Centennial Lectures: The Philippine Masons in the In this Issue... Eyes of the Spanish Friars By Rev. Fr. Emilio Edgardo A. Quilatan, OAR 29

Other Recent Events, Developments Here and Overseas 38 41 Bro. Capulong Drops Tools at 77 Editorial Comments: Celebrating the By WB Edmund Coronel, PM 179th Anniversary of One Mason Hero’s Birth, Commemorating the Bubbles of Gratitude and Hope 43 116th Anniversary of Another’s Death By Sis. Alicia Borja-Espejon 2 By VW Samuel P. Fernandez, PGH & VW J. Flor R. Nicolas, PSGL “Open Letter” to Members of Celebrating Two Birth Anniversaries Masonic Youth Organizations 44 Meaningfully, Fruitfully By MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., Centennial Grand Master 4 By MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., Centennial Grand Master Supreme Assembly Cornerstone in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA 8 By VW Teodoro Alejandro Y. Kalaw IV, Centennial SGL By Rogeanne Maica L. Ilagan 47 Carnicero, Borromeo, Sitges, and Out of the Humdrum 48 10 By VW Robert O. Asuncion, PSGL Their Relationship with Rizal By VW J. Flor R. Nicolas, PSGL

Rough and Rugged Road Co-Masonry, Lodges of Adoption and 11 By VW Victor A. Yu, PSGL Orders of Women Allied to the Craft By VW J. Flor R. Nicolas, PSGL 52 In Due Form 13 By Bro. Jonathan Amoroso Dr. Rizal and Globalization By VW Samuel P. Fernandez, PGH 55 Our Centennial Grand Master’s 14 Busy September, October Schedule The Three Missions of Freemasonry By VW Vicente P. Hao Chin, Jr., PGC 59 15 Edicts & Circulars Freemasonry: More Than Just a 17 Multi-District Conventions Fraternity; The Ties That Bind Masons By Bro. Benny Arce 62

Centennial Lectures: The GLP Museum 21 Relics and Milestones By Lino L. Dizon, Ph.D. By WB Armando G. Cazzola, PM 68

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., Ermita, Manila, D 2801, Philippines. Members of Blue Lodges in this grand jurisdiction are regular subscribers thereto. Brethren in other grand jurisdictions are invited 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 CABLETOW at the address given above. Subscribers are advised to notify THE CABLETOW of address changes. Original articles are subjected to editing and, when published, 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, the source is given due credits, and the Cabletow office is furnished with a courtesy copy of the reprinted material.

Paid advertisements are accepted for printing in THE CABLETOW. By VW Samuel P. Fernandez, PGH & VW J. Flor R. Nicolas, PSGL The Cabletow Centennial Team Editorial Comments VW JESUS FLOR R. NICOLAS Editor-in-Chief

WB EDMUND U. CORONEL Associate Editor th Celebrating the 179 VW PERCIVAL T. SALAZAR Anniversary of One Managing Editor VW EMMANUEL J. DIESTA Mason Hero’s Birth, Circulation Manager

Commemorating the BRO JOSE EUGENIO B. ILLENBERGER 116th Anniversary of Art Director MW REYNATO S. PUNO, PGM, GMH another’s death Consultant

JENNIFER C. MAGALLANES ON THE 30TH DAY OF NOVEMBER Secretary this year, we celebrate the 179th anniversa- ry of the birth of Bro. Andres “Sinukuan” Bonifacio, and on the 30th day of Decem- affiliated themselves with the Liga. But ber, we commemorate the 116th anniver- when, on instigation of the Spanish friars, sary of the unjust execution of Bro. Jose Governor-General Eulogio Despujol or- “Dimasalang” Rizal on Bagumbayan field dered the exile or deportation of Bro. Jose (now Rizal Park or Luneta). Rizal to Dapitan in Zamboanga, Bro. An- dres Bonifacio, together with other patriot- At first, Bro. Andres Bonifacio joined La ic Masons like Deodato Arellano (a broth- Liga Filipina (The Philippine League), the er-in-law of Marcelo “Plaridel” del Pilar), organization established by Bro. Jose Rizal Jose Dizon, Valentin Diaz, Teodoro Plata, as the foundation of the Filipino nation and Ladislao Diwa, founded the Katipunan, which he envisioned to emerge in the not believing as they did that an armed strug- too distant future. Bro. Rizal articulated gle against Spain was justified because the his vision of the emergent Filipino nation Filipino patriots had exhausted all peaceful in the metaphor “perla del mar del Oriente” means for bringing about peace, progress, (pearl of the sea of the Orient). By this and prosperity in the Philippines. As Su- metaphor he meant that, as may be gleaned premo of the Katipunan, Bro. Andres Bon- from the objectives of La Liga Filipina, he ifacio led the first phase of the Philippine envisioned the emergent Filipino nation revolution against Spain, while WB Emilio to become a precious, enviable democratic Aguinaldo led the second phase. Although country, where would reign once more the the weaponry of the Filipino revolution- traditional ideals or principles by which the aries and their know-how about warfare ancient Filipinos lived, namely, pagkakaisa, were vastly inferior to those of the Span- pakikisama, pagkabayani, pagsasarili, and ish soldiers, they courageously labored and pakikipagkapwa-tao. These are also the fought against the Spanish colonial gov- ideals or principles which other freedom- ernment’s tyrannical and oppressive rule, loving peoples in the world have advocated which was abetted by what the Filipino and held dear.. So, Bro. Andres Bonifacio reformists or propagandists called “frailoc- and other patriotic members of the Craft racy” or “monastic sovereignty”. Both the

2 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Filipino reformists and their revolutionary of Madrid and the president of the His- counterparts dreamt of a republican form pano-Filipino Association based in Madrid, of government, which would enhance and which assisted the Filipino propagandists enforce the democratic ideals and princi- in campaigning for much-needed reforms. ples, such as liberty, Equality, and Frater- Bro. Andres Bonifacio manifested his zeal nity, which Dalton, Robespierre, and other and enthusiasm for the Craft by helping Mason frontrunners of the French Revo- propagate the Masonic Program and Code lution had espoused with much fervor and introduced by Nilad Lodge, the Mother of fortitude. all Filipino Lodges at that time; for he saw it as an eloquent expression of the Malay As we celebrate the 179th anniversary of Filipinos’ libertarian aspirations for their Bro. Andres “Sinukuan” Bonifacio’s birth beloved but brutalized bayan. this year and then commemorate the 116th anniversary of Bro. Jose “Dimasalang” Ri- Patriotic and nationalistic Masons, both zal’s unjust death by musketry, we must be reformists and revolutionaries, worked and highly resolved to emulate their keen sense fought hard against the Spanish colonial of patriotism and nationalism, as well as rule in the last decades of the 19th cen- their ardent passion for democratic ideals, tury, and in the first decades of the 20th principles, and values. century, brethren who came this way after them continued to work and fight hard to We should teach young Filipinos, particu- regain their “Lost Eden” from the hands of larly our children, to emulate Bro. Andres the American neo-colonial rulers and from Bonifacio’s sheer determination to make the stranglehold of the Japanese interlop- up for his meager formal education and ers. A significant number of them happily to conquer the poverty into which he had gave up their lives, if only to launch their been born by extensively and intensively libertarian dreams into a happy reality. Be- reading books and periodicals written in cause of their supreme sacrifice, we latter- such languages as Spanish, English, and of day Filipinos now enjoy the democratic course Tagalog. By doing so, Bro. Andres way of life. Bonifacio developed himself into his high- est potential and got himself employed in We must realize, of course, that not every- some prestigious firms owned by foreign- thing in a democratic country is enjoyable; ers, thereby improving his economic status. that the republican form of government is Eventually, he developed himself into such not the cleanest government there is; and an eloquent speaker and prolific writer that in a democratic country like ours, mor- that he was admired and respected by his al evils exist. Even now, graft and corrup- contemporaries, Masons and non-Masons tion is rampant in our national government alike. As a writer, he used “Agapito Bagum- and in our local government units. Liberty bayan” (Lover of the New Country) as his and equality are not given to the greater pen-name or nom de plume. masses of our people. Slums and poor peo- ple abound in our midst. Criminals are on We, his brother Masons, should also emu- the rampage, and crimes continue unabated. late his zeal and enthusiasm for the Craft. Politicians do not fulfill the promises they He was initiated in Logia Taliba, which was make during election time; this is shown by then under the Jurisdiction of the Spanish the fact that government units continue to Grand Orient, the Grand Master of which be misgoverned by one political party after was Miguel Morayta, Bro. Jose Rizal’s his- another. Politixal dynasties still hold sway tory professor at the Central University in our country, although Bro. Apolinario

CONTINUED IN PAGE 67

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 3 sonic Fraternity or Family that had not yet contributed their respective shares to our MW Grand Lodge’s continuing fund drive, which is an adjunct to the efforts of its Charity and Relief Committee; and an- nounced that the newly-created Committee on Environment and Disaster Prepared- ness, which is to be chaired by MW Jaime Y. Gonzales, PGM, would complement the endeavor of our MW Grand Lodge to re- lieve the distresses of victims of natural calamities and disasters.

We launched the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of our MW From the Grand East Grand Lodge in December last year, and our celebration will culminate on Decem- ber 17-19, this year, with the holding of a Special Communication, the highlights of Celebrating Two which include the following:

Birth Anniversaries 1. On December 17, the Conference of Meaningfully, Fruitfully Asia-Pacific Grand Masters will have a revival meeting. BEFORE SHOWING YOU, dear breth- ren, how we can meaningfully and fruit- 2. On December 18, we Grand Lodge fully celebrate the 100th anniversary of Officers, other leading members of the the birth of our MW Grand Lodge and Masonic Fraternity or Family in this the anniversary of the birth of the Lord sovereign Jurisdiction, and our guests Jesus in Bethlehem, I want to reiterate my from different Grand Jurisdictions most cordial gratitude and sincerest com- throughout the world assemble at the mendation to the individual brethren, as monument of our eminent Brother, Dr. well as the Masonic Districts, Lodges, or- Jose “Dimasalang” Rizal, in the park ders, organizations, and social clubs, that named in his honor, where we conduct responded to my call for discharging our a flag-raising-cum-floral-offering cer- duty to relieve the distresses of members emony. Then we pay Manila Mayor Al- of our Masonic Fraternity or Family, as fredo Lim a courtesy call at his office in well as non-Masons, in those areas badly City Hall, where he presents to me, as hit or damaged by the recent disastrous Centennial Grand Master, a symbolic “Habagat”. In Circular No. 29, I revealed key to the City of Manila. From City that we had collected the total amount of Hall we proceed to the Plaridel Mason- Php 689,893, and that of this amount, we ic Temple, where, together with GLP had disbursed Php 230,000. In it, I also Centennial Committee Chair Reynato specified the names of those magnanimous S. Puno, PGM, GMH, I unveil the Cen- Masonic bodies and individuals together tennial Marker. with the amounts of their respective do- nations; enjoined other Masonic groups/ 3. On December 19, I lead the breth- bodies and individual members of our Ma- ren and other members of our Masonic

4 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Fraternity or Family in rededicating render to the memory of the founders and our MW Grand Lodge to Masonry; pioneering members of our MW Grand at meridian height, we have a frater- Lodge, as well as their equally zealous and nal luncheon at the Manila Hotel, with enthusiastic successors, is to emulate their Vice-President Jejomar Binay, a Senior good example of putting into meaningful DeMolay, as Guest of Honor and Speak- action the principle of Charity or Relief on er; and finally, we have a fellowship din- the very day we celebrate the 100th anni- ner in the same venue, with President versary of the establishment by them of Noynoy Aquino, a Mason’s grandson, our MW Grand Lodge as one of the most as Guest of Honor and Speaker. potent forces for good available to Philip- pine spciety in particular and o he modern But, clearly, not all of us members of the world in general? Masonic Fraternity or Family in this sov- ereign Jurisdiction can come to Manila Indeed, those worthy and exemplary Ma- and attend our MW Grand Lodge’s Spe- sons directed their special attention to cial Communication. So, to enable you, building up our local communities and to dear brethren, and other members of our helping develop our nation in order that Masonic Fraternity or Family to be with it would be able to participate on free and us, at least in spirit, on those days, we ar- equal terms with other freedom-loving na- ranged for a tri-media coverage of the Spe- tions in the attainment of human solidar- cial Communication and other centennial- ity, which is the long-term goal of of our related events. We will give more detailed ancient and honorable fraternity. They information on this tri-media coverage of are not undeserving of the epithet “wor- our Centennial Celebration. thy and exemplary Masons” because they were so influenced by the Fraternity’s pure Because not all of us members of the Ma- principles, imperishable ideals, and price- sonic Fraternity or Family in this Jurisdic- less precepts that they became increasingly tion could attend the said Special Commu- better men; men of the finest character or nication, the Charity and Relief Committee highest quality; men adorned with honor, of our MW Grand Lodge recommended virtue, and charitable feelings; men to to my office that on December 19, Lodges whom others might look for example, in- or, better still, Masonic Districts through- spiration, and edification; men who exerted out our Jurisdiction efficiently and effec- a decisive and deciding influence over the tively carry out well-planned and well-co- affairs of the communities in which they ordinated community outreach projects or lived; and men who, to a large measure, charitable works for the benefit of the less helped deternine the course which our na- fortunate or economically disadvantaged tion was to take in years to come. sector of our society. It is our fervent hope that our community outreach projects and Those worthy and exemplary Masons charitable works, which are to be carried were recogmized as benefactors of the out simultaneously throughout our Juris- community, both local and national. They diction and adequately covered by the vari- “worked in the quarries and in the moun- ous media, will have a very great impact on tains,” so to speak, in order to contribute the general public. significantly to the welfare of Philippine society, as well as to the progress and pros- I readily saw the wisdom of the said com- perity of the Filipino nation, which our mittee’s recommendarion and approved Masonic forebears founded on the pillars it because, to me, the best tribute we can of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, as

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 5 well as erected on the columns of Broth- fellowmen, particularly our countrymen, erly Love, Relief, and Truth. By doing so, and especially the economically disad- they made the residents of our local and vantaged in our society. On that date, we national communities feel the benevolent, should again beseech God to endue us with caring, and relevant presence o the Craft in a competency of His Divine Wisdom, that, their midst. by the influence of the Fraternity’s ideals, principles, and precepts, we may the better Like those worthy and exemplary Ma- be enabled to display the beauties of holi- sons, we must take our Masonry out of ness, to the honor of His holy name. the Lodge room into the community. Like them, we must manifest to the residents of the communities in which we live that precisely we are Masons, who are linked to- “We must take our Masonry out gether by an indissoluble chain of sincere of the Lodge room into affection, we persistently discharge our duty to relieve the distresses of our fel- the community.” lowmen, particularly fellow Filipinos Like them, we must not pay mere lip service to, but rather substantiate, through meaning- ful action, our claim that “To soothe the Shortly after staging the culminating ac- unhappy, sympathize with their misfor- tivities of our Centennial Celebration, we tunes, compassionate their miseries, and will celebrate still another anniversary of restore peace to their troubled minds is the the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. As we do great aim we have in view. On this basis so, we should renew our resolve to live by we form our friendships and established the philosophy which he emphasized dur- our connections.” Like them, we must ing his ministry, to wit, “All of you must convince our fellowmen, particularly our make peace a living truth by carrying peace countrymen, by both precept and example, in your hearts in all places, at all times.” that “The hurt of just one human being is Specifically, Jesus taught his disciples the the injury of all humanity.” We must con- following lessons: vince them, especially through our amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct at all times 1. “Love one another.” and in all places, that since our raising to the sublime degree of Master Mason, we 2. “Do unto others as ye would they have increasingly transformed ourselves should do unto you.” into men to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrows, men to whom distress 3. “Glory to God in the Highest, peace may prefer its suit, men whose hands are on earth, and good will to all men.” guided by justice and whose hearts are ex- panded by benevolence or charity toward We must rededicate ourselves to pursu- all mankind. ing the philosophy which the Lord Jesus taught to his disciples more vigorously As I said earlier, during the Special Com- and regularly than before. Since Masonry munication – specifically on December 18, is, or should be, a realm of peace, we must we will rededicate our MW Grand Lodge convince the world, by both precept and to Masonry. On that date, we should, each example, that it can effectively serve as a of us, rededicate our lives to the service of bridge of peace, harmony, understanding, the Most High, as well as to that of our and goodwill among all men in general

6 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 and among all Filipinos in particular; for, With all of us members of the Masonic as pointed out by Bro. Jose “Dimasalang” Fraternity or Family in this Jurisdiction Rizal in his essay entitled “Amor Patrio” most earnestly striving to give due mean- (Love of Country), “… the very ing and substance to the Centen- purpose of humanity dic- nial Theme, “Building on tated by God is the the Past, Excelling in universal peace and the Present, Provid- harmony among ing for the Future: His creatures.” MORE Masonry We must show for All,” I enter- to our fellow- tain no doubt men, par- that our MW ticularly our Grand Lodge compatriots, will be able to that as Sym- successfully bolic Lodges, implement the as Masonic four strategic Districts, and programs or ini- even as a Grand tiatives it has set Lodge, we are “a out to launch into a sacred band, or soci- happy reality. ety of friends and broth- ers, among whom no conten- Mabuhay ang Gran Lohia tion should ever exist but that noble ng Pilipinas at ang kanyang mga contention, or rather emulation, of who Lohia’t Distrito! Mabuhay ang Masonerya best work and best agree.” dito sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo! Ma- ligayang Pasko at manigong Bagong Taon To really become such a band of men or sa inyong lahat, mga Kapatid, at sa inyong society of friends and brothers, during the mga pamilya’t minamahal sa buhay! Christmas hiatus, we must renew our com- mitment to pursuing what we came here to do, namely, to learn to subdue our passions, Fraternally yours, prejudices, and selfish interests and to im- prove ourselves in Masonry. We must be more highly resolved than before to build SANTIAGO T. GABIONZA, JR. ourselves into magnificent spiritual tem- Centennial Grand Master ples fit for the Most High to dwell in. This task requires us to exert all-out effort at at- taining our own perfection or at becoming the masters of our own selves, so that we will be better able to induce others, by both precept and example, to dedicate them- selves likewise to attaining personal per- fection or self-mastery; for; decidedly, un- less we have, to a large measure, perfected or mastered ourselves, our influence over other men will not bring any good result.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 7 By VW Teodoro Alejandro Y. Kalaw IV, Centennial Senior Grand Lecturer such indicate the three distinct mediums Cornerstone through which we can improve ourselves in and thru the Craft:

EDUCATION Parting Upon the Square Brotherly Love

WHAT MOST DISTINGUISHES OUR Ancient Craft from other fraternal and FELLOWSHIP MENTORSHIP social organizations is how it makes good Meeting on the Level Acting by the Plumb men better. Our fraternity is referred to as honorable because, as our Monitor puts it, Most noteworthy in this depiction is the it tends to make all men so who are strictly placement of the two components at the obedient to its tenets and precepts. It en- foundation of the pyramid, which high- joins us not only to persistently practice its lights a crucial truth: Without fellowship principal tenets, namely, Brotherly Love, with, and mentorship by, the brethren, Relief and Truth, but also to strenuously there can be no real Masonic education. enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to them from others. The philosophy of our Craft is one that is taught not so much by instruction as by The principle of Brotherly Love is high- doing and reflecting upon one’s own ac- lighted in the Lecture of the First Degree tions. Gaining genuine Masonic light lies in this Manner: “By the exercise of Broth- not in reading and rote learning but in erly Love we are taught to regard the whole applying the tenets of our Craft together human species as one family, - the high and with our fellow Brethren. No amount of the low, the rich and the poor, - who, as cre- Masonic scholarship can ever substitute for ated by one Almighty Parent, and inhabit- a judgment by one’s own brothers at the ants of the same planet, are to aid, support, end of one’s life, when one departs for the and protect each other. On this principle Celestial Lodge, that one was indeed by his Masonry unites men of every country, sect actions a true Freemason. and opinion; and causes true friendship to exist among those who might otherwise As in turn emphasized by our ritual, we are have remained at a perpetual distance.” true Masons when we meet on the Level, act by the Plumb, and part upon the Square. Brotherly Love, as expressed through Ma- sonic Fellowship, Mentorship, and Educa- Meeting on the Level: tion, is the Core Discipline of the Craft. Masonic Fellowship The Masonic Triangle All personal development through the Craft of Personal Development begins by ensuring the vitality of Masonic Fellowship particularly within one’s own To understand why this is so requires an blue lodge, and amongst Brethren in the awareness of how our Ancient Craft is district and across the Jurisdiction gener- supposed to make good men better. The ally. Masonic fellowship reminds us to be process can be described in the form of a both supportive of the bonds of friendship Masonic Triangle, where the points of which make possible mentoring and educa-

8 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 tion as well as attentive to the welfare of • Providing a complimentary orientation program on Freema- sonry for new Brethren going through the degrees, such as that fellow Brethren and their families. Exam- proposed by the “Lodge System of Education” handbook. ples of how we can build such fellowship • Establishing a buddy system among Brethren of the Lodge, include: pairing a senior and junior Brother for a term so that they can better know each other as well as be encouraged to be more active in the lodge. • Ensuring that as many Brethren as possible participate in the table lodge / fellowship that follows or goes immediately be- • Ensuring that the appointed lodge lecturer and the other fore our stated and special meetings. lodge officers actively encourage Brethren to seek further -Ma sonic light through the resources available to them. • Planning and providing for lodge activities outside of stated and special meetings, such as summer outings and Christmas parties, where the Brethren can gather comfortably as friends Mentorship also takes on an informal and peers, preferably with their families. form in that Brethren should themselves • Having an active lodge almoner and harmony officer to continuously check on absent brethren as well as proactively strive to be models of Masonic ideals to prevent dissension within the lodge by quickly identifying and their fellows in Masonry. Senior Breth- addressing concerns and misunderstandings. ren in a blue lodge should not expect to • Having lodge officers ensure that all Brethren feel welcome during all meetings, fellowships, and activities; avoid factions receive the respect due them from junior and cliques within the lodge from forming; prevent the abuse Brethren if such senior Brethren cannot of the fraternal bond by wayward Brethren with mercenary mo- tives; and that no Brother feels left out of the circle of Masonic in good faith hold themselves to be act- brotherhood through simple acts such as birthday greetings. ing by the plumb. • Proactively encouraging lodge visitations and the participa- tion of Brethren in district and grand lodge activities. It is useful in this regard to highlight Acting by the Plumb: the true significance of the role of the Masonic Mentorship past master as a mentor to Brethren – a charge that is symbolized by the very As Brethren, we are required to “act by the jewel he is entitled to wear upon achiev- plumb” when interacting with one another ing such a status. The Square in the and wth all others. The phrase more partic- jewel recognizes that the wearer has ularly connotes both the act of measuring successfully governed his lodge as a as well as a standard for measurement: An master. The Sun in turn demonstrates act in the sense that the fairness, honesty, that the wearer is now a source of Ma- and good faith that must characterize our sonic light arising from his privilege of actions will and should be observed by our having observed the sun at its meridian fellow Brethren, and a standard in that it is height in the south, its setting in the to our fellow Brethren that we should best West, and its rising in the East. The look towards as illustrations of the ten- Quadrant is a tool of complex geometry, ets of Freemasonry. Masonic mentorship symbolizing that the past master has therefore requires all of us – particularly greater knowledge. Finally, the Com- those who have become past masters – to passes opened at an equilateral triangle guide younger Brethren by example and represent that, just as an equilateral tri- counsel to be even better men for others. angle demonstrates perfect balance in that all sides are of equal length making The mentorship envisioned by our craft the triangle appear equal from all direc- takes both formal and informal forms. The tions, the master mason who wears his formal form is that organized by the blue past master’s jewel has served equally in lodge for new brethren, and involves the the South, the West, and the East, and following components: has thus been oriented in the lessons of Freemasonry and now strives to lead a • Designating a senior brother for each new brother to guide balanced life. the latter through his initiation, passing, and raising; as well as ensure the new brother’s proficiency in the examinations of the CONTINUED IN PAGE 64 three degrees required of him.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 9 By VW Robert O. Asuncion, PSG (Series 2 – 2012) L

Out of the Humdrum “I have a terrific headcache.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt 32nd President of the United States

Oh, Before I Go “It is well, I die hard, (Last Words of but I am not afraid to go.” George Washington Famous Freemasons) 1st President of the United States

“Do not cry, Pepito. Show to these people that “Mer Licht!” ( More Light ! ) you are brave. It is an honor to die for one’s country. Not everybody has that chance.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe German writer , artist and politician These are MW and Chief Jusrice Jose Abad Santos’ parting words to his son before he was “Now, now, my good man, this is no time for shot by a Japanese firing squad in May 1942. making enemies.” He said this when asked by Jose Abad Santos a priest to renounce Satan. 5th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of F.&A.M. of the Philippines, 1938-39. Voltaire French Enlightenment Writer and Philosopher

“Consummatum est.” (It is finished!)

