their respective professions or fields of rageous campaign for reforms from the endeavor and as benefactors of the com- Spanish crown, and many others figured munity, both local and national, and be- prominently in the revolution against the cause individually and collectively, they Spanish colonialists and in the war against contributed significantly to the growth the North American neocolonialists. In and development of men and women who effect, Mason patriots and heroes founded came under the pale of their influence, the our nation on the pillars of Masonic ideals, welfare and progress of the communities principles, and values, particularly Liberty, in which they lived, and the happiness and Equality, and Fraternity, as well as Broth- prosperity of our nation. erly Love, Relief, and Truth. The Fraterni- ty, therefore, was recognized by the general public as “the cradle of noble heroes.” The glory of Masonry rests on We also proudly recalled that us ordinary Masons and not on during the first half of the 20th century, few individuals. their equally zealous and enthusiastic suc- cessors, who were all veritable statesmen, were in the forefront of the movement for Considering all those facts, we Philippine independence; that not a few pointed out to our non-Mason friends and of them led their countrymen during the even to our critics and detractors, we can occupation by the Japanese interlopers of rightly claim that the history of the Fili- the country; that when our nation finally pino nation is, by and large, the story of gained its independence from foreign rule the Craft in this sovereign Jurisdiction. in July 1946, Masons in both public and private sectors worked with much devo- Although we were nostalgic of tion, dedication, and disinterestedness for the glorious past of Philippine Masonry, the growth, development, progress, and we were also aware of the fact that, to par- prosperity of the nation which their pre- aphrase a significant statement of the late decessors had founded, so that it would US President Abraham Lincoln, no matter be able to participate on free and equal how tall our grandfathers were, we should terms with other freedom-loving nations do our own growing; no matter how great in the high enterprise of attaining human our Masonic forebears were, we have to at- solidarity; for, according to Bro. Jose “Di- tain our own greatness. masalang” Rizal in his essay “Amor Patrio” (Love of Country), “the very purpose of That’s why our Centennial Grand humanity dictated by God is the universal Master and other incumbent Grand Lodge peace and harmony among His creatures.” Officers have enjoined us to extend to them our active assistance and sympathy in giv- We nostalgically recalled, moreo- ing due meaning and substance to our ver, that during those glorious decades, theme for the Centennial Term, “Building our Craft enjoyed a very good reputation on the Past, Excelling in the Present, Pro- in the eyes of the general public, precisely viding for the Future: MORE Masonry for because members of Masonic Lodges not All.” This injunction requires us, among only exhibited themselves as exemplars of other things, to live the kind of Masonry high ethical living, as well as disinterested which our Masonic forebears, particularly dedication to the common good, but they the founders and pioneering members of also distinguished themselves as achievers our MW Grand Lodge, as well as their

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 3 equally zealous and enthusiastic succes- of ordinary men who are more in number. sors, passed on to us and which we must Further, he remarked that we should be pass on to the brethren who will come this comforted by the thought that Masonry way after us, so that we will provide the would not be brought down by the evil Craft in this Jurisdiction with a bright fu- deeds of a few for as long as it reflects the ture. good deeds of the many. Then he drove home the point that we must search for the As you may have already known, glory of Masonry in our own lives rather the acronym MORE stands for the four than in the lives of others. strategic initiatives or programs which our MW Grand Lodge wants us to pursue, To help make Philippine Masonry namely, Moral Foundations, Organization- glorious once more, we should, each of us, al Empowerment, Responsible Steward- adamantly apply in our own lives the les- ship, and External Outreach. The success- sons we learn in the Ceremony of Installa- ful and fruitful implementation by us of tion of Lodge Officers, which is reenacted these strategic initiatives or programs will throughout our Jurisdiction in the first result in making the residents of our local three months of every year. and national communities feel once more the benevolent and relevant presence of Specifically, we must proficiently the Craft in their midst. use the symbolic working tools and hiero- glyphical emblems presented during the Brethren, as we endeavor most Ceremony of Installation; that is, we must earnestly to take the Craft in this Jurisdic- faithfully and conscientiously discharge the tion to higher levels of achievement, let us duties, as well as persistently practice the not lose sight of what Past Grand Master virtues, which they have been selected to Reynato S. Puno stated about making Phil- illustrate. ippine Masonry glorious once more in an address he delivered during an assemblage Brethren, particularly during the of Mindanao Masons. After weighing and first quarter of 2013, individually and considering his poinrs, we should act ac- collectively, we should be more highly cordingly. MW Puno said that the glory of resolved than before to make Philippine Masonry rests on us ordinary Masons, and Masonry as glorious as, if not more glori- not on just a few individuals, however great ous than, it was in the last two decades they may be. By this statement he meant of the 19th century and in the first seven that we contribute to making Philippine decades of the 20th by making of it “an Masonry glorious again when we become institution of moral leadership, educa- as perfect as Masonry wants us to be; when tional advancement, and philanthropic we give back to mankind the good we get endeavors.” We must never allow it to so generously from Masonry; when we do degenerate into merely a social club with our duty as Masons; when we make life as vain pretentions and empty titles. On the comfortable as we can for as many as we contrary, let us all work together in close can, whenever we can, and for as long as harmony toward making the residents of we can; and when we don’t make as much our country recognize it as an organiza- for ourselves as we do as much for others. tion of excellence, precisely because it is He added that Philippine Masonry be- a science of character building and an art comes glorious not only when our Lodges of high ethical living that walks arm in produce extraordinary men who are few in arm with progress and prosperity toward number but when they transform the lives a better way of life.

4 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 From the Grand East

By MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. Centennial Grand Master Mentoring: A Key to Recapturing the Glory of Philippine Masonry Mentoring is a crucial key for Masons to come together and strive to recover the Craft’s glory days.

We learn from the Letter “G” formed, and less experienced brethren. Lecture in the Fellowcraft degree that al- though many valuable monuments of an- One of the first initiatives of a tiquity on which the utmost exertions of newly installed Master, therefore, should human genius were exerted, including the be to work in close coordination with the spacious and magnificent Temple of Solo- other officers of his Lodge for the main mon, have been laid waste and destroyed purpose of putting up a well-planned, by the passage of time, the ruthless hand well-organized, and well-coordinated men- of ignorance, and the devastations of war, toring, as well as Masonic education, pro- Freemasonry has survived. Why? Ex- gram. plains our Monitor: “The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive As we all know very well, Ma- tongue, and the mysteries of Masonry are sonry is of two denominations: Operative safely deposited in the repository of faith- and Speculative. In Operative Masonry, ful breasts. Tools and implements of (the entered apprentices served their respective mason’s trade and) architecture, most ex- masters with freedom, fervency, and zeal pressive, are selected by the Fraternity to for several years before they were made imprint on the memory wise and serious fellows of the Craft. Each of them had truths; and thus, through a succession of to submit to his master or mentor a “mas- ages, are transmitted un impaired the most terpiece” as proof that he had acquired excellent tenets of our Institution.” adequate craftsmanship in the mason’s trade and in the builder’s art. Eventually, Such is the nature of our ancient he himself would become a master, who in and honorable fraternity. The older, more turn would serve as a master of, as well as knowledgeable, and more experienced a mentor to, one or more entered appren- members of every Symbolic Lodge must tices. In Speculative Masonry, on the other serve with much dedication and devotion hand, a candidate must, through the guid- as mentors, instructors or lecturers, and ance of an instructor or mentor, as well trainors to their relatively younger, less in- as on his own initiative, not only pass the

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 5 examinations in order to prove himself companies in the United States of America. proficient in the degrees of Craft Masonry In like manner, the Worshipful Master of he has received but also transform himself every one of our Symbolic Lodges must into a worthy and exemplary Mason—one assign older, more informed, and more who has learned to subdue his passions, experienced members to serve as guides, prejudices, and selfish interests; act upon instructors, mentors, or trainors to their the square; keep a tongue of good report; younger, less informed, and inexperienced maintain secrecy; and practice charity. As counterparts. Dedicated and disinterested such a Mason, each of us must direct his mentorship is, definitely, a key to recaptur- special attention to attaining his highest ing the glory of Philippine Masonry; it is spiritual potential or erecting his spiritual an effective means of building on the ac- building agreeably to the rules and designs complishments of our Masonic forebears, laid down by the GAOTU in the great who set the inspiring and edifying example books of Nature and revelation. of unselfishly working for the welfare of the society in which they lived and the de- velopment of the Filipino nation. If senior An Interesting Incident and members of every Lodge who are assigned Its Implications by the Master to serve as mentors to their relatively younger, less informed, and in- The importance of the setting up experienced brethren discharge their duty by a Masonic Lodge of its own mentoring, and responsibility with utmost fidelity and as well as Masonic education, program is conscientiousness, we can be sure that the illustrated well by an interesting incident latter will exert all-out effort to excel in involving Charles M. Schwab and Andrew the present by constantly living their Ma- Carnegie, the legendary Scotsman, who sonry wherever they are. was at once the boss of, as well as a mentor to, the former. Dedicated and disinterested As recounted by Ill. Stanley F. mentorship is, definitely, a key to Maxwell, 33°, who was then Sovereign Grand Commander, in his message to the recapturing the glory of Philip- brethren in the June 1979 issue of THE pine Masonry. NORTHERN LIGHtT, one day, Schwab sent a telegram to his boss and mentor: “All records broken yesterday.” In reply, how- ever, the latter telegraphed back, “But what If all of us Masons in this Juris- have you done today?” diction, both old and young, consistently take out of the Lodge room those great so- By asking this question, Carnegie cial and moral duties we have learned in it taught his subordinate and student an im- into the communities in which we live and portant lesson in the commercial world, into the places in which we work, we will to wit, “ONE DAY’S LAURELS ARE OF provide the Craft in this Jurisdiction with a LITTLE USE ON THE NEXT.” By teach- bright future. ing this lesson and others similar, he encour- aged and stimulated Schwab to tread round Decidedly, our MW Grand Lodge after round of the ladder that leads to fame will be able to lead us in the task of re- in the corporate world. Eventually, Schwab capturing the glorious past of Philippine became the head of one of the largest steel Masonry if we, the senior members of

6 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 the Lodges in this Jurisdiction, serve as 3. In many parts of our country, mentors and trainors in our respective many are suffering from distress and Lodges and Districts with much dedica- unhappiness. We must grab every op- tion and devotion, with much fervency portunity that comes our way to re- and zeal, with utmost fidelity and con- lieve the distressed. We must not scientiousness. pay lip service to our avowal that “To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassion- Directing Our Special Attention ate their miseries, and to restore peace to Today’s Concerns to their troubled minds is the great aim we have in view. …” Although our MW Grand Lodge, as well as its constituent Dis- tricts and subordinate Lodges, has had My Observation and Question many accomplishments in the areas of personal development, social welfare, Like my worthy predecessors and national progress, we must direct in the Grand East, in my travels across our special attention to today’s concerns, our sovereign Jurisdiction I have ob- which include the following: served that the brethren and their families, as well as members of our ap- 1. There are a great many men in pendant bodies and allied orders, show the world “out there” who may enno- their pride in the Masonic Fraternity ble and exalt themselves if today we or Family to one another and to the disseminate among them the moral, general public. Invariably, however, I political, philosophical, and religious ask them, “What have you done today, truths which Masonry has taught in through your daily activities, moral every age and country. If we do this, living, and charitable endeavors, to in- some, if not many, of them may get in- fluence the men with whom you get in terested in seeking admission into the touch each day to seek admission into Fraternity. our ancient and honorable fraternity?”

2. There are a great number of intelligent young persons who Lodges must assign older, would be grateful to us for the rest of their lives if we help them benefit more informed, and more ex- from the experience of being mem- perienced members to serve as bers of our Masonic youth organiza- guides, instructors, mentors, tions, namely, the International Or- or trainors to their younger, ders of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, less informed, and inexperi- and Rainbow for Girls. Today we should tell those intelligent young enced counterparts. persons, particularly our own chil- dren and relatives, the truth about our Masonic youth organizations. Undoubtedly, our strength as a By doing this, we may provide these fraternal organization today comes from organizations with the leadership what we built yesterday. But we should, they need and deserve. each of us, do something today to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 7 our MW Grand Lodge, its constituent Dis- and I reiterate our challenge that you, tricts, and its subordinate Lodges. dear brethren, help us give due meaning and substance to our theme during the Weighing and Considering Centennial Term, “Building on the Past, Some Statements Excelling in the Present, Providing for the Future: MORE Masonry for All,” Yes, we should do something as well as our appeal that you extend to today for the good of our Craft! We, us your whole-hearted cooperation and the present officers of our MW Grand all-out support toward the successful Lodge, fervently hope that after weigh- and fruitful implementation of the four ing and considering the quotations given strategic initiatives or programs which below, you will spring to immediate ac- the acronym MORE in our theme stands tion to help us make Philippine Masonry for, to wit, Moral Foundations, Organi- glorious once more. zational Empowerment, Responsible Stewardship, and External Outreach. • “To live fully as creatures made We count on your active assistance and in the image of God, we must draw all sympathy. our strength together and concentrate on the present moment as a magnify- ing glass brings the light of the sun on one spot.” – Anonymous. Fraternally yours,

• “The past is no more, and the fu- ture is not yet here. Why bother your- self with them? Be and do your best in whatever you are doing now … in SANTIAGO T. GABIONZA, JR., the living present.” – A Buddhist Say- Centennial Grand Master ing

• “If we want to be the best, we must do our best. If we want to reach for greatness, we must aim for excel- lence. If we are to have a strong na- tion, we must choose to live by the highest moral or ethical standards. If we are men worthy to be called Ma- sons, then we must make certain that our lives reflect a constant commit- ment to Masonic principles. That is the demand Masonry places upon us. In other words, we are to be men of quality.” – Ill. Francis G. Paul, 33°

Reiterating Our Challenge and Appeal to You

The other Grand Lodge officers

8 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Pro Bono Fraternitatis

By MW Danilo Angeles, PGM Centennial Grand Secretary

The Proper Watch and Conduct at the West Gate (Part 1)

Counted as one of the most basic functions of the Craft Lodges, yet Balloting and handling Petitioners come with a holy duty that we Masons have overlooked.