Jose Rizal - The Philippines’Foremost Hero

“I’m tired of fighting. I guess this thing is going to get me.”

Harry Houdini Stunt performer noted for his sensational escape acts

“Thank God I have done my duty.”

Admiral Horatio Nelson Britain’s greatest naval hero

“Nothing matters, Nothing matters.”

Louis Mayer The final M in M.G.M. Pictures

“Mga duwag!” (Cowards!)

Antonio Luna General of the Philippine revolutionary forces and a brilliant military strategist.

10 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 By VW Victor A. Yu, PSGL A western-educated statesman was highly Rough & Rugged Road respected by his security staff although he was very intimidating and never inquired from them about their personal lives. His talks with them were always on official business, and they consisted of one-way Mentoring For Pain task-related instructions, to which they

“Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling could only reply “Yes, Sir.” But even with From glen to glen, and down the mountain side such extremely detached relationships, the The summer’s gone, and all the flowers are dying ‘Tis you, ‘tis you must go and I must bide . . .” social and economic welfare and future - A Beloved Irish Ballad of his security staff was well secured by existing policies. Thus, while there might THIS IRISH SONG HAS become so iconic have been nothing outwardly personal be- that there are various versions and diverse tween the statesman and his staff, a certain interpretations of its lyrics. Yet the song mentoring compassion and concern still has but one universal theme, namely, the existed in their relationship, even if it re- pain of separation and the necessity of mained unspoken. sincere affection in relationships. As this Masonic year’s Masonic educational thrust centers on effective mentorship, it is fitting that we learn invaluable lessons from the “A sincere and selfless mentor is song to ensure a meaningful experience in willing to love and get hurt. True diffusing Masonic light. love hurts because it involves the Naturally, the younger members of any slaying of some degree of pride, social group look up to the older ones to greed and selfishness which ex- teach them in the ways of this world. As ists in all of us. “ the youngsters discover their senses, they initially imitate what their elders are doing and saying. Eventually, they explore the world around them on their own initiative In the Masonic fraternity, on the other to find out what they can learn from it. As hand, mentors are very expressive in both they grow older, they cannot avoid enter- words and acts in their relationships with ing into more formal mentor-pupil rela- their students. This is due to the fact that in tionships, such as those they experience in the Fraternity, we derive our symbols and school, in the workplace, in organizations, metaphors from the ancient art and science and in communities. of building. But, instead of erecting mag- nificent temporal superstructures, we are In such a relationship, the mentor guides now taught to construct lasting temples his pupils not only by imparting knowl- within our own hearts. According to our edge which he believes they need but also ritual, it is in his heart that a candidate is by serving as a role model to them. No mat- prepared to become a Mason; he learns les- ter how much the mentor and his pupils try sons and teachings through his heart. But to separate their professional relationships since such learning entails performance from their private lives, it is inevitable that by him of complex and arduous tasks, the personal relationships will exist in the sub- newly-made Mason needs the help of a conscious. Let me explain this last point by mentor, who will teach him; for, while our means of an example.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 11 ritual and ceremonies impress deeply achieve things for and by themselves. upon our hearts and minds the beau- The latter can do this by using the ty of Masonry, oftentimes the forms, working tools of life with which pomp and glory drown the deeper es- their parents have equipped them. In sentials of laying the cornerstones of like manner, Masons leave their old values in our hearts. mentors to view other perspectives and discover the wider world, both We see a lot of brethren who are on their own initiative and with the knowledgeable about the Fraternity help of new mentors. and proficient in its rituals and cere- monies.. But we also see in them a con- To acquire worldly wealth and hon- flict of the worlds: for the words from ors, one needs intelligence; to have their lips are worlds apart from their stability and power, one needs unwa- actions in life. Some of them manage vering loyalty and devotion; but to to conceal their ulterior intents for attain fulfillment and meaning in life, some time, but eventually they expose one must possess goodness of heart their mercenary motives, just as water because if one is sincere, he will be always tends to find its natural course able to find knowledge and to sustain to the surface. Those brethren claim himself. to teach and nurture their pupils, but in reality, due to their hidden motives, Likewise, the wise and good men- they exploit their pupils and keep them tor, drawing strength from his good under their spell for future forays and heart, readily and willingly releases selfish gains. his pupil from his tutelage; for he knows and feels that his pupil has So, how do we determine true mentors acquired the knowledge, commit- from bogus gurus? We can use the wis- ment and integrity he needs to face dom in the aforementioned Irish song the world. While he suffers the pain to see if a mentor is willing to love and of separation from the pupil, he get hurt. True love hurts because it in- will cherish melancholy but sweet volves the slaying of some degree of memories of their interrelation- pride, greed and selfishness which ex- ship. Because he has discharged his ists in all of us. A sincere and selfless mentoring duties with fidelity and mentor will share all his wisdom and conscientiousness, he is contented, be patient in tutelage. When he sees fondly hoping that he and his former that his pupil starts to blossom, such a pupil will meet again. In the mean- tutor is prepared to let his pupil depart time, the mentor sings, “I’ll simply from him and seek further light some- sleep in peace until you come to me where else. He is even happy to see . . . ”. that a former pupil has surpassed his own personal and professional achieve- Together, brethren, let’s all pursue ments, just as loving parents readily MORE Masonry with much zeal and permit their young children to leave enthusiasm! home so as to discover themselves and

12 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 By Bro. Jonathan R. Amaroso (#19) degrees emerges as the top choice. As I read In Due Form somewhere, it must be pronounced with feelings: Worshipful Master, the candidate is in due form.

The truth is, it is more than describing the bone- Why this column is wrecking posture of the candidate. It goes entitled “In Due Form” beyond saying that he is in a position to take these life-changing obligations. From a different angle, it tells that there has to be a prescribed EVEN WITH HIS EYES CLOSED, any stance, form or behavior in dealing with one’s Mason can easily discern that “in due form” is God, neighbor, country, or self in any given day. a line taken from the script of the Senior War- den in the conferral rites where he is supposed When one wakes up and praises the gifts of to report whether the candidate has twisted his the new day instead of belaboring over an old pelvis, sprained his ankle, or broken his arms in grudge. That is in due form. When his eyes simulating the shape of an angle or square, or decline to stare any minute longer at the mirror he is ready to proceed further to the ceremo- to honor his own face but spend some more time nies of a particular degree. Indeed, these curi- looking at the transparent windows instead to ous positions are hard to understand, especially see the people at the other side of the fence. during the first time when such calisthenics was That is in due form. When his ears listen only required to be done, and especially when it is the to the classics that pacify the soul and never to oddest chore that one’s leg or arm or body is gossips and falsehoods that destroy a commu- commandeered to execute since he has known nity. That is in due form. When his nose smells the fetal position many months before his birth. no blood but a cleaner Manila Bay. When the tongue insists to be an ambassador of concord Kidding aside, being “in due form” at the altar instead of an envoy of dissent. When his hands is one of the most important events in a candi- that could push another to a cold distance now date’s life. As we all know, it is a prelude to that pull someone closer as a friend or a brother. very meaningful moment of taking his obliga- That is due form. When his feet release the gas tion, thus, changing his stature from a poor blind pedal to follow the 60-kph limit on Common- candidate, as the case may be, to someone with wealth Avenue. That is in due form. a more recognizable figure. Lest we forget, it is one’s obligation that makes him a Mason. But When every part of our body is synchronized what has it got to do with this column? with the essence of the square, right angle, and the lights of Freemasonry to do what is prop- The line shimmered when I was requested by er. When we speak, act and think as if we are the top brasses of The Cabletow to submit a perpetually at the altar. Indeed, there has to be name for this particular column. The instinct, a due form. Otherwise, we are all just part of of course, was to wander along the vast portals the muddy field and there is no practical need to of those beautiful and abstruse Masonic teach- separate the weed from the crop. ings, lectures and other pieces of literature and select a suitable Masonic line for the purpose. The list goes on. And this column intends to As the current Senior Warden of the Silanga- tell more. No arm or leg really has to break just nan Lodge No. 19, and one who actually takes to make a good man better. He only has to pro- pleasure in preparing candidates to see further ceed. In due time. light in Masonry, it is no surprise if the phrase consistently recited on the conferral of all three In due form.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 13 Our Centennial Grand Master’s Busy September, October Schedule

September October

1 Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement within the 1 Board for General Purposes Meeting – 3 p.m. GLP and Grand Court of the Philippines, Order of the Ama- ranth in Kalaw Chamber, GLP – 1 p.m. 2 GLP Centennial Committee Meeting – 4 p.m. Courtesy Call, Order of the Secret Monitor led by Wy Bro. Reynato D. Puno, Jr., Supreme Ruler - 2 p.m. 6 Guest of Honor and Speaker, Central Luzon MD Conven- tion, Host by RIII-G 5 Meeting with Centennial Media Group – 2 p.m. 10 Launching of Centennial Commemorative Bills with Meeting with Cabletow Committee – 3 p.m. PGMs and their Ladies, Emilio Aguinaldo Hall – 3 p.m. 8 Cornerstone Laying, Mangaldan Lodge No. 354, Mangaldan, Pangasinan – 7.a.m. 13 Guest of Honor and Speaker, Multi District Convention MDRII-B, Mallig, Isabela – 8 a.m. Guest of Honor and Speaker, Northen Luzon MD Con- vention, Lingayen, Pangasinan – 8:30 a.m. 19 Guest of Honor and Speaker, Grand York Rite Bodies of the Phils., Annual Convocation, President’s Palaca, Binondo, 10 GLP Centennial Anniversary Committee Meeting, GLP – 4 p.m. Manila – 6 p.m.

12 Courtesy Call, Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Lodge no. 398, 20 GLP Centennial Radio TV Interview, TV5, Novaliches, GLP – 3 p.m. Quezon City – 10 a.m.

Trash can donation from Bagumbayan Lodge No. 4, GLP Guest of Honor and Speaker, Multi District Convention – 3:30 p.m. RII-B, UP Los Baños, Laguna – 3 p.m.

Meeting with IMES Management Committee, Plaridel Cornerstone Laying of Mallig Plains Lodge No. 191 rep- Masonic Temple – 4 p.m. resented by RW Juanito G. Espino, Jr., DGM, Masonic Temple, Munoz, Roxas Isabela Guest of Honor and Speaker, Multi District Convention 15 Guest of Honor and Speaker, District Convention RII-C, RIII-D, Plaza Leticia Lakewood Golf and Country Club, Tuguegarao City represented by RW Juanito G. Espino, Jr. Cabanatuan City – 5 p.m.

23 Guest of Honor and Speaker, Malinaw Lodge No. 25, Annual Meeting, MCCCI, GLP – 5 p.m. 17 Centennial Anniversary, Ricardo Forest Hills, Alaminos, La- guna – 5 p.m. 19 Courtesy Call, Hiram Lodge no. 88. GLP – 4 p.m. 24 GLP Corporate Board Meeting – 5 p.m. 24 Meeting with Centennial Media Group – 3 p.m. 25 GLP Centennial Radio Interview, DZRH by Bro. Deo Ma- 25 Meeting with GLP Centennial Committee – 4 p.m. calma – 9:30 a.m.

29 Film Showing “Jose Rizal: The First Hero”, UP Diliman, 26 Courtesy Call of Brethren USS George Washington, Quezon City represented by VW Greg Arcangel – 6 p.m. GLP – 4 p.m.

Masonic District RXII-A District Assembly, Kidapawan 27 Guest of Honor and Speaker Southern Luzon Multi City District Convention, Batangas City

30 IMES Graduation, Los Banos, Laguna represented Grand Lodge of China 59th Annual Communication, by VW Rafaelito SAcdalan, JGW – 5 p.m. Taipei, China represented by MW Romeo A. Yu, PGM

14 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 gross earning thereof to be solely depos- Edicts & Circulars ited in a special fund to answer for disaster or calamity relief.

To comply with the Edict, every Lodge or 11 Brethen restored to membership District is required to submit a post-activ- in the GLFMP ity report on every fund-raising activity. The Charity and Relief Committee of the ELEVEN BRETHREN WERE RE- MWGLFAMP shall monitor the submis- STORED as Master Masons in good sion of the required post-activity report standing of Bagong Ilaw Lodge No. 97 and and the compliance with the remittance of of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accept- the share of the MWGLFAMP decreed in ed Masons of the Philippines (GLFMP) the Edict. by virtue of Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Gabionza Jr.’s Edict No. 233- The premises on which the Edict is based J. They are Bros. Joaquin R. Amores, III, are as follows: Franz Ryan V. Apostol, Rudyrick A. Car- bonel, Xerxes N. Fernandez, Ranielo S. 1. Circular No. 24-Locsin, dated Oct. Lanoy, Donn Anthony L. Miraflor, Alfredo 1998, requires all subordinate Lodges M. Moises, Aldo G. Olaguer, Jose Lido T. and Masonic Districts that undertake Rosit, Melanio A. Turingan, and Ephraim fund-raising campaigns for humanitar- Vincent M. Yuson, III. ian projects to secure prior approval from the MWGLFAMP These brethren were declared clandestine Masons in Edict No. 232-A, 232-B, and 2. These fund-raising activities are 2322-C. dated December 2, 2006. Recent- in accordance with Section 3 (e) and (p), ly, however, they declared in writing their Article II and Section 5 © of the Con- full support and allegiance to the GLFMP. stitution of the MWGLFAMP. The following Officers of Bagong Ilaw Lodge No. 97 attested to their said decla- 3. Under Edict No. 248-Abergas, the ration: Bro. Ferdinand T. Martinez, Pre- MWGLFAMP has mandated the crea- siding Officer; WB Demetrio D. Calderon, tion of a Relief Fund that will comple- Worshipful Master; and VW Danilo M. ment the disaster preparedness of the Vilda, Secretary. MW Rudyardo V. Bunda, MWGLFAMP and enable it to respond PGM, GMH, Chairman of the Committee to various calamities and disasters for on Cavite Affairs, favorably endorsed the the benefit of the brethren in particu- declaration. lar and of the citizenry in general with more dispatch. What Lodges, Masonic Districts under- taking Fund-raising activities must do Committee on Masonic Associations & Social Clubs (COMASC) created OUR CENTENNIAL GRAND MASTER, in Edict No. 255 issued on Oct. 10, 2012, IN EDICT NO. 256 issued on Oct. 4, 2012, decrees that every subordinate Lodge or CGM Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. decrees the Masonic District must formally request creation of an additional Standing Com- the MWGLFAMP for the approval of any mittee to be known as Committee on Ma- fund-raising activity and submit to the sonic Associations and Social Clubs (CO- same an equivalent amount of 3% of the MASC), which is to be composed of the

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 15 Deputy Grand Master as Chairman, the The following Appendant Bodies/Allied Senior Grand Warden as Vice-Chairman, Orders are exempted from the coverage of the Junior Grand Warden as Member, and this decree: Scottish Rite of Freemason- two other Members to be recommended by ry; York Rite of Freemasonry; Masonic the mandated member. Charities for Crippled Children, Inc. (MC- CCI); Royal Order of Scotland; Order of The principal objectives of the Commit- the Amaranth; Order of the Eastern Star; tee are (1) to coordinate the activities of and Masonic Youth Organizations, namely, these Masonic organizations and social the International Orders of DeMolay, Job’s clubs, as well as to ensure that programs Daughter, and Rainbow for Girls. are aligned with and in accordance with that of the MWGLFAMP; (2) to recom- The premises on which MW Gabionza mend rules and guidelines that will ensure bases his Edict are as follows: that the internal rules or law of govern- ment and conduct of these Masonic or- 1. Various Appendant Organiza- ganizations and social clubs are in harmo- tions, Square and Compass Clubs, and ny with the general rules and regulations similar organizations -- Masonic As- of the MWGLFAMP; (3) to see to it that sociations and Social Clubs (MASCs) these Masonic associations and social clubs -- both formal and informal, composed would serve the interest of Freemasonry exclusively of Master Masons are in in general and that of the MWGLFAMP existence in private and government in particular; and (4) to recommend to the offices in our Grand Jurisdiction, and MWGLFAMP any amendments or plans such freedom of association is an inter- of action that will enable it (the committee) nationally recognized human right and to perform its mandated functions. a right guaranteed by the 1987 Consti- tution of the Republic of the Philip- Each of these Masonic associations and pines. social clubs should submit to the Commit- tee not later than December 31, 2012 and 2. There is a need to verify and mon- every year thereafter the following: itor the internal rules or law of gov- ernment by which these MASCs, both 1. Its Articles of Incorporation and existing and those which the brethren By-Laws or similar internal laws of are intending to form or organize, to government; determine that the vision, mission, and organization of these MASCs are in 2. Listing of all members, both ac- consonance with the general structure tive and inactive; and of Freemasonry in general and of the MWGLFAMP in particular. 3. Its mode or method or system of admitting or de-listing a member; and 3. There is a need to create an addi- (4)planned projects and special activi- tional standing committee to be known ties. as Committee on Masonic Associations and Social Clubs (COMASC) to assist In case of non-compliance, the Committee the Grand Master in verifying as well is empowered to recommend such sanc- as recommending amendments or revi- tions as it may deem appropriate under the sion in the internal rules or internal law circumstances. of governance of these MASCs.

16 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 at Brgy. Anolid, Mangaldan, Pangasinan. District RI-A officers, led by CDDGM Multi-District Conventions Benjamin S. Benin and CDGLs Rene D. Cacho, Franklin Q. Carmelo, and Leon L. Palaganas, Jr., and some brethren from other Lodges than Magaldan No. 354 wit- MD RI-A hosts North Luzon nessed the event.

Tri-District Convention Commented WM Buenaventura DC Bena- Mangaldan No. 354 Is Lead Lodge vides: “After 10 long years, our dream of By Bro Patrick Sean A. Villamil having our own temple will soon be a real- ity. With the initiative and generosity of MASONIC DISTRICT RI-A, which is VW George Chua Cham, PDDGM, who composed of Lodges Pangasinan 56 , donated the lot, the temple of Mangaldan Agno 75, Alfonso Lee Sin Memorial No. Lodge No. 354 will soon rise.” 158, Moises J. De Guzman Memorial No. 161, Hundred Islands No. 201, E. A. Ta- The cornerstone-laying ceremony was mondong, Sr. Memorial No. 217, Urdan- capped by a message of our Centennial eta No. 302, and Mangaldan No. 354 (lead Grand Master. He urged the brethren of Lodge), hosted the 26th North Luzon Tri- Manngaldan Lodge No. 354 not only to District Convention held at the prestigious work together in close harmony to finish and state-of-the-art Sison Auditorium , the construction of their temporal build- Capitol Grounds, Lingayan, Pangasinan on ing, but also to help one another build September 8, 2012. themselves into spiritual temples fit for the GAOTU to dwell in. Paraphrasing a The two other Districts that participated statement of Bro. Robert Macoy, he en- in the assemblage were MD R1 & CAR- joined them thus: “Your conduct should be B (Benguet and La Union), which is com- squared by strict rectitude and justice to- posed of Lodges Baguio No. 67, Union No. ward your fellow creatures; your demeanor 70, Siete Martires No. 177, and La Trini- should be marked by the level of courtesy dad No. 344), and MD R1 and CAR-C (Ilo- and kindness ; and your distinguishing cos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Abra), which is characteristic should be uprightness of composed of Lodges Angalo No. 63, Laoag heart and integrity of action, symbolized No. 71, Abra No. 86, and Lam-Ang No by the plumb…. “ 164. He added, “Decidedly, If all In the morning, assisted by other of us are duly guided by the Grand Lodge Officers, MW Santiago movable objects of Masonry, T. Gabionza, Jr., Centennial Grand we will descend the vale of life Master, presided over the short cer- with joy; for the GAOTU will emony of laying the cornerstone of warmly welcome into the Grand the future temple of the lead Lodge held Lodge above….”

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Multi-District Conventions

After the historical cornerstone-laying for closely working together toward ceremony, the brethren proceeded to the crowning the Lingayen assemblage with venue of the convention, where they much success and fruition. He emphati- joined other delegates to the convention, cally said, “You, our Pangasinan brethren, and where the brethren of the host Dis- have set a high standard for the hosts of trict treated both the GLP dignitaries and other conventions to follow, if not to sur- the delegates from the other participating pass; for. frankly speaking, this is one of Districts to local delicacies, such as Puto the best Multi-District Conventions I have Calasiao, Mangaldan Tupig, bibingka, ka- ever attended.” kanin, etc., plus free flowing coffee, iced tea, and orange juice. He then thanked Dr. Lino Dizon for his scholarly lecture, assuring him that the text The convention proper started with the re- of his lecture, together with his biographical ception and presentation of the Philippine sketch, would be published in THE CABLE- Flag, followed by the singing of Grand TOW and in a forthcoming book to be pub- Lodge March and the Centennial Hymn. lished by the GLP Centennial Committee. The dignitaries and guests having been Next, he urged the brethren to help Grand solemnly received into the convention hall, Lodge pursue MORE Masonry. “During the District Chaplain invoked God’s bless- the Centennial Term,” he said, “we will ing on the assembly. Then, representing return to our Craft’s strong Moral Foun- Hon. Arnado T. Espino, Jr., Governor of dations through a Comprehensive and Pangasinan, Board Member Von Mark Uniform Masonic Education & Research Mendoza welcomed the Masons to the System. We will also endeavor most ear- province. nestly to achieve Organizational Empow- erment through the Enhanced GLP Infor- The Minutes of the last Tri-District Con- mation Technology Initiative; Responsible vention having been duly approved by the Stewardship through both the Centennial assembly. Dr. Lino L. Dizon, Director of Internal and External Strategic Steward- the Center for Tarlaqueño Studies, Tarlac ship initiatives; and External Outreach State University, delivered his well-re- through the GLP Centennial Commemora- searched Centennial Lecture entitled “Rel- tion and the Centennial Community Lega- ics and Milestones …,” the text of which is cies Initiative.” given below. He further informed his listeners that the Introduced by CJGL Jose Joey Q. Soriano, Centennial Committee, which is ably head- CSGL Teodoro Alejandro Y. Kalaw, IV ex- ed by MW Reynato S. Puno, PGM, GMH, plained to the brethren what is meant by is leaving no stone unturned toward mak- “Freemasonry Is Being Filipino”. ing the celebration of the Centennial of the founding of our Grand Lodge an af- After the sumptuous buffet lunch, the par- fair to remember. He urged them not only ticipating Lodges presented their Resolu- to participate actively in the events lined tions, and the CDDGMs presented their up by the Centennial Committee but also reports on the state of their respective ar- to announce to the non-Masons in North eas of responsibility. Luzon, through the different media (print, radio, and TV) in their respective areas In his closing remarks, MW Gabionza of responsibility, what our Grand lodge, commended the brethren of the host dis- its constituent Districts and subordinate trict, particularly those of the lead Lodge, Lodges had done to promote personal de-

18 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 velopment, social welfare, and regional as well as national, progress.