Countless, perhaps, are the Masonic Wages brethren that have already walked in and out of the door of this hum- Maybe, I have said something ble Grand Secretary’s office over the good or true which, from the looks of it, past seven years. There are brethren they take as good and wise counsel. Nev- who come to transact and follow up er mind what knowledge or comfort my businesses. There are brethren who words have brought. But I value still the come, from near and distant years kind compliment they leave like an accru- of acquaintance, to say hello, pay a ing “wage” from serving the Craft all this visit, and spend a brief and friendly time. chitchat. And there are brethren who come dragging a heavy load of wor- The Monitor is clear in saying ries and tribulations, driven by hope that the Fellow Craft Degree wages con- of getting relief or consolation from sists of corn, wine and oil. But the hand- this office. book also mentions, in indirect or meta- phorical manner, other kinds of Masonic Hard as I think, my office of- compensations like respect or goodwiil. fers nothing but coffee or tea (when So, I find the most joy in this non-materi- supplies are available). But nothing al form of Masonic wage as all good and gladdens me more than to hear them, true Masons should. After all, wine loss- despite variety of businesses, leave es its value once the hangover is gone; and say, “May natutunan ako sa inyo nourishment, once the hunger returns; ngayon.” (I learned something from and repose, once the labor resumes. But you today.) enduring friendship lasts even when all the labors have ceased—even till the day

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 9 we drop our working tools. qualifications which recommend a man to be made a Mason.” Masons common- Why so, I have trusted on the ly misconstrue “external” to mean as wise words, in all my Masonic years, of worldly wealth or honors. They are not. IIllustrious Brother Benjamin Franklin. He said: “The wages of a Master Mason “External qualifications” are the is not measured in silver and gold but it extensions of an individual to the world. is earned in his dealings with his fellow- These include the Petitioner’s social rela- men. For respect begets respect; sympa- tions (like with decent people or under- thy begets sympathy; and love begets world characters?), social standing (a love.” peaceful or scandalous citizen?), physical fitness (a disabled or able-bodied indi- I have never seen the full meas- vidual?), moral or religious reputation (a ure of Bro. Franklin’s words until the common worshipper or a blabbering big- Annual Communications of 2010 in ot), and the manifestations of his mind MOA. I was greatly surprised when they (fairly intelligent or a mental retard?). presented me with an unexpected GLP Gold Medal of Honor. Lost for words, I couldn’t grope for any ready thoughts or Doing your Masonic obligation words except Bro. Franklin’s words. So, pays—but never do it conscien- I was prompted to say before the body, tiously for a reward. “I earned this award probably due to the love, sympathy and respect of the breth- ren which is the highest award in itself.” Lodge Investigators must be the first to know what “external qualifi- Brethren, doing your Masonic cations” are. Sadly, many are not. In the obligation pays—but never do it consci- absence of competent instructions, they entiously for a reward. There is justice in just go for the Petitioner’s bank account, this world, after all. height of professional or public title, or number of cars in the garage. This is External qualifications ridiculous. Worldly wealth and honors mean little in Freemasonry. From histo- One issue that often bugs a ry, we see that Masonic Petitioners from lodge is the admission of new members. the 17th to 19th centuries had already When a Petitioner pops up, the brethren possessed either honor or riches before are abuzzed with inquiries left and right. joining the Fraternity. So, it was “cheap” Attention is centered on the newcomer. to make a rich or famous Petitioner a They must. Admitting or rejecting Peti- Mason when there were so many in the tioners is not just a practical but moreo- Craft then. ver, a sacred lodge business. Now, to admit a Petitioner for Many missed the holiness of honor or money is to show the moral balloting the Petitioners. Worse, they bankruptcy of present-day Freemasons. even missed what to look for in a Peti- Why recruit a Petitioner just to milk tioner. The Monitor clearly states that him of his riches or renown when regu- “it is the internal and not the external

10 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 lar Masons can attain these themselves? Answer: NO. By all means, mercenary motive is at the heart of the regular Masons who have Please refer to Ordinances, Arti- laid out an expressway for a Petitioner’s cle VI, section 23: easy admission. This is preposterous. It makes your Mother Lodge a whore. Sec. 23. If objection is made after election and before initiation the petitioner Masonic Altar shall not receive the degree until such objec- tion shall have been withdrawn, and such ob- One problem evident in the jection shall, unless withdrawn in sixty (60) Craft today is the forcing on a lodge to days, have the effect of a rejection by ballot make a Petitioner a Mason. By a secret and shall be so reported to the Grand Secre- deal or sheer pride, an endorser brings a tary. Whenever any such objection be made, Petitioner to the lodge and fights tooth the Master shall report the fact at the next and nail to make him a Mason even de- stated meeting of the lodge and the sixty (60) spite sizable resistance. day period specified herein shall commence to run at the date of such meeting. Take the case of Petitioner Con- stancio (not his real name). After doing This is a case of deliberate de- his time in the lodge, he was finally put ception, not only of the lodge, but of the into Ballot. A lodge member dropped a Craft itself resulting in the profanity of black ball into the ballot box.. the TGAOU to whom we pay the highest respect to.

To admit a Petitioner for honor Ever remember that the Ballot or money is to show the moral Box is always placed on the Altar when- bankruptcy of present-day Free- ever the Brethren cast their votes. Ballot- ing is so crucial a task so that we some- masons. times even pushed the VSL aside to make room for the box. After declaring the balloting Plant deeply in your minds. An- over, the Senior Deacon was ordered ything placed on top, or done about the next to display the box to the Three Masonic Altar, is sacred. Never never Lights. Contrary to the results, the three mess with it. stations successively announced Fai, Cle and Brt. But the Lights in question did. Two days later, Petitioner Con- They thought they had all the stancio was initiated. corners nailed down. Secrecy rules the electoral process. If an objector stands Question: Will the balloting results as an- up and squeals his vote, he breaks the se- nounced by the Lights carry the decision no crecy of the ballot. If the lodge demands matter how contrary to actual situation ob- for a general display of the ballots cast in taining? the box, the Master must certainly object and defend to death the ballot secrecy

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 11 rule—unless he has destroyed the ballots unjust to any member, however humble quickly. he may be, to introduce among his as- sociates one whose presence might be Certainly, the objecting mem- unpleasant to him, and whose admission ber was fuming mad and blowing smoke would probably compel him to withdraw through his ears. But he had never got from the meetings, or even altogether angrier than at hearing the Master de- from the Lodge. Neither would any ad- clared the initiation of Constancio in the vantage really accrue to a Lodge by such next two days. It was fast. That meant, a forced admission; for while receiving first, the 60-day objection grace period a new and untried member into its fold, was quashed. Second, the Worshipful it would be losing an old one. For these Master would never report the lodge reasons, in this country, except in a few profanity to the GLP. Third, the absence jurisdiction, the unanimity of the ballot of the report would fool this Grand Sec- has always been insisted on; and it is evi- retary into thinking that all was well in dent from what has been here said, that the lodge. any less stringent Regulation is a viola- tion of ancient law and usage.Unanimity But there was a leak. The Grand rule is one of the finest features of Free- Lodge officers had taken the usual look masonry that is appreciated, understand- into the ballot box while on display. So, ably, by wiser Masons only. Just imagine: the Lights had rushed the initiation be- without tricks or manipulation, disparate fore the GLP deputies could make their individual decisions come together as move. one.

Right in the heart of it is free Anything placed on top, or done will and accord. Suffrage, one of the ba- about the Masonic Altar, is sa- sic civil rights, requires the independence cred. Never never mess with it. of decision. Electing an individual to an office of public trust, or casting a vote on a national referendum issue, is a decision for which the individual voter is answer- Unanimity rule able to his conscience alone. Nobody can compel him what to vote, or disclose how Central to this case was the he voted. “unanimity rule.” Illus. Bro. Albert G. Mackey, in page 93 of his work Princi- Similarly, the Grand Lodge ples of Masonic Law (1927), explained strongly enforces the purity of the bal- the necessity of the unanimity rule— lot. Nothing or nobody can force a Mason to disclose how he voted. Or influence or Unanimity in the ballot is nec- intervene with a Brother’s vote. But the essary to secure the harmony of the exercise of free will takes on a higher Lodge, which; may be as seriously im- dimension when practiced in a Masonic paired by the admission of a candidate lodge. When we cast a ballot, we cast contrary to the wishes of one member as of three or more; for every man his Continued to page 16 friends and his influence. Besides, it is

12 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 stitutional requirement, it is necessary to extend the deadline for the submission of Edicts the nominees for the said position beyond the last working day of November 2012.

Edict No. 257 Edict No. 79-C Nominations for JGW 59-Year Apron to extended Be Awarded to Deserving Brethren Edict No. 257 dated December 10, 2012, of MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. de- crees that nominations to the position of Edict No. 79-C, dated November Junior Grand Warden (JGW) shall be sub- 21, 2012, of MW Santiago T. Gabionza, mitted not later than 5:00 p.m., Feburary Jr. promulgates and decrees that 50-Year 15, 2013. Apron shall be granted to deserving Mas- ter Masons. This is in addition to the Gold It says, “Should there be failure to Button with Diploma, under Edict No. submit the required nominations with the 79-Bunda, which was issued on March 23, extension period, the Past Grand Masters 1983. shall be constrained to choose among the nominees received within the extension pe- Edict No. 79, provides the nec- riod. The Past Grand Masters shall there- essary guidelines and regulations for the after meet on 22 February 2013 at 5:00 p.m. grant of honors, awards, and citations to consider the nominees to the position of to brethren with outstanding services or JGW.” achievements..

One of the bases of our Centen- MW Gabionza believes, however, nial Grand Master’s decree is Section 5 (d), that, in addition to the Gold Button with Article V of the Constitution of the MW Diploma, the 50-Year Apron should be Grand Lodge of the Philippines, as amend- granted in recognition of the services of a ed. It requires a minimum of 15 nominees Master Mason who has been active for 50 submitted to the PGMs, thru the Office of years, counted from the date of his raising. the Grand Secretary, not later than the last This award is a more lasting remembrance, working day of November. The nomina- which is easily recognizable at a distance tions will be pared down next to five at the when worn by the awardee. least, seven at the most. It should be conferred on the basis But, the Grand Secretary certified of the criteria enumerated in MW Bunda’s that his office received only eight nomina- Edict No. 79, Paragraph II-C, Nos. 1-3. But tions for the position on the last working additional criteria requires active attend- day of November 2012—still short of sev- ance in lodge meetings and in other lodge en to make it to the minimum Constitution activities. requirement. The 50-Year Apron should have In order to comply with the Con- the same size as that of the Past Master’s

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 13 Apron. It should be as white as the apron • Edict No. 322 provides that those presented during the first-degree confer- declared “clandestine masons” will sig- ral. An Arabic number “50,” set between nify in writing that they did not freely laurel leaves around it; is on top. A Trowel and voluntarily declare independence is to be found at the below it. from the GLP. Then, they will be sworn to membership in their GLP lodges of A pair of Square & Compasses, affiliation and in the GLP. interlocking on a letter “G;” are to be found on the lower corners. • Certain members of these clan- destine lodges had signified their inten- A sash goes with apron—white tion to rejoin our GLP and were eventu- for a regular member of the Lodge; blue ally restored to membership pursuant to for a Past Master; and violet for a Past various Edicts (233 and series) issued in Grand Line Officer with borders and tas- relation thereto. sels of gold. • Certain members of these clan- destine lodges, who had been initiated, Edict No. 233-K passed, and raised therein, signified and expressed their intention to join our Clandestine Masons GLP. seeking membership • Guidelines are necessary for these into the GLP petitioning clandestine masons once they have expressed their desire for Centennial Grand Master San- membership in the GLP. tiago T. Gabionza, Jr. decrees Edict No. 233-K, issued on November 22, 2012, that clandestine masons—petitioning for mem- Circulars bership with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Circular No. 37 the Philippines (GLP)—shall submit a formal statement of their irrevocable res- GLP issues financial aid ignation from, or severance of relationship with, the clandestine lodges wherein they to Masons ravaged by have been members. super typhoon

This is in addition to the other Super typhoon “Pablo” raged in requirements for membership as provided Southern Philippines and displaced resi- by existing Edicts and Article VI of the dents of local communities therein, including Constitution of the GLP. brother Masons and their families. It would take quite a time to rehabilitate the places The premises on which MW Ga- shattered by this calamity. bionza bases his decree are as follows: In the face of all this, Centennial • Under Edict No. 232, dated Sept. Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. is- 7, 2006, some members of Lodges in sued Circular No. 37 dated December 12, Cavite were declared as “clandestine ma- 2012, announcing the issuance of Php 5,000 sons.” to Masons in good standing who had been

14 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 ravaged by super typhoon Pablo. This finan- In the Lodge and at Labor cial aid was made through the recommenda- tion of the Grand Lodge’s Charity and Relief From the moment the Worshipful Committee. Master bangs his gavel in the East to sig- nify the start of the labors of the Lodge, all The brother victim can avail of should immediately observe silence, refrain this aid until January 15, 2013 upon the rec- from initiating conversation, and be properly ommendation of his Mother Lodge, or any seated; keep our places, except those officer- Lodge nearest the victim’s abode. But this bearers who are required to move about in the also requires the endorsement of the local discharge of their duties; and shun entering District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM). or retiring from the Lodge without paying Indeed, Masonic charity must begin at home! due respect to the Worshipful Master. If we are desirous of speaking, we should rise and address the Worshipful Master (or any other Circular No. 38 brother presiding), making sure that we start to speak only after being recognized, and that Some duties requiring we observe due order and decorum. faithful and conscientious Suppose a brother behaved in such a discharge way as to disturb the harmony of the Lodge and persisted to do so after being admon- MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., Cen- ished by the Worshipful Master (or any other tennial Grand Master, sees eye to eye with brother presiding). Jesuit teachers that “Repetitio est mater stu- diorum” (Repetition is the mother of studies). The Worshipful Master (or the So, in some of his Circulars, he reminds all of brother presiding) may order the brother con- us that “There is no other human institution cerned to retire from the Lodge. His order which requires of its votaries a more faithful must be obeyed forthwith. and conscientious discharge of duties than does the Masonic fraternity.” During a degree conferral, the only brother allowed to prompt the Lecturer or In Circular No. 38, dated January 7, any of the office bearers is the degree confer- 2013, for example, he reiterates the injunc- ral director or a Past Master assigned to do tion that we should, as the brethren of Lodge so. Perla del Oriente No. 1034, S.C. have been doing, strictly obey with all our heart certain During “Refreshment” (Harmony) precepts on how to conduct ourselves (1) be- fore entering the Lodge, (2) in the Lodge and Since “refreshment” is as important at labor, (3) during “refreshment” (harmony). as the “labor” portion of a Lodge meeting, we must not conduct ourselves in a manner Before entering the Lodge inimical to the harmony of the Lodge. So, we should maintain proper attire; fully enjoy All of should legibly print out the fellowship with our brethren in a whole- names on the Tyler’s Book and then affix our some manner; always extend due courtesy to signatures; turn our mobile phones off or to whoever is speaking in the same manner as silent mode; and be in proper attire (i.e., in we want others lend us their attentive ears white barong and dark pants). when we are the speakers; and as provided for by law, refrain from smoking in an air-condi- tioned hall or room. If we want to smoke, we Name – Grand Lodge of the Philippines; should do so in a “smoking area”. Account Number – 4981-0026-66; and Branch – Taft-Faura Branch. Report and Remittance A Lodge making payment through Furthermore, in Circular No. No. any BPI branch must send the deposit slips 39, dated January 17, 2013, MW Gabionza (proof of payment) to the GLP, specify- reminds each subordinate Lodge that—: ing what the payment is intended for. The GLP’s fax number is 522-2218. 1. As provided in Part II, Ordinanc- es, Article III, Section 2, Par. J, p. 29 of our Pro Bono...Continued from page 12 Masonic Law Book (MLB), it is bound by duty to “submit to the Grand Lodge its an- And if it won’t trouble the nual report for the preceding year and remit Lord at all, our submission implies dues, fees or other charges within the first a request to intervene, to make the 15 days of January.” decision for us, where we are frac- tured by biases, narrow-mindedness 2. As provided in Article VI, Sec- or pride. tion 9, p. 7 of our MLB, “(No) Subordinate Lodge which failed to submit its annual re- So, unlike other civic clubs, port and to pay in full its dues and fees to this element makes membership into the Grand Lodge within the period provid- Freemasonry distinct and unique. To ed for in the Ordinances shall be entitled to put it in simple terms: the Almighty representation in the Annual Communica- has a hand in rejecting or picking tion.” out who is to become a Mason.

Corollary to the foregoing, MW What the Lights did in this Gabionza enjoins every Lodge to settle its case was therefore unforgivable. Us- outstanding obligation to the Grand Lodge ing the powers of their borrowed of- as of December 31, 2012, together with its fices, they threw all the unwarranted annual reports and monthly membership advantages on a lodge-disputed in- reports for January to December 2012, not later than March 15, 2013, which shall also dividual, largely by playing on the be the last day for issuing proper accredita- confidence of the members. This tion to Lodges that have complied with the show of patent preference over one provisions mentioned above. party in contest certainly came not without an abuse of authority. The Grand Lodge will strictly im- plement the deadline, and it will not issue But supplanting the will of accreditation at the site of, nor accept any the lodge—by falsifying the outcome report or payment during, the 97th Annual of the balloting—had sent out an Communication (ANCOM), which will be arrogant statement that they knew held in Iloilo City on April 27-29, 2013 better than God. They kicked out the divine that has intervened, since A Lodge can make payment on or time immemorial, in correcting our before March 15, 2013 through the Grand faulty, all too-human, balloting. Lodge Account; with the Bank of the Phil- ippine Islands (BPI), as follows: Account (To be concluded)

16 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 News

Centennial Monitor ready for printing

The ole’ reliable Monitor will get What little add-ons there are, for thicker and more informative this time. A instance, are the fonts and emphasis on the Centennial edition is now ready to go to the floor works the Brethren have often missed. press. “Many have complained about the Moni- tor’s fonts and symbols. They are just hard VW Teddy Kalaw IV, Centennial to read. So, we switched the fonts,” he said. Senior Grand Lecturer, submitted recently to MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., Centennial The Centennial Monitor aims at Grand Master, a final draft of the Centennial providing the brethren with a handy and Monitor. All it needs is a final review, a green clear reference on the rituals. light—and off to press it goes. “The Centennial Monitor was not VW Kalaw was on top of the Cen- prepared by one Mason alone. Masonic au- tennial Monitor project. When asked what thorities, like the IMES, and veteran ritual- changes had been worked into the new Moni- ists sat together and prepared this Moni- tor, GM Gabionza answered, “None. Yes, tor,” GM Gabionza said. there changes but they are minimal.”

Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. poses with newly-installed WM Tito G. Cruz of Escudo Lodge No. 371 F. & A. M. on February 23, 2013 at the Philippine DeMolay Youth Center. A broadcaster, WM Cruz was a member of the Mass Media Group of the GLP Centennial Celebrations Committee.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 17 The Amaranth Court with visiting dignitaries paid a courtesy call to Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. on January 18, 2013. From left to right: HL Alona A. Padilla,GAC; HL Rizalinda V. Altarez,PGRM; HL Eva A. Gresko, Grand Representative to the Philippines. Grand Court of Pennsylvania; HL Barbarra Ullrich, Supreme Royal Matron; MW Gabionza; HL Araceli B. Dela Cruz, Grand Royal Matron; SK Anthony Saitta,Supreme Royal Patron; SK Rodel Riezl S. Reyes,GRP; Sk Stanley O. Gresko; Sk Danilo D. Angeles,PGRP and Grand Secretary, GLP; HL Elenita A. David,PGRM; and HL Maria Lourdes Carabbacan,PGRM

MW Bro. Samuel C. Lo, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of China, and his lady Sis. Annie Kang Lo (both seated left), led the Chinese Masonic delegation in paying a courtesy call to Centennial Grand Master MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. on January 8, 2013. They came to attend the Installation of Lodge Officers of Dr. Sun Yat Sen Lodge.

18 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 We-Connect texting club offers free info service at Iloilo Ancom

The Masonic cell phone texting club, Square & Compass We-Connect, offers free, speedy, information service to the Brethren who will come to the Annual Communications (An- com) in Iloilo City on April 27. Information—like getting there and getting out, what to do and where to go—can be had right at the tip of your thumb. Brethren in dire, even dangerous, circumstances—like getting trapped in hotel bathrooms or suffering bouts and fits of diarrheal food—can save dear life and limb by keeping their cell phones and We Connect numbers handy. (See related story.)

Newbies, or first-time users of the service, must look for his correspond- ing We Connect area moderator and keep the number, as follows: Alex Daniel , +639228897844 (NCR-B, R5-A & B, Visayas-Mindanao and Foreign Lodges); Ray- mond Wong +639228302283 (NCR-G, R3-C & R4-A); Jojo Narciso +639228042623 (NCR-D & ILM No. 5); Anthony Tan +639228636382 (R3-G, R2-A,B,C,D & E); Jesse Zamuco +639337270933 (R3-A & CPA 339); Boyet Chua +639228447084 (R3-F, R4-B, C. D &E, NCR-A); Joey Yu +639336945556 (R1, R1-A & B, CAR-A,B & C); Cary Uy +639328431210 (R3-B & E); Pong Macatangay +639228855349 (R3-D, NCR-C); and Yanzy Baldonado +639229917129 (NCR-F, NCR-E).

We Connect members are basically using Sun sim cards. Inquiring non-members using other phone company sim cards are welcome. First-timers must introduce them- selves and prepare to be challenged. Courtesy is expected at all times. We are Masons, in the first place. Cowans and pranksters are out.

ADVERTISEMENT Honorees all: (Left to right) VW Vic Badoy, Ms. Jorielynn E. Moldez of the GLP and VW Benny Ty.

WB Eddie Yeo, The Heritage Hotel Manila Manager, receives his plaque from Centen- nial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. and MW Reynato S. Puno, PGM with RW Juanito Espino, Jr. at far left.

Bro. Dong Callao, who handled the big outdoor LED advertisements for the GLP, shared a funny moment with MW Gabionza and RW Espino at PGM Puno listens.

Centennial committee hosted dinner for “kitchen staff” The Centennial Anniversary Com- Centennial Anniversary Commit- mittee hosted a Fraternal Dinner to the tee officers who came were MW Reynato brethren who had worked behind the scenes S. Puno, PGM, Chairman; RW Juanito G. of the Grand Lodge’s centenary celebra- Espino, Jr., Centennial Deputy Grand Mas- tions at The Heritage Hotel ballroom in ter; RW Fernando V. Pascua, Jr., Centen- Manila on February 15. nial Honorary Deputy Grand Master; and MW Rudyardo V. Bunda, PGM, Centennial MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., Grand Treasurer. Centennial Grand Master, led the guests and committee officers. Emceed by Bro. Jhayson Albelda—

20 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 who was at the forefront of receiving and nial Senior Grand Warden, Gen. Llanera sending off the foreign dignitaries during Memorial Lodge No. 168; RW Tomas G. the celebrations—he opened the simple fra- Rentoy III, Centennial Junior Grand War- ternal dinner with an invocation and next, den, MW Fajardo Memorial Lodge No. 383. made the roll-call of the attendance. Other brethren who worked be- PGM Puno gave the welcome re- hind the scenes also received plaques, such marks. Weakened by cold and flu, yet he as WB Armando G. Cazzola, San Pedro clearly summed up the Centennial Celebra- Lodge No. 292; WB Ludovico D. Badoy, tion’s significance. “The Centennial has el- Bantugan Lodge No. 223; WB Edmund evated the GLP to public consciousness,” Coronel, M. H. del Pilar Lodge No. 272; he said. Centennial tarpaulins for instance, VW Benny T. Ty, Manila Mt. Lebanon hung by the brethren from the Department Lodge No. 1; VW Jose Avelino I. Mag- of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), banua, Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 305; drew public attention to Freemasonry. “But VW Edwin P. Costes, Pilar Lodge No. 15; the government itself gave due recognition Bro. Robert G. Po, Nilad Lodge No. 12; to the GLP, thanks to the efforts of VW Vic VW Gregorio G. Archangel, Manila Mt. Badoy, executive director of the National Lebanon Lodge No. 1; Bro. Jhayson B. Al- Historical Commission of the Philippines,” belda, Quezon City Lodge No. 122; VW he said. Homobono C. Pique, Makabugwas Lodge No.47; VW Melvin Mallo, Cosmos Lodge VW Badoy was instrumental in No. 8; RW Fernando V. Pascua, Hiram getting the NHCP nail a historical land- Lodge No. 88; RWB Eddie Yeo, Manuel mark at the GLP building’s façade. Also, he Roxas Lodge No. 153; Bro. Judito B. Cal- worked with RW Espino in the issuance of lao, Mandaluyong Lodge No. 277. the centennial commemorative bills through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). It Ms. Jorielynn E. Moldez, Centen- was the same with the commemorative post- nial Secretariat and GLP staff member, age stamps by way of the Bureau of Post. was also awarded.

“The GLP Golden and Diamond Other honorees who were not celebrations were not as properly document- present included: VW Jesus Flor R. Nico- ed as the Centennial Anniversary,” PGM las, Noli Me Tangere Lodge No. 42; Bro. Puno said. Proof was, the GLP landed on Paolo S. Romero, Bernardo Carpio Lodge the covers of three national magazines— No. 359; Bro. Aaron Jeffrey B. Montenegro, Philippine Panorama, Philippine Starweek, San Pedro Lodge No. 292; Bro. Adonis A. and The Philippine Graphic. Baluyot, Laong Laan Lodge No. 185; VW Juanito B. Vaño, Kagitingan Lodge No. Moreover, two books were also is- 286; Bro. Tito G. Cruz, Escudo Lodge No. sued, the Grand Orations compilation and 371, VW Teodoro M. Kalaw IV, Centennial the GLP coffee table book. Senior Grand Lecturer, T.M. Kalaw Mem. Lodge No. 136; Bro. Elpidio M. Macalma, Next, PGMs and grand line offic- T.M. Kalaw Mem. Lodge No. 136 and Bro. ers were honoured for their contributions, Lawrence Plata, Dapitan Lodge No. 21. as follows: MW Reynato S. Puno, Hiram Lodge No. 88, F. & A. M.; RW Juanito G. The night ended with words of thanks Espino, Jr., MW Pedro Jimenez Mem. from Centennial Grand Master Gabionza. Lodge No.; RW Alan LM Purisima, Centen-

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 21 The Substance of Equal Pro- tection and Social Justice at the Malcolm Hall in U.P. Dili- man, Quezon City. He took to the rostrum and explained the whys-and-wherefores of his book.

PGM Puno is cozying up with the premier state univer- sity. He has reasons. First, U.P. is his alma mater. Second, he is now into his second term as Board of Regent member of the university. Third, he is the Eminent Resident Scholar of the UP College of Law.

Rarely do people call a scholar “scholar” nowadays. And rarely do lawyers salute a compañero, at least, in tel- evised impeachments for jobs brilliantly done. But his chief justice predecessor, Artemio Panganiban, was more than generous to liken MW Puno to “a trained surgeon, he uses his pen with razor-like preci- sion to separate the excise fabrication from truth and pretension from Bros in the news reality.”

Off the press UP College of Law Dean Danilo Concepcion confirmed Panganiban by say- MW Puno’s judicial-set- ing “Chief Justice Puno unapologetically used the written word as a weapon to give ting book “Equality” high- libertarian ideals.” lights on human dignity Libertarian

Just when you thought he is re- Libertarian ideals are what the tired, yet PGM Reynato S. Puno, the 22nd book Equal Dignity and Respect is all about. chief justice of the Supreme Court, has It also sounds Masonic. “Equal,””dignity,” come up with the best of his legal pieces so and “respect” are the same words we hear far. On January 11, the University of the from a Grand Master admonishing a lodge Philippines College of Law launched MW for horse-playing during Raisings. Puno’s book Equal Dignity and Respect:

22 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Equality is the libertarian ideal social legislation,” said MW Puno. This that is central to the book. But how in- guarantee, to become doable, snaps into equalities prevailed left and right over the connection with Article XIII, Section 1, years—particularly in law—has filled up which orders the Congress to “give highest most of the pages. priority to the enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right of all people THE CABLETOW cannot give to human dignity, reduce social, economic justice in reviewing a so high-minded and political inequalities and remove cul- work. But we can attempt a middling dis- tural inequalities.” cussion about the book.

Here—if I get it right—MW Puno started Libertarian ideals are what the confused on why the 1987 Constitution, book Equal Dignity and Respect teeming with “social justice,” has yielded a country wobbling on inequalities 25 years is all about. It also sounds Ma- later. In 1985 for instance, the Philippines’ sonic. rich and famous families—comprising 1 percent of the population—had made money what the 32 percent earned hard for The charter framers thought they the year. had nailed all corners down. They didn’t. The concepts of social justice, equality and Twenty-five years after, the rich- equal protection of the law clashed as soon est 1 percent is still earning what the 30 as they get out to the real world. percent has gotten by tooth and nail. MW Puno supplied a couple of case examples. Constitution Cases What is frustrating about the 1987 Constitution is that it promises so Republic Act 7277, the Magna much—but encourages so little, if not at Carta for Persons with Disabilities, re- all. quires the government social service de- partments—Health, Social Welfare, Educa- The 1935 and 1973 Constitutions tion and the like—to hire disabled persons have already worked the uplifting words for their casual positions. Now, here comes “equal protection” and “social justice” into an able-bodied applicant—better-fitted and the texts. But it is the 1987 Constitution well-qualified for the job. But he is rejected that has vowed to make them real by way by the different law and standard in effect. of the “equal protection clause.” That Is this discrimination or equality? clause can be found in the Bill of Rights, Article III, Section 1: “No person shall be In another government agency, an deprived of life, liberty or property with- elementary graduate job-seeker applies for out due process of law, nor shall any per- a manual work post where he is well-quali- son be denied the equal protection of the fied. But here comes a high school grad and laws.” lands on the job. Is this discrimination or inequality? It is to work as an “equality guar- antee that facilitates the enactment of There are more girls in school

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 23 MW Reynato Puno, PGM democratic at all, then we must all become equals.

But with heads buried deep in clauses, technicalities and style, Azcuna and Davide simply evaded the question. They never confronted the issue head- on. They missed the whole point. If men and women were equal, who will get pregnant?

We must admit that equality is really a than there are boys, expectedly. But our tough nut to crack. We Masons are no educational system doesn’t match the job strangers to equality. Our Monitor says opportunities out there that are largely one thing Our Ancom elections show an- male-dominated. Is this discrimination or other. equality? If you think defining equality Why the social justice agenda is tough, then try putting it into prac- flops or drags is attributable to the bad or tice, Brother. Once we have become a wrong interpretation of the “equal protec- nation of equals, everything—just eve- tion of the law” by our magistrates and rything—will be put into vote, Now, I consequently, lawmakers. have three teenage kids and two dogs at home. Once it happens, I hate coming Of course, the 1987 charter fram- home with pizzas and Purina dog chow ers left nothing to chance. MW Puno cited for dinner every night. the example between then Constitutional Commissioners Hilario Davide, Jr. and Ad- olfo Azcuna. Equality is the bedrock of de- Azcuna fought hard to keep mocracy. If we were to become the phrase “fundamental equality before democratic at all, then we must the law of women and men.” Davide ho- all become equals. hummed and said it was just a redundancy of the Bill of Rights’ “nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.” MW Puno has also seen into the Azcuna won out in the end. And the debate complexity of equality—certainly not has often been referred to in a couple of in the same way as this “book reviewer.” landmark bills and even Supreme Court ju- So, he writes that equality is “not meant risprudences. to be a mathematical equality. What is meant when there is an appeal to equal- ity is that everyone should have at least Equality the minimum requirement to live with dignity.” But still, the charter framers failed. They failed to define what “equal- Now, MW Puno hit the issue ity” really is. You see, equality is the bed- right on the head. rock of democracy. If we were to become

24 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Human dignity judication can no longer fall on deaf ears,” he said. Presently, the Supreme Court maintains that “equal protection of the All this time. we have pictured MW Puno law” treats similarly-situated persons simi- as a brilliant head in black robe on the larly, and different persons differently. Clas- bench. We have missed his advocate side. sic case here is the tax law which charges a While chief justice, he turned an icy, sol- payor after the bracket rate his income falls emn, high court into a pro-active institu- in—no more, no less. tion advancing the protection of life, lib- erty, and security. The writs of amparo, But equality cases starts to limp as habeas data and kalikasan—plus the court- they grew more complex. Philippine juris- on-wheels—were warmly welcomed by a prudence relies heavily on American laws. populace that needed them. MW Puno said But, MW Puno said, they do “not coincide that social justice is the heart of the 1987 with the Philippine constitutional ideology Constitution. But by putting human dig- and imperative to uphold social justice…” nity right into the heart of social justice is not just reinforcing the law. It is redefining Instead, MW Puno turns to the the body politic in dire need of life. Canadian jurisprudence which has increas- ingly grown reliable to many Filipino jus- Hence, the book Equal Dignity tices. Human dignity takes center stage and Respect is not just a law book. It is also in the Canadian model around which the a statement. It flips a new chapter open for Philippine equal protection clause can be PGM Puno. He is back. latched on and expanded. The work entails “preventing the imposition, perpetuation, and aggravation of disadvantage, stereo- typing or political, economic, cultural or We extend our most cordial felicita- social prejudice,” said MW Puno. tions to Hon. and MW Reynato S. Puno, retired Chief Justice of the “While dignity cannot be taken Supreme Court of the Philippines, a away as it is inherent, it can be denied Past Grand Master and Gold Medal through actions that convey the message of Honor Awardee of the MW Grand that the victim is of lesser worth,” said Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons MW Puno. of the Philippines—and a long-time Consultant to THE CABLETOW. It is, Statement therefore, with great joy and much pride that we welcome his book So, he urged the courts to take Equality, Dignity and Respect: The to the human dignity question as it would Substance of Equal Protection and “[move] closer to the starting line so that Social Justice, which is another all can begin life’s race equally.” much-deserved and hard-earned feather in his celebrated hat. Now, MW Puno is shifting from thinker to advocate. “The waiting time to VW Flor Nicolas uphold substantive equality is grinding to Editor-in-chief a nil. The clarion call to distill from our Constitution the grounding and approach for substantive equality legislation and ad-

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 25 Cover Story

he GLP Special Ancom in Manila on It was an uncanny finish December 19, 2012 was all the Cen- to the GLP centenary T tennial Celebrations there was. Until which even the centen- a quiet and unassuming district in Mindan- nial celebration plan- ao came up with a simple but timely idea— ners had never fore- and made it into history. seen.