“But, of course,’ he added, “ the best way of contributing to the success of our Centennial Celebration is for all of us to prove ourselves worthy of representing Philippine Masonry through our amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct everywhere we are, on all occasions. We must always remember that the character which we show to the world is the character which the world attaches to our beloved Frater- nity; that the force and effectiveness of Masonry is in direct ratio with the qual- ity and not the quantity of its membership; and that, therefore, each of us is obliged to exemplify in his daily conduct the prin- ciples inculcated in our Lodges – in other words, to live his Masonry….” Finally, he stressed, “The best tribute we can give to the founding fathers and pio- neering members of our Grand Lodge, as well as their equally dedicated successors, is to live the kind of Masonry which they passed on to us and which we must pass to the brethren who will come this way after us. . . .”

At about 6:00 p.m., dinner-fellowship start- ed. The hosts treated the dignitaries and delegates to a host of Pangasinan delica- cies: Dagupan bangus, sinigang na malaga, Mangaldan beng-beng, pigar-pigar, crispy shrimps, bangus kilawin, plus flowing drinks. The evening’s affair was enlivened by live band music and entertainment num- bers presented by beauteous models.

Shown here and on the front cover are photos taken on that memorable day.

Multi-District Conventions MD RIII-G hosts this year’s Central Luzon Multi-District Convention

HEADED BY VW RODIL A. MILLADO, CDDGM, Masonic District RIII-G (Tar- lac) hosted this year’s Central Luzon Mul- ti-District Convention held at (venue) in Tarlac City on October 5, 2012, with Rev. Fr. Emilio Edgardo A. Quilatan, OAR, as Centennial Lecturer.

The other participating Districts were RI- II-A (Pampanga), RIII-B (Bataan), RIII-C (Zambales), RIII-D (Nueva Ecija-South), RIII-E (Bulacan), and RIII-F (Nueva Ecija- North). Centennial Lectures

Relics and Milestones: Philippine Freemasonry (Francmasonería), Local Historiography, and De- construction-reconstruc- ABOUT THE LECTURER tion 1912 and Beyond Lino L. Dizon is Professor of Philippine Studies and History, Tarlac State University and the Direc- 2012: A MILESTONE tor of its Center for Tarlaqueño Studies. He holds a Ph.D. (Philippine Studies) from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He has already written more than The invitation to speak before this august a dozen books on Philippine local history and culture, including Nascent Philippine Studies in the Life and La- body, especially for one who decided to fol- bor of José Felipe Del-Pan (1821-1891) and Mr. White: low to the letter the summons from Clio, A ‘Thomasite’ History of Tarlac Province, 1901-1913 . He or the Goddess of History, is very momen- is the co-author of a number of publications including CRUCEIRO: Spanish Galicia at some crossroads of Philip- tous. There is a meaningful and preferable pine History and Culture, 1521-1899 and Gloria: Roman term for an occasion like this, and which is Leoncio’s Kapampangan Translation of Huseng Batute’s Verse Novel, Lost and Found, which won the 2004 Phil- most appropriate for specialists like you in ippines’ National Book Awards for Translation. He is also the symbolical craft of boulders, granites the Writer-In-Residence of De La Salle University–Das- mariñas (since June 2012) and is the editor of ALAYA, and stones –and thus the world call you the Kapampangan Research Journal of the Center for ‘Masons’: ‘Milestone’. A milestone, or liter- Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University, where ally a stone marker set up on a roadside to he is also the historical consultant. indicate the distance in miles from a given He is the recipient of the 2011 UPAA Distinguished point, relates to an important event, as in a Alumni Award in Educational Innovation of the Uni- versity of the Philippines and a regional finalist, Higher person’s career, the history of a nation, or Education Category, in the 2012 Metrobank Search for the advancement of knowledge in a field; Outstanding Teachers. In 2000, he was awarded by his home province of Tarlac as Outstanding Tarlaqueño in a turning point. This year, 2012, is an im- Arts, Letters and Culture and his hometown of Concep- portant event of the institution, a turning cion in 2007, through the Ding Masibucan Club, as its point, a milestone. Exactly a hundred years outstanding citizen in the field of Education and Cul- ture. A former historical consultant for the Philippine ago, in 1912, your fraternal forbears in the Department of Education and the Baguio Teachers’ stonework craft put together the abode, Camp centenary, he assisted in putting up the BTC Mu- seum and centennial book. A University Scholar of the which history has handed to us as the University of the Philippines, Diliman from 2005-2007, Grand Lodge of the Philippines. Prof. Dizon is Vice-President of KABANSA, Inc.- the As- sociation of Local Studies Centers in the Philippines and a former EXECON-Member of the National Commission But milestones, like what you are glori- for the Culture and the Arts’ Committee for Historical ously celebrating this centennial year of Research. Recipient of many national and international scholarship grants as those from the Spanish Program your institution, to be genuine, should not for Cultural Cooperation, American Association of the only be confined to what are presently vis- Philippines, Nihon University - Mishima and the Re- search Forum on Philippine-Japan Relations, he is a ible. For a milestone to withstand the test Fulbright Research Fellow for 2010-2011 of the Bancroft and whims of time and thus perpetuate a Library, University of California, Berkeley. legacy, some materials from earlier, demol- Centennial Lectures

ished or weathered foundations are meant later that ‘Mr. White’ was actually Mr. to be recollected -gathered and immersed, Frank Russell White (not to be confused including old cobblestones, shards or rel- with Major Frank White, the Senior War- ics. Relics are the remains or corpses from den of the first American Lodge estab- the past. More significantly, a relic is some- lished in the Philippines on August 21, thing that has survived the passage of 1898 at Malate, Manila), the first American time, especially an object or custom whose teacher -the so-called Thomasites- in Tar- original culture has disappeared. It is thus lac, founding the first high school in the synonymous with a memento or an object whole of the Philippines, later becoming kept for its association with the past. the first superintendent of the province. Rising from the ranks, he would become In this lecture to celebrate a milestone of the Director of Education of the whole the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, we Philippines. As the Director, he met an un- solidify the event by unearthing the relics timely death in 1913 due to tuberculosis, of its past. The perspective and breadth of dying at a young age of 37 in the thick of presentation, though, is limited. At most, introducing reforms in the Philippine edu- the lecture would be confined to the case of cational system. In 2001, during the cen- the history of Freemasonry in a particular tennial of the Thomasites, we installed in region. In history, we excuse this limitation Tarlac the MR.WHITE MEMORIAL, in as Local History. Some historians prefer the actual site of the first high school in the use of the term ‘Nearby History’, so the Philippines that he founded. In 2005, that the limitation can be justified and the I got a grant to present his biography in a presentation more complete and immedi- Conference on Illinois History in the U.S., ate. To serve as model, I shall be making Mr. White’s home state. When I was in- use of examples in the Historiography ( vited by the Department of Education to i.e., the preparation of history) of Philip- prepare the centennial book for the Baguio pine Freemasonry from my provenance, Teachers’ Camp (BTC) in 2008, I was able the Central Luzon region and from the to find out that the White Hall of BTC province of Tarlac in particular. In this was named in his honor and many say presentation, I shall be making use of the that it has the most number of ‘ghosts’ in historical approach of Deconstruction - the camp. When I was invited by the Na- Reconstruction. With the intertwining of tional Historical Institute to give lecture people, events and mentalities (ideas)m, the on Public School Heritage, again, I had to re-presentation of GLP’s history will be start with the ghost of Mr. White, as he far from being orthodox r simplistic --- or was responsible for the standardization of how history is usually presented. public school buildings beginning 1909, the so-called Gabaldon Buildings. In my Fulbright lecture at University of Califor- Relics nia, Berkeley last year, I had to start again with the ghost of Mr. White, as he was H.E. Stafford and a Ghost of the Past. responsible in the development of many text-books for Philippine use and in the In many occasions, I have often made use introduction of courses as Economics and of a ghost from my childhood as my pro- GMRC (Good Manners and Right Con- logue. The ghost is called MR. WHITE duct) as part of the curriculum. and I first heard about him during my el- ementary years in a public school of Con- Pardon me with starting my lecture again cepcion, Tarlac in the late 1960s. I learned with the ghost of Mr. White. Among the

22 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Centennial Lectures pictures we were able to retrieve of Mr. by the transport ‘Thomas’ that same year. White, the Director that is, was in the meet- Stafford founded the Baguio Sanitarium in ing of masons at Baguio Country Club in 1902, where Mr. White was treated for his 1909. Mr. Frank White was a Mason and a failing lungs in the initial decade of Ameri- further research about it is needed. A news can presence in the Philippines. Mr. White item I can easily recall was that of a gath- died in August of 1913 at the Philippine ering he convoked around that year (1909), General Hospital, established also by Staf- in behalf of the masons of the Scottish ford. Rite Temple. It can be assumed that most of those in the picture were educators like The main difference between these two Mr. White. Around those years, prefatory great men was that Stafford lived a full, ful- Masonic activities that led eventually to the filling life in the Philippines. In spite of the creation of the Grand Lodge of the Philip- sad episode during the Japanese Period that pines on December 19, 1912 were held in led to his blindness until his death in 1954, Baguio City – the Summer Capital, usually which he mentioned in his autobiographi- during the fiery months of April and May, cal account entitled The Sun God’s Wife, in time for the holding of the Teachers’ Va- the founding master had enjoyable years cation Assembly as well. On that fateful in the country, contributing in the growth, day of 1912 at the Masonic Temple in Ma- maturity and fruition of the Grand Lodge nila, some educators were present in the as- of the Philippines. sembly, including Guy Clinton, the Senior Warden of Manila Lodge no. 342); Charles Francmasonería S. Banks, the Junior Warden of the same and Local Historiography: Lodge; and Luther E. Bewley, the Grand The Case of Tarlac Province and Master of the GLP in 1960, who also be- Central Luzon in the Philippines came a Director of Education in1918, five before the GLP. years after the death of Mr. White. There was no mention of whether or not Mr. I feel that I was not invited here because I White continued to be a Mason until his am a specialist in the history of Freema- death. But he could not have been a mem- sonry in the Philippines or in the institu- ber of the GLP because it was mentioned tional history of the Grand Lodge of the in the minutes of 1912 that two Scottish Philippines, of which many (pieces of) lit- Rite Lodges, one of which Mr. White be- erature are already in existence. Rather, I longed to, did not commit themselves in feel that I am here for the sake of Philippine the formation of the Grand Lodge. historiography, of which the GLP and its members are not exempted and should oth- It is probable also that H. Eugene Staf- erwise pursue and apply in the accounting ford, of Meridian, Missouri, U.S.A. and of their respective Lodges. Historiogra- the founding master of the GLP, is among phy – or the writing of history – demands those in the picture. Nor should it be con- necessary approaches, rudiments, and con- sidered far-fetched that H.E. Stafford and ventions. It is most probable that only few, Mr. White were acquaintances. Both were if not none, of the members of the GLP Americans who volunteered to work for are hardcore historians. Notwithstanding, civil service in the Philippines. A medical in the presentation of historical data of doctor, Stafford arrived in 1899 and stayed individual Lodges throughout the Philip- on. Mr. White arrived two years earlier, pines, including those of the Northern Lu- in May of 1901, ahead of the 800-strong zon area, historiographical details should contingent of American teachers ferried have been observed and followed. I hope I

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will be invited again after this centennial Florencio Santos, Cosme Naval and Samuel Tuason (all from Pam- panga, also in June).4 lecture, preferably in a seminar-workshop on the Historiography of Philippine Free- “During the remainder of 1891 and 1892,” masonry, where I will be tasked to evaluate continues Larkin6, “Masonry spread to the individual histories of every Masonic Pampanga proper through the efforts of Lodge under the GLP. Being a Mason is the members of the Manila lodge. Among not the end-all and be-all (of a man’s life the founders of triangles5 were Ruperto on earth).. The great Masonic scholar and Laxamana, gobernadorcillo of Mexico, historian, Albert G. Mackey, classified two Mariano Alejandrino of Arayat (father of kinds of Masons in the 1870s, the Reading Jose), and Eugenio Blanco, a Spaniard from Masons and Masons Who Do Not Read, 2 Macabebe.” implying for sure that his brethren should seriously take intellectual pursuits, includ- An actual account on state of Masonry in ing History. Thus, it is a must that histo- the Central Luzon area was a declaration ries of the lodges and other relevant sub- of Antonio Salazar y San Agustin before jects should be prepared in full observance a Spanish tribunal around 1896, citing the of the Historian’s craft. existence of the following Lodges in Cen- tral Luzon7: Freemasonry, or what Spaniards and friars referred to and abhorred as Francmason- ería, is by itself a milestone or a turning point in Philippine history. After the first all-Filipino logia, Nilad, was founded in Manila with Jose A. Ramos as the first Worshipful Master for 1891-92, currents were already felt and spread in the prov- inces, Tarlac and the rest of Central Luzon Salazar, a native of Cavite Puerto, Cavite included. For John Larkin, the author of was to be shot that year(1896) by Spanish The Pampangans: authorities, among the proto-martyrs of Bagumbayan that included a Tarlaqueño, Perhaps the most important formal organization supporting the Propaganda was the Philippine Masons. After the founding of the Procopio Evangelista (a Mason, presently first lodge in Manila in 1891, Masonry spread throughout the Is- venerated by his brethren in the province). lands, although most of the lodges were located in Luzon. Mem- bership was limited primarily to the upper class. The intellectual His testimony could actually be enhanced phase ended in 1896 with the execution of Rizal, the death of del Pilar, and the suppression by the Spaniards of Masonic organiza- with synchronous materials, those of the tions.3 Grand Lodge in Spain and the Regional An evidence of the acknowledgement Lodge in the Philippines. Here is a more and support of the people for the people comprehensive list: of Tarlac and the rest of Central Luzon was on the roster of the first initiates of the founding of the Masonic Lodge Nilad in Manila in 1891. Between February and June of that year, these included:

Arcadio Del Rosario (from Tarlac, February), Jose S. Bañuelos (from Pampanga, April) Francisco Joven, Ceferino Joven, and Cecilio Hilario (the trio from Bacolor, Pampanga, in April) Mamerto Natividad (from Nueva Ecija, in April) Arturo Dancel (from Nueva Ecija, in June) Leon Humisen (should be Alumisin), Gabino Calma, Ciriaco San- tos and Celestino Aragon (from Tarlac, also in June)

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Masonic triangles that were initiated in the towards the path of the revolutionary area around this time, also as culled from struggle in the region and in the rest of the same sources, included the following: the country, or, as T.M. Kalaw puts it, “as Masonry in the Philippines grew the early zeal of the members became diluted.”19

The case of Tarlac is an example. “Before Makabulos [General Francisco Makabu- los] started the final fight for freedom in Tarlac,” two revolutionary veterans from La Paz said, “the following persons where Masons were rounded up and brought to Manila and incarcerated or imprisoned at Fort Santiago: - Don Luis Navarro, Don Paulino Navarro, Don ProcopioHilario, Don Gavino Calma, Don Bonifacio Gue- vara, Don Ciriaco Santos, Don Felix Fer- rer, Don...Torres of Bacolor.”20 The duo also mentioned that “the following were also Masons but were not as radical as the above: - Don Sixto Mendoza, 1st. Lt. Bat. of Tarlac; Don Santiago de Jesus, Don Al- fonso Ramos, Don Francisco Tañedo, Don Evaristo Puno (who was the host of Dr. Jose Rizal...)” After the formation of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in 1912, these are the avail- Of interest are the careers of Gabino able data of the Masonic lodges in exist- Calma and José Sofio Bañuelos, among the ence in the region (1912-1920): first initiates.

Gabino Calma, a Kapampangan from Po- rac, Pampanga who migrated in Tarlac in the late 1800s, started an anti-friar group in the town of Victoria. Known as Los Ale- manes, it was composed of some prominent citizens of the town in altercation with the Augustinian curate.21 Among the first initi- ates of the Filipino Masonry in 1892, there The Pioneering Maestros and is no mention if he ever rose in rank as a Fundadores from Tarlac Province Master or started a triangle or a logia in and the Region, 1891-1896 the province or elsewhere. Together with Don Juan Tabago, he is also acknowledged A casual glance on the first initiates of by another local history account as the Masonry in the province of Tarlac and the founder of the Katipunan Chapter in the rest of Central Luzon can share novel in- cabecera of Tarlac.22 Calma would be oc- sights on certain turning points in Philip- cupying a pivotal position under General pine history. Some early Masonic members Francisco Makabulos, as the Secretary of were responsible for leading the movement War (in the Makabulos Provisional Gov-

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ernment of 1898), Presidente Municipal A proof of the prominence of the Mason- of Victoria (1898) and Acting Governor ic movement and members in the region of Tarlac (1898-1899). around this time was the purported visit of Jose Rizal in 1892, with stopovers in San The spread of Masonry in Central Luzon Fernando, Pampanga and Tarlac, Tarlac. was due to the efforts of Jose Sofio Bañue- Another was the watchful eye of Spanish los. Together with Faustino Villarroel, authorities in the region, especially with he would be starting the initial logias in the inclusion of the provinces of Tarlac Pampanga and Tarlac, including Masala and Pampanga in the State of War Decree (San Fernando, Pampanga) and Aguso or of General Blanco on August 30, 1896. Villarroel(Tarlac, Tarlac). A native of A secret watch order from Spanish au- Manila who transferred in San Fernando, thorities over Tarlac in June of 1896, two Pampanga, his prominence for the revolu- months before the outbreak of the revolu- tionary cause was triggered by his involve- tion, is a microscope of the situation: ment in the firing squad of an Augustinian June 7. It was reported that Masons were increasing their activi- friar, Fr. Juan Tarrero, OSA, then the cura ties; that Masonry was spreading rapidly among the poorer class- of Mexico, as alleged by Bernardo Martin- es; that it had already found its way into government and private offices. Several persons were again recommended for watching: 23 ez, OSA, in his Apuntes. Bañuelos would Cipriano Lopez, Isabelo Artacho, Celestino Aragón and others, suspected of being Masons and anti-Spanish. The advisability of be playing significant and extended role having the Civil Governor of Tarlac watch the intrigues of Aragón, in Tarlac affairs, especially under General a redient of the town of Concepcion was likewise suggested. Makabulos. He would also be responsible However, as elsewhere, it is not that easy for the initiation of the United Methodist to deconstruct the history of Philippine Church in Tarlac capital town in the early Masonry, especially in the Central Luzon 1900s. region. An interesting case was that of Eugenio Blanco, founder of the logia Katu- Arturo Dancel, from Nueva Ecija and who tuan (Truth) of Macabebe, Pampanga, who started the logia Dampulán, would become until the end became a loyal soldier for the involved in the Revolution later, also sup- Spanish Flag, being the commander of the porting the cause of General Francisco Voluntarios de Macabebe. Makabulos in Central Luzon. During the early American Period, he was to become Primera Luz Filipina, Masala the governor of Rizal Province, being one and other Lights: Lodge-Naming of the initial members of the Partido Fed- and Masonic Nomenclatures as eral. Historiography, a Preliminary Exercise

Felix Ferrer, a native of Pangasinan who The historiographical processes of Decon- settled in Tarlac during the Revolution- struction – Reconstruction can bring about ary Period, would be involved in the initial novel perspectives. In some of earlier stages of the revolutionary government works, I have recommended the study of of President Emilio Aguinaldo; he was Toponyms (place names) as an important considered the drafter of the Biak-na-bato tool in history that can open new windows Constitution. in historical investigation and apprecia- tion.25 For this lecture, I want to share the Three prominent streets of Tarlac City are necessity of tasking each of the lodges to named after Masons who were assassinated by trace the origin of their names. Spanish authorities in 1897: Francisco Tañedo, Ciriaco Santos, and ProcopioHilario, among 24 It is interesting to note that Frederic Ste- the first initiates of Filipino Masonry. vens, in his translation of the pioneering

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Kalaw book of 1920, had the same con- ite, has an added attribute as it included a cern. Taken from the Proceedings of the particular Philippine toponym, the Balabac Grand Lodge of the Philippines, the said group of islands of Palawan, on the south Stevens material provided a nomenclature by Balabac Strait and Borneo, on the east of the lodges cited in the Kalaw opus, a re- by Sulu Sea, and on the west by the South search work done by his brethren Michael China (West Philippine) Sea. Eureka, of Goldenberg, Jose Velo, José Enriquez, and Greek provenance and from Archimedes, Mauro Baradi.26 is an expression concerning an important discovery, again denoting the arrival of A good starting point, both symbolically true knowledge in the Islands. Most of the and functionally, would be Primera Luz logias were about definite Masonic virtues Filipina, the name of the first lodge found- (Lealtad – Loyalty, Caridad – Charity, and ed by Jose Malcampo y Monje and Casto Regularidad – Regularity or Contenment). Mendez Nuñez in Cavite Viejo (now Ka- Hijos de Hiram (sons of Hiram) was an af- wit), both then assigned at the naval base firmation of Masonic identity, Hiram was at Cavite Puerto in 1856. The nomencla- one of the most noted of all the Kings of ture, which can be translated as ‘The First Tyre; he was contemporaneous with both Philippine Light’, was coined in a strong David and Solomon, and on intimate terms figurative formation, suggesting the ad- with both. Like Solomon, he was much dis- vent of true knowledge in the Philippine posed to mysticism; tradition has it that the Archipelago, certainly advocating the ten- two kings often exchanged enigmas for so- ets of Masonic doctrines on the nature of lution. In legendary Masonry, Hiram, King genuine wisdom and knowledge. Let us of Tyre, was Grand Master of all Masons, glance on the nomenclatures of the early and Hiram Abif was Master of the Order logias in the Philippines that were purely in Jerusalem. of Spanish origin. A whiff of competition among the logias Lodges (Talleres) of Spanish origins of at that early period could be sensed in La the GODE (La Gran Logia Departmen- Primordial of Zamboanga. La Primordial, tal) included the following, existent in the ‘prehistory or ancient’, suggests of the Philippines between 1873 and 188927: incipience of the Brotherhood among the rest.