On February 28, 2013, Centen- “It is not just nial Grand Master MW Santiago T. Gabi- one Mason’s work. it is onza, Jr. came to Surigao City, in Surigao a District team effort. del Norte province, and unveiled a Ma- This is all due to the sonic Centennial Obelisk. Suddenly, Ma- District Grand Lec- sonic District R13-A (Caraga) symbolically turers, Grand Lodge capped the GLP centenary. Inspectors, and Wor- shipful Masters of the The commemoration of one hun- Lodges,” said VW Ser- dred years of GLP history was centered, gio G. Mailig, the Cen- just as it had all begun, in Manila. But the tennial District Deputy GLP Centennial had never been more faith- Grand Master of Ma- ful to its history than by going south—just sonic District R13-A. as the Craft had spread, all this time, southward to Mind- anao.

Surigao City Centennial Obelisk R13-A sets the Centennial record straight Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. shook the hands of R13-A CDDGM Serge Mailig after the unveiling ceremony as the R13-A Council officers posed for a shot.

Gateway City,” wrote Bro. Carlo Reynaldo F. Lozada Jr., District Executive Assistant, to THE Located at the northeastern tip of CABLETOW. Mindanao—and closest to the Visayas— Surigao City is called the “Gateway to Flag-raising Mindanao.” Travelers who want to go around the country’s second largest island But Surigao City is not just all by road can get off Surigao pier and take geography. It also looks back to a Masonic the public transport. history.

The obelisk stands at Km. 3 “The construction of a Masonic ob- Payawan II, in Barangay Luna—a local elisk here in Surigao City which is part of Ma- spot commonly called “Checkpoint Junc- sonic District R13-A, serves a dual purpose, it tion.” Why the police and military throw not only honors the one hundred years of Phil- road blocks here is due to its central loca- ippine Masonry. It also honors the Philippine tion. The national highway links Surigao Revolution,” wrote Bro. Lozada. City to the rest of Mindanao. Public vans, jeepneys and buses coming to and fro the The city used to be the capital of a city pass under this Masonic marker. vast geopolitical, ecclesiastical and military district covering one-third of Mindanao “Just like the ancient obelisks which island. When the Revolution broke out in have been erected at the gates of the temple, 1896, it was the seat of Caraga province so does the present obelisk stand at Surigao which held jurisdiction over Surigao, Bu-

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 27 tuan and Cagayan de Misamis (Cagayan de tion that was ‘Masonically inspired, Mason- Oro City). ically planned, and Masonically executed.’ Hence, it is but fitting to put up a monument In December 1898, the city was well in to honor not only Freemasonry but also the the hands of Philippine revolutionaries. Philippine Revolution,” wrote Bro. Loza- The Jesuit cura paroco of the capital, da. Fr. Alberto Masoliver, S.J., witnessed and wrote in his diary the first and of- But there is more behind the first offi- ficial flag-raising of the Philippine flag cial flag-raising in Mindanao. “Thus, the in Mindanao on December 26, a day after first raising of the Philippine Flag was Christmas— done here in Surigao as validated by the National Historical Institute. Fittingly, “Before 10:00 AM, the tri-color like most of the Revolutionary leaders was hoisted from Casa Real (seat of pro- that time, the Gonzalez brothers were all vincial government) and the Tribunal … Masons,” he wrote. without any formalities … without any- body’s attention being drawn…..these peo- But the monument had to wait 114 years ple have no idea of what it is all about, and to rise up. if they have… how peaceful and without malice they are.”. Fortitude

VW Mailig was appointed Surigao City is not just all DDGM of Masonic District R13-A geography. It also looks back to timed with the GLP Centennial year. a Masonic history. Born in Ibaan, Batangas, VW Mailig was driven to work at an early age. The fourth child in a brood of nine, he had to make do with what farming A local named Alejandro “Jantoy” produce the hummocky hills of Ibaan Gonzales, head of the provincial revolu- could offer. Until the family called it tionary junta, led the unassuming but sig- quits and sailed for Surigao City. nificant ceremony. His brother, Simon, was appointed military commander for Mind- Here, the family started anew— anao. and made it good. It was also in Surigao where VW Mailig begun a family of his Another brother, Florencio, had own with Sister Melba Palma. In time, fought under Pantaleon Villegas (a.k.a. they were blessed with four kids—2 boys Leon Kilat) in the failed Cebu uprising of and 2 girls. The girls are Gwendilou and Tres de Abril 1898. Sheila Lauren. The boys later followed VW Mailig into the Craft—Bro. Win- The flag-raising was sanctioned ston (Grand Sec. Reynaldo S. Fajardo by the newfound Philippine Republic presi- Memorial Lodge no. 383) and Bro. Sher- dent Emilio Aguinaldo. win (Mt. Diwata Lodge no. 236).

“The fact remains that we VW Mailig knocked at Mt. Di- (Surigaonons) have been part of what Pres- wata Lodge No. 236. Admitted, he was ident Emilio Aguinaldo said was a revolu- raised on December 20, 1997. Rendering

28 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 services to the lodge in various capaci- get to a lodge comes with the job descrip- ties, he was elected Worshipful Master tion of a R13-A DDGM. in 2003. Next, he served the district in various GLP posts until 2012. But unlike Once in the DDGM’s seat, VW other districts, Masonic District R13-A Mailig installed the basics into places to is never a cozy job for any DDGM. get the district going smoothly. He came up with a district seal and by-law which were District approved by GM Gabionza. He placed all the district’s elected 3 Lights under profi- It is made up of 6 Lodges spread ciency examination for installation eligibil- across the 4 provinces of Caraga Region. ity with a seminar on Lodge Management They are Agusan Valley Lodge No. 160 to go. and Butuan Lodge No. 299 at Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Timberland Lodge No. 219 at San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Red Masonic District R13-A is never Mountain Lodge No. 241 and Kamayo a cozy job for any DDGM. Lodge No. 255 at Tandag City and Bis- lig City respectively, Surigao del Sur; and Mt. Diwata Lodge no. 236 at Surigao City, A District Plan of Action and Surigao del Norte. Activities was laid out to give direc- tion to the District. He held a monthly With a wide territory to cover, District meeting regularly. He success- traveling 12 to 24 hours on the road just to

The crooning Brethren of Surigao City turned wacky as the fellowship dragged on. The fenced-in obelisk sees daily the traffic of vehicles passing before it and running to all parts of Mindanao.

fully pulled off a District Sportsfest and The Surigao obelisk is not an orig- Family Day in Butuan City with no less inal idea. But it plays along the contours than GM Gabionza as Guest of Honor. of local history. Originally, a Lions Club A community outreach program was marker first stood at Checkpoint Junction. conducted through the lodges. He led But the local chapter folded up and left its the District in the Multi-District Con- island marker crumbling to the elements. vention, Mindanao Convention and the Special Communication in Manila. The Surigao Batangueno Associa- tion took over. To register their presence in Seemingly, the fortitude and per- the city, these immigrants from Southern severance which have been built into his Luzon put up a bust of President Jose P. youth paid off. Laurel in place.

Local acceptance Until Masonic District R13-A Council finally agreed on the Centennial Maybe, any hardworking and pre- Obelisk. A distinguished son of Batangas serving DDGM could beat R13-A’s geo- province, Laurel was also a Mason. So, graphic challenge. But coming up with a the council decided to leave Laurel’s bust smart or surefire idea ups the playing field. alone—though it needed to be moved a few To read and move through the maze of the feet to give way for the construction. events require wisdom that has been mold- ed by real-life experiences. On April 27, 2012, VW Mailig wrote the Office of City Mayor Ernesto It was smooth sailing from then Matugas “to construct an Obelisk at the on for the R13-A Council. On October island located at check-point junction.” It 18, 2012, Barangay Luna chairman Al- was officially received on May 21. fredo Dacuron authorized the council “to construct obelisk at Km. 3 Payawan Talks turned out positively. But II, Barangay Luna, Surigao City” as re- the R13-A Council was not taking chanc- quired by the City Engineer. With a es. It went on to nail every legal corner to go-signal from the barangay chairman, avoid hassles. So, VW Mailig marched to the City Engineer approved the R13-A the City Council. Council’s building permit on November 13, 2012. On August 30, 2012, the City Council passed Resolution No. 262 Series Unveiling of 2012. City councilor Hon. Luceniano Lancin raised the motion of allowing Ma- Before heading to Checkpoint sonic District R13-A Council to construct Junction, MW Gabionza and party paid an obelisk Masonic marker at the island of a courtesy call to City Mayor Matugas. checkpoint junction. It was seconded by But it was in the City Council where the councilor Hon. Baltazar Abian. The city Brethren had received a warm reception. dads okayed the application. It gave MW Gabionza the privilege to

Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabi- onza, Jr. answered the questions posed by the local media largely about Freemasonry. take to the floor and addressed the body. Mindanao century

And so did MW Gabionza sin- Soon, the program begun with an cerely thank the city dads for allowing Invocation by DGL Nathaniel D. Masonic Council R13-A to erect a Cen- Layola. Mt. Diwata Lodge No. 236 tennial memorial in Surigao. The usual Worshipful Master Cacel Azarcon picture-taking followed next. welcomed the Brethren. Brief re- marks were given by VW Franklin Brethren from Caraga region came to Calo and Centennial DDGM Mailig. witness the unveiling. GLP Masons who came with MW Gabionza were In his speech, Centennial GM Gabi- VW Dennis Gabionza, Assistant Grand onza reported that the construction Treasurer; VW Joby Magbanua, Execu- of another obelisk in the Grand tive Assitant to CGM; VW Ben Alegre, Lodge is in progress. But there are VW Francisco Lovero; and VW Rolando more significance behind the event De Castro. than just obelisks and markers.

The Centennial logo marked the front “Mindanao Freemasonry has now side of the monument’s base. The old attained to a level where it can Laurel bust was perched before it. A make a significant difference to the Centennial commemoration plate was entire Philippine jurisdiction,” he embedded at the backside, dedicating said. the obelisk “to all the Brethren who have labored hard and mighty in order But the Craft’s advancement in this to bring the Masonic tenets of Broth- part of the grand jurisdiction comes erly Love, Relief and Truth to reality not without a challenge. “A century thereby allowing the Light to pierce and has ended. A new century begins. break the darkness of men’s soul.” A new century laden with its own challenges, complexities, pitfalls, After the unveiling, the brethren trooped and risks. But it is also a century of to the Philippine Gateway Hotel for a promises and potentials. Make the short program and dinner fellowship. new century the Mindanao century. The local media were at hand. They A new century marked by Mindanao threw questions at MW Gabionza and Freemasonry,” he urged the Caraga VW Mailig about Freemasonry and its brethren. connection to the 1896 Philippine Revo- lution. Just as the GLP Centennial had kicked off in the north, it proper- But GM Gabionza never allowed a ly ended in the south. But it was chance to slip and clear up public doubts local initiative, imagination and about the Craft. A radio announcer at will power which had snapped con- the end of the line asked if Masons were nections into places and made the really atheists. GM Gabionza denied it, GLP centenary historically correct. explaining that a belief in God is a req- District R13-A has made Mindanao uisite for membership. Freemasonry shine out.—EC with re- ports by Bro. Carlo Reynaldo F. Lozada Jr. The announcer paused with something like “Oh! Akala ko …” (Oh! I thought…)

32 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 The obelisk through time By Bro. Carlo Reynaldo F. Lozada Jr. District Executive Assistant, R13-A

An Obelisk (Greek obeliskos, obelos-or attached new associations, to it. For the spit, nail, pointed pillar) is a tall four-sided Egyptians., it was a symbol of the phar- stele, or slim monument of stone narrow- aoh’s right to rule and connection to the ly tapering in a pyramid-like shape at the divine. In ancient Rome, the obelisk em- top. The ancient Egyptians had thought bodied the city’s coming of age as an im- that its form represented the descending perial power. For the 19th century New rays of the sun. In time, an obelisk was Yorkers, it stood for America’s rejection believed to resemble a petrified ray of the of imperial ambitions when isolationism sun-disk. was the prevailing political attitude then. And for the 20th century The Egyptians fans of Freud, the obelisk had believed that the was a phallic shorthand spirit of their sun god, with all its ego-driven Ra, resided in the obelisk. connotations. So, they worshipped and prayed before it often fac- The history of obelisk ing east, possibly three is a story of technical times a daily. achievement, imperial conquest, Christian piety Nearly every and triumphalism, ego- empire, from ancient tism, scholarly brilliance, Rome to present-day political hubris, bigoted United States,-had placed nationalism, democratic orders for an Egyptian self-assurance, modernist obelisk to be planted austerity and Hollywood amid a public ceremonial kitsch. In short, it is the space. Obelisks served no story of Western civili- practical purpose. The zation. hieroglyphs chiseled on its sides were unreadable to the public, Peter Der Manuelian, project di- at the least. But over the centuries, doz- rector of the Giza Acrchives at the Mu- ens of authentic, age-old, obelisks had seum of Fine Arts in Boston, properly made their way from Egypt to Rome and summed up the function of the obelisk Constantinople, and onto Florence, Paris, in history: “Obelisks have managed to re- London and New York. Perhaps, its pop- tain their relevance over more than four ularity rested on the popular belief in a millennia. Originally created as ancient special power running through the stone. Egyptian shafts of “frozen” sunlight, they morphed into symbols of status and pow- Different cultures have bor- er, piety and paganism, as they journeyed rowed, interpreted, understood and mis- to faraway lands. Their story mirrors the understood the obelisks over time. Each evolution of human cultures and ideolo- has wrapped around new meanings, or gies from antiquity to the present day.” Overseas Districts A & E Visit All is warm and bright in our Pacific Lodges

By WB Armando Cazzola, PM San Pedro Lodge No. 292

Distantly situated in the midst of the Pacific, yet our Brethren in Guam and Saipan remain close, warm and very Filipino as ever.

WM Elect Bro Jose Carlos Delos Santos, of Milton C. Marvin Lodge No. 123, is presented before the Installing Officer in the East, VW Ramoncito Plana, PJGL (not in picture), by VW Angel Baldemor PJGL and VW Madesto Gagaring PDGL, Master of Cer- emonies and Assistant Master of Ceremonies, re- spectively. Notice the star-spangled banner at the corner.

Unknown to many Philippine Ma- On February 6, 2013, a Wednes- sons, the grand jurisdiction of the Most day, a delegation of the Most Worshipful Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Ac- Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons cepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP) of the Philippines (GLP) led by Centennial extends to a couple of lodges abroad. Part Grand Master MW Santiago T. Gabionza, of it sweeps over Guam, a U.S. Territory, Jr. boarded a PAL flight and left Manila for and Saipan under the Commonwealth of Guam. the Northern Marianas Islands. The party was comprised of Sis. Guam and Saipan come under Aileen T. Gabionza, the lady of MW Gabi- GLP Masonic Overseas District (OD) A onza; VW Dennis T. Gabionza, Asstistant and E, respectively. Grand Treasurer; VW Noberto M. Cue, Sr., Grand Sword Bearer; VW Noel L.

34 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Fuentebella, Junior Grand Steward; VW Americans, too—saw the exile of Philip- Teodoro Alejandro Y. Kalaw IV, Senior pine Masons for the second time like Apo- Grand Lecturer; VW Neil C. Farala, Dis- linario Mabini, together he with Generals trict Deputy Grand Master, Masonic Dis- Artemio Recarte, Pio Del Pilar, Mariano trict R III-C (Zambales); VW Emmanuel Llanera and 48 other freedom fighters C. Bustamante, District Deputy Grand from 1901 to 1903 by the U.S. military au- Master, Masonic District R III-F, (Nueva thorities. Ecija); WB Armando Cazzola, Worship- ful Master, San Pedro Lodge No. 292, F. At Asan Beach in Guam, there is & A.M and chairman of the GLP Media a small monument erected by Filipinos in Committee; VW Jose A.I. Magbanua, Head Guam in honor of Apolinario Mabini with Executive Assistant; and Sis. Lalaine Mag- a Commemorative Marker of the Philip- banua, lady of VW Magbanua and GLP pine National Historical Institute to go. Hostel administrator. MW Gabionza was in Guam for The Guam brethren threw a the Multi-District Meeting and public in- warm welcome for the GLP party that ar- stallation of lodge officers. One was the rived at 4 a.m. The reception was difficult Milton C. Marvin Lodge No. 123. Masons to describe in simple words. They waited and their families were at hand to attend. for us in the airport all that time so early in the morning. The sight and feeling of so In Guam, MW Gabionza handed many Masons in festive mood was simply out issues of the Cabletow magazine and unimaginable. GLP Centennial Celebration mementos. He reported on the Grand Lodge Centen- After picking our baggage, they nial celebration that the Guam brethren drove us to a restaurant near the airport had missed. where a very good breakfast was served courtesy of Guam Masons, of course. A personal observation here is With our hearty meal over, we had got that our Brethren in Guam have appreci- much time in our hands before we could ated a lot the deep care of the Grand Mas- check in at the Guam Plaza. So, our hosts ter and the GLP for the Masons of Overseas gave the delegation a tour of Guam Island, District A. a visit to tourist spots and to Masonically- relevant locations. The sight and feeling of so many Like the Philippines, Guam and Masons in festive mood was sim- the Marianas Islands were colonies of Spain until the year 1898. These Span- ply unimaginable. ish Pacific islands were used as places of forced exile for Philippine Masons who had advocated and fought for reforms. Famous On Friday, February 8, 2013, MW Masons like Jose Maria Basa, Joaquin Par- Gabionza laid a wreath before the Mabini do de Tavera and many others did time in monument. He was joined by VW Lorenzo Guam after the suppression of the mutiny Dela Torre, DDGM of Overseas District of Cavite Arsenal in 1872. A; VW Wilfredo “Boy” Ching, DDGM of Overseas District E. Other OD-A dignitar- When the Philippines passed onto ies that came were VW Gregory “Greg” the Americans, Guam—taken over by the Blas, VW Roger Abarca, VW. Art Zan-

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 35 Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabi- onza, Jr. delivers his speech before the breth- ren of Milton C. Marvin Lodge No. 123 as newly-installed WM Jose Carlos Delos San- tos smiles along. GM’s party at old Spanish fort in Guam.

tua, VW. Ramoncito B. Piana, VW Angel Temple. More Brethren were waiting for Baldemor, VW Modesto Gagaring, VW us there. A lot of pictures were shot to Dexter Lee Tan, VW Mike Pope, and many immortalize the moment. We learned later other Brethren who generouly took time that the pictures had been uploaded fast off their busy schedules to be part of the into Facebook. ceremony. Then, we were given a quick tour On the same day, MW Gabionza of the Island. In Saipan there is a thriv- directed a party to head for Saipan and pay ing Filipino community of about twenty a visit to Emon Lodge No.179. Saipan was thousand and a vibrant Masonic commu- actually not in MW Gabionza’s tight itin- nity like Guam. We saw the Banzai Cliff erary. But this Grand Master would spare and the various historical places linked to no effort just to reach out to the Breth- the Second World War in the Pacific. ren. If he could not make it, he saw to it that somebody would. So he sent the GLP Emon Lodge incumbent Master, group made up of VW Kalaw, VW Cue and VW Wilfredo “Boy” Ching, was in Guam yours truly. We boarded an early United with the Grand Master’s party. Instead, Airlines flight. Overseas District E was 40 WM-elect Edwin M. Arenas guided us minutes away. around Saipan with other officers-elect such as Bro. Pepe R. Crisostomo, Senior A large delegation of Saipan Ma- Warden Elect; Bro. Romeo D. Malasarte, sons greeted us at our arrival. We were Junior Warden Elect; VW Daniel E. Banez, motored straight to the Saipan Masonic Secretary; Rev. Bro. Joselito Espino, Chap-

36 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Sis. Aileen Gabionza and Sis. Lalaine Mag- banua joined the ladies of Milton C. Marvin Lodge No. 123. lain; VW Isagani E. Benoza, Marshall; Bro booked flight and hotel accommodations in Joe Falaminiano, Junior Deacon and com- Iloilo for the ANCOM. So, we exchanged manding officer of the US Army Detach- commitments of getting together again in ment in Guam; Bro. Carlos E. Eslaban, Jr., April. Junior Steward; Bro. Arnel A. Metran, Al- moner and other worthy Brethren. So pleasant was our fellowship with our Saipan Brothers and Sisters that After the tour, we all proceeded we almost missed the flight back to Guam. to the Mariana Resort & Spa where Emon We arrived at the airport just when our Lodge member, Bro. Carlos Eslaban, is IT names were being called out for the final Manager. There, they had prepared an area boarding. complete with screen and projector for the “Centennial Lecture” of SGL Kalaw. In- We made it back to Guam and terestingly, a couple of our Sisters also sat headed straight to the dinner sponsored in the session. Done, we headed next for by the Brethren of Guam with their en- lunch. tire families So, we joined again the great and cheerful crowd of Guam Masons for Arriving at the restaurant, a large a another sumptuous meal and good con- number of our Sisters greeted us. All versation. We planned to meet again at the Ladies of Masons, they joined us at the Iloilo ANCOM as several Guam Brethren Lunch-Fellowship. We learned that sev- will come. Again and again, throughout eral of our Saipan Brethren had already the Guam visit, the Brethren repeated how

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 37 pleased they had been with the undivided reported for his District. The Roll Call of attention MW Gabionza paid them. Lodges begun. The Hall was crowded with Brethren from all lodges. We saw a number On Saturday, the Grand Master’s of brethren from Emon Lodge 179 who party proceeded to the Scottish Rite Tem- had made it to the event. ple for the Multi-district Convention, Cen- tennial Lecture and Installation of Offic- MW Gabionza, our Centennial ers of Milton C. Marvin Lodge No. 123 at Grand Master, eventually delivered his 1.30 p.m. message. Then, he handed out Centennial mementos to the participating officers after VW Lorenzo Dela Torre, DDGM a brief recess to ready the hall for the Pub- and Overseas District A host, did the hon- lic Installation of Milton C. Marvin Lodge ours. VW Wilfredo G. Ching , DDGM of No. 123. Overseas District E, was in attendance and

38 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. laid a wreath, with the officers of Overseas Districts A and E, before the monument of Illus. Bro. Apolinario Mabini in Agana, Guam which has been erected by Filipino expats in the island.

Installed was Bro. Jose Carlos Delos headed by VW Lorenzo Dela Torre. He Santos as Worshipful Master; WB Allen Sil- was accompanied by his son VW Greg vestre, Senior Warden; Bro. Derek Dondoya- Blas, VW Roger Abarca, WB Art Zantua, no, Junior Warden; VW Fel Dumlao, Treas- and many others. They motored with us to urer; and VW Dexter Lee Tan, Secretary. the airport. The Grand Master was the Guest of Honour and Speaker. A long and pleasant Fellowship I will not forget the goodness, the at the basement of the Temple followed. brotherly love, the kindness that the Guam and Saipan Brethren literally showered us On Sunday morning, the Grand with. But always, I will carry with pride Master’s party checked out of the Guam and pleasure the fraternal conduct that our Plaza Hotel at 3 a.m. Surprisingly, at that Filipino Brethren have shown in these dis- very early hour of Sunday morning, a lot tant Pacific islands. of brethren were at hand to send us off

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 39 Square & Compass We Connect Firming up the cabletow via text By Bro. Alex C. Daniel President, SCWC

With its 2,000 membership, We-Connect joins in keeping the cabletow strong and tight via cell phone sms.

The Square & Compass We Connect came separation” theory. Any acquaintance—or about when a small group of forward- brother Mason in this case—is just six per- looking Master Masons had hit on the sons away. Or less. novel idea of digital information exchange among themselves. After all, The theory holds that text messaging is in. Say, everyone and everything two textmates on same is just six steps away or telecom network can even less. Simply put, send jokes, share in- any objective, say a spirational quotes, business deal or a pass on news bits, sales contract, can digital missives be had in six steps and other forms or less. The guy of short messages you are after, like a (SMS). potential business client, may be six Then, why persons deep into the not direct text mes- chain of personal rec- saging to the Masonic ommendations. A person “circle” instead? A circle of same vibe or need may be is round, of course. Send out the sixth line of a “friend of a a message to different members. It will friend.” spread out. But with little time, the SMS returns to the sender with responses and Where answers or contacts lie just more. Nothing can be truer than the saying six persons away, it only shows how small “what goes around comes around,” is the world we live in. And this “small world phenomenon” can never be truer This is how sms basically works. than in Freemasonry where the brethren But the visionary founders didn’t settle for are bound ever closer by a mystic tie. the basics alone. They wanted to look deep into the mechanics of things and make With the cabletow on one hand, sure that the project would take off. and a handy but powerful digital technol- ogy on the other, the chances of “inter- Six degrees of separation connectedness” among Masons appear ever brighter. So, we came upon the “six degrees of

40 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Founding Thus, on the same date, the Square and Compass We-Connect (SCWC) was for- So, we tested the theory, result- mally organized. It was built on the “small ing in a “Grand Eyeball”—or face-to-face world phenomenon”—to create an inform- assembly—of formerly faceless texters ative social network where the brethren on November 27, 2010 at Causeway Res- can inspire one another in all Masonic en- taurant at Timog, Quezon City. Some 80 deavours and to practice the Craft’s prin- brethren from Luzon came. It was a fun- cipal tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and filled day with the brethren enjoying the Truth. food and fellowships while sharing advoca- cies. SCWC is about the idea that we are all connected to accomplish something More eyeballs followed with a good—To Aid and Assist. It is our belief bigger one held during the 2011 Ancom that the SCWC will also be a force for good, in Davao City. Notable among the attend- not only by bringing a Masonic conscience ees were Brothers Joey Yu, Cary Uy, Boyet to social networking. But also, that all the Chua, Yanzy Baldonado and Pong Maca- good work, the true work and the square tangay who would later form the core of work that goes around the network, will moderators. come around in a karmic cycle for the good of the Craft in general and the brethren in On June 4, 2011, a working com- particular. mittee was formed made up of brothers Alex Daniel of Biak-na-Bato Lodge No. 7; Raymond Wong of Palanyag Lodge No. The guy you are after, like a po- 323; Alex Go of Sinukuan Lodge No. 16 tential business client, may be six and Nelzon Villanueva of High Twelve No. 82. They continued meeting after to persons deep into the chain of fine-tune the information exchange net- personal recommendations. work.

At first, Brother Nelzon had his The Group’s logo and other de- “I-Connect” texting contacts. Brother Alex sign works were made by Brother Gilbert Go expanded the name to “WE-Connect” Anyayahan of Juan Sumulong Lodge No. which eventually superseded I-Connect, 169. Later on, the Square and Compass We- becoming the name of the new Masonic Connect was registered with the Securities texting group. and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2011 by Brother Rino “Jake” Romero of Brother Alex Daniel was elected Hiram Lodge No. 88. President. His first act was the appoint- ment of moderators for efficient and timely Organization broadcasting of text messages. SCWC accepts Masons in good More brethren joined the weekly standing with the ingrained habit to aid meetings with Brother Joel Ferrer acting and assist. He must have a handy cell phone as the Secretary and also part-time moder- dedicated to this group and must be willing ator. Brother Arnulfo “Pong” Macatangay to receive and respond to sms 24/7. was the appointed Treasurer. More importantly, every SCWC member

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 41 SCWC officers and members made eyeball contacts with members who are officers and crew of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier which had docked at Manila in 2012.

ADVERTISEMENT must be ready to practice at all times Ma- tong Bato Lodge No. 51), Communications; sonry’s principal tenets of Freemasonry— Wharton Chan (Saigon Lodge No. 188), not counting out the Obligations. Legal Counsel.

Presently, the Square and Com- For its vision, the SCWC aims to pass We-Connect (SCWC) is made up of connect and unify Philippine Freemasonry, more than two thousand members nation- to spread out brotherly love, relief and wide with a core of 19 brethren setting truth as well as to carry out one’s obliga- policies and procedures and managing the tion to the brethren. day-to-day operations. It embraces the mission “To Aid The core of officers is made up and Assist” distressed worthy brother of the following: Alex Daniel (Biak-na- Master Masons and his community and Bato Lodge No. 7,) President/Moderator; to convey essential messages through any Alexander Go (Sinukuan Lodge No. 16) means of communication.” VP – External; Raymond Wong (Palanyag Lodge No. 323), VP – Internal/Modera- For this, it has “AID AND AS- tor; Nathaniel “Yanzy” Baldonado (Juan SIST” for its motto. Sumulong Lodge No. 169), Secretary/ Moderator; Joel Ferrer (Araw Lodge No. Operations 18), Assistant Secretary; Rolando “Maven” Biscarra (Perla Del Oriente No. 1034, S.C.), The SCWC screen sms that come Treasurer; Arnulfo “Pong” Macatangay and go. They must meet the following (Dapitan No. 21), Asst. Treasurer/Moder- qualifications— ator; Stephen Sia (Jose Rizal No. 22), Audi- • Must redound to the good and benefit tor; David Maniquis (Biak-na-Bato Lodge of the Craft in general and the brethren No. 7), Corporate Secretary; Anthony Tan in particular. Political, religious and mes- (Isagani Lodge No. 96), Moderator; Jojo sages contrary to Masonic constitution, Narciso (Island Luz-Minerva No.), edicts, circulars, laws and obligations are out.

SCWC is about the idea that we • Must have contact number and com- plete details and format. are all connected to accomplish something good—To Aid and • Must have unifying and harmonious Assist. effect within the SCWC network.

• Must be short and concise as possible. Moderator; Joey Yu (La Trinidad Lodge No. 344), Moderator; Jesse Jonathan Za- At present, the SCWC counts to 1 muco (Cosmo P. Antonio Mem. Lodge No. million sms circulated through the SCWC 339), Moderator; Boyet Chua (Tamaraw network. A huge portion goes to inquiries Lodge No. 65), Moderator; Cary Duval and replies (70%). Uy (San Jose Del Monte Lodge No. 357), Website Manager/Moderator; Juanito Tan Alerts and advisories—like traf- (M.H. Del Pilar Lodge No. 272), Ways and fic news, earthquakes bulletins, Masonic ac- Means; Rino “Jake” Romero (Hiram Lodge tivities—are basically small (15%); SOS help No. 88), Marshall; Ver del Rosario (Pin- types, smaller (10%); and ads, a pittance (5%).