The initial Spanish logias were exclusive for the race, thus Filipinos and other nation- alities were not accepted. This is revealing in the logia España. The logia Peninsular adds further. It seems that native-born Spaniards (insulares) were not qualified for membership. The initial lodges gave priority on Mason- Primary Filipino logias, on the other hand, ic doctrines on Wisdom and knowledge, were certainly much interesting as they both figuratively and in actuality. Light, now began to integrate nationalistic iden- as symbolical of Wisdom and Knowledge, tities, starting with Nilad in 1891. is visible in three logias (Primera Luz Fil- ipina, Luz de Oriente and Luz de Balabac). Among the first logias of Central Luzon The third, Luz de Balabac, founded in Cav- was Masala, founded by Jose Bañuelos as

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early as 1892 as a triangle and officially chartered in 1895. Like Primera Luz, it NOTES means ‘full of light’ in Kapampangan, 1. Deconstruction is a form of of the Philippine Lodges but again advocating the advent of true and semiotic analysis, derived mainly suppressed the names of their from French philosopher Jacques Masters and secretaries,” in ibid., genuine knowledge. Most of the lodges Derrida’s 1967 work Of Gram- pp. 225-226 matology. Derrida proposed the and triangles in Central Luzon from 1892- deconstruction of all texts where 16. Names and locations lost. 1896 were nomenclatures of Masonic binary oppositions are used in the construction of meaning and 17. Kalaw, op. cit.,p.52. virtues and symbols, in Spanish (Majestad values. 18. Negros in ibid. –Majesty, Unidad –Unity, Libertad – Liberty, 2. Albert G. Mackey, “Reading Masons and Masons who do not 19. Ibid., pp. 247-248. Fraternidad – Fraternity, and Unión – Union) read,” The Master Mason, October and in Kapampangan (Masala, Dampulán 1924. 20. Larkin, op. cit., p. 109. . 3. John A. Larkin. The Pampan- 21. “General Francisco Maka- (stronghold, from dampul, native dye) and gans. Colonial Society In A Phil- buloy Y Soliman,” as told to Dr. Katutuan [Truth]). There was also Hiram, ippine Province. Quezon City: Leonardo Guevara by veterans New Day Publishers, 1993. pp. Don Isaac Elias and Don Enrique similar to an early Spanish lodge of Cavite 106-107. de Leon. Central Luzon Monitor. September 1857. Vol. II, No. 8. already mentioned. 4. Listing in T. M. Kalaw, Philippine Masonry: Its Origin, Develop- 22. Please see Lino L. Dizon, ment, and Vicissitudes up to Pre- “LOS ALEMANES and other Early sent Time (1920). English transla- Religious Protest Movements in Worth mentioning are of course the logias tion from Spanish, Frederic H. Tarlac Province, 1891-1905: The Stevens, Antonio Amechazurra. Persistent and Dominant Roles with historical, geographical and socio- Manila: McCullough Printing of Local Leaders of the Philippine Company, 1955, pp. 49-51. Revolution of 1896,” ALAYA, V, cultural touché. These include Suku (the 2007-2008. legendary lord of Mt.Arayat, probably 5. Triangles were the units used in recruiting new Masons in an 23. Kalaw, op. cit., pp. 213-216 an adoption of King Hiram) and Kalange area. A Mason invited two oth- ers to form a triangle. They in 24. As cited by Alberto P. Gam- 28 (from calangay, a native parrot ). A num- turn organized other triangles. boa in “The Katipunan and the When enough members joined Philippine Revolution in Paniqui, ber were on the significant geographi- triangles, a lodge would be es- Tarlac,” a paper read during the tablished. Makabulos Memorial Confer- cal terrain (Paroao (river of Concepcion, ence, Tarlac State University, 6. Larkin, loc cit September 16-17, 1992. The in- Tarlac) and Tabon (river dam). Others formation was taken from the 7. . “Historia de Paniqui” by Roberto were about the flora, including the Kupang Obcena, from the memoirs of (Parkia Timoriana[also known as P. Ja- 8. “Declaration of Antonio Sala- his father who co-founded the zar y San Agustin (Appendix No. belligerent Katipunan chapter vanica, Merr.]), Aguso-Ayuso-Arguso (Cas- 68 in the Watson Collection),” in Paniqui-Gerona, the Balangay in Minutes of the Katipunan. San Miguel. Obcena became a uarinaequisetifolia Linn, Agoho or Agoo in English Edition. Manila: National mayor of Paniqui. Historical Commission of the Tagalog and Ilocano), and Centeno (grain, Philippines, 2011 (first released in 25. Bernardo Martinez, OSA. 1964), p 187. Apuntes Históricos de la Provin- e.g. rye, Secalecereale). cia Agustiniana del Santísimo 9. Kalaw, op. cit., pp. 224-225 Nombre de Jesús de Filipinas. Madrid: Imp. del Asilo de Hué- 10. Ibid, p. 53. rfanos del S.C. de Jesús, 1909. Still a number were in memory of great pp.513-514. Fr. Martinez was the fundadores of the Masonic brotherhood, 11. Parwaw’ in other accounts. curate of La Paz, Tarlac in 1893-94 This is actually the Parua River of when Makabulos was still the es- e.g., Villarroel (the former Aguso lodge of Concepcion, Tarlac. cribano (parish clerk). Tarlac, Tarlac), in honor of Faustino Vil- 12. Named in honor of Faustino 26. Kalaw, op. cit., p. 237. Villarruel, allegedly the actual larroel and Morayta (in honor of Miguel founder of the Tarlaclogia, to- 27. Lino L. Dizon, “Toponymy and gether with Bañuelos. A “true Historical Archaeology in Upper Morayta). There was also the triangle Ruíz apostle of the fraternity,” he was Pampanga (Tarlac-Pampanga also described that “he travelled Border, Central Luzon, Philip- of Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija. from north to south of the ar- pines), 1593-1898,” ALAYA, V, chipelago making an intensive 2008. Kalaw, op. cit., pp. 213-216. propaganda campaign for his For more practical reasons, recent nomen- beloved fraternity.” Kalaw, op. 28. Susana Cuartero Escobés. La cit. p. 222. masonería española en Filipinas. clature of lodges is now largely confined to Tomo I. Santa Cruz de Tenerife: the geographical name of the district where 13. Ibid. Escuadra y Compas, 2006. p. 80. 14. (x ) Number as listed in ibid., 29. Diego Bergaño, OSA, Vocabu- it is located. Notwithstanding, through se- p. 51. lario de la Lengua Pampanga en Romance. Reimpreso. Manila: rious historiography, each of them can still 15. Separate and conflicting list- Imprenta de Ramirez y Giraudier, ing as provided by the Grande 1860. Original Edition is 1732. trace its historical bond – like a relic - to Oriente Español for 1893 and p. 71. an earlier nomenclature that reflected the 1894, stating “ for obvious rea- sons we have given the names virtues and pursuits of Masonry.

28 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Centennial Lectures ABOUT THE LECTURER Rev. Fr. Emilio Edgardo A. Quilatan, Order of Augustinian Recolects (OAR), a native of Cavite City, was born on September 11, The Philippine 1964. He studied philosophy at Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary in Baguio City. After Freemasons in the eyes the novitiate, he professed the religious vows as an Augustinian Recollect in 1986 of the Spanish Friars and went to finish his theology in 1991 at Recoletos Formation Center, Quezon City. He was ordained priest on April 19, 1992. Honorable gentlemen, good morning! He was assigned to the Augustinian Rec- ollect community of San Sebastian Friary, Quiapo, Manila. The community desig- I would like to extend my sincere con- nated him as assistant parish priest of San gratulations to you all as you celebrate Sebastian Basilica, Quiapo. the centenary of the foundation of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge In 1994, his superiors sent him to Rome, Italy for further studies. He enrolled at the of Free and Accepted Masons of the Pontifical Gregorian University where he Philippines. Moreover, I would like obtained his Licentiate in Church History to acknowledge the positive contri- in 1998 and Doctorate in Church History in butions of Philippine Freemasons to 2008 — both magna cum laude. His doctor- our country for promoting universal al dissertation is entitled The Friar Hacienda Controversy in the Philippines at the Turn of brotherhood among men and the hu- the 20th Century — Facts and Fiction: The manitarian aid you have given to our Case of the Augustinian RecollectHacienda fellow Filipinos. The talk that I would de San Juan Bautista in Imus, Cavite (1896- like to share with you is about the Phil- 1906). ippine Freemasons in the Eyes of the He authored historical articles in various Spanish Friars. This topic was pro- books and journals. He also contributed posed last year (2011) when I had an an article for a coffee table book, Casas de appointment at the National Histori- Dios, which was published in 2010. The ar- cal Commission Office at Kalaw St., ticle is entitled The Colonial Mission Com- plex: The Augustinian Recollect Churches in Manila. The NHC forwarded the topic the Philippines. and my name to your main office in Manila. A year later, I was surprised to He is the archive administrator of Archivo receive a letter dated 6th August 2012 Recoleto in Bulwagang Recoletos. He is cur- rently a Church History professor and Dean from the Grand Temple Lodge invit- of Studies at the Recoletos School of Theol- ing me to give a lecture on the above- ogy in Quezon City. Moreover, he teaches mentioned topic on October 6, 2012. I Church History at the Central Seminary in thought this was not serious; however, the University of Santo Tomas and at the for verification, I called up the Centen- Immaculate Conception Major Seminary, Guiguinto, Bulacan (Diocese of Malolos). He nial Secretariat and inquired about the gives talks on Augustinian Recollect History invitation. The Secretariat gave me an at national and local conferences as well as affirmative response. Thus, allow me for seminarians. to present to you my lecture.

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Historical Background Philippines’; they had another peculiar role in the Spanish regime. They were also civil A. The Spanish Friars servants of the Spanish crown. This was so because of the state-church system called The main protagonists of introducing Patronato Rea l, wherein the Spanish mon- Christianity to the Philippines were the archs took the task of Christianizing the Spanish missionaries and the majority of native inhabitants of lands they conquered. them were friars. The Augustinians (1565) With concessions from the Holy See, the arrived with Miguel Lopez de Legazpi; Spanish monarchs were given authority to the Franciscans (1578); the Dominicans supervise the organization and life of the (1587); and the Augustinian Recollects. colonial churches. Thus, in all Spanish col- The Society of Jesus, a.k.a., the Jesuits, onies, including the Philippines, all colonial came to the archipelago in 1581; however, churches were under the Spanish crown they are clerics regulars, not friars. The and this included the missionaries sent by friars, as members of the great mendicant the king to his colonies. orders, live in community and observe the canonical hours of prayers together. Their What were the civil functions of the friars main apostolate would always start within in the Philippines? The Spanish monarch the religious community. The Jesuits, on as patron of the colonial churches tasked the other hand, are clerics living together the friars to assist the governor-general in under community served to facilitate bet- maintaining peace and order in the colony ter the apostolate. In spite of the differenc- — they were tasked to prepare lists for the es in modus vivendi between the friars and tribute payers and election of local offi- the Jesuits, they came to the Philippines for cials, school and sanitation inspectors, and one sole mission, that is, the Christianiza- censors of public morality, among oth- tion of its inhabitants. Through the Span- ers. Virtually, a single friar in a far-away ish missionaries, both friars and Jesuits, town was his own municipal ruler. Moreo- the Good News was proclaimed to our ver, since they were Spaniards, they were ancestors; as they did so the missionaries entrusted by the Spanish government in founded towns and parishes throughout the peninsula to keep the Filipinos’ loy- the archipelago. Aside from the spiritual alty to the Motherland.. Thus, in a 19th- and pastoral contributions that the Span- century communication to the Spanish ish missionaries gave to the Filipinos, they Overseas Ministry. Governor-General were also responsible for the introduction Rafael de Izquierdo, the governor-general of new agricultural plants and instru- of the Philippines who signed the death ments, like the araro, so as to improve warrant of the GOM-BUR-ZA in 1872, the tilling of rice fields and many others. wrote: “The religious orders have their de- Moreover, the Spanish missionaries in- fects, their vices and their difficulties, but troduced the first hospitals, sanatoria and in the Philippines they have two qualities banks in the country so as to help the body which from the political point of view are as well as to save the soul. They also estab- so great and important that they oblige us lished long-lasting educational institutions to prescind from whatever may be alleged in order to form the mind of Filipinos, such against them. One of these qualities is their as the University of Santo Tomas of the unshakable devotion to Spain; the otheris Dominicans founded in 1611 and the Ate- their influence on the natives, which, even neo de Municipal of the Jesuits established in the weakened state in which it is today, is in 1859. The Spanish missionaries did not still sufficiently great to consider it a pre- only serve as pastors of the church in the serving factor.”

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In reality, Izquierdo, who was a secret Ma- Philippine Revolution of 1896. But before son, hated the friars, but as an official of that would happen, two patriotic organiza- the colonies, he had to support and protect tions were formed under the influence of them in the Philippines since only they Masonry. They were the Liga Filipina and could maintain the colony for Spain. Let us the Katipunan.1 remember that from 1821 the only colonies left under Spain were Cuba, Puerto Rico The La Liga Filipina was a civic organi- and the Philippines; the rest declared their zation founded in Manila on July 3, 1892, independence. At this point, theremaining by Dr. José Rizal, a Mason himself. The colonies were in a precarious situation and objectives of the Liga were: to work for to a reform movement in the remaining peaceful reforms in the Philippines, pro- colonies was tantamount to independence. mote mutual cooperation among Filipi- nos, and prepare the Filipino people for B. The Philippine Masonry self-governance. This organization lan- guished when Dr. Rizal was deported to Many of the Filipinos in Madrid and in Dapitan in Mindanao on July 15, 1892, Barcelona joined the Masonry. Their mem- by orders of Governor-General Eulogio bership would hope to receive intellectual Despujol.2 and moral support from fellow European Masons in their struggle to represent their The other patriotic organization was the country’s need of genuine reform before Kataas-taasan Kagalang-galang na Kati- the Spanish government in Madrid. The punan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (= High- Filipino ilustrados’ alliance with the Eu- est and Respected Society of the Sons ropean Masonry brought them into of the Country), otherwise known as close contact with the anti-clerical and the Katipunan. It was founded in Ma- anti-Christian philosophy of the Enlight- nila in the night of July 7, 1892 by some enment. Slowly but steadily, many of the Filipino patriots, two of whom were for- Filipino ilustrados drifted away from the mer members of the La Liga Filipina, Church and from Christianity. Deodato Arellano and Andres Bonifacio. Though not affiliated with Masonry, it The Filipino Masons did not limit their was founded as a secret society organized activities to Spain. They planned out clan- along Masonic lines, since the founders destinely how to introduce Masonry in themselves were Masons. The aims of the Philippines. However, Masonic Lodges the Katipunan were to unite all Filipinos were surreptitiously founded by foreign- and to fight for the independence of the ers residing in the country. Their member- country through violent revolution.3 ship was limited only to Europeans and Anglo-Saxons. Nevertheless, the first Ma- If Masonry recruited the Filipino bour- sonic Lodge for Filipinos called Nilad was geois, the Katipunan recruited in its founded in 1891 in Manila under the wings ranks the Filipino gentry and proletar- of the Spanish Grand Lodge in Madrid, iat. When Andres Bonifacio assumed the the Gran Oriente Español. Nilad became post as Supremo of the society, the Kati- the Mother Lodge of other Filipino Ma- punan mushroomed in many provinces sonic lodges that were established in Ma- around Manila. By 1896, it claimed nila and in other nearby provinces. Many around 20,000 members. Two daughter Filipinos, like Andres Bonifacio of Tondo councils were organized in Cavite Prov- and Emilio Aguinaldo of Cavite, joined ince: (1) the Magdalo council, headed by Masonry. They would later take part of the the Aguinaldo clan, and (2) the Magdi-

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wang council, headed by the Alvarez condemned previously by the Syllabus of clan. These two councils, though rival Errors of Pope Pius IX in 1864.5 factions among themselves, would later play major role in the Philippine Revolu- For the novel of Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tan- tion of 1896.4 gere, the rector of the University of Santo Tomas, Rev. Fr. Gregorio Echevarría, OP, II. The Philippine Masons in organized a committee of selected Do- the Eyes of the Spanish Friars minican professors to scrutinize the novel. Later, the rector gave the committee’s find- The Propaganda Movement in Spain con- ings to the Archbishop of Manila, His Ex- tinued the fight against the friars through cellency Pedro Payo, OP. The committee their newspaper La Solidaridad. Jose Rizal concluded that the novel was “…heretical, wrote two novels, Noli me tangere (1887) impious, and scandalous in the religious and El Filibusterismo (1891), exposing the order, and anti-patriotic, subversive of social malaise due to the friars. The trium- public order, injurious to the government virate of the movement — Jose Rizal, Mar- of Spain and its function in the Philippine celo H. del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena Islands in the political order.”6 — and Filipino compatriots believed that by attacking the friars, who were seen as The criticism did not stop with the Do- obstacles to the promotion of the needed minicans, however. Two Augustinians con- social and political reforms in the Philip- demned Rizal’s novel with laconic severity. pines, they would be able to introduce eas- The first one, Rev. Fr. Salvador Font, OSA, ily the needed reforms in the archipelago. the parish priest of Tondo, found the novel The response of the friars against the dia- subversive against the Church and Spain, tribes hurled against them by the Filipino and it should be recommended that “the ilustrados were published in the newspa- importation, reproduction and circulation pers of Manila and Madrid. The friars of this pernicious book in the Islands be tried to dismiss the works of the Filipino absolutely prohibited.”7 Another was the reformists by belittling them as spoiled prior of the Augustinian Monastery in children. When the friars were accused by Guadalupe, Makati, Rev. Fr. José Rodri- the reformists of maintaining an outmod- guez, OSA, who published a pamphlet in ed system of education that was hindering Tagalog in 1888 entitled, Caiingat Cayo the cultural and scientific progress in the (“Beware”), in which the author attacked Philippines, the friars responded that the the Noli and warned readers that if they reformists were an ungrateful and discon- read Rizal’s novel, “they commit mortal sin tented lot since they received the educa- inasmuch as the said book is full of her- tion needed from the religious schools in esy.”8 the country that helped them attain suc- cess in their studies abroad. With regard The Spanish friars branded the members to the reforms proposed by the Filipino of the Propaganda Movement as outcasts reformists for the Philippines, the friars of the society and declared them as excom- insinuated that the agitation for reforms municates since they were Freemasons. was simply a disguise for separation from The faithful were warned not to mingle or Spain; thus, the reformers were accused of communicate with them since the excom- being disloyal and anti-Spanish. Moreover, munication entailed the Church’s sanction the liberal ideas of the Filipino reformists of vitandus, that is to say, a person to be were declared by the friars as dangerous avoided. to the church since they had been already

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III. The Causes of Antagonism the soul by the profession of any kind of religion, as long as morality is maintained. In the study of history, there is always the principle of cause and effect. Histori- Surely, in so clear a matter, you will drive cal events occur according to this principle this deadly error far from the people com- and they did not come out of the blue. The mitted to your care. With the admonition Spanish friars’antipathy to Philippine Free- of the apostle that ‘there is one God, one masonry had been as equal against the con- faith, one baptism’ (Eph 4, 5) may those tinental European counterpart, which had fear who contrive the notion that the safe root causes in the history of the Catholic harbor of salvation is open to persons of Church in Western Europe. Let us now see any religion whatever. They should con- the following causes. sider the testimony of Christ Himself that ‘those who are not with Christ are against A. Papal Sanctions Him,’(Lk 11, 23) and that they disperse unhappily who do not gather with Him. First, the papal sanctions were issued by Therefore ‘without a doubt, they will per- several popes against Freemasonry due to ish forever, unless they hold the two factors: firstly, the Freemasonic teach- ings are incompatible to the official teach- Catholic faith whole and inviolate’ (Symbol ings of the Catholic Church; and secondly, S. Athanasius). Let them hear Jerome who, the stand of the Freemasonic Lodges were while the Church was torn into three parts anti-clerical and antichurch. by schism, tells us that whenever someone tried to persuade him to join his group he Here are some papal sanctions that reflect always exclaimed: ‘He who is for the See of the nature of the Masonic Lodges and the Peter is for me.’ (Epistle 57, 20). A schis- seriousness of the penalty on those Catho- matic flatters himself falsely if he asserts lics who would join such organizations. that he, too, has been washed in the waters of regeneration. Indeed, Augustine would Freemasonry was publicly condemned by reply to such a man: ‘The branch has the the Catholic Church through a papal bull same form when it has been cut off from In Eminenti by Pope Clement XII in 1738. the vine; but of what profit for it is the It stated that the condemnation of the form, if it does not live from the root?’ (In Society, Lodges, Conventicles of LIBERI psalm. contra part. Donat.)10 MURATORI, or Freemasons, was under pain of excommunication to be incurred “14. This shameful font of indifferentism ipso facto, and absolution from it being re- gives rise to that absurd and erroneous served for the Supreme Pontiff, except at proposition which claims that liberty of point of death.9 conscience must be maintained for eve- ryone. It spreads ruin in sacred and civil Pope Gregory XVI, in the encyclical Mi- affairs, though some repeat over and over rari Vos, August 15, 1832, said: again with the greatest impudence that some advantage accrues to religion from “13. Now We consider another abundant it. ‘But the death of the soul is worse than source of the evils with which the Church freedom of error,’ as Augustine was wont is afflicted at present: indifferentism. This to say (Epistle 166). When all restraints perverse opinion is spread on all sides by are removed by which men are kept on the the fraud of the wicked who claim that it is narrow path of truth, their nature, which possible to obtain the eternal salvation of is already inclined to evil, propels them to

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ruin. Then truly ‘the bottomless pit’ (Ap the French Revolution were carried out by 9, 3) is open from which John saw smoke Napoleon Bonaparte throughout Europe ascending which obscured the sun, and out through series of military conquest and of which locusts flew forth to devastate the papacy became its victims. Two popes the earth. Thence comes transformation — Pope Pius VI (r. 1775-1799), and Pope of minds, corruption of youths, contempt Pius VII (r. 1800-1823) — became prison- of sacred things and holy laws -- in other ers of the French Revolutionists. Later, words, a pestilence more deadly to the state Napoleon was defeated by the allied coali- than any other. Experience shows, even tion forces in Battle of Waterloo in 1815 from earliest times, that cities renowned and died in exile in 1821. But the ideals for wealth, dominion, and glory perished of the French Revolution became a virus as a result of this single evil, namely im- that infected people in the old world as well moderate freedom of opinion, license of as in the new — the Americas. When the free speech, and desire for novelty.”11 inept Ançien Regime failed to introduce necessary reforms to better the lives of the And Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical Hu- people, the ideals of the French Revolu- manum Genus, April 20, 1884, wrote: tion became an attractive solution to them Western Europe and the Americas were “16. If those who are admitted as members gearing for a revolution that would meet are not commanded to abjure by any form their demands. of words the Catholic doctrines, this omis- sion, so far from being adverse to the de- At this juncture, allow me to cite to you the signs of the Freemasons is more useful for dissertation of Rev. Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, their purposes. First, in this way they easi- Doctor of Church History, The State of ly deceive the simple-minded and the heed- the Church in the Philippines, 1850-1875. less, and can induce a far greater number It was his doctoral dissertation published to become members. Again, as all who offer in Tagaytay Studies [No.3] of the Divine themselves are received whatever may be Word Seminary, published in 1984, that their form of religion, they thereby teach would give us the historical the scenario of the great error of this age that a regard this lecture. This work of Rev. Fr. Antolin for religion should be held as an indifferent Uy gives us the political situations in Spain matter, and that all religions are alike. This after 1821 in which the Catholic Church in manner of reasoning is calculated to bring the peninsula and the Philippines were af- about the ruin of all forms of religion, and fected. Mexico declared its independence especially of the Catholic religion, which, from Spain in 1821 after a long revolution as it is the only one that is true, cannot, that began in 1810. By 1821, most of Latin without great injustice, be regarded as America (except Brazil, a Portuguese col- merely equal to other religions.”12 ony) emancipated itself from Spain. Only Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Philippines re- B. Spain: During the Era of Revolutions mained as Spanish colonies. The revolu- tion in Mexico was just a reflection of the The French Revolution of 1789 was the vi- problems Spain was encountering in the olent product of the 18th century French 19th century. The first three quarters of Enlightenment since the slogan was liberté, the nineteenth century had been a period egalité, fraternité. Along with the French of almost uninterrupted tumult and chaos monarchy’s downfall was the persecution for Spain. Under the cover of War of Inde- of the Catholic Church since it was identi- pendence against the French invaders and fied with the Ançien Regime. The ideals of their “intruder King,” Joseph Bonaparte,