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 43 Moderators, who first receive the in the United Kingdom. It was founded by sms, throw it to the membership. So, one a Filipino brother, WB Michael Duque, message gets multiplied 2,000 times. On Worshipful Master of Con Amore 3633, the average, each moderator daily receives United Grand Lodge of England. 50 sms at the least. A Middle East chapter is in the Over the years, the SCWC has works. Bro. Errol T. Lachica, of Andres taken to different tasks in response to sms Bonifacio Lodge No. 199, is presently set- calls, such as: ting up the base to serve the OFW Masons in the region. • helped the brethren and their loved ones in emergency situations like vehicu- Tyled FB account lar accidents, carnapping and/orcarjack- ing incidents, stalled vehicles on unholy The SCWC keeps a Facebook ac- hours or unsafe places count with 900 members worldwide. Just search for SQUARE & COMPASS WE- • assisted in the search and rescue of lost CONNECT. family members of Masons It keeps a database of various Masonic • helped the brethren in transactions contacts. There are Brethren from different with the government and private corpo- government agencies, hospitals, courts, and rations the PNP. Businesses owned by brethren can also be found here. A member can post • advertised the services, products and and/or write their comments, suggestions, sale of personal and real estate proper- issues, opinions, health tips and the like. ties of Masons Moderators • maintained an updated database of Ma- sonic contacts Brethren who wish to avail of, or even join, the SCWC services must contact the • responded to calls for blood donations, Moderator of his corresponding area, as financial and medical assistances follows: Alex Daniel , +639228897844 (NCR-B, R5-A & B, Visayas-Mindanao These are yet besides the out- and Foreign Lodges); Raymond Wong of-town tours the SCWC has conducted +639228302283 (NCR-G, R3-C & R4-A); among its membership. Provinces that Jojo Narciso +639228042623 (NCR-D & have been covered so far are Tarlac, Pam- ILM No. 5); Anthony Tan +639228636382 panga, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Mindoro and (R3-G, R2-A,B,C,D & E); Jesse Zamuco Cebu. +639337270933 (R3-A & CPA 339); Boy- et Chua +639228447084 (R3-F, R4-B, C. Noteworthy, the SCWC held a D &E, NCR-A); Joey Yu +639336945556 spontaneous Eye Ball with members who (R1, R1-A & B, CAR-A,B & C); Cary Uy are officers and crew of the USS George +639328431210 (R3-B & E); Pong Maca- Washington Aircraft Carrier in 2012. tangay +639228855349 (R3-D, NCR-C); and Yanzy Baldonado +639229917129 Overseas chapters (NCR-F, NCR-E).

A SCWC chapter is now running

44 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 ADVERTISEMENT ANCOM 2013 Official list of JGW nominees out

Seven Master Masons have been cleared This forced MW Santiago T. Ga- by the Past Grand Masters’ screening bionza, Jr., Centennial Grand Master, to is- committee to stand for elections as Junior sue Edict No. 257 extending the filing of Grand Warden (JGW) in the Annual Com- candidacies until 5 p.m. of February 15, munications (Ancom) on April 27 in Iloilo 2013. A shortlist of 5 candidates at the City. least, or 7 at the most, was to be drawn from all the nominations. The nominees who had made it through the screening process were VW The Constitution, in Article V Gualberto E. Agatep, Jr. of Gonzaga Lodge section 5 (d), requires all nominations to be No. 66; VW Voltaire Gazmin of Maranao in on the last working day of November. Lodge No. 111; VW Evaristo Leviste of Saigon Lodge No. 188; VW Jose A. Lim III Here, THE CABLETOW pub- of Sarangani Lodge No. 50; VW Van Cor- lished the summary of whatever materials nelius Luspo of Baguio Lodge No. 67; VW the nominees had submitted to the Grand Narciso Nieto of Factoria Lodge No. 311; Secretary’s office. Where none was provid- and VW Abraham Tolentino of Tagaytay ed or available, we went instead for what- Lodge No. 165. ever data obtainable in their GLP Masonic records. The Office of the Grand Secre- tary received a total of eight nominations The nominees are presented here for the JGW position on the February in alphabetical order. 15 cut-off date. But the list was gradu- ally pared down to the required seven head count when one nominee withdrew. Gualberto E. Agatep, Jr. The shortlist could have been issued earlier had the process not been bugged by interview scheduling problems. Personal Data “We had a hard time scheduling the nomi- nees,” said MW Danilo Angeles, PGM • Born on May 30, 1959 at Callao, Lasm and Centennial Grand Secretary. One or Cagayan to the late VW Gualberto C. two nominees, for instance, had been set Agatep, PDDGM and Sister Atanacia to appear before the GLP screening com- Elizaga-Agatep. mittee—only to reset it later not once but twice. • Married to Sister Eliza de los Santos- Agatep and blessed with five children: The process of beating the dead- Mae Anne Grace, a nurse; Gualberto III; line had marred the process since the start. Joebert; Eljay and Enzo Justine. All JGW nominees were to file their candi- dacies not later than the last working day Education of November in 2012. Nobody came. • Attended elementary school at Callao

46 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Elementary School of Lasam, Cagayan • Advance Management Development Program II – Strategic Management • Attended secondary school at the Training Workshop, router Philippines, Trinity College of Quezon City. Soledad Suites, Tagbiliran City, Bohol, March 16-17, 2012 • Graduated with baccalaureate degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Na- • Management Development Program tional University, Manila in 1980. I – A Managerial Development Train- ing Workshop, Router Philippines, Hotel Work Experience Elizabeth, Cebu City, February 15-16, 2012 • President/CEO, Rural Bank of Gatta- ran, Inc., Centro Norte, Gattaran, Ca- • Delinquency and Fraud Management, gayan, 2008-present “Sustainable Banking System: Green- ing the Banking Industry”, University • Board of Director, Rural Bank of of Sto. Tomas (Graduate School), Sam- Gattaran, Inc., Centro Norte, Gattaran, paloc, Manila, April 24, 2010 Cagayan, 1997-present • Corporate Governance and Risk Man- • Board of Trustees, Northern Philip- agement, De La Salle University, Taft pines Academy, Centro Norte, Gattaran, Avenue, Manila 2002 Cagayan, 1997-present Organizations • Security Officer, Rural Bank of Gatta- ran, Centro Norte, Gattaran, Cagayan, • President, Cagayan-Kalinga-Apayao 1997-present Rural Banks Federation, 2011-present

• Senior Mechanical Engineer, DPWH- • Member, Philippine Society of Me- BOE, Dummun, Gattaran, Cagayan, chanical Engineers, April 30, 1982-pre- 1983-1995 sent

Government Service Masonic Career & Services • Raised on May 12, 1984 at Gonzaga • Engineer, Department of Public Lodge No. 66 Works and Highways, Solana, Cagayan • Lodge offices held at G.C. Agatep Me- Training and Seminars (partial) morial Lodge No. 341 1. Junior Warden, 2001-2002 (Lodge • Attended the 7-course Seminar on U.D.) Security Investigation Techniques con- 2. Senior Warden, 2002-2003 ducted by Truth Verifier Systems, Inc. at 3. Worshipful Master, 2003-2004 Ateneo Professional Schools, in Makati 4. Lodge Treasurer, 2007 to present City in 2012. • Grand Lodge offices held, Masonic • Taxation for Rural Banks, Rural Bank- District RII-C ers Research and Development Founda- 1. Grand Lodge Inspector 2004-2005 tion, RBAP, Intramuros, Manila, Novem- 2. District Grand Lecturer 2005-2006 ber 07, 2012 3. District Deputy Grand Master

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 47 2006-2007 3.Organization • Appendant Body 1. Master of the Royal Secret, Aparri • To improve and revive our adminis- Consistory, Delta Bodies, A. & A. S. trative systems and procedures on Blue R., November 29, 2002 Lodge reports and accountabilities par- ticularly in the correctness of financial Plans and Programs reports, documentation of lodge activi- ties and submission of the same to the 1.Membership Grand Lodge

• To retain and sustain the interest of 4.Financial current membership. • To source and provide funds in support • To renew the interest of inactive mem- of Grand Lodge operations and see to it bers while addressing the “lost sheep” that the funds are correspondingly spent problem. after the approved programs.

• To strengthen the measures of admit- • To review our per capita assessment ting petitioners for quality membership and make it comparable to the present who will become the leaders of tomor- inflation. row. • To devise and implement a financial 2.Education scheme that would assist Blue Lodges to embark on without relying on finan- • To implement a Continuous Masonic cially-stable brethren or drawing from Education in equipping Masons with general lodge fund, Financial instability the correct tools as guide through life. marked many Blue Lodges resulting in A better understanding of Masonry is a failure of Annual Dues or per capita pay- stronger commitment to the Fraternity. ment to the GLP.

• To strengthen the basic Masonic foun- 5.Electoral reforms dations and thus preserve the tenets of the Craft from generation to generation. • To call for a convention with the end of reviewing and rationalizing the whole • Proficiency in the observance and electoral process in selecting the future practice of Masonic values and moral- Grand Master whereby the output shall ity is of prime importance. The public be presented to the Brethren and all image of Masonry depends on how we Lodges for comments and approval in an act. Let us also share these values to our Annual Communication. families, relatives and friends. Presently, the present electoral • Proficiency in the rituals, government process, as provided in Art VI, Sec 1, and management of the Blue Lodges to enumerates the following as qualified ensure appropriate manner in the con- voters: the Past Grand Masters (who duct of our business as well as to make are also tasked to nominate the candi- our rites and ceremonies uniform and dates for election (Art V, Sec 5); the in- impressive. cumbent elective and appointive officers of the Grand Lodge except the Grand

48 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 Lodge Inspector; and the immediate Voltaire T. Gazmin Past Masters of an accredited Subordinate Lodge, in represen- tation of all Past Masters of the Personal Data Lodge. However, Art II, Sec 1 of our Masonic Law Book provides • Born on October 22, 1944 in Moncada, that the Past Masters are among Tarlac, the youngest of the four children the compositions of the Grand of the late Brigadier General Segundo Lodge. Lagmay Gazmin, Sr.and Petra Bautista Tuvera On certain occasions, how- ever, the immediate Past Master • Married to the former Rhodora Her- fails to attend the Annual Com- nandez of Alitagtag, Batangas and bless- munication; thus, foregoing the ed with two sons Ezechiel and Leandro, Past Master’s vote. More so, both professionals with families and chil- some incumbent Three Lights of dren of their own a Blue Lodge also fail to attend foregoing, again, their votes. Education Grand Lodge Inspector appear to have more and important duties • Attended Kindergarten and Primary being the executive arm of the grades in St. Paul College, Quezon City Grand Master in the Blue Lodge (1949-1953) but he is not qualified to vote. • Completed Elementary grades at U.P. Qualifying all Past Masters to Integrated School (1957) vote may rekindle the Masonic flame in them and may increase • Graduated from Secondary studies at the attendance to the An Com. U.P. High School (1961) May be, his would also eliminate electioneering among candidates. • Studied B.S. Chemistry for two years at U.P., Diliman (1961-1963) 6.Widows and Orphans • Graduated from Bachelor of Science • To focus on the plight of our degree at Philippine Military Academy Masonic widows and orphans. (1968) Our charitable works, often giv- en out to community outreached • Graduated from Master in Public Ad- Programs, must be directed in- ministration (Cum Laude) at Manuel L. stead to the scholarship program Quezon University (1990) of orphans left behind by our de- parted Brethren. Charity begins Work Experiences (partial) at home. More so, our widows and orphans are part of our ob- • Cabinet Secretary, Department of Na- ligation. tional Defense, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City(July 1, 2010 to date)

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 49 • Ambassadorto the Kingdom of Cam- No.55, in Virginia; Peidmond Com- bodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (May 1, mandery No. 26 in Manassas, Vir- 2002 – June 30, 2004) ginia; and Kena Temple, AAONMS, in Fairfax, Virginia. • Commanding General, Philippine Army, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig • Masonic clubs City (July 13, 1999 – October 22, 2000) 1. Organizer, Malacañang Square and Professional, Social and Compass Club; Club 370 in Fort Civic Affiliations Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; Banahaw Square and Compass Club in South- • Philippine Military Academy Alumni ern Luzon Command Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) 2. Honorary Member, Bureau of In- ternal Revenue Travelers Haven • Philippine Ambassadors’ Association (B.I.R.T.H) Club • Association of General and Flag Offic- 3. Royal King Cobra, Grand and Glo- ers, Inc. (AGFOI) rious Order of the Knights of the Creeping Serpent (GGOKCS) • U.P. Beta Sigma Fraternity • Masonic Awards 4. Outstanding Master Mason in the • Pugad Lawin Philippines, Inc. (Honor- Field of Military Service from the ary) Grand Lodge of the Philippines (December 19, 1990) • Royal Sultanate of Balo-i, Lanao del 5. Jose Abad Santos Award from the Norte (Lifetime Member) Grand Lodge of the Philippines (February 10, 2000) Masonic Career & Service 6. Letter of Commendation from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines • Raised in Maranao Lodge No 111 (July 24, 1986) (1982) 7. Hiram Award from Palanyag Lodge No. 323 (2002) • Craft Lodge Offices 8. Certificate of Appreciation given to 1. Worshipful Master, Palanyag Lodge him by Samboangan Lodge No. 310, No. 323 (2006) F.&A.M. on June 24, 2012

• Grand Lodge Office, District Plans & Programs

1. Grand Lodge Inspector, General Fraternal Outlook Artemio Ricarte Lodge No. 332 Apart from his career in the mili- • Grand Line Office tary and other professional interests, your brother has been a devoted student and 1. Grand Marshal, GLP under MW practitioner of Masonic persuasions. Jaime Y. Gonzales (2008) Firmly believing in the universal • Appendant Body (Scottish Rite) brotherhood of man, he continues to strive 1. Member, Scottish Rite in Alexan- to become a better person. He shares his dria, Virginia; London Royal Arch time in the practice of the principles of

50 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 friendship and fellowship to be of service strength of their moral character and the to all mankind. goodness of their persons.

He is into the advocacy of build- By so doing, we can immediately ing a better world through building better avoid wasteful endorsements of candi- men to live in it, thus adhering to the mot- dates, whose primary credentials are their toof his craft, “Better men make a better being well-heeled and or being relatives or world”. In the process, he has made himself friends of people in the high echelons of as an instrument of charitable, fraternal, power and influence. educational, social and character-building society. Our selection of petitioner-candi- dates should be determined from the good- During his active military service, ness of their integrity and character. They he helped the men in uniform enhance their should have clean records as testified to by knowledge in the different aspects of Ma- the clearances from the police, the courts, sonry and, in the process, organized Ma- and the NBI. sonic clubs. Criminal elements and dubious In his stint as Defense and Armed characters should never become masons. Forces Attaché in Washington D.C., he They should not be allowed to gain access sought further light in Masonry by joining into the doors of our lodges. Our Grand Masonic clubs in the United States. Lodge shall implement the must-require- ments of police, courts of law, and NBI Today, he finds time in creating clearances for our petitioner-candidates. additional charters for the Grand and Glo- rious Order of the Knights of the Creep- We should place an end to the ing Serpent of which he is the Royal King never-ending and nagging problems in Cobra. our election process. Our selection of can- didates to the different positions in all lev- Currently, he is deeply involved in els of our craft should be the consequence his continuous aspiration to become a bet- of our honest judgement on their overall ter person in the service of God, his coun- worthiness to occupy certain positions. trymen and humanity. This must be based on their in- Masonic Aspirations dividual achievements and the totality of their worth to the craft. In essence, we vote There is that imperative need for us to re- for our candidates bearing in mind that store and strengthen our craft’s founda- they are the most worthy masons. tion. We must review and re-examine the three stages that define and characterize We should place an end to the the life of the individual Mason, nomina- dreaded specters of electioneering which tion, selection, and election. have repeatedly unfolded before all of us – from past grand masters to the youngest We should commit to mind that power, voting delegates of our subordinate lodges. material wealth, friendship and influence should never be the yardstick of our nomi- Our election for the Junior Grand nation of petitioner-candidates. Rather, Wardenis the crucial chapter of stability in they should be evaluated based on the the annals of our craft. It is a measure of

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 51 our individual tenacity to be trustworthy against the designs of dishonesty. Evaristo A. Leviste We must eradicate the use of free tickets and hotel accommodations to sub- vert the sacredness of our ballots, the same Personal Data instruments through which we have chosen ourselves to become brethren. We cannot • Born on December 19, 1952 to Dr. desecrate our very own selves. Genuine Jacinto Leviste, Sr. and Mercedes Arceo masons have no price tags and can never in Manila, Philippines. be bought. Prior to the elections, all of the five (5) to seven (7) candidates for the po- • Married to the late Maria Carmen sition of Junior Grand Wardenshould be Lecaros- Leviste begetting two daugh- required to attend all multi-district con- ters and a son—Patricia Cherisse, Kath- ventions and major masonic gatherings erine Jenina Leviste-Samia, and Franz- throughout the country, and all their travel Josef Alexander who is also a Senior expenses shall be shouldered by the grand Demolay (of Apolinario Mabini Chap- lodge. ter).