34 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Centennial Lectures the first steps toward constitutional gov- On July 25, 1835, under the government of ernment had been taken when the Consti- Conde de Toreno, religious houses (about tution of 1812 was proclaimed at Cádiz by 1,900) with less than 12 professed mem- the Liberal Cortes, purporting to act in the bers were decreed suppressed. name of King Ferdinand VII. On his resto- ration in 1814, King Ferdinand had quickly Juan Álvarez Mendizábal (+1853) came returned to absolute government, and ex- to power on September 14, 1835. The lib- cept for another constitutional interlude, eral, anticlerical spirit of the Cádiz Cortes from 1820 to 1823, the Liberals suffered of 1812 reached its height in the series of more or less continuous repression until measures taken by the government in order King Ferdinand’s death in 1833. He was to offset impending bankruptcy and save succeeded by his infant daughter, Isabel, the national economy. Although the con- under the regency of her mother María fiscation and sale of ecclesiastical property Cristina. Already revolts had broken out might have justifying social, economic and among the followers of Don Carlos, King political reasons, they were aimed no less at Ferdinand’s younger brother, in support inflicting a blow on the anti-Isabel (Carlist) of the latter’s claim to the throne. As the regular and secular clergy and their goods. Carlistas were largely made up of the ab- solutists and traditionalists who had found Mendizábal issued the following decrees: Fernando insufficiently reactionary, María Cristina inevitably sought and won the first, the desamortización (confiscation of support of the Liberal forces, whose fac- church properties) decree of February 19, tions were to dominate in the succeeding 1836; and second, the exclaustración (ex- years. Many historians called this period pulsion of religious from the monasteries in Spanish history as el siglo de las revolu- and convents) decree of March 8, 1836, ciones (i.e., “the century of revolutions”, when all the houses of men religious were where there at least 2,000 had occurred), suppressed. but others would aptly call it el siglo de la instabilidad interna (“the century of inter- The number of religious affected accord- nal instability”). To illustrate this instabil- ing to a report of 1835 was 30,906. In ity, here are the following figures: In the 1837, 23,935 exclaustrados (expelled re- course of the century there were 130 gov- ligious from their religious communities) ernment turnovers, three dethronements were receiving financial aid from the state; effected, five civil wars waged, and nine which means, around 7,000 of them found constitutions framed. In the span alone jobs on the diocesan and parochial levels. of 11 years after 1843, 15 cabinets fell. On July 27, 1837, the Calatrava ministry The cabinet shuffles succeeded primarily (with Mendizábal at the Hacienda [sic: among the ruling oligarchs. Under these Finance]) ordered the extinction of mon- circumstances, and given the historical asteries, convents, colleges of both sexes bond between church and state in the Ibe- with the exceptions of the Colegios de rian Peninsula, the condition of the Cath- Misioneros (Colleges of Missionaries) at olic Church in Spain could not have been Valladolid of the Augustinians, Ocaña of but “muddled and shaken.” The following the Domincans, Avila of the Franciscans, events occurred: and Monteagudo of the Augustinian Rec- ollects, plus a number of other houses for In mid-July 1834, numerous convents in educational and hospital work. Most con- Madrid were burned and sacked and the templative communities were done away religious killed. with by the Liberal Regime; nevertheless,

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some Religious Orders were allowed to to the Spaniards aversion to agriculture keep one monastery. Why was this so? The and manual labor, which did not befit them main reason why the Augustinians, the as the superior and dominant race. At this Dominicans, Franciscans and Augustinian period, the Philippines «was virtually an Recollects were allowed at least to keep asylum for the dregs of Spanish society» one monastery each was for the training of -- that is, vagabonds, criminals, and delin- missionaries for their Philippine missions. quents. The Marques de Novaliches writes: Normalcy returned to Spain in 1874, when ‘It is a sad fact, but true one, that we send the government gave the crown of Spain to those distant islands, for the most part, King Alfonso XII, the son of Queen Isabel neither the most intelligent nor the most II. However, the Liberal Government did a solicitous for their own good name and great harm and confusion in the Catholic reputation. I need not even suggest to you Church in Spain. what evils have been consequent upon this procedure. ” B. The Philippines: 1815-1874 The Spanish colonial government in the At the middle of the 19th century, the Philippines was an unwieldy bureaucracy, church in the Philippines had under its heavily dependent on Madrid, highly cen- spiritual care about 3,664,347 souls for the tralized, and like that of the Mother coun- year 1849. There were around 450 reli- try, inefficient. gious from the religious missionaries who came to the archipelago: The Augustinians, For sure, both the Spanish imperial ideas the Franciscans, the Dominicans and the and Christian principles were still there; Augustinian Recollects. The Jesuits, who but the empire had shrunk, times had were expelled from the Spanish colonies in changed, and the colonial officials came 1768 by King Charles III, were allowed to and went, uncommitted and selfish and, return to the Philippines in 1859. The co- above all, inept. From 1565 to 1898 there lonial government in Manila gave them the was a turn over of 116 administrators. charge of the Escuela Pia. Later, the Jesu- its transformed this school to Ateneo Mu- Eleven Governors-general served out their nicipal. Moreover, that same year Queen full term of eight years, or longer. Between Isabella II gave to the Jesuits the island 1800 and 1860, there were 24 Governors- of Mindanao for their mission work. The General; probably, a result of the intrigues country was governed by the Overseas in Manila; but, undoubtedly, a reflection of Ministry in Madrid called the “Ultramar” the instability of the government in Spain. which took over the “Consejo de Indias.” From 1859 till the abdication of Queen Isabel II in September 1868, the govern- In 1864, there were in the archipelago ment changed hands 20 times; from Octo- 4,050 Spaniards, 3,280 of them govern- ber 1868 till the end of 1874, 19 times. In ment officials and about 500 members of the Philippines 25 governors-general suc- the clergy. Often the only white man in ceeded each other during the third quarter the provincial towns was the Spanish cura of the 19th century. It was not only that (parish priest). Not only was the govern- the revolving gubernatorial shuffles could ment centralized, but the colonial Spanish not guarantee a uniform colonial policy, community was heavily concentrated in the but also the governors-general, besides be- capital city of Manila. This phenomenon ing uniformly drawn from the army and was due partly to the social and commer- navy, were of different political colors. cial advantages that Manila offered, partly Some examples are: Governor-General

36 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Centennial Lectures

Rafael Echagüe (1862-1865) was a Liberal theless, the Church sees the Anglo-Saxon Unionist; Carlos de la Torre (1869-1871), Freemasonic model leaning toward reli- a Radical Liberal; Rafael Izquierdo (1871- gious indifferentism as it promotes univer- 73), a Conservative but in secret a Mason. sal brotherhood. The study of the history Though they belonged to different politi- of the Church makes us aware that there cal parties, the governors-general had the have been unpleasant relationships be- main agendum in their administration, i.e., tween the Church and European Freema- to maintain the Philippines for Spain at all sonry. The more we dig into the past the costs. more wounds we uncover. Though truth from the past hurts let us learn from it and Nota bene: The main source of this last do our best not commit the same approach two sections of this paper before the con- as some organizations did, that is, they an- clusion is taken from the published disser- tagonized old institutions imbedded in the tation of Rev. Fr. Antolin V. Uy, SVD, HED, society like the Catholic Church in order The State of the Church in the Philippines, to improve the lot of their constituents. 1850-1875. The Correspondence between As Gat Jose Rizal would say, Ang hindi the Bishops of the Philippines and the marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinang- Nuncio in Madrid, Tagaytay Studies, No. galingan ay hindi makauunawa sa kanyng 3 (Tagaytay City: Divine Word Seminary, kasalukuyan at hindi siya makararating sa 1984) kanyang paroroonan. There are things that we need to learn more from the past but as IV. Conclusion for now we need transparency and continu- ous dialogue to work out differences. And José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955), a Span- we hope this would continue between civil ish philosopher, would define history as Yo and ecclesiastical institutions to serve the soy yo y mi circunstancia (I am what I am common interest of humanity. and my circumstance). What made me is due to the circumstances that surrounded Thank you! me. Applying this adage to this lecture we could say that the Church in general and Spanish friars in particular have been nega- NOTES tive of the Freemasonic lodges due to the 1. L. CABRERO, La actitud de la Masonería ante la independencia de latter’s dealings with the Church and hier- Filipinas en Masonería Española y America, II, coordinador J.A. Ferrer archy. The papacy and the Church suffered Benneli, (Zaragoza, 1993), 1097-1105. persecutions from Liberal regimes whose 2. J. S. ARCILLA, SJ, Introduction to Philippine History (Quezon City: 19843), 98-99. government was run by a majority who were Freemasons. This has been the reason 3. G. F. ZAIDE, Republic of the Philippines, 174-175. why the Catholic Church in general and 4. N. JOAQUIN, A Question of Heroes, 94-99. 5. C. A. MAJUL, Anticlericalism during the Reform Movement..., 152- Spanish friars in particular has maintained 161. very critical stand against the Continental 6. RETANA, Vida y Escritos del Doctor José Rizal, 128-129, cited by European Freemasonry and its Philippine G.7. ZAIDE in Jose Rizal: Life, Works and Writings (Manila: 1979), 104. counterpart from the nineteenth century 7. RETANA, 129-130. up to the present. Furthermore, the Catho- 8. G. ZAIDE, Jose Rizal, 105. lic Church’s critical stance to Freemasonry 9. http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/texts/RomanCatholics.html does not distinguish the Latin Freemasonic 10. http://www.sspxasia.com/Newsletters/2002/JMan-ar/The_Ma... model that is anti-clerical from the Anglo- 11. http://www.sspxasia.com/Newsletters/2002/Jan-Mar/The_Ma...

Saxon model that is not antagonistic in its 12. http://www.sspxasia.com/Newsletters/2002/Jan-Mar/The_Ma... contacts with the Catholic Church. Never-

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 37 Other Recent Events, Developments Here and Overseas

Officers of MD RIII-D’s The fellowship that followed strength- ened further the indissoluble chain of Council of PDDGMs sincere affection that links all breth- ren wheresoever dispersed, particularly inducted those of MD RIII-D. OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL of PD- DGMs of MD RIII-D (South Nueva Eci- ja) were inducted by CGM Santiago T. Annual Communications Gabionza, Jr. at Plaza Leticia Restaurant, Lakewood Golf and Country Club in Ca- 2013 Souvenir Program banatuan City on September 15, 2012. soon to be published

In his message, MW Gabionza com- VW DANTE A. DENATE, CDGL and mended the District Officers, led by VW Souvenir Program Committee Chair, as- Ramiro M. Cruz, for being the first to sured the editorial staff of this publica- comply with his injunction that all Ma- tion that, under the leadership of VW sonic Districts in this Jurisdiction should Tommy O. Que, CJGL for West Visayas, organize their respective Councils of and VW Wilson Cua Locsin, CDDGM, PDDGMs. ANCOM 2013 Chairman and Co-Chair- man, respectively, MD RVI-A (Iloilo, “I am optimistic,” he said, “that all of Antique, Aklan) would not leave any you, dear brethren, particularly the PD- stone unturned to insure the success of DGMs and all those upon whom author- the 97th ANCOM of our MW Grand ity has been bestowed, will discharge Lodge, to be held in Iloilo City in the last your respective duties and obligations week of April 2013.. with utmost fidelity and conscientious- ness toward the efficient and effective Stated VW Dante Denate: “To commem- governance of your District. I have no orate this prestigious annual Masonic doubt that you will extend your active as- event, we are undertaking the publica- sistance and sympathy to the incumbent tion of a Souvenir Program. We hope Grand Lodge officers in the all-impotant that Masonic Districts, Blue Lodges, task of giving due meaning and sub- Masonic organizations, and individual stance to the Centennial Theme: ‘Build- brethren will unhesitatingly place their ing on the Past, Excelling in the Present, advertisements in the Souvenir Pro- Providing for the Future: MORE Ma- gram.” sonry for All’…. The acronym MORE stands for a return to our Craft’s strong Brethren, CDGM Juanito G. Espino, Jr. MORAL FOUNDATIONS, ORGANI- urges all of us to help MD RVI-A launch ZATIONAL EMPOWERMENT, RE- the ANCOM 2013 Souvenir Program SPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP, and EX- into a happy reality! TERNAL OUTREACH.”

38 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 GLP Centennial which he was given a token of appreciation by MW Gabionza and MW Puno. Commemorative Bills Finally, the GLP Centennial Commemo- launched rative Bills were launched, followed by the Ceremonial Signing of Donation of a Piece of land to the GLP.

Centennial Grand Master Santiago T. Ga- bionza, Jr. closed the special event with his remarks.

Bagumbayan Lodge No. 4 Celebrates 98TH Anniversary and Past Masters’ Night THE MW GRAND LODGE OF THE PHILIPPINES (GLP), in cooperation with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), launched the GLP Centennial Commemo- rative Bills at the Emilio Aguinaldo Hall of the Plaridel Masonic Temple (PMT) on October 10, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.

Approximately two hours before the launching of the bills, members of the The brethren of Bagumbayaan Lodge various media (print, radio, and television) No.4, the first Filipino Lodge under the were taken on a guided tour of the PMT jurisdiction of the MWGLFMP, celebrat- and its premises. ed its 98th Anniversary and Past Mas- ters’ Night last September 19, 2012 at The media guided tour over, the pro- the Makati Sports Club. WM Mel Sison, gramme at the Emilio Aguinaldo Hall, SW Alex Solomon, and JW James Capili which was emceed by Centennial Deputy led them in welcoming special guests and Grand Master Juanito G. Espino, Jr., start- brethren from other Lodges. ed with an invocation led by Centennial Grand Chaplain Jesse D. Alto. Among the Past Masters present were WBs Joey Redor, Nap Venturina, Gilbert After the singing of the National Anthem, Pazcoguin, Roberto Aris, Romy Ramos, Grand Lodge March, and Grand Lodge and Edwin Cruz, Sr. NCR-B DDGM Rey Centennial Hymn, GLP Centennial Anni- Paynaganan also attended the occasion. versary Committee Chair Reynato S. Puno, PGM, GMH, warmly welcomed one and Commented WM Mel Sison: “Despite the all to the special event. heavy traffic and rainy eather, the breth- ren came in full force to celebrate a fellow- Next, Hon. Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., BSP ship to remember.” He added, “This early, Governor, delivered his message, after we are enthusiastically preparing for our Grand Centennial.”

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 39 UNIFORM PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCT- of Dapitan Lodge No. 21. Mobile Number ING PRE-TRIAL COMMISSION PRO- 0927-808-2954.” (Brethren, we must not let CEEDINGS TO BE STRICTLY OBSERVED “Run Kuyang Run” fail!)

OUR CENTENNIAL GRAND MASTER, in GLP HOSTEL FORMALLY OPENED his Circular No. 30 issued on Sept. 20, 2012, states, “Pursuant to the amendments introduced THE MASONIC HOSTEL located at the under Section Section 31 to 44 of the Constitu- Grand Lodge of the Philippines was formally tion of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of opened on October 15, 2012. Before the formal the Philippines in the last Annual Communica- opening of the Masonic Hostel, MW Gabi- tions at Naga City, Camarines Sur the uniform onza issued Circular No. 32 dated Oct. 2, 2012, procedure of the conduct of the proceedings in which he informed the brethren and other of a trial commission….” He then specifies the members of the Masonic Fraternity or Fam- pertinent sections of the GLP’s Constitution. ily in this Jurisdiction that the following are the Knowing that, as Lodges, we feel obliged to available rooms : learn by heart the specific sections of the Con- stitution of our MW Grand Lodge, we believe First Level there is no need for us to recapitulate them here (Air-conditioned, Hot & Cold Shower, LCD Television) anymore. We fervently hope that, as stressed by • 5 Bedrooms for Single and Occupancy – Rooms 203, 204, 209, 210, and 211. MW Gabionza, every trial commission formed • 3 Bedrooms for Triple and Quadruple Occupancy – Rooms 206 by a subordinate Lodge or by the MW Grand and 208 Second Level – Air-conditioned, Hot & Cold Shower, LCD TV Lodge shall observe the specified uniform pro- • 8 Bedrooms for Single and Double Occupancy –Rooms 301, 302, cedure in the conduct of proceedings which is 303, 304, 307, 309, 310, and 311 • 3 Bedrooms for Triple and Quadruple Occupancy – Rooms 305, being heard and to be heard by it. 306, and 308.

MW GABIONZA URGES LODGES TO Room rates for the first and second levels are FULLY SUPPORT “RUN KUYANG RUN” as follows:

• Single --- Php 1,200 per room/day IN HIS CIRCULAR NO. 31 dated Sept. 25, • Double --- Php 1,400 per room/day • Triple --- Php 1,500 per room/day 2012, our Centennial Grand Master informs • Quadruple --- Php 1,600 per room/day us that the Manager of the “Run Kuyang Run” fund-raising project has reported to the GLP Third Level Centennial Committee that as of September 13, (Air-conditioned, Hot & Cold Shower)

2012, only few Lodges have responded to the • Five Bedrooms for Single and Double occupancy – Rooms 401, call of the Grand Lodge leadership for support 402, 403, 407, and 404. and cooperation in this endeavor despite the fact • 2 Bedrooms, Dormitory type -- Rooms 405 and 406 that in his Circular No. 25, MW Gabionza un- derscored that the project is one of the major Room Rates for Third Level: highlights in the celebration of the 100th an- • Single -- Php 900 per room/day • Double – Php 1000. per room/day niversary of the founding of our MW Grand • Dormitory type - 5 persons – 2 double deck and 1 single bed) Lodge and therefore we should not allow it to -- Php 300. per room/day fail. So, MW Gabionza urges all of us “to ex- ert our level best and show our families and the For inquiry or booking reservations, brethren society at large that we in Freemasonry know may call the Masonic Hostel thru Tel. No.632- how to treasure and nurture our colorful role 5227407. and significance in our historical development as an independent nation.” The Masonic Hostel is under the management of the Grand Court of the Philippines, Order Continues he: “On this note, May I appeal TO of the Amaranth. ALL Lodges to give your kind and much-need- ed support.” Finally, he states, “For particulars, please get in touch with Bro. Lawrence F. Plata

40 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 But when then Philippine strongman President Ferdinand Marcos imposed Martial Law, he was counted among the 30,000 people jailed in 1972. He was well out of prison in 1975 when he finally met Jose Maria Sison, founding chair- man of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) while the latter was readying Nueva Ecija as a New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla base. His relations with Sison, however, would not deepen until 20 years later.

Flight

Seemingly, Bro. Capulong had a promising po- litical career ahead of him. But Martial Law thwarted his bid for mainstream politics. Like a number of his contemporaries, persecution had pushed him farther to the Left.

While at his home at UP Teachers’ Village in Bro. Capulong drops tools at 77 Quezon City, he often gave free legal services to By WB Edmund Coronel, PM his neighbors, largely radical faculty members of the UP. At that time, he was also part of the BRO. ROMEO T. CAPULONG dropped his legal team of the Liberal Party defending Sen. working tools on September 16, 2012. A public Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., Marcos’ arch political ri- interest lawyer who figured prominently in the val, in the military court. But in 1979, word came Philippine political left, he died of cardiac arrest out of his impending arrest. No sooner did he with complications at the Manila Doctors Hospi- flee to the U.S. tal at the age of 77. In the U.S., he founded the Philippine Center for Bro. Capulong was raised to the sublime degree Immigrant Rights and soon worked as an immi- of Master Mason at Nueva Ecija Lodge No. 73 in gration lawyer. In 1981, he linked up with his for- Quezon, Nueva Ecija on January 11, 1964. He was mer client, Aquino, whom Marcos had allowed also a member of the Luzon Bodies, A. & A. S. R. to travel for a heart bypass operation.

He schooled his way through scholarships, Radical earning a law degree in the end. As he set out onto private practice, he also maintained a lo- Bro. Capulong returned to the Philippines after cal radio show where he aired the woes of the the fall of Marcos in 1986. Meeting Sison while poor and dispossessed Novo Ecijano farmers. still in the country, he agreed to become the legal Many were his pro bono clients. counsel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the umbrella organization In 1970, Bro. Capulong was selected to be- of the various underground communist units, come a delegate to the Constitutional Con- when the government invited them to sit down vention where he teamed up later with the for a peace talk. fiery University of the Philippines (UP) pro- fessor Enrique Voltaire Garcia. In a press statement, the CPP hailed Bro. Capu- long’s effort: “The revolutionary forces led by the

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 41 CPP salute his invaluable contributions to the turned-NPA Raymundo Jarque. Soon, he was peace negotiations, including the drafting of im- handling headline-grabbing cases like the Paya- portant and defining bilateral agreements.” tas dumpsite tragedy, Hacienda Luisita tenants’ claim and big corporation labor suits. Perhaps, Expectedly, the negotiations bogged down. But his biggest was the human rights claim he had he stayed on as the NDFP’s lawyer. filed in behalf of 10,000 respondents against Marcos in the U.S. court. They won US$ 2.2 bil- Later, he was fielded in the senatorial slate of the lion in damages. Partido ng Bayan, the party of the political left, but lost. It was his first and last try in electoral BAYAN (Bagong Alyansang Nagkakaisa), the politics. alliance front of the legal Left organizations, de- scribed Bro. Capulong: “He was a human rights When the government cancelled Sison’s pass- defender extraordinaire, described by admirers port in September 1988, Bro. Capulong rushed as having the “rare combination of brilliance to counter the subversion charges filed against and skill, fearlessness, and an unwavering com- the CPP founder. He won the case when the An- mitment to serve the poor and downtrodden”. ti-Subversion Law was repealed in 1992. Indeed, a person like Ka Romy comes only once in a generation.” Since then, Bro. Capulong began helping Sison in the latter’s legal suits in The Netherlands and People’s Lawyer in the U.S. But Bro. Capulong was not all fist pumping in In his own website, Sison issued a testimony the air. He also handled non-political cases. In to the late “Ka Romy” saying—“Ka Romy’s 1995, he defended the controversial domestic clear understanding and firm grasp of the re- helper Flor Contemplacion in the Singaporean lationship between the legal and the political is court but failed to stay the execution despite pre- displayed in his often repeated statement, “The senting new evidences to the case. Also, he rep- validity and correctness of the armed struggle is resented the ageing “comfort women”—women neither a legal nor moral issue, it is a political and who had been forced into sex slavery by the Jap- historical one.” anese Imperial Army in World War II—before the Japanese court. If true, Bro. Capulong did sound like a radical. But all his actions—in public at least—showed To alleviate the hurting consumers, he ques- that he had often towed the legal line and miles tioned water and power rate hikes before the away from trouble. court, even the privatization of these utilities.

Legal Aid Perhaps, many of his countrymen were slow to recognize his public interest lawyering. But With Marcos gone, so was Bro. Capulong’s po- international institutions were not. He was ap- litical star that had shone out fast and bright in pointed for a time to sit as member of the United the 1970s. Rather than pursue his own ambition, Nations (UN) International Criminal Tribunal. he reverted to his beginnings: helping people with legal aid. At the time of his death, Bro. Capulong chaired the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) which he Joined with the Left, Bro. Capulong would ex- founded in 1989. In 2007, he put up the National pectedly help his companions first. He lawyered Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), a lawyers’ for the late labor leaders Crispin Beltran and volunteer group, where he was the chairman Rolando Olalia, as well as the Marine General- emeritus.

42 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 a healthy and normal psychological environment; Bubbles of for she was at the precarious stage of development. With the strong support of the family and that of Gratitude and Hope her school, Charisse developed self-confidence, which By Sis. Alicia Borja-Espejon is the foundation of her character.

One day, Gregorio Y. Uy (a.k.a. George Uy), my EVERY CHILD IS BOTH a blessing and a gift espe- brother-in-law, who was a member of the Macajalar cially to parents. But to my husband Cesario and me, Lodge in Cagayan de Oro, called us up and instructed both of whom were then young and simple govern- us to get in touch with the Freemasons in Surigao ment employees, our daughter Charisse was (and still City. That was Greek to us. My husband was not yet is) more than a blessing and a gift. a member of the Craft! At that time, I did not know that another brother-in-law, Manuel E. Ferrer, was a When she was born to us at the Miranda Family Hos- Freemason and a Shriner. pital in Surigao City on December 31, 1981, we were overwhelmed with joy. In the morning of the New At any rate, we personally visited VW Andoni T. Year, however, we were dumbfounded – nay, we felt as Dumlao, the Worshipful Master of Mt. Diwata Lodge if the world closed in on us -- when we found out that #236 then, at his residence. He was a personal friend the beautiful stork was born with clubbed feet. For- of ours. tunately, the late Dr. Josefino Miranda, the hospital’s brilliant medical director, a distant relative of ours, After we had complied with the medical records/eval- and an Entered Apprentice Mason, quickly explained uation required, VW Andoni made a strong represen- to us our daughter’s condition and the intervention tation on our behalf with the Shriners at the Grand available, if only to assuage our anxiety and appre- Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philip- hension. pines. After a month, we were instructed to proceed to Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo, Manila for fur- After a month, Dr. Josefino Miranda started with the ther medical evaluation, a requisite to Charisse’s ad- medical intervention, which would correct the defect. mission for surgery. He wrapped our daughter’s feet with plaster cast, which must be changed every month, pro bono. This In April 1986, Charisse had her left clubbed foot oper- procedure corrected Charisse’s right foot, but her left ated on by a father and son team, both Freemasons, required an invasive procedure. Dr. Manuel Rivera and Dr. Michael Rivera.

I did not leave the fate of our daughter’s feet to medi- The surgery did not leave an iota of traumatic effect cal intervention alone. I also attended faith healing on our daughter, only a bit of discomfort, with her sessions to seek divine intervention. Besides, we entire left leg in plaster cast! But the ambiance of the submitted our daughter for medical examination and Masonic Ward for Crippled Children in Mary John- evaluation to two respectable orthopedic surgeons in ston Hospital somehow set a pleasant mood for all. different hospitals. Both surgeons were of the opin- The other patient-beneficiaries shared their respective ion that our daughter’s condition required an invasive tales with one another. procedure, namely, orthopedic surgery. That verdict had a chilling effect on me in particular; for that meant Every week, we were visited by Masons, who brought that our daughter would go under the knife at a very with them goodies, to the children’s delight. tender age. One weekend, then Grand Master Rosendo Herrera We wanted to comply with the order of both doctors, treated us at Jollibee and later took us to their resi- but the cost of the surgery was very prohibitive, and dence, where his charming spouse and children served my husband and I were but struggling government us snacks! We all went back to the hospital in high employees then... spirits, each with a full stomach and with gift packs!

We sent Charisse to pre-school, with her clubfoot. We Back in the hospital, I made a serious calculation of persuaded her teachers to treat her any normal pupil, the cost of the surgery performed on our daugh- to let her participate in all school activities, particu- ter’s clubbed foot, the medicines, and our stay in the larly physical, sans the special attention. We talked hospital. All this amounted to a great sum, but the to her classmates and explained to them her being Shriners gave it all for free. So, I asked myself, “Are differently able, laying down a solid spiritual foun- Freemasons that benevolent and generous?” The dation. She was accepted by all her classmates and post-surgery process consisted in monthly check-up/ schoolmates, and she interacted with them, like any follow-up for two years. During those two years, we other regular kid. But, of course, I constantly and traveled monthly from Surigao to Manila. diligently watched her in order to provide her with CONTINUED IN PAGE 58

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 43 MW Gabionza’s That is the point which the American psy- chiatrist, Dr. Hans Selye, stresses in his es- “Open Letter” say entitled “But Hard Work Isn’t Bad for You.” In that essay, Dr. Selye defines work to members of Masonic as “what we have to do” and play as “what Youth Organizations we want to do.” By doing so, he strongly suggests that we will enjoy life if we do things because we like to do them, and not WE, YOUR MASON DADS, as well as because we have to do them. Therefore, dear your Moms, the Amaranths and the East- DeMolays, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow ern Stars, strive morally to develop our- Girls, get actively involved in the activities selves into men and women of honor, vir- of your respective Orders, not because you tue, and charitable feelings, and thereby have to do so, but rather because you really to inspire and edify you, as well as other desire to do so. If you constantly maintain young people, more by example than by such an attitude, then your life will become precept. Thus inspired and edified, you a con- tinuous adventure will, we hope, also aim at attaining your personal perfection or excellence, by means In his essay enti- whereof you will help us accomplish the tled “On Run- Masonic fraternity or family’s self-im- ning After posed mission, which is to bring about One’s Hat a universal league of mankind or to es- in a Windy tablish upon earth a brotherhood of men Afternoon,” of different countries, sects and opinions English writ- under the Fatherhood of the Great Archi- er G. K. Ches- tect of the Universe. terton para- doxically defines Indeed, it is important for us members of adventure as “an in- the Masonic fraternity or family to exert convenience rightly considered.” General- all-out effort to continuously improve our- ly, we want to have adventure, and we want selves; for unless we do so, we will not be to avoid inconvenience as much as we can. able to exert beneficial influence on other But, as Chesterton paradoxically points fellowmen. That is why we should eagerly out, we can convert an inconvenience into learn, as well as persistently practice, the an adventure by rightly considering it. lessons and teachings of our Masonic fra- ternity or family. Suppose, Chesterton says, you were a Brit- ish gentleman and went for a walk on a Undoubtedly, the International Orders of windy afternoon, and then your hat was DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow blown away by the wind. Would you con- for Girls help you, their members, to trans- sider running after your hat an unpleasant form yourselves into young men and wom- and humiliating experience? Would you en of the finest character or of the highest fear that people around might laugh if the quality. It is important, however, that you wind blew your hat farther away when you enjoy your participation or involvement in were about to pick it up? No, Chesterton the activities of your respective Orders; for says, you should not. Instead, you should when you enjoy the things you are doing, regard yourself as a jolly huntsman pur- you take them seriously. suing a wild animal. If the wind would blow your hat farther away and the people

44 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 around laugh, then you should tell your- ideals of your respective Orders is a duty self, “I am making people happy by running incumbent upon each of you. I hope you after my hat.” Then the inconvenience of joined DeMolay. Job’s Daughter, or Rain- running after your hat would become, for bow for Girls because you wanted to be you, an adventure, an enjoyable experience. able to better exemplify, by your lives, the cardinal virtues of true manhood or wom- Try to assume the romantic attitude sug- anhood. Unless that was your reason for gested by G. K. Chesterton. Rightly con- seeking membership in your respective Or- sider every inconvenience you encounter, ders, I dare say you are not DeMolays, Job’s and your daily life will become an enjoyable Daughters in the real sense of the term, adventure. Yes, try it! It will make wonder- and you do not belong in a Bethel of Job’s ful things happen to you. Daughters, or an Assembly of Rainbow Girls, or a Chapter of DeMolays in the real Listen, moreover, to the following portion sense of the word. of a beautiful passage I came across in my reading: Invariably, we members of the widespread Masonic fraternity or family are influenced “Youth is not a time of life, but rather a by the principles state of mind, a temper of the will, a qual- of Goodness ity of the imagination, or a vigor of emo- and Truth. tions. Nobody grows old by merely living While in- a number of years. People grow old by de- fluenced serting their ideals.” by these principles, Have you, dear Sons and Daughters, fully hypocrisy realized the beauties of the teachings of and deceit are your respective Orders and the idealism to unknown among us; sincerity and plain which they lead? Have you done the best dealing distinguish us; and, with heart and you can to live up to those ideals? If you tongue, we join in promoting one another’s have done so, then you will not grow old; welfare and happiness, and rejoicing in one instead, you will retain your youth until another’s prosperity. Closely united, we your earthly bodies return to their kindred do things together toward common goals, dust. share things with one another in sincere love and fellowship, and show our pride in There can be no doubt that if you put the our Masonic Fraternity or Family not only lessons you have learned in the meetings to one another but to the general public as of your respective Chapters, Bethels or As- well. semblies into persistent practice in daily life, they will result in a virtuous and well- That is why toward the end of our stated spent life. and special meetings, we, your Dads, pray thus: “May the blessing of Heaven rest You must ever remember that our entire upon us and all regular Masons. May Masonic fraternity or family, as well as Brotherly Love prevail and every moral each of its segments, including your re- and social virtue cement us. Amen.” spective Orders, teaches us, its members, how to live richly, abundantly, and mean- Toward the end of your own meetings, you ingfully. Therefore, to live constantly by make a similar benediction. In behalf of the timeless teachings and imperishable your other Dads in this Jurisdiction, I most

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 45 sincerely thank you, dear DeMolays, Job’s Grand Lodge, together with its constituent Daughters, and Rainbow Girls, for asking Districts and subordinate Lodges, will con- God to “bless and protect the Masons who tinue to extend, if not increase, its moral gave us heritage.” and financial support to your Orders.

The best tribute you can render to the We leaders of the MW Grand Lodge of the founders and pioneering members of your Philippines will do the best we can to stim- respective Orders, as well as their equally ulate the brethren to encourage their sons, dedicated successors, is to be always con- daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters scious of the heritage they have given you; to seek membership in your Orders, as well to be always aware of the dignity and high as to get more actively involved than before importance of the International Orders of in the projects and activities of your Orders. DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, or Rainbow for Girls vis-à-vis the long-term goal of Ma- Certainly, we will continue to support the sonry; and to display amiable, discreet, and worthwhile endeavors of the JODERA virtuous conduct everywhere you are. By Club, which is composed of the Job’s doing so, you will help us, your Dads and Daughters, DeMolays, and Rainbow Girls. Moms; convince the non-Masonic public of the goodness and greatness of our Ma- In short, we will give more attention and sonic fraternity or family. support than ever before to the three Ma- sonic youth organizations; for they are our Individually and concertedly, all of us partners in the attainment of the aforemen- members of the Masonic fraternity or tioned long-term goal of our Masonic fra- family must show others, by both pre- ternity or family. cept and example, that we are persons to whom burdened hearts may pour Let us, at this juncture, recall the fol- out their sorrows; persons to whom lowing statement in Bro. Jose “Di- distress may prefer its suit; per- masalang” Rizal’s essay entitled sons whose hands are guided by “Amor Patrio” (Love of Country): justice, and whose hearts are expanded by benevolence. “Let us always love our coun- try, by desiring nothing but Aware that harmony and unity is the her welfare and happiness; for by doing so, strength and beauty of our widespread we will labor in conformity with the pur- Masonic fraternity or family, I will see to pose of humanity dictated by God, which it that during the Centennial term the Ma- is the universal peace and harmony among sonic Coordinating Council (MCC), which His creatures.” is composed of the leaders of our Grand Lodge, Appendant Bodies, and Allied Or- We must, therefore, convince our non-Ma- ders, will function as efficiently and effec- son countrymen, more by deeds than by tively as possible. Your Orders are duly words, that we members of the Masonic represented in that Council fraternity or family in this Jurisdiction are at once true citizens of our country and Aware, too, of the role that each Masonic of the whole world. Yes, if we are true youth organization is to play in the attain- members of the Masonic fraternity or fam- ment of the long-term goal of the Ma- ily, then we are truly nationalistic Filipino sonic fraternity or family, as Centennial citizens with an international perspective or Grand Master, I will also see to it that the cosmopolitan outlook.

46 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Espino Jr., RW Dad Alan LM Purisima, RW Dad To- Supreme Assembly in mas G. Rentoy III, Dads from Tayabas Lodge No. 43 (the Sponsoring Body of Mount Banahaw Assembly Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA No. 22), Kalilayan Lodge No. 37, MW AG Pedro M. By Rogeanne Maica L. Ylagan Gimenez Memorial Lodge No. 370, Dads from Saigon Shrine Club, Mom Eleanor Roque Redor, Dad Bot and Past Worthy Advisor, Mount Banahaw Assembly No. 22 of Tayabas, Qu- ezon / Grand Drill Leader, Grand Assembly of the Philippines Mom Lizabeth Sto. Domingo, and to my parents, Dad Ronnie and Mom Mae Ylagan. Because of these won- derful people, one of my Rainbow dreams came true I FOUND ANOTHER TREASURE in the Pot – a real treasure in the Pot of Gold! of Gold! It’s the realization of one of my Rainbow dreams: to be able to attend the Supreme Session. My dream became a reality on July 20 – 25, 2012, when I attended the 44th Biennial Supreme Assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

The Supreme Assembly was graced by the presence of Honored Dignitaries, Distinguished Dignitaries of Canada and Michigan, Supreme Family and Rain- bow girls from different jurisdictions across the globe. Loads of Rainbow activities filled the venue, I was honored to be part of the Supreme Skit, where I was able to share what Rainbow girls in the Philip- pine jurisdiction had been doing. I was also given the opportunity to carry the Philippine flag in the Caval- cade of Flags, one of the most beautiful highlights of Supreme Assembly.

The best, most significant, most memorable ceremony I witnessed during the Session was the Grand Cross of Color Degree, which imparted to me life-long les- sons of continual service. I was one of the two ac- tive Rainbow girls who were invested with the Grand Cross of Color Medallion. This award, I believe, is the greatest gift of Rainbow to me; for it is the high- est honor which the Order confers upon its active members and the Advisors in recognition of the dis- tinguished service they have rendered to it.

Seeing Rainbow girls from all over the world and making new friends made this occasion extra special. The lasting friendships built in Rainbow are what I love about our Order. By attending the Supreme As- sembly, beyond any doubt, I have gained countless memories, new lessons, and unforgettable experiences that I can share with my Rainbow sisters here in the Philippines.

The Immediate Past Supreme Worthy Advisor, Mom Linda Lee-Little, whose example of unselfish ser- vice to others served as an inspiration to all of us, stressed that we should continue reaching our Rain- bow dreams.

My Supreme Assembly experience would not have been possible without the untiring help and support of our Dad Masons. I would like to extend my sin- cerest gratitude to the Masonic family, particularly MW Dad Santiago Gabionza Jr., RW Dad Juanito Carnicero, Borromemo, Sitges, and their relationship with Rizal By VW J. Flor R. Nicolas, PSGL

DESIROUS OF PROVING THAT the na- derisively denominated “Filipinos”; to the tives of his enslaved country, whom the mestizos (i.e., men of mixed blood}, whose supercilious Spanish colonialists derisively Spanish parents were prominent in the denominated Indios, were not inferior to, community and who, therefore, managed to but rather as intelligent as, if not more in- gain a place for themselves in the affairs of telligent than, any other race, our eminent the Spaniards; and, definitely, to the indios Brother, Dr. Jose “Dimasalang” Rizal, did (i.e., brown-skinned natives), whom they all within his power to transform himself looked down to as “hewers of wood and into a “perfect ashlar,” into a master of carriers of water.” Generally, the penin- his own self, into such a “gem of a man” sulares had no respect for the indio, whom that he exerted a great impact on the men they tolerated only if and when he was rich and women who came under the pale of like Capitan Tiago, a pathetic character in his influence – an example, my brethren, Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, whose house be- well worthy of emulation by us. Let us, came a good feeding ground for them. therefore, take a close look at his relation- ship with Captain Ricardo Carnicero and Captain Juan Sitges, both of whom sought “Undoubtedly, if we continue to touch him, and with pharmacist Cosme Borromeo, who admired his literary talent studying his life, works and writ- and winsome ways. ings and strive hard to emu- late his many virtues, Jose “Di- Captain Ricardo Carnicero, later to be pro- masalang” Rizal would also touch moted to the rank of colonel, was at once us and make a big difference in a thinker, a Freemason, and a fearless mili- tary man, who was assigned as Comman- our own lives.“ dant of the Spanish forces in Mindanao and as Governor of Dapitan in Zamboanga. Carnicero befriended men of kindred spir- Since both the Church and the State, whose it, irrespective of color, class and condi- union was the root of many moral and so- tion. One of these men was Cosme Bor- cial evils, harassed and persecuted mem- romeo, who hailed from Cebu, graduated bers of the Masonic fraternity, Carnicero from the University of Santo Tomas with kept his membership in it sub rosa. the degree of Bachelor in Pharmacy, and married Lilay, a Tagala from Tondo, with He was over and above the social classifica- whom he went to Dapitan with the hope tion prevalent among the Spaniards in the that his health would improve there. At country. He was unlike his fellow penin- the time Rizal arrived in Dapitan, Borro- sulares (i.e., Spaniards born in the Iberian meo was serving the residents of the town Peninsula, particularly Spain)), who super- as practicante. ciliously considered themselves top-rate and superior to the insulares (i.e., Spaniards Both thinkers, Borromeo and Carnicero born in the Philippine Islands), whom they became constant companions during their

48 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 off-hours. In fact, the former was in the their conversations became intimate, al- latter’s residence in the evening of July 17, though not infrequently animated. 1892, when Captain Delgas of the Steamer Cebu turned over the exiled Rizal to the One evening, Carnicero asked what re- Commandant, as ordered by Governor forms Rizal would ask for his country’s General Eulogio Despujol. good. The latter answered he would pro- pose, among other things, that: When he went home that night, Borromeo joyously told his wife, “I met the famous 1. The Philippines be represented author of Noli Me Tangere and El Fili- in the Spanish Parliament, and thereby busterismo. I found him to be a handsome, the abuses of some of the Spaniards kind, respectful and charming gentleman.” would be stopped. Lilay, however, warned her husband to be 2. The friars be separated from the careful. “Jose Rizal is a prisoner, sentenced government in order that the power to exile in this place because he was found they exercise over the country would to be an enemy of the friars and of Spain,” be put to an end. she said. “I don’t want you to be involved. You can get into trouble fraternizing with 3. Vacant positions in the parishes be suspected persons.” filled as soon as possible with worthy and well qualified priests, regardless His wife’s warning notwithstanding, of whether they are peninsulares, insu- Cosme Borromeo treasured the memory lares, mestizos or indios – irrespective of the night he met Rizal in Carnicero’s of whether they are regulars (i.e., reli- residence. gious) or seculars.

Although he was happy fraternizing with 4. Primary education be promoted, Borromeo, Carnicero waxed happier when the intervention of friars in the schools Rizal decided to stay, not in the Jesuit mis- removed, and half of the positions giv- sion house, but in the comandencia, which en to Filipino teachersAll branches of served as his residence; for that meant he the government be allowed to function would be able to exchange ideas with a honestly. greater intellectual than he. 5. Schools of arts and crafts be cre- In the evening, Carnicero and Rizal en- ated in the capitals of provinces which gaged themselves in conversation. At first, have a population of over 16,000. they were wary of each other, one trying to fathom the other’s thoughts. Highly re- 6. Freedom of the press and free- solved not to stir the hornet’s nest for the dom of worship be given to the people sake of the people he dearly loved, Rizal was very cautious; for although Carnicero But Carnicero commented, “My friend, was a fellow Freemason, he was still his the reforms you ask are good and warden, who had to play to the hilt his role timely. But bear inmind that the fri- as such and who might, therefore, report ars, both in Manila and in Madrid, are to Governor-General Despujol and even very powerful and influential. There- to Father Pablo Pastells what Rizal had fore, as of now, it is almost impossible disclosed to him. Later on, however, Rizal for the reforms you advocate to be car- found that his warden frowned upon racial ried out. They might be put into effect and class prejudice. In due time, therefore, next year.”

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 49 This comment of Carnicero caused Rizal as those of the people he loved – his par- to decide to be a little more cautious in ents, relatives and close friends, and that expressing his opinion because his words Rizal, a man of reason, did not feel that might be twisted in some way before they others, especially those whom he loved, reached the ears of the higher authorities. should be made to suffer because of his Yet deep in his heart he wanted and wished convictions and actuations. most fervently that the reforms he was advocating would reach the ears of those Rizal had ambivalent feelings about his who sympathized with the just cause of warden’s proposition. Filipinas (i.e., the Philippines) and her peo- ple. He frankly told the Commandant, “I On the one hand, he was afraid that what doubt if the reforms I am advocating will had happened to the people of Calamba be put into effect next year. Since there would be repeated in Dapitan. He re- is bad government in Spain, the religious called the story of Cabesang Tales in El orders in the Philippines commit so many Filibusterismo, which he actually based on abuses. If the Liberals triumph, things may the bitter experience which the people of change for he better.” Calamba had undergone. Their lands were forcibly taken by the Dominicans with the Pontius Pilate-like, he added, “I have noth- aid of a Weyler-led military contingent ing to do with the Manifestation of the from Malacañang; innumerable innocent gobernadorcillos asking for the expulsion children were killed, many women raped, of the friars from the Philippines.” and houses burned down; and most of the men fled to the mountains. The recollec- “Of course, I believe you!” the well-in- tion of that unhappy event made him ask formed Commandant assured Rizal. the Commandant acridly, “After cultivating your land for many years, would you like to After a brief pause, Rizal revealed, “I still have the friars take it from you?” want to pursue my plan to establish a Fili- pino colony in Borneo. I have already di- On the other hand, Rizal also sensed that vulged my plan to the Governor-General.” Captain Carnicero was sincere. Thus, he The Commandant queried, “Why would conceded, saying: “If nine persons, friends establish a colony in Borneo, which is not a and members of my family, who were ex- part of yourcountry?” iled to Jolo, can be transferred to Dapitan, I will accede to your proposition.” Replied Rizal: “Because the British govern- ment gave guarantees to property owners, “I’ll do the best I can to help you regarding which the government in Spain did not.” this matter,” Carnicero assured Rizal.

Carnicero countered, “I think it would be Rizal appreciated Carnicero’s friendship so wiser for you to bring your people to Dap- much that on August 26, 1893, Carnicero’s itan. There is so much land in this area. birthday, he wrote a poem, which he pre- Here you and your people will be beyond sented as his gift to the birthday celebrator. the reach of the friars.” In the poem he praised Carnicero’s admin- istration of Dapitan as governor, laboring By saying that, he hoped to touch Rizal’s selflessly and tirelessly to serve the people heart; for he knew that the most effective whose welfare he had at heart. way to do so was to show sympathy with Rizal’s own miseries and sufferings, as well As may be gleaned from the poem, Rizal

50 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 believed it would be difficult to find a more One time Sitges suggested to Rizal, “Why intelligent, more understanding, more dis- don’t you stay at the comandencia as you interested administrator of Dapitan than did during Carnicero’s time?” Don Ricardo Carnicero. Very courteously, Rizal turned down the The latter, in turn, knew Rizal better than Commandant’s invitation. Explained he: any other Spaniard in the Philippines. He “I do appreciate your invitation. But I recognized Rizal’s ability and his firm have started working on the 16-hectare mind on the rights of man and the free- land across the river which I had bought dom of his country. In fact, he told his fel- from absentee landholders, and I am now low Spaniards that Rizal could be touched building a house on it He added that he by kindness, not by harshness and “better had started building a house on the land. than thou” attitude. But, instead of study- Besides, since you are a married man, I do ing counsel given them by their own peo- not believe that any one should intrude on ple, the foolish Spanish leaders were out your domestic felicity.” to break Rizal, using the argumentum ad baculum, which is the logic of a muleteer: Recognizing Rizal’s skill and ability, Sit- beat the mule up if it does not follow in- ges, also a doctor, gave the exile freedom structions. Instead of appreciating Car- to travel as far as Sandangan, about 120 nicero, the Spaniards had him taken away kilometers from Dapitan. Hence, the latter because of the charges of Fr. Obach, the often rode on a baroto to Manukan, Punot parish priest of Dapitan, that he did not and places along the beach 30 to 40 kilom- attend Mass. Actually, Fr. Obach did not eters away, to explore the lands along the like Carnicero because he dealt with Rizal seacoast for an hacienda or a ranch. almost with affection. Because of his unimpeachable integrity, in- Carnicero was relieved as Commandant flexible fidelity to his convictions and prin- by Captain Juan Sitges, who obviously had ciples, and his admirable knowledge and been briefed not to be gentle. In fact, dur- skill in different disciplines, Rizal touched ing their first meeting he frankly told Ri- many people and made a difference in their zal to board in some other place than the lives. Indeed, a veritable Renaissance man, comandencia and to report to him three he touched Cosme Borromeo and even times a day. Some say that he even pro- those who sought to touch him like Cap- hibited his beauteous wife from smiling at tains Ricardo Carnicero and Juan Sitges. Rizal. He was such a good, great, intelligent and honorable man that he was greatly admired Although he was treated harshly by Sitges, and highly esteemed by these three men. Rizal showed himself to be a true gentle- man, always acting coolly and calmly, with Undoubtedly, if we continue studying his an air of dignity and without hatred. Sub- life, works and writings and strive hard sequently, Sitges had a change of heart. to emulate his many virtues, Jose “Di- Having found Rizal to be an honorable masalang” Rizal would also touch us and and admirable man, who brought light and make a big difference in our own lives. If cheer to a gloomy atmosphere, he soon re- we do this, we may yet become what the gretted his actuations and began to treat late Senator Mayo Recto referred to as “a the exile with much kindness, with great nation of Rizals,” and our beloved country, respect, and with high esteem. Much later, eventually, would become a priceless “pearl the two became good friends. of the sea of the Orient.”