This procedure shall afford equal Education opportunity for all of the candidates, re- gardless of their financial capacity, to be • Attended high school at the Holy In- exposed to and be heard about their plans fant Academy graduating in 1968. and programs for the craft. Necessarily, this would likewise extend to them the genuine • Graduated with baccalaureate degree appreciation of the true profile and status in Electrical Engineering in Mapua In- of the general masonic population in the stitute of Technology in 1973. jurisdiction of the Philippines. • Trained as pilot at the Philippine Air- As true defenders of our craft’s lines Aviation School in 1975 (commenc- ideals, now is the time for us to unite and ing his career as a commercial pilot in re-dedicate ourselves to fight the forces 1976). which attempt to destroy our lofty stand- ards. Work Experience

We bear with us the sword of the • B747 Instructor-Pilot, EVA Airways moral force of masonry. We are the fra- Corporation (Taiwan), 1994 to present. ternity of the strongest moral force over peoples and nations anywhere in the world. • President, Southmart Corporation, This is not because we are wealthy and Manila powerful, but because we cannot be bought and influenced by whatever amount and de- • President, Trentsmart Corporation, gree of wealth and power. Manila

We should act nowand preserve Masonic Career & Services our immaculate masonic institution from the impurities of human thoughts and in- • Raised in Saigon Lodge No. 188 in tentions. 1983

52 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 • Craft Lodges Offices • Appendant Body (York Rite) 1. Worshipful, Master, Saigon Lodge No. 188, 1987. 1. Past High Priest of Pilipinas Chap- 2. Charter Worshipful Master, Jacques ter No. 24 RAM, York Rite DeMolay Memorial Lodge No. 305 2. Past Illustrious Master of Pilipinas • Craft Lodges Membership Council No. 11, R&SM 1. Charter/ dual memberships in Las 3. Past Eminent Commander of Pilipi- Pinas Lodge No. 332, Escudo Lodge nas Commandery No. 11, KT. No. 369, Frank Reed Horton Memo- 4. Pre-Eminent Governor of Manila rial Lodge No. 379, and Grand Sec- York Rite College No. 170, in 1998 retary Reynold S. Fajardo Memorial 5. Eminent Prior of Filipinas Priory Lodge No. 383. No. 61, Knights of the York Cross 2. Honorary Member, Noli Me Tan- of Honor in 1999 gere Lodge No. 42 6. Honorary Member, Naval Chapter 3. Member, Sublime-Benica Lodge No. No. 35, RAM in Vallejo, CA in 2001 5, AF&AM in Benica, CA 7. Grand Representative (appointed) to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch • Grand Lodge Offices Masons of the State of Michigan USA, the Grand Council of Royal 1. Grand Representative to the Grand & Select Masters of the State of Lodge of Colombia-Cartagena, Michigan USA, the Grand Council 2004 to present. of Royal & Select Masters of the 2. District Grand Lecturer, formerly State of Delaware, USA and to the Masonic District 1-B (under MW Grand Commandery of Massachu- Danilo D. Angeles, PGM), 1997-98. setts and Rhode Island USA 3. Held several memberships and in- 8. Most Illustrious Grand Master of volvement in various working com- the Grand Council of Royal and mittees in the Grand Lodge through- Select Masters of the Philippines, out the years, and became Chairman 2001 of the Grand Lodge Committee on 9. Right Eminent Grand Command- Youth from 2007-2011. er of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the Philippines, • Allied Masonic Organization (Order 2001 of DeMolay) 10. Puissant Sovereign of Asoka Con- clave, Red Cross of Constantine, 1. Senior DeMolay, Jose Abad Santos 2001 Chapter in Manila 11. Most Excellent Grand High Priest 2. Active/Charter Member of the Su- of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch preme Council Order of DeMolay, Masons of the Philippines, 2004 Republic of the Philippines 12. Very Eminent Preceptor of Sea of 3. Member, DeMolay Alumni Associa- Tiberias, Tabernacle No. LXX, in tion of the Supreme Council of the 2005 Philippines and the United States 13. Order of Knight Commander, in 4. Grand Master of the Supreme 2006; Council, Order of DeMolay of the 14. Intendant General for Guam and Ja- Republic of the Philippines since pan for the United Grand Imperial 2006 up to present. Council, Knights of the Red Cross

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 53 of Constantine of the United States, 6. Charter Member and College Sec- Mexico and the Philippines, where- retary, Pearl of the Orient College in he is the concurrent Illustrious Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Grand Marshal. Foederatis 15. Knight Commander of the Temple, 7. Magus, IX° Grade, at Supreme Ma- 2009 gus College SRICF, February 2010. 16. Grand Inspector General for the • Awards (Order of DeMolay) Philippines, the Grand Encampment 1. Past Master Councilor’s Meritori- of Knights Templar, 2009 ous Service Award 17. Jurisdictional Deputy for the Philip- 2. Blue Honor Key pines of its Grand College of Hon- 3. Founder’s Membership Award, De- ors, 2009 gree of Chevalier, 18. Grand Governor for the Philippines, 4. Cross of Honor the York Rite Sovereign College of 5. Active Legion of Honor North America for two consecutive terms, the first Filipino to be ap- • Awards (York Rite) pointed 19. Associate Regent, in 2011 1. General Grand Chapter’s Meritori- 20. Regent in the York Rite Sovereign ous Medal for Distinguished Service College of North America during in 1993 its 54th Annual Grand in Nashville, 2. General Grand Council’s Cryptic TN, the first Filipino to be elected Mason of the Year Award in 1992 21. Department Commander for the Far 3. Knights Templar Cross of Honor, East for the 2012-2015 Triennium, from the Grand Encampment of making him the first Filipino to be the Knights Templar of the United appointed to his esteemed position States of America in 2010. 4. Order of the Purple Cross of York, • Appendant Body (Philippine Bodies of in 2010 the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite) Plans and Programs 1. Member of the Valley of Paco and Orient of Manila. These programs fall under the theme 2. Knight Commander of the Court of “OUR MASONIC FAMILY: TOGETHER Honor, 1993 WE WILL BUILD A BETTER TOMOR- 3. Coroneted as 33° Inspector General ROW” Honorary, in 1998 4. Venerable Master of Lakandola 1. Masonic Family-Oriented Programs Lodge of Perfection, in 1999. • Other Appendant Bodies While a young DeMolay, we 1. Member, Provincial Grand Lodge looked up to our Masonic Elders, most es- of the Philippines of the Royal Or- pecially our Chapter Advisors, whom we der of Scotland fondly called “Dads” for financial, moral 2. Permanent Life Member, Afifi and spiritual support. When they retired Shriners of Tacoma WA from public and Masonic life, they became 3. Associate Member, Mabuhay Shrin- recluse and detached from the Fraternity. ers of Manila, Philippines 4. Honorary Member, Asiya Shriners We have a dream for them called 5. Life Member, Maginoo Shrine Clu b. “Reaching Out” program that will be tai-

54 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 lored-made for our elderly members. monthly Lodge meetings to encourage The program also includes reaching attendance well. out to their widows, and in the case of the younger Masons, to their orphans. 3. The creation of Grand Lodge Ritual This program has met with consid- Mentors or coaches in Masonic Dis- erable success in other jurisdictions tricts abroad, and it does not entail too much financial backing. It merely starts from In previous visitations of various the goodness of our hearts and our in- lodges, we have observed innovations in herent generosity as members of one our Ancient Ritual creeping into the sys- of the world’s greatest philanthropy. tem. Not one Lodge could claim that they practice strictly what the ritual calls for. In The program also includes, other words, the standard ritual has been among others, the creation of a Mason- compromised. There were a lot of discus- ic Home for our retired brethren who sions and disagreements arising from this have no more families. Bottom line is, irregularity, which sometimes, not even the we will be giving a sense of security to assigned Lodge Inspector could of help, our retired brother Masons in their ag- given the culture of the aforesaid Lodge. ing years. And to compound this shortcoming, not all of our Lodge Inspectors are Ritualists. Also, when the Acacia Mutual To address this concern, we plan to set a Aid Society folded up, we took it up program to educate new members to the with other Masons mostly from abroad proper rituals of the Craft. to revive something similar in place, Charity begins at home. 4. Strengthening and restoring camara- derie and respect among Masons 2. Basic Undesrtanding of the provi- sions of the Masonic Law Book As a young DeMolay, we looked up to our Masonic Elders with awe and re- With the IMES (Institute of spect. They were the icons of exactly how Masonic Education & Studies) program the youth want to be when they grow up. in place, the membership started to be- come aware of the importance of Ma- Today, a lot of differences can sonic knowledge. But not all Masons be seen. There really is a great need to had the chance of really acquiring this go “Back to the Basics”. It saddens us to knowledge. no end when we hear disharmony among the Brethren arising from trivial and mun- We are proposing a plan that dane matters. The Harmony Officer of the will keep all active Masons in this ju- Lodge, when put to work, does a fine job. risdiction knowledgeable about our However, we should accept the fact that, Masonic Law Book. The program will the values, views, and ultimately the atti- include a correspondence course simi- tudes of the members vary. We have to ad- lar to what we are presently doing with dress this concern because it is everyone’s the DeMolay boys, but on a broader desire to preserve harmony and unity in- spectrum. This will eventually become side and outside the Lodge. part and parcel of a brethren’s desire to become an Officer of his Lodge. An- 5. Strict implementation of our Edicts other way that is to include it in our reviolations of R.A. 8049

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 55 During the term of MW Sonny Jose A. Lim III Razon, we embarked on such a program that will ultimately address this concern. However, due to its sensitivity, the module Personal Data requires facilitators from among our ranks; members who must have the will, time, pa- Born on January 8, 1956. Married to Dolly tience, and commitment to undergo the re- E French – Lim and blessed with three quired training and forming of “corrective children—Denise, Jose IV and Danielle cells” in affected lodges/Chapters through- out the archipelago. Unfortunately, we fell Education short of time in sourcing out for individuals with these qualifications. When they were Graduated with baccalaureate degree on available, it was time for the changing of the Business Management Guards. Work Experience We strongly believe that we can re- habilitate and re-educate those who habitual- President & CEO, Toyota Davao City, Inc., ly violate this Edict. The program addresses Km 6, Lanang, Davao City issues not only among the adult Masons, but also our Masonic Youth as well. The pro- Masonic Career & Service gram is designed to be self-sustaining. • Raised on August 26, 1978 at Saranga- 6. Rapport between Masons, our Masonic ni Lodge no. 50 youth and appendant organizations • Craft Lodge Office In our previous dealings with the 1. Worshipful Master, Sarangani Youth as Chairman of the Committee on Lodge no. 50, 1982 Youth, and as Grand Master of DeMolay for almost six years now, we have observed • Grand Lodge Office, District RXI-A that not all Master Masons, especially a new (Davao City, Davao del Sur) member, knows about the Masonic Youth 1. District Grand Lecturer, 1983 Family, and other appendant organizations 2. District Deputy Grand Master, even before he becomes a member. In short, 2008 the candidate for Freemasonry is not well- versed on the kind of family that will soon • Appendant Body (Scottish Rite) adopt him. 1. 32nd Degree, Scottish Rite Freema- sonry, Davao Bodies, 1978 Our program will include the infu- 2. Master of Kadosh, Davao Bodies sion of this extra knowledge to the future Scottish Rite Freemasonry, 1982 Mason, so that when he becomes a full- 3. Conferral Director, Davao Bodies fledged member, he will know exactly how under the supervision of then III. to deal with his new-found Family. This will Bro. Ireneo Irasga, Sr. 33° IGH, give him a first-hand insight on what the 1981 – 1985 DeMolays, the Jobs Daughters, the Rainbow Girls as well as the Eastern Star, Amaranth, • Appendant Body (York Rite) and all other appendant Bodies are all about. 1. Member, York Rite Freemasonry, This will form part and parcel of his being a 1982 knowledgeable and well-rounded Mason.

56 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 • Masonic Clubs 5. Grand Master’s Award of Mer- 1. Member, Harry S. Truman Centen- it,1994 nial Class, Cebu Shrine Club, Aloha 6. Most Outstanding Mason of the Temple, 1984 Philippines in the Field of Busi- 2. Member, IOTA Class, Grand and ness,1999 Glorious Order of the Knights of 7. Hiram Awardee, Sarangani Lodge the Creeping Serpent, 2005 no. 50, 2008 3. Ambassador, Agila Shriners, 2011 to 8. Awarded Outstanding DDGM, Dis- present trict RXI-A, 2009

• Other Masonic Activities Civic Affiliations 1. Chairman, Special Committee on Land Acquisition for the Greater • Member, Philippines Jaycees, Davao Davao Masonic Temple (GDMT) Chapter, 1979 – 1982 site; now site of the Greater Davao Masonic Center (GDMC), 1981 • Member, Class of 1984 Rotary dis- 2. Co-Chairman, Executive Committee trict 3860 Group Study Exchange to the of Greater Davao Masonic Center United States And Canada, 1984 (GDMC) Project under the Board of Governors chaired and vice- • Member, Rotary Club East Davao, chaired by VW Paul T. Arcangel 1984 – 1989 and Benjamin S. Geli, respectively to handle major fund raising activities, • Director, American Chamber of 1982-1983 Commerce, Davao Chapter, 1992 – 3. Co-Founder, The Sports Foundation 1995 of St. Andrew, Inc. (SFOSA) an as- sociation of Freemason golfers for • Adopted Member, Class of 1968, Phil- the promotion of Charity, Fitness ippine Military Academy, 2008 and Fellowship, 1994 4. Chairman of the Bard, St. Andrew’s Plans and Programs Inc., a corporation formed to es- tablish and operate a Golf Driving Objective Range, one of the main purposes of which is to support the Masonic To fortify the relevance of Free- charities of SFOSA, 1999 masonry in nation-building by reinforcing the primacy of Masonic character in every • Masonic Awards Mason and by enhancing the image pro- 1. Best Publication, Years 1981 and jected by every Masonic temple or center 1997, as Founder and First Editor- in its location in order to gain the respect in-Chief of “The Trestle Board,” of- and admiration of the community. ficial organ of Sarangani Lodge no. 50, 1981 and 1997 Proposals 2. Grand Master’s Cup for Most Out- standing Lodge, 1982 A. Reinforcing the primacy of Masonic 3. Grand Lodge Awardee for Distin- character in every Mason guished Masonic Services, 1984 4. Most Outstanding District Grand 1 Design a 201 file for all Masons in the Lecturer, formerly District 18, 1984 Jurisdiction, in coordination with the sub-