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 51 Co-Masonry, Lodges of Adoption, and Orders of Women Allied to the Craft By J. Flor R. Nicolas, PSGL

IT IS A MYTH that several women were • There are in the USA, England regular Freemasons, and that many promi- and France Lodges of women “Freema- nent Freemasons have said that this is true. sons,” the members of which call each What we learn in the Constitutions of other: Brother,” as well as use the same 1723, on which all Masonic law is based, is titles as regular Masonic Lodges do. that Masons must be males. There are no exceptions to this law. To make a woman a Similarly, in The Brethren (1998), pp. 140- Mason would, therefore, be illegal. 143, MW Reynold Smith Fajardo, PGM, GMH, PGS, informs us that in July 1893 A few ladies, however, are said to have been Walana Lodge, under the leadership of initiated into Masonry for various reasons. WB Faustino Villaruel, decided to organ- ize a Lodge of Adoption. He gives us the In his article entitled “Masonic Legends,” following explanations regarding that de- in The Northern Light, November 1989, velopment: Ill. Allen E. Roberts, 33o, informs us that: • In those days women played im- • A certain Maria Desraismes was portant roles in concealing Masonic initiated into Loge Les Libres Penseurs activities from the watchful eyes of the (Free Thinkers Lodge}. The Master of authorities. While the Masons con- the Lodge was subsequently expelled. ducted their meetings, the womenfolk Shortly thereafter the same Lodge is held parties in another section of the said to have become co-Masonic (i.e., house, the better to conceal the Ma- composed of both men and women). sonic gathering. They gave the Masons timely warning of any approaching • Although Co-Masonry is preva- danger and mainly because of such as- lent in the United States of America sistance, the Masons were able to keep (USA), it is not recognized by regu- their meetings sub rosa. In time the lar Freemasonry. shared dangers and frequent associa- tions under the umbrella of Ma- sonry cultivated on the part

52 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 of womenfolk a desire to participate provided they were Master Masons. in Masonic activities and gave rise to Its Venerable Master presided over the a corresponding decision on the part meetings and ceremonies, particularly of the Masons to share with them the the rites of initiation and exaltation. pleasures offered by the Fraternity. But while the Logia de Adopcion was very closely linked to the Masonic or- • The Statutes and General Regu- der, its lady members were not allowed lations of the Gran Oriente Español to become members, nor participate in authorized the formation of Triangu- the proceedings, of the Symbolic Lodg- los de Adopcion, Camaras de Adopcion es. and Logias de Adopcion for women as a special branch of the Masonic order • The first lady initiate of the patterned after those that sprang up in Lodge of Adoption was WB Faustino France in the 18th century. This spe- Villaruel’s beautiful young daughter, cial branch, was called “Masoneria de Rosario. She was initiated on July 18, Señores” and the lady members were 1893. referred to as “Hermanas Masonas.”

• The objective of the Triangles, “In those days women played im- Chambers and Lodges of Adoption was portant roles in concealing Ma- to engender the practice of charity and virtue, encourage learning, dignify the sonic activities from the watchful fair sex, make the affiliates true models eyes of the authorities. While of feminine tolerance, prudence and the Masons conducted their good manners, constituting in fine a meetings, the womenfolk held school of social education free of su- parties in another section of the perstition. house, the better to conceal the • A Lodge of Adoption solemnly Masonic gathering.” and impressively conferred on its affili- ates the degrees of Aprendiza Masona, Compañera Masona, Maestra Masona, • Most of the officers of the Re- and Perfecta Masona. gional Grand Council and brethren from several Lodges were in attend- • The lady members of the Lodge ance. Among those present were Am- could aspire to the positions of Res- brosio Flores (Musa), Grand Master; petable Gran Maestra, Inspectora, De- Numeriano Adriano (Ipil), Grand 1st positaria, Oradora, Secretaria, Hospi- Vice-President; Faustino Villaruel talaria y Limosnera, Tesorera, Maestra (Ilaw), Grand 2nd Vice-President; Jose de Ceremonias, and Introductora. Dizon (Montgomery), Grand 4th Vice- President; Apolinario Mabini (Katabay), • Organizationally, a Logia de Grand Orator; Cipriano Castilla (Alg- Adopcion was under the patronage of iabarat), Asst. Grand Orator; Arcadio the Grand Council of the Order and Flores (Sosten), Grand Secretary; Sixto was subject to the direction of the Celis (Liwayway), Grand Accountant; adopting Lodge. The officers of the Isidro Soto Villaruel (Galeno), Grand adopting Lodge also occupied positions Almoner; Luis Villareal (Balisa), Mas- as officers of the Logia de Adopcion, ter of Taliba Lodge; Abelardo Cuesta

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 53 cules and Venus, representing Strength and the Beautiful or Fair Sex, respec- tively. Evidently, Rosario preferred Wisdom over Beauty.

• The following week, the Brethren met anew to initiate Rizal’s sisters, Jo- sefa (Sumikat) and Trinidad (Sumibol), and his nieces, Angelica Lopez y Rizal and Delfina Herbosa y Rizal.

• Subsequently, the following also joined the Lodge of Adoption: Salud Lanuza, Marina Dizon, Romualda Lanuza (Aurora), Purificacion Leyba (Ley), Valeriana Legaspi (Diana), Sixta Fajardo (Ester), Carlota Zamora, Maria Teresa Bordas, Fabiana Robledo (wife of Sixto Celis), Lorenza Nepomuceno, and Trinidad Tecson. Tecson, who was initiated in 1895, was conferred the title of ‘Mother of Biak-na-Bato’ by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. (Hernan Cortez), Master of Luz de Oriente Lodge; Moises Celis (Sinag), • The Logia de Adopcion (estab- founder of Dalisay Lodge; Bartolome lished by Walana Lodge) was given Paez (Duhat), founder of Lusong Lodge; the name Semilla No. 8, and Rosario Venancio Reyes (Kidlat), co-founder of Villaruel served as its first Respetable Dalisay Lodge; Lucas Ricafort (Dagob- Gran Maestra. erto) of Dalisay Lodge; Timoteo Lanu- za (Adan); Jose Nolasco, Treasurer of • In a subsequent election, the fol- Walana Lodge; Santiago Suarez (Nul- lowing were chosen as its officers: Pu- lius); and Mariano Queri. rificacion Leyva (Ley), Respetable Gran Maestra; Rosario Villaruel (Minerva), • A Camara de Adopcion for pur- Inspectora; Valeriana Legaspi (Diana), poses of initiation was then constituted Oradora; Trinidad Rizal (Sumibol), by Abelardo Cuesta (Hernan Cortez), Secretaria; Romualda Lanuza (Aurora), the only 33º Mason present. Introductora; and Sixta Fajardo (Ester), Depositaria.” • Because of her youth, Rosario Villaruel was initiated under a special Semilla Lodge of Adoption No. 8, in effect, provision permitting the admission of was a Lodge of women “Freemasons” and Lewisas, that is, daughters of Masons its members called each other “Brother.” who were at least 18 years of age. In- cidentally, Rosario Vilaruel selected We wonder: Did WB Faustino Villaruel Minerva as her symbolic or Masonic call his daughter Rosario “Brother”? name. Minerva, symbolizing Wisdom, Did Jose Rizal call his sisters and nieces was one of three statues in a Lodge of “Brothers”? Adoption. The two others were Her- CONTINUED IN PAGE 65

54 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 Dr. Rizal and Globalization By VW Samuel P. Fernandez, PGH

IN JANUARY 1889, our foremost national Those were brave words, but Rizal made good hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, wrote: “Escribi el Noli his promise. Five years later, he paid the price Me Tangere para despertar los sentimientos of his conviction in the killing fields of Bagum- de mis paisanos.” (I wrote the Noli Me Tan- bayan on December 30, 1896. He did not do gere to rouse the feelings of my countrymen.) any physical battle with any Spaniard, but his mighty pen toppled an Empire. On August 12, 1891, Rizal expressed his mind thus: “Yo lucho por la nacion, Filipinas.” (I What Rizal did not do, Andres Bonifacio did; he fight for the nation, the Philippines.) In Oc- engaged himself in many encounters with well- tober 1891, he defined his direction when he armed Spaniards. said, “Ang parang na paglalabanan ay ang Filipinas: doon tayo dapat magtatagpo.” (The So did Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. field of battle is the Philippines: that is where we should meet.) World Vision of Rizal spread to Asia somewhat later. Romanticism was not a nonpolitical phenomenon; its melan- Rizal’s vision was not limited to opening the choly note went hand in hand with an ardent minds of his people. He dreamed what seemed desire to abolish tyranny and establish a world- to be “an impossible dream,” namely, that some order founded on love and justice. And indeed day his people would be citizens of the world. the poems of Rizal occasionally remind us of He articulated this vision or dream by putting Byron and Pushkin. As Pushkin awakened the the following words in the mouth of the idealis- new national consciousness of Russia, so did Ri- tic student Basilio: zal in the Philippines.”

“Some centuries hence when mankind shall be- Rizal, a Global Person? come enlightened and redeemed, when there shall be no races, when all peoples shall become Globalism is the “principle of the interdependence free, when there shall be neither tyrants nor of the entire world.” (World Book Dictionary) slaves, nor colonies nor metropolis, when justice shall rule, and man shall become a citizen of the Globalization is “to make global or worldwide in world, the cult of science alone shall remain, scope or application (Google) the word patriotism shall smack of fanaticism, and he who would boast of patriotic virtues The world has become a global village. With the will undoubtedly be confined as a dangerous instantaneous electronic communications, coun- sick man, as a perturber of social harmony.” (El tries have shrunk distances so much so that what Filibusterismo, Ghent, 1891) happens in Alaska is known in Australia in a mat- ter of seconds. One hundred years later, on December 4-8, 1961, during the International Congress on In “The Philippines Tomorrow,” Rizal predicts the Jose Rizal, H.R.H. Prince Prem Purachatra of emergence of a global village, which he calls One Thailand, in his tribute to the memory of Rizal, World. He writes the following: stated the following: “Tomorrow we shall be citizens of the Philip- pines whose destiny will be beautiful because it “We think that Rizal no longer belongs only to will be in loving hands. Oh, yes! The future is the Filipinos; he belongs to the world wherever ours, it is rosy. I see life stirring in these re- people have the will to remain free and to resist gions, so long dead and lethargic.… I see towns oppression in all its forms. rising along the railways and factories every- where and buildings like that at Mandaluyong. “Jose Rizal was at one with the historical figures I hear the ship’s whistle, the concussion of of the past in our country. He had the spirit and trains, the clatter of machineries… I see smoke we respect him for it. We revere him for that. rising, its potent respirations, and I smell the And that is I think the message that the people odor of oil the sweat of the monsters engaged of my country would like to bring to the people in incessant labor…That port, so laboriously of your country, to the people of the Philip- constructed, that river where commerce seems pines and also to all others who have the same to be agonizing, we shall see filled with masts ideals of freedom. … carry on in the spirit of and will give us an idea of winter in the for- Jose Rizal, carry on in the spirit which insists ests of Europe… This pure air and these very that freedom is a necessity of life and without it clean stones shall be covered with coal, of boxes death is preferable.” and barrels, the products of human industry, but, it doesn’t matter! We shall move rapidly A noted poet from India, Buddhadeva Bose, said in comfortable coaches to seek in the interior in part in his speech “On Rizal’s Awakening of other airs, other panoramas on other beaches, the National Consciousness”: cooler temperature on the slopes of the moun- tains… Our armed ships will guard the coasts. “It is possible to see Rizal as a fine flower of The Spaniards and Filipinos will vie with one that romanticism which burst upon Europe in another in repelling foreign invasion, in defend- the early years of the nineteenth century and ing our homes, and leave you, women, to laugh

56 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 and enjoy life in peace, loved and respected. only in Germany but of the whole world – in- Freed from the system of exploitation, without deed a Universal Genius.” displeasures or mistrust, the people will work because then work will cease to be opprobri- Universal Brotherhood ous, will cease to be servile, as an imposition on the salve; then the character of the Spaniards, Of all the Masons in the Propaganda Move- will not be soured with ridiculous despotic pre- ment, Bro. Rizal could easily pass as a Mason tensions and with their gaze sincere, the heart with international standing.He joined Acacia robust, we shall join hands, and commerce, in- Lodge No. 9 in Madrid under the Gran Oriente dustry, agriculture, the sciences will develop de Espana, the Grand Lodge that had promi- under the protection of freedom and wise and nent liberal membership like Spanish statesmen equitable laws as in prosperous England.” (El Prim, Pi y Margall, Miguel Morayta, Praxedes, Filibusterismo, Ghent, 1891) Manuel Ruiz Zorilla, and Rafael Labra.

Cornelius Christian Berg, Professor at the Univer- His Masonic name was Dimasalang. He was sity of Leiden, The Netherlands, in his speech en- made a Master Mason at Lodge Solidaridad No. titled “On Rizal’s Awareness of One World,” gives 53. In July 1885, he left for France and became us the following observation: a representative to Le Grand Orient du France “It would be an exaggeration if I said that Rizal in Paris. and the civilization which he so well represented are familiar to the Netherlands. However, there Father Luis y Marti, S.J., in a sworn statement is a comparatively large group of people in my executed in Manresa, Spain, declared that Ri- country who know and appreciate Rizal and his zal was a fifth-degree Mason in the German achievements. It is on their behalf, Mr. Chair- Lodges. man, and also for personal reasons that I con- gratulate the Government of the Philippines Austin Craig believed that Dr. Rizal was an and the organizers of this Congress on the fact eighteenth-degree Mason. This was confirmed that they possess in the person of Rizal a nation- by Rizal when he included on the cover of the al hero who combined the scientific spirit with Noli Me Tangere the symbol of the 18th de- sincere patriotism and awareness of a growing gree, which is the Cross and Rose. In Hong world community.” Kong, he attended stated meetings of Lodge St. John No. 618 under the Scottish Constitu- Rizal’s genius transcends beyond the borders tion. He signed the Tyler’s register as member of his country. He was not bound to time and of Temple de L’Honneur at de Union (France). space. He belongs to the world. Pastor Gottlob Weber, Pastor of Wilhemsfeld, Germany, Dr. Rizal was made Honorary Venerable Master (where Rizal wrote the concluding chapters of of Nilad Lodge No. 144 (now No. 12), of which his Noli Me Tangere in the vicarage) holds that I am an honorary member. “Above all, Rizal himself is the best representa- tive of the “universitas literatum.” Masons all over the world believe in the Broth- erhood of Men under the Fatherhood of God. Recently, Thomas L. U. Szenes, in a fine analysis Masonry respects all religions. Frank C. Lau- of the phenomenon Rizal, called him the ‘Last bach, American biographer on Rizal, said in Universal Genius.’ He stated: part in his speech “On Rizal’s Dream of the Brotherhood of Men”: “The Germans have a felicitous name for it – “Universalgenie” -- denoting an exceptional “Other men are soon forgotten after they die, type of man who shows superior aptitude in but Jose Rizal is greater in the eyes of the whatever mental activity he chooses to pursue. Philippines and the world than when he died In fact, Rizal was one of the best interpreters of sixty-five years ago (December 30, 1896). And the spirit of the 19th century. … He was in an a thousand years from now his name will be almost incomprehensible way congenial to the among the immortals whose memories never highest ideas and ideals of the 19th century, not die. And if someday this human race rises

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 57 above nationalism and achieves the brotherhood and around Manila. If language is the expres- of man they will say that Jose Rizal was dream- sion of the culture of the people, then we stand ing of that a thousand years before.” to lose the culture of the minority. Thank God, the preparation of the K + 12 is on track. Taga- Universal Language log, Capampangan, Pangasinense, Iloko, Bikol, Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Waray, Tausug, Magu- When he was but eight years old, Dr. Jose Ri- indanao, Maranao, and Chavacano will replace zal wrote “Sa Aking Kababata” (To My Fellow English and Filipino as the languages of in- Children), the third stanza of which may be struction from Kindergarten to Grade Three translated as follows: The 12 languages have the combined base of more than 63 speakers When Whoever knows not how to love his native tongue Is worse than a beast or evil-smelling Concluding Statements fish, To make our language richer ought to be our wish Just as any mother loves to feed her When we, as a people or nation, understand our young. culture through the nuances of our language, it is time to explore the possibility of under- This portion of Rizal’s poem is often quoted by standing the world where we live and reside. so-called nationalists, omitting the succeeding No country can stay in isolation. We have be- stanza, which reads as follows: come a global village and it is our bounden duty to understand our world before it self-destructs Tagalog and Latin are the same and English because of ethno-centricism. We, fellow crea- and Castilian and the angels’ tongue; tures of One Creator, are the world under the And God, whose watchful care o’er all is flung, canopy of heaven. Has given us His blessing on speech we claim. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48 / BUBBLES... It is, indeed, important for us to get acquaint- Each time, Charisse’s orthopedic shoes, which we re- ed with the language of our people. Equally ferred to as her “Masonic shoes,” were changed. Ac- important is learning the lingua franca of the cording to the doctors, this would correct her clubbed times. When he was 23 years old, Dr. Rizal had foot and prevent it from toeing in. a reading knowledge of 22 languages. Learn- We had another unforgettable experience in one of ing only the language of our country is confin- those month check-ups/follow-ups... When Charisse ing ourselves to our culture. There are other and I arrived at the Manila Domestic Airport, we cultures worthy of study and instruction. Noli found it to be deserted, with only armed men n mili- Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo were written tary uniforms at the gate. We did not know then that in elegant Spanish language. Dr. Rizal under- a coup d’état was going on. Since there was no taxi stood and spoke many of the languages of his available to take us to the hospital, we were forced to time, such as German, French, and English. stay at the terminal. There were no other passengers inside than Charisse and me. But the officer was kind and assured us of our safety. I did not get to sleep, Baron Rodolfo de Negri di San Pietro of Italy, but prayed the whole night, still with the hope that speaking on the topic “Rizal’s Place in the Liter- everything would be fine. At daybreak, pandemoni- ary World,” observed: um broke loose, as passengers elbowed one another to rebook as flight schedules got jumbled. But I had “Jose Rizal shines before the literary world like my own sweet time because the officer was the one a great poet of the Spanish language, and this who rebooked our tickets. We took a flight to Cebu, tongue is a privileged son of the language of but missed our connecting flight to Surigao. To get Rome, and the Latin of Virgil.” tickets to Butuan City, the nearest point to proceed to Surigao City. I had to haggle with some fixers at the Mactan Airport. Thank God we made it home The Philippines is home to 175 ethno-languag- in one day! es. Many of these ethno-languages are extinct. During the American occupation, English and This opened the avenue for my husband knock at the Filipino were the mediums of instruction. Fili- door of Masonry. He was eventually raised to the pino, which is based on Tagalog, is popular in sublime degree of Maser Mason. CONTINUED IN PAGE 65

58 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 The Three Missions of Freemasonry By VW Vicente R. Hao Chin, Jr., PGC

(VW Vicente Hao Chin, Jr., Past Grand Chap- Freemasonry has three purposes. The first is lain of the MW Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of self-transformation of the individual Mason. To the Philippines and a member of he Faculty control the lower square and to awaken the high- of the Institute of Masonic Education and er compass, which is our higher nature. The sec- Studies (IMES), is also a Past Sovereign Grand ond is to help transform society to make it a true Inspector General of the Ancient and Accept- universal brotherhood based on love, compassion ed Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Re- and understanding. And the third is to attain the public of the Philippines. This is the lecture highest spiritual potential of a human being, the he delivered before delegates to the Mind- finding of the Lost Word or Logos, which is the anao Multi-Orient Convention of the Scottish divinity within us. Rite held in Iligan City on October 15, 2011.) Allow me to explain a bit more the significance WHETHER OLD OR NEW MEMBERS, all of of these three purposes, during which I would us, at one time or another, have asked why we are like to explore with you about what we can or here in Masonry and in the Scottish Rite. Is it should do in order to make the Scottish Rite help merely the fellowship? Is it about stated meet- accelerate the attainment of these aims. ings and the reports of Masonic Districts, Val- leys, and Bodies? Is it only about the charities 1. Self-Transformation that we do? As Masons, we have for our first aim our own Obviously, there is something more to Masonry self-transformation. Each of us starts as a than all of this. If it is just fellowship and char- rough ashlar, an imperfect personality symbol- ity, we don’t need the abstruse symbolisms and ized by the lower square. Our loftier nature, rep- allegories that have puzzled some of the bright- resented by the upper compass, is generally not est Masons in history. If it is just these outer yet awake. From the first to the third degree, things, we don’t need the Scottish Rite, whose from the 4th to the 32nd degree, we are supposed book, Morals and Dogma, is so abstruse and dif- to grow from an imperfect Mason to a mature ficult that hardly anyone reads it despite its im- Mason. let us take a few examples. portance. Is our life controlled by daily anger and imita- There is a famous Masonic book written about tion? If yes, then it means that the lower square a hundred years ago by an Englishman, Walter is dominant in us and the higher compass is not Wilmshurst, the title of which is The Meaning in control. Many people don’t realize that when of Masonry. It is available for free from the In- we are angry with a person, we cannot love that ternet. I highly recommend that you download person at that moment. This is because when we it and read it, even if it is the only book you will are angry, we want to hurt that person. Anger read about Masonry. is an aggressive energy hat wants to attack and hurt. This quality is part of the lower square of In this book, Wilmshurst wrote, “Behind its every person. It is this that must be reeducated. more elementary and obvious symbolism, behind its counsels to virtue and conventional morality, The education of a true Mason is not only in the behind the platitudes and sententious phraseol- mastery of our lower nature. It is also about the ogy … there exists the framework of a scheme awakening of our higher nature, symbolized by of initiation into that higher path of life where the compass, which includes the strengthening alone the secrets and mysteries of our being are of our rational faculty, our intuition, our moral to be learned.” sense, our spirituality.

Allow me, then, to discuss with you three areas If we look around us, we will notice that there in our work which constitute the core of our Ma- are people who are very good in handing difficul- sonic mission and life. The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 59 ties and problems. They are cam and rational. For this purpose, I propose that we start an in- They are able to easily accept what is inevitable, stitution that will truly and gradually nurture and they can easily move on forward rather than every Scottish Rite Mason in personal grown be derailed by disturbing memories of the past. and self-development. Self-development is not a To achieve his requires self-transformation, by random act; it is a science based on the knowl- reviewing our habits and conditionings, and then edge of cause and effect. The Grand Lodge has transforming our personality to become respon- initiated the Institute of Masonic Education and sive instrument of our highest values and goals Studies (IMES), but this is mainly for the pur- in life. pose of those who are going to hold higher po- sitions. That’s why it includes history, rituals, Self-Transformation is not simply about self- and lodge management, What we should focus control. It is also means being integrated as a on is an educational program where each Scot- human being. Many people are fragmented. tish Rite Mason is nurtured as an individual to They think and feel and act in contradictory become a truly integrated square and compasses; ways. One belonging to this group says he loves calm, happy, compassionate as an individual, lov- the members of his family and yet when at home, ing and responsible as a family member, effective he is always irritable, has no time for them, and and with integrity as a professional, service- constantly scolds them. He says that he likes to oriented and constructive as a citizen not just of be healthy and yet does not stop smoking, or con- our country but of the world. This is the central tinues eating litson, or does not do exercise. purpose of Freemasonry: the transformation of the individual. Without this important founda- To be integrated means to have integrity, which tion, the second and third purposes of Freema- in turn means that what we preach is also what sonry cannot be achieved. we do. This is something very difficult to most people. We tell our children to be honest, and It can be done in many ways. It can be done as a yet we ourselves find it difficult to be honest. We self-study program based on a manual that Scot- justify it by saying that they are white lies, or that tish Rite Masons can obtain or download from we cannot be effective in our work if we do not the Internet. Another way is by correspondence lie once in a while. But these are often alibis for courses through the Internet. A third way is by our own weaknesses and the lack of skill in in- having lectures over Skype, where the lecturer tegrating ourselves. In my own experience as a can be in Manila or Davao and the audience can businessman, I have found that if try to practice be anywhere in the Philippines where there is In- integrity little by little, we find that it is possible ternet connection. The audience can see and hear to do so in practically all facets of our lives. Our the lecturer on a monitor or a screen, and they company has many salesmen going around the can ask questions or interact with the lecturer country. I ask them never to lie to customers , without having to travel to Manila. The Skype never to say that our competitors have inferior facility for video conferencing is free. The fourth products if we know that they have good prod- approach, which is still the best one, is o have ucts, not to lie if they forgot to deliver some- the traditional classroom sessions and courses, thing, but to apologize and make amends for it. where the Masons is granted credits and certifi- cates for the subjects that he has already taken. I know of politicians and public servants who Diplomas will be given, but such courses will not will never touch a single centavo of public mon- simply be an acquisition of knowledge but rather ey for themselves in an unethical manner. It is the development of real life skills that the Mason difficult, but it is possible. One of them is now a should apply in his life. member of the Cabinet of our government. In truth, such courses can be given t anybody, This self-transformation is what is asked of us whether mason or non-mason, whether men or as Masons, and we must start it with ourselves women. The self-transformation program of before we even ask other people to do so. This Masonry should not be something secret or kept is not simple and easy; that’s why we need to do for ourselves; if it something of value, it should such reeducation and nurturing for a long period be made available to anyone who would like to of time. study.