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 57 ordinate lodges, that will highlight the im- among professionals in the crucial field of portant attributes and special skills of each the academic who, in our glorious past, oc- individual relative to the overall program cupied the highest ranks of our rolls as the that may not have been captured in their great educators. available and current personal bio-data and Masonic records. B. Enhancing the image projected by every Masonic temple or center in its 2. Review and revise as necessary the pe- location tition process for membership in order to ensure that every petitioner who has been 1.Create a set of minimum facility require- elected to receive the degrees truly has the ments for all Masonic temples or centers core qualifications that can be enhanced by that can project a consistent and strong his membership to make him become a bet- positive image of the fraternity in the com- ter person and a more responsible citizen, munity. considering that no amount of enhance- ment can change anything that is not there This will all the more become nec- in the first place. essary as foundations are set up to own the real properties where Masonic functions 3. Revisit, improve or design as necessary are held and which should, in turn, require the applicable codes of conduct and prac- the GLP to adopt measures and controls tices of good governance as tools for Ma- over subordinate lodges and appendant sonic Education that will emphasize the bodies in the matter of ensuring that the primacy of Masonic character, foremost image of the fraternity is consistently and of which is integrity, for Masons in private properly protected. enterprise, professional practice and gov- ernment service. 2. Address the image projected by these fa- cilities by starting with the five temples or 4. Create a program of cooperation in the centers in the jurisdiction. This prioritiza- academic field with reputable schools in the tion will give the GM a first-hand experi- community where Masons with competen- ence of the condition of these facilities and cies in their respective professions can par- the opportunity to influence their improve- ticipate in the lectures of academic subjects ment with urgency on the basis of a com- while injecting values that are necessary pelling fact that the image our temples and for the enduring sustainability of respon- centers project of our fraternity can only sible individual pursuits in particular, and be as strong as the weakest projection of of every citizen’s contribution to nation- the least of our facilities. building in general. 3. Encourage subordinate lodges and ap- The population of Demolays in pendant bodies to hold an annual fund- these schools can capitalize on, develop and raising event dedicated to supporting the pursue the values in these lectures with maintenance and improvement of Masonic other students while appreciating a new temples and centers. dimension of partnership with Masons that then is taking shape right within their The economic incline, evident in launching pad to the outside world. most if not all urbanized provincial cit- ies in the country, brings about an influx Notice too that there is a need of business interests from the country’s for our fraternity to revive its relevance capital and other countries in the region

58 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 that require marketing activities where 3. If and when ascent thru the grand Masons can participate and take due ladder happens, intensify the pursuit advantage of the returns these activ- of the proposal thru its completion ities bring. thru-out the jurisdiction. Otherwisae, work for the adoption of the program On the other hand, Masons in my own district in ways allowable who are entrepreneurs are expected for implementation by the GL at dis- to see appreciable gains in the up- trict level. surge of business during these times and, therefore, will then be in a better B.Overall Strategic Purpose position to support endeavors of this kind. Freemasonry is the greatest fraternity in the world but, sadly, this 4. Hold appropriate events within the may be largely by our own account. premises of the temples or centers with the participation of children in The moral and legal entan- the neighborhood and include a win- glements of Masons in private enter- dow to augment their values in their prise and government service that we formative years. This will earn us hear about around us everyday, col- social approbation while at the same lide with our most coveted view of time help optimize the percentage the fraternity and weakens the con- utilization of our temples and cent- victions of the majority of Masons ers and with a noble cause. who, though may be less in social stature, form the base and stability of This is also a perfect oppor- our foundation. tunity for Demolays and Jobies under the supervision of Masons to take Freemasonry has never been part in such values-formation activi- found wanting in her guidance and, ties and draw them more toward de- around us too, are embodiments and veloping their own sense of social re- exemplifications of her nobility that sponsibility. can be subjected to a unified effort of multiplication by first addressing the Timeline basic Masonic character in us and by standardizing up our own backyards. A.Planning In conclusion, we all dream to 1. If and when elected as JGW, initi- belong to an institution whose com- ate the detailed planning of the pro- position and image we can be proud posals in consultation with the PGMs, of. And out there is a growing pop- the Grand Line Officers and with the ulation of good men who, without assistance of District Officers thru doubt, will submit to an attraction dialogues and their contributions to by an institution that can reinforce written Q & A reference materials. their character, especially under at atmosphere of brotherhood where 2. Present the final proposal with their ma- each brother contributes his common terials to the incumbent GM as a support share to the collective fortification of program for his incumbency and for the that institution. initiation of its implementation.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 59 Van Cornelius D. Luspo 7. Member, Committee on Adminis- tration Of Lodges, Returns & Char- ters, 2008 Chairman Comm. on Information Perosnal Data 8. Technology, 2008 • Born on September 16, 1951 in Talisay, • Craft Lodges Affiliations Misamis Dual Member, Manticao Lodge No. • Married to Marieta 1. 243

Honorary Member, Tumauini Education 2. Lodge No. 251 Honorary Member, Kutang Bato • Graduated with a baccalaureate degree 3. Lodge No. 110 Work Experience

• PC/INP service Narciso B. Nieto

Masonic Career & Service Personal Data • Raised on July 26, 1980 at Baguio Lodge No. 67 • Born on March 18, 1957 at Poblacion, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija • Craft Lodge Office • Married to the former Emelita Esquivel 1. Master, Baguio Lodge No. 67, 1993 and blessed with three children—Charmi- ya, Pocholo and Krizzya Mae • Grand Lodge, formerly Msc District No. 41 Education 1. District Deputy Grand Master, 1998 • Graduated with a baccalaureate degree in Civil Engineering • Grand Line Offices 1. Grand Sword Bearer, 1999 Work Experience 2. Assistant Grand Secretary, 2007 • Bureau Dirctor, Bureau of Land Devel- • Grand Lodge Committees opment, Department of Agrarian Reform, 1. Vice Chairman, Committee on Elliptical Road, Quezon City Youth, 1999 2. Vice Chairman, Committee on Masonic Career & Service Youth , 2001 3. Vice Chairman, Committee on Ma- • Raised on December 20, 2002 at Facto- sonic Temple & Building, 2007 ria Lodge No. 311 4. Member, Committee on Administra- • Craft Lodges Office tion of Lodges Returns & Charters, 1. Junior Warden, Factoria Lodge No. 2007 311, 2004 5. Member, Committee On Ancom 2. Senior Warden, Factoria Lodge No. Evaluation, 2007 311, 2005 6. Member, Committee On Awards, 3. Worshipful Master, Factoria Lodge 2007

60 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 No. 311, 2006 • Earned Master in Science degree in Fis- cal Studies, Lyceum of the Philippines • Grand Lodge Offices, Msc District RIII-D • Attended the Executive Course on Lead- 1. District Grand Lecturer, 2007 ership, Chaos, Conflict & Courage for 21st 2. District Deputy Grand Master, Century at John F. Kennedy School of 2008 Government, Harvard University

• Craft Lodges Affiliations • Attended the Executive Course on Na- 1. Regular Member, Factoria Lodge tional Security, Institute for Extramural No. 311 and Continuing Studies, National Defense 2. Charter Member, Macario R. Ramos College Memorial Lodge No. 355 3. Charter Member, Isaac Puno Me- Work Experience morial Lodge No. 401 4. Dual Member, Batasan Lodge No. • City Mayor, Tagaytay City, 2010-Pre- 381 sent; also 2007-2010; & 2004-2007 5. Honorary Member, Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73 • City Councilor, Tagaytay City, 2001- 6. Honorary Member, Pinacanauan 2004; also 1998-2001&1985-1988 Lodge No. 318 7. Dual Member, Model Lodge No. Masonic Career & Service 373 8. Dual Member, San Leonardo Lodge • Raised on August 18, 2001 at Tagaytay No. 386 Lodge No.165

• Craft Lodge Office 1. Junior Warden, Tagaytay Lodge Abraham N. Tolentino No.165, 2003 2. Senior Warden, Tagaytay Lodge No.165,2004 Personal Data 3. Worshipful Master, Tagaytay Lodge No.165, 2005 • Born on February 23, 1964 in Tagaytay City to Isaac and Elena Tolentino • Grand Lodge Office, Msc District RIV-A 1. District Grand Lecturer, Region IV- Education A, 2006

• Attended primary school at St. Augus- • Masonic Award tine School, Mendez, Cavite 1. Hiram Award, 2012 for the con- struction of Tagaytay Lodge No. • Attended secondary school at St. Antho- 165 Masonic Building in Maitim ny School, Manila 2nd, Tagaytay City

• Graduated with baccalaureate degree • Masonic Club Affiliation in Commerce, Major in Management, San 1. Member, Shriners Club Internation- Beda College al under Unang Lahi Class, 2010 2. Member, Turtle Club, 2011

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 61 Plans and Programs nologies has not bloated these POSI- TIVE accomplishments for purposes 1. Masonic Education is a continu- of emulation by the brethren. It is ing program. It is already set to work. envisioned to bring this to a new However, it is with urgency that the height of recognition by exemplary program for MORAL UPLIFTMENT awards, i.e., Best PNP, Best Medical be given top priority. Practitioner, and such other positive Masonic practices that are supposed 2. Family Values. Tagaytay Lodge to be known by the public in general. No.165 has always been a model for family-oriented lodges. The breth- 5. Simplification of Masonic Forms ren’s families are active in the social and Operational Manual. Every and community based projects of the year, a new set of officers for the lodge. The family’s presence in all blue lodges takes their oath. As in the meetings is one of the traits that the past, they start out from scratch, es- lodge desires to share with the Mason- pecially those that were elected from ic community. the floor without any “light” experi- ences. For purposes of uniformity, it 3. Blue Lodge Recognition. This is endeavored to release a full manual project aims to reward a blue lodge of operations that will be handled on for extra ordinary program they have the installation ceremonies whereby implemented. To start the ball roll- the officer will just fill them up just ing, the criteria to be used shall be like a regular journal and that will the best program a lodge has imple- serve as their guide for their whole mented for the past ten (10) years. Af- Masonic term. ter the initial awarding, the program will start the awarding for the current 6. Continuation of Reportorial Re- Masonic year with the end in view of quirements via Internet. The past transferring the program to the next GMs have started the computeriza- GM for purposes of continuity. It is tion. This term will endeavor region- endeavored that BEST PRACTICES al visits and forum bringing IT staff and POSITIVE PROGRAMS are ex- to the different regions in the form emplified and made a platform that can of educational tour of internet up- be used by the other lodges. Awards dating. In several corporations and shall not be confined to elegant tro- associations, the Articles of Incor- phies, they shall have their appropri- poration were revised to reflect that ate cash equivalent that can be made submission of reports by email shall by the lodge as their seed money for considered as OFFICIAL SUBMIS- any other impact projects that may SION. In fact, Region IV A1 has al- have. With appropriate media support, ready incorporated this in their new it is envisioned that this program will By-laws. This means that they sec- reach all lodges in the fastest way. retary can just send their report by emails using appropriate form down- 4. Taking of the Masonic Awards loadable from the Region’s website, to a new height. The awarding of and such submission will COM- our brothers in their different field of PLETELY remove their obligation to practices is in effect. However, the lack submit the report personally. of media support and creative tech-

62 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 • Kakarong Lodge 327 handed Errata & Corrections Del Pilar apron replica over to GLP (page 35) Factual errors were set onto print in the previous THE CABLETOW In the 6th paragraph, it says November-December 2012 Issue (Vol. that “the government had Del Pilar’s 99, No. 4). So, we will set the record remains shipped from Barcelona to straight. Madrid.” Actually, Madrid here must be MANILA. • Malinao Lodge No. 50 Centen- nial must be MALINAO LODGE Our apologies to the Breth- No. 25 (page22) ren. THE CABLETOW is not under- manned. We are, actually, very very Our apologies to the Brethren undermanned to have overlooked of Malinao Lodge No. 25 of San Pablo, these errors. Laguna—also, to the Brethren of Sa- rangani Lodge No. 50 who owns the Hoping for your understanding on number. these lapses.

ADVERTISEMENT Mindanao Affairs Advances in Western Mindanao

Clockwise: Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. with the DDGMs of Western Mindanao; VW Joby Magbanua beside a prewar marker placed by Mt. Apo Lodge No. 45 in 1933; the Centennial GM hug- ging a 200-year old Baluno tree; MW Gabionza and his lady, Sis.Aileen, beside a Rizal monument erected by the Knights of Rizal. Mindanao had occupied Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabi- onza, Jr. during the final weeks of January.

On January 26, he and his party flew to Dipolog City to grace the 19th Western Mindanao Con- vention. The 1-day meet, a Satur- day, switched next into a restful but eye-opening tour of Rizal Park in the adjacent Dapitan City the next day.

Brief, yet the trip showed the advances of the Brethren in this part of the grand jurisdic- tion—and the deep roots of the Craft where Filipino Freemason examplar, Illus. Bro. Jose Rizal, had once lived. Zamboangueňo Masons around a more recent Masonic marker after a wreath-laying.

Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. with Bro. Rolando E. Yebes, governor of Zamboanga del Norte (at his right), VW Godwin Handumon, and the brethren of Bulusan Lodge No. 162. The lodge’s 50th Year marker was placed at the crossroads at the village of Sacayab in Dipolog City. SSC Nobles, their families and Community Service Sowha hospital staff.

Seoul Shriners donate toys to Korean kiddie hospital began to meet once a month. For three By VW Teddy Kalaw IV, CSGL months, they reestablished the by-laws and the offices. Then, they submitted an appli- cation for recognition to the USAG Yong- Nobles of the Seoul Shriners Club (SSC) in san, a U.S. Army garrison in Seoul, South Seoul, South Korea donated boxes of toys Korea. to Sowha Children’s Hospital in Seoul, Ko- Despite bureaucratic hassles, the rea on 13 December 2012. They came with SSC was approved as a “private organiza- their families and staff. tion.”

Noteworthy, Korea falls under This afforded the SSC to conduct Masonic District Overseas D of the Most fund-raising activates and to join in gar- Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Ac- rison events. From fellowships to com- cepted Masons of the Philippines. Seoul munity services, the SSC is now seriously hosts MacArthur Lodge No. , a GLP lodge. planning lining up projects for the hospital.

The SSC had been inactive for Operating under Aloha Shriners, several months until a year ago. Under the SSC is composed of active- duty U.S, the leadership of Noble Dan Melton, they soldiers, DA civilians, and U.S. contractors.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013 67 Out of the Humdrum

By VW Robert Asuncion, PSGL

Detroit Masonic Temple Theatre

Of Organizations, Temples, Lodges, and other matters Masonic

1. The Invisible Lodge was founded Lodges meet at lunchtime or during the day. in 1953 in New York by Bro. Brewerton H. Clarke, also known as Sir Felix Korim. The 6. Said to be the first daylight Lodg- membership of the lodge is exclusively for es in the world are Thespian Lodge No. 232 performing magicians who were Masons. and Orpheus Lodge No. 394, both of which were established to cater to brethren who, be- 2. One of the most exclusive Ma- cause of their employment in entertainment sonic groups is The Society of Blue Friars. and the media, could not attend Masonic Membership is by invitation only and is lim- meetings at nighttime. ited to Masonic authors. Founded in 1932, the society admitted its one hundreth member in 7. Early Operative Masons were ac- 2011. Membership growth is slow because it customed to making their ‘mark’ upon stones. is allowed by its by-laws to appoint only one In Speculative Freemasonry, our most distinc- new member each year. tive personal ‘mark’ used nearly on a daily ba- sis is our signature. The two words: Ne Vari- 3. The Detroit Masonic Temple is etur literally mean: “It shall not be varied (or the world’s largest Masonic Temple. The altered).” This alludes to a Mason’s signature. building houses a wide-variety of public spaces, including three auditoriums and two 8.The largest Master’s chair is ballrooms, a 160’ x 100’ clear-span Drill Hall. in Ophir Lodge #33 Murphys, CA. It is 15 Its ecreational facilities include a swimming feet long and can seat the Master, living Past pool, racquet ball court, gymnasium, bowling Masters, and visiting dignitaries. alley, and a pool hall. There are also numerous lodge rooms, offices, and dining spaces as well 9. In 1920, Gate City Lodge #522 in as an ‘hotel’ tower designed for visiting mem- Kansas City MO met every day of the week bers. Its Theatre is considered as one of the except Sunday to confer a record 1,107 de- finest in the United States and has a seating grees, averaging 21 degrees a week. capacity of 4,404. 10. The Hollywood Forever Cem- 4.In the old days before the advent etery is a famous landmark in Los Angeles. of electricity, lodges would meet just before It is the final resting place to some of Hol- every full moon so that the brethren would lywoods famous names, Rudolf Valentino, have light to travel. They are called “ Moon Tyrone Power, Jane Mansfield and Bros. Mel Lodges” . This is a tradition that can be dated Blanc and Cecile DeMille. One of the most back to the 1400’s .There are still a number of interesting facts aboutmthe cemeterymis Lodges practicing the said tradition. that it is once the home of a Masonic Lodge, Southland Lodge No. 617 which was char- 5. While most Masonic Lodges in tered in 1925 by the Grand Lodge of Cali- New Zealand meet in the evening, Daylight fornia.

68 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 5, January-February 2013