60 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 2. Social Transformation her club adopted one public school and she is now preparing a series of sessions with Grades 4, 5 This brings us to the second mission of Freema- and 6 on the is subject of leadership. Another sonry, which is to help realize true social trans- friend of mine is with the Zonta Club, and her formation, the development of a society and a club is doing the same thing with another pub- world that is based on love, justice, compassion lic school in Marikina. If the Rotary Club and and mutual helpfulness. This second mission can Zonta Club can do it, why can’t we as Masons only be attained if the first one is achieved. If the do it? In our history, isn’t Masonry the cradle individual is not mature, then he will become the of heroes , who have been exemplars of moral source of the problems of society. If he is self- character, right living and enlightened citizenry? transformed and integrated, then he will become a force for good wherever he goes, and whatever We can donate wholesome books to their librar- work he does. ies. If you visit public schools all over the coun- try, you will find hat one of the serious needs of It must start with the smallest unit of society, schools is a good library. It does not cost much the family. You will notice that when a member to donate second-hand but well selected books to of the family shows maturity and wisdom, he or elementary and secondary schools. she creates an impact on the entire family such that the other members too gradually develop If we are spending millions of pesos to help crip- maturity and wisdom as an example. pled children and do other charitable works, why can’t we devote even 20% of these on the more When for example he father and mother have important task of character building? Character problems and they always try to resolve them by building not only brings about nobility but also arguing and quarrelling and shouting, this will happiness to an individual and to society. also be the adopted mode of resolving problems by the children. The children will grow up and Have you ever thought of putting up a Masonic in their turn be violent not only to their spouses elementary or secondary school? Why not? Most but also to their children, as well as other people Masons don’t know that Freemasonry has a long in society. history of establishing schools in England and in the United States. If there are Catholic schools The root of social harmony, justice and happi- or Buddhist schools, why can’t there be Masonic ness lies in the maturity of the members of soci- schools for children? We have so many educators ety. This means the mastery of the lower square, in our midst who can competently manage such and the awakening of the higher compass. This schools. Then we can plant deep seeds of good is the larger mission of Masonry, but we cannot character in the hearts and minds of thousands contribute in this direction if we ourselves are of young people who will become our leaders of not self-transformed. tomorrow.

For this reason, it is vital for us, as Masons, 3. Attaining Our Highest whether Grand Lodge or Scottish Rite, that we Spiritual Potential must take an active part in the personal and char- acter development of our citizens, especially of Masonry is not a religion, but it agrees with young people. The easiest way to do this is to be- and promotes the deepest goals of all religions, come actively involved in the public school sys- which is the rediscovery of the highest spiritual tem in various ways. We can sponsor character potential in each one of us, the discovery of di- building programs and activities in these schools, vinity within us. This is the meaning of finding such as talks, games, camps, workshops, pro- the Lost Word or Logos. We are not looking for grams, etc. We can even publish our own charac- a word that can be spelled but rather the finding ter building books for children, such as anecdotes of the Logos or divinity within us. in the lives of our Masonic heroes like Rizal and Quezon and others. This is akin to a teaching of Christianity, namely, the kingdom of God is within us. St. Paul speaks A friend of mine is active in the Rotary Club and of it as the birth of Christ within us. Its ultimate

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 61 aim is what Muslim Sufis refer to as Fanah I Al- To attain such goals, we must (1) establish an in- lah, or absorption into Allah. The Buddhists call ner institution within the fraternity that will help it finding one’s own Buddha nature. The Hindus in the true self-development of each Mason; (2) call it being one with the Paramatma, of the take an active role in the character building of highest divinity. our citizens, especially the young people, through the public education system; and (3) actively ac- But this is a very high and transcendent goal that centuate the deepest goal of human life, which belongs to the innermost mysteries of Masonry. is to attain our highest potential and be a bridge Not all of us are called to enter this path. This of understanding among the major religions of Path or initiation is no longer something that our the world. rituals can give. It must be pursued in the depths of one’s soul, alone, even if with guidance. If we are able to do this, then we would have ful- filled the noblest mission of Masonry, and it will Hence, Masonry is not in conflict with any re- help bring about peace, harmony and happiness ligion; for this is also the deepest aim of every in our world. major religion as well as non-religious mystical movements. Masonry is not concerned about the outer modes of worship of each religion. It is in- terested in the highest goals of the spiritual life. Freemasonry: And in this there is no conflict among all the ma- jor religious of the world. This is the reason why More than just a Fraternity Masonry is an advanced philosophy for the far By Bro. Benny Arce future, when humanity will have learned that we are just one universal brotherhood, regardless of SOME PEOPLE THINK THAT Freemasonry the color of our skin, our culture, our religion or is a tightly-knit brotherhood of men who had to nationality. Masonry is the model o the world of undergo some form of hazing and an ungodly the future. Where there will be no war or conflict ritual, even renouncing his faith in God, to be ac- even if we are different. We come from the same cepted into the fold, and that one who is admitted divine source, all children of the one Father, by into the Fraternity is entitled to the unquestion- whatever name we call him. Today Masonry is ing all-out support and assistance of his brothers not yet fully understood for nature and that it regardless of the nature of his activities, wheth- will still take centuries and millennia before hu- er legal or illegal, moral or immoral. manity will become mature enough collectively to have a peaceful and harmonious society. Some also believe that Masons are just a bunch of rich men who can afford to pay their expen- Masonry was established in order to preserve sive monthly dues and who have all the time to the wisdom of the ages and prepare nation and spend on meetings talking about arcane and exo- religions of the world. It is also an inner school teric things, or partying and socializing. There that is meant to guide each Mason to find the are also those who smile to themselves when inner divinity within and attain the highest goal they see Masons wearing the same kind of hats of human life. their great grandfathers wore, and those funny aprons making them look like cooks in a restau- These, then, are the three missions of Masonry: rant except that they are too small to be of any (1) to attain self-transformation for the individ- real use. ual Mason -- to control the lower square and to awaken the higher compass, which is our higher There are many misconceptions about Freema- nature; (2) to transform society to make it a rue sonry, some of which may be partially true while universal brotherhood based on love, compassion others are patently false. It does not help that the and understanding; and (3) to attain the highest Catholic Church under Benedict XVI continues spiritual potential of a human being, the finding to forbid Catholics from joining Freemasonry. of the lost word or Logos, which is the divinity within us, as well as to bridge the gap among all It is certainly true that, being bound by strong religions of the world into one united quest to- ties, Masons feel close to each other; there is, ward self-discovery.

62 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 however, nothing irreverent or blasphemous consider these the most important aspect of about being a Mason. It is also true that a Ma- Masonry. Hence, they patiently and painstak- son will provide assistance to a distressed fellow ingly study and memorize the minutest steps to Mason if it is within his power to do so, but even be taken in all the rituals and ceremonies of the that has its limits. About the apron, well, since Craft. In fact, they insist that they should provide non-Masons do not understand what it stands their monthly stated meetings with due order for, it will look funny to them. and beauty by strictly observing specific move- ments and sequences. Others, however, direct But therein lies the meaning of Masonry. The their special attention to searching for the inner common gavel, the twenty-four-inch gauge, the messages and meanings of the rites and rituals; square, the level, the plumb, and the trowel, in for, to them, to discern the thoughts of the early the hands of an operative mason, are used for Masons who crafted the rites and rituals is by far building dwellings of stone and wood. In the more fascinating and challenging than merely hands of a speculative Mason, these become en- memorizing and precisely executing them. tirely different. They become guides designed to bring Masons closer to their Creator, however According to the Masonic Monitor, the Ma- they may conceive Him to be, and to their fellow- sons of ancient times held their meetings on the men, however they may differ from them in color, highest hills or in the lowest vales the better to creed or condition. They become pointers teach- observe the approach of cowans and eavesdrop- ing how good men can become even better. The pers. In conformity to this monitorial statement, common gavel, for instance, is no longer used the pioneering members of Laoag Lodge No. 71 simply for breaking off the rough and superflu- decided to build their Temple atop a hill. They ous parts of stones. Instead, it is used for divest- wanted to keep the uninitiated away from their ing men’s hearts and consciences of all the vices meetings. Invariably, Masonic Lodges are meant and superfluities of life. In Freemasonry, ordi- to be quiet places, away from strangers, “far frm nary things like the tools of the operative mason, the madding crowd.” therefore, acquire extraordinary meanings. Thus, introspective Masons like to go to the This is what distinguishes Freemasonry from Lodge to find peace and quiet, as well as to reflect all the other civic groups and fraternities in the on the tenets of Freemasonry. Their gregarious world. It is a system of morality, It is a philoso- counterparts, on the other hand, tend to go to the phy. It is life. Lodge to enjoy the company and fellowship of their brothers. Admittedly, such brothers can be boisterous at times.

In spite of these differences, however, there is a The Ties that Bind Masons cabletow that keeps the six million global Ma- By Bro. Benny Arce sons in one large family. Aware of the fact that Masonry, through the ages, has endeavored most earnestly to bring about a universal league of IT IS ESTIMATED THAT there are over six mankind, they aspire to exhibit themselves even million Freemasons worldwide, residing in dif- now as a microcosm of that league. Hence, they ferent continents, speaking varied languages, and adhere to, as well as practice, the principles of living in diverse conditions. Although all Ma- Brotherly Love, Relief (or Service), and Truth. sons must accept common basic principles, some- These are the great principles that underlie all how it seems inconceivable that they would in- the other teachings of the Fraternity. Through terpret those principles in exactly the same way. Brotherly Love, Masons feel themselves com- Since no two persons have identical upbringing pelled to treat their fellows as their equals or and environment, each man or woman views peers; through Relief (or Service), they extend the world in his or her own terms. Freemasonry assistance to their equals in times of need; and can, therefore, have various meanings to different through Truth, they practice justice and right- peoples, including Masons themselves. For in- eousness towards everyone. stance, Masons have divergent attitudes towards their fraternity’s rites and rituals. Some of them

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 63 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 / CORNERSTONE Parting Upon the Square: Masonic Light as Personal Masonic Education Development Expressed Through Brotherly Love With fellowship and mentorship as his foundations, a brother is thus correctly po- Simply put, our fraternity achieves its sitioned to pursue further Masonic light aim of making good men better by fully through Masonic education, as the tenets expressing brotherly love through fel- of our philosophy require us to not just lowship, mentorship, and education in the receive but also seek and impart Masonic mysteries of our Ancient Craft. No other Light through and with the resources pro- organization provides such a uniform and vided by the Craft. comprehensive avenue for one’s personal development into full manhood through Our jurisdiction provides the following av- one’s own peers. As ably highlighted by enues for individual study by those Breth- Brother Mark Tabbert, the current Direct ren who seek to gain further insights to of Collections of the George Washington guide their reflections and better govern Masonic National Memorial of the United their conduct: States, in his work American Freemasons: Three Centuries of Building Communities • Lodge Masonic Education – Blue lodges through their appointed lodge lecturers should strive to add their own short talks and study sessions on matters of the Craft of particular Yet at other times Freemasonry’s consti- interest to Brethren. tutions, tenets, and symbolism have ema- • District Masonic Education – Masonic districts should ensure the full and proper provision of the Grand Lodge Ma- nated from the lodge as Masons have car- sonic Education monthly topics at all stated meetings of sub- ried the principles into their communities. ordinate lodges. Where beneficial, Masonic districts should also take the lead in organizing lodges of instruction for their Just as Robert’s Rules of Order caused the subordinate lodges, particularly with regard to our ritual and esoteric work. birth of infinite committees, so Freema- sonry sparked the creation of thousands • Diploma in Masonic Studies – Brethren should aim to complete the full course leading to the Diploma in Masonic of American voluntary organizations. Ma- Studies awarded by the Institute of Masonic Education and Studies. sons and non-Masons have adopted Ma- sonic rituals and symbols to create new • Side Degrees of Recognized Appendant Bodies – Both the York and Scottish Rites offer a unique opportunity for Breth- fraternities. These groups teach morality ren to further deepen their understanding of our philosophy in a structured environment through additional rituals and eso- and inspire “brotherly love” within diverse teric work. communities, such as the B’nai B’rith did • Masonic Scholarship & External Masonic Studies – With among Jewish-Americans, the Order of the projected revival of the Philippine Lodge of Research this Masonic term, there will be even greater opportunities for Ma- AHEPA did among Greek-Americans, and sonic writing and learning, in addition to the Cabletow maga- the Knights of Columbus did among the zine, the redesigned GLP website, the GLP Library and Museum, and lodge newsletters and websites. country’s Roman Catholics. Other Masons used Masonic relief to develop mutual By engaging in individual Masonic edu- benefit associations and life insurance com- cation, we can be said to truly part upon panies or to build hospitals, orphanages, the square, as we now go beyond the com- and retirement homes, such as the Benevo- fortable confines of our own blue lodge lent Protective Order of Elks. Still others, and the fellowship afforded by the frater- dropping the rituals and symbols, formed nal bond with our immediate Brethren. social, business, educational, and commu- By learning more about, and reflecting nity service clubs, such as Lions Interna- further on, the mysteries of our Ancient tional. Craft, we can better apply our Masonic light in striving to always square our ac- All these things cannot adequately ex- tions with all Mankind. plain why Freemasonry has spread around

64 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 the world and found especially fertile soil We should, of course, encourage and stim- in American society. But it does reveal ulate our sons, nephews and other young the great desire of men like Harry Tru- relatives to join the International Order man who join a Masonic lodge to improve of DeMolay (IOD). As was mentioned by themselves, care for one another, and build VW Brothers Edgar Borje and Eric Uy in their communities. From an obscure past, their article printed in a previous issue of a fraternity of millions of men has given this publication, the IOD is a developer of billions of dollars and untold hours estab- the Craft’s future members and leaders. lishing, building, and adorning their lodges for the betterment of an unknown future. We should do all this in order to help the leadership of our MW Grand Lodge bring Freemasonry is a symbol of man’s search about an enlivened, enlightened, reinvigor- for wisdom, brotherhood, and charity. This ated and strengthened Masonic Fraternity universal search is ancient and is renewed or Family in this Jurisdiction. Undoubtedly, every time a Lodge of Masons initiates a the stronger our Masonic Fraternity or new brother. Through rituals, symbols, Family is, the more potent force it is for the and obligations, a volunteer becomes a part promotion and advancement of the welfare, of a community as he begins his own indi- progress and prosperity of our local and na- vidual search. Freemasonry refers to this tional communities. as a journey in search of light.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58 / BUBBLES...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54 / CO-MASONRY... I have taken it as my apostolate to share this blessing with children in a situation similar to Suppose my own wife, mother, sister, or that of Charisse, who has metamorphosed into daughter joined a Lodge of Adoption or a a fine, strong-willed, and Confident young lady. Lodge of women “Freemasons.” Would I The experience we have been through taught us never to lose hope. It has prepared us to face the call her “Brother”? I do not think I would. world’s challenge with a strong faith and trust in God. She earned two academic degrees at the At any rate, since in our Jurisdiction there Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan, namely, are no longer Lodges of Adoption or Lodg- Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor es of women “Freemasons,” we should do of Law. She passed the Bar Exams in 2009, and the best we can to persuade our spouses she is now a practicing lawyer in Cagayan de and other female relatives to join either Oro City, in a law firm with another Mason as the International Order of the Amaranth a senor partner. (IOA) or that of the Eastern Star (IOES). The ray of hope that both my brother-in-law Both Orders are composed of men, who George Uy and the Shriners, through the late must be Master Masons, and women, who Andoni T. Dumlao was the priceless gift our must be related to Masons. daughter Charisse received, which not only cor- rected her clubbed foot but made a difference in We should, moreover, induce our own her life. daughters, nieces and other young female relatives to seek membership in either the We cannot find enough words to thank the International Order of Job’s Daughters Shriners and the Free and Accepted Masons of (IOJD) or that of the Rainbow for Girls the Philippines. We will remain forever grateful. Just as the Shriners sing “I’m forever blowing (IORG). These Masonic youth organi- bubbles, pretty bubbles in the air… ” So my fam- zations provide their members with use- ily will also be forever blowing bubbles of grati- ful training in personal development and tude and hope for children with clubbed feet. character building.

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 65 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 / OTHER RECENT EVENTS... and are made up of Master Masons, most of whom were raised in the Phil- Alberta Filipino Masonic ippines and affiliated with Lodges in Al- Conferral Team profi- berta, plus a few who have joined here. ciently exemplifies Sub- Said Bro. Peter Montoya right after the lime Degree conferral of the 3rd degree of Masson- ry upon him:”I feel privileged to have THE MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY- been the very first candidate in Alberta FORMED Alberta Filipino Masonic raised to the Sublime Degree by this ex- Conferral Team solemnly, proficiently, cellent group of brothers.” and impressisively conferred the sub- lime degree of Master Mason upon “This is just the first of many we are two candidates on Saturday, September hoping to perform. The purpose of the 15, 2012 in Drumheller and thereby group is to make the other brethren of got the admiration and commendation Alberta aware that there is a thriving of approximately 65 brethren who at- community of Filipino Masons in Al- tended the occasion, including two berta and to showcase and exemplify DDGMs:R.W. Bro. David Carter, Dino- the beauty of the Works as performed saur District, and and R.W. Bro. Mur- in the Philippines The members are pre- dock (Dick) Cam-eron, Cenral District. pared to travel to different Lodges to as- sist in the raising candidates of Filipino This was the first degree ever put on by descent, exemplifying the opening and the Alberta Filipino Masonic Confer- closing of the Lodge in the 3rd degree, ral Team and was described by most as and installing officers of the Lodge “very impressive”, “done with enthusi- based on the Works of the Grand Lodge asm and precision”. The Degree team, of the Philippines, F&AM,” Bro. Rey including alternate members, consists Isidro de Guzman of Symbol Lodge of approximately 40 members from Cal- No. 93 stated. Then he added, “We wel- gary, Red Deer, Drumheller, Lacombe, come inquiries about our group. Please Ponoka, Medicine Hat and Edmonton direct them to 403 4539680 (home) or 587 4369680 (cell).”

66 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 / EDITORIAL COMMENTS

“Katabay” Mabini, the “Brains of the Philippine tends to subsvert the peace and good order of Revolution,” warned us in the eighth precept of Philippine society; by paying due obedience to THE TRUE DECALOGUE, which reads this the laws under whose protection we live; and way: “Strive for a republic and never for a mon- by vigilantly caring for the welfare, safety, and archy in your country; for the latter exalts one happiness of our country, to which we owe al- or several families and found a dynasty, while legiance. the former makes a people dignified (or worthy) through reason, great through liberty, and pros- We believe that a very good way of celebrating perous and brilliant through labor.” the 170th anniversary of the birth of Bro. An- dres Bonifacio and of commemorating the 116th Because of the foregoing and related problems, anniversary of the unjust execution of Bro. some of our compatriots continue to advocate Jose “Dimasalang” Rizal on Bagumbayan field the communist system of government, while is to recommit ourselves, as Symbolic Lodges, others advocate severance from the Philippine as Masonic Districts, or even as a Grand Lodge, Republic, in order for them to establish their to be in the forefront of the ‘Matuwid na Daan” own government. Movement led by President Noynoy Aquino, a Mason’s grandson. As we Filipinos aspire that our beloved country will become Asia’s latest “To erect the edifice of our economic tiger or newly-industrializing coun- try, we Masons must take the lead in our na- moral regeneration, we must tion’s moral regeneration, ever remembering radically change not only our in- that what Bro. Apolinario Mabini wrote in the stitutions, but our way of being Prologue to THE TRUE DECALOGUE is, to a very great extent, still applicable to our present and thinking as well.” situation. Stated Bro. Apolinario Mabini:

“To erect the edifice of our moral regen- But Bro. Andres Bonifacio, Bro. Emilio Aguin- eration, we must radically change not only ldo, and other Masons who figured prominently our institutions, but our way of being and in the two phases of the Philippine Revolution thinking as well. We must simultaneously against Spain, as well as those who fought in undertake an internal and external revolu- the Philippine-American War, and even those tion. We must establish our moral educa- who fought during the Japanese occupation of tion on moral solid bases and abjure the the country, would have preferred a democracy, vices most of which we inherited from the with all its faults and failings, with all its uncer- Spaniards. Otherwise, our country would tainties and changes, with its struggles and ef- find herself more and more decimated and forts for a better life, to any other form of gov- poorer by civil war and continuing internal ernment that treats the people like automatons. dissensions until she reaches her complete annihilation which the noble blood of our On November 30, this year, we must reaffirm martyrs will not be able to prevent.” our faith in, as well as solemnly pledge to up- hold, democratic ideals and principles. We must Brethren, we must not let such an eventuality not lose sight of the fact that Masonry, our to happen. Hence, individually and concertedly, ancient and honorable fraternity, and democ- we must accept the challenge for us to play the racy have always been great allies since both of lead role in our people’s moral regeneration. them stand for man’s freedom. Masonry thrives Specifically, we must disseminate widely among where democracy reigns. In fact, a significant our countrymen, particularly students and oth- number of the pillars of Masonry are leaders er young Filipinos, and especially our children of democratic countries in the world. and other young relatives, the moral teachings of Brothers Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apo- On December 30, this year, we must also renew linario Mabini, Camilo Osias, and other Mason our high resolve to fulfill our charge to be ex- writers. emplary in the discharge of our civil duties, by never proposing or countenancing any act that

The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012 67 for the general public, and the inside the Grand Lodge Compound. The GLP Museum Secondly, the hall was rarely used. Thirdly, the New Plaridel Temple itself is classified as National Heritage by the National Historical Insti- By WB Armando G. Cazzola tute, and its façade is by itself an architectural monument. Fourthly, San Pedro Lodge No.292 the building houses the well-stocked LIBRARY of the Grand Lodge, and the Institute of Masonic Education and Studies (IMES). It is therefore totally dedicated to the preservation of the rich Masonic cultural herit- WHEN I FIRST HEARD in February this year that the ground-breaking age of the country, the teaching of Masonic values, and the promotion ceremony of “The Museum” of the MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines of Masonic studies. would take place in the month following. I immediately thought that the idea of putting up a museum at the Plaridel Masonic Temple was The MUSEUM is but the logical additional feature to the facilities of the just GREAT; for this year our MW Grand Lodge is celebrating its 100th New Plaridel Temple in particular and to those of the Grand Lodge of Birthday. the Philippines in general. As the visual and tangible component of the Cultural Branch of the Grand Lodge, it will display historical docu- In the past 100 years, our MW Grand Lodge and the Philippine Masons ments, artifacts, memorabilia, and whatever else will be found proper have gone through momentous historical events. The country has and desirable to put on show that could be interesting and education- undergone different political and social radical changes, passing from al for visitors, of all ages, both Masons and non-Masons. Besides dis- colonial status, through the period of the First World War, the Com- playing, for the benefit of visitors, documents and objects that would monwealth, the Second World War, the Japanese occupation (when otherwise remain hidden in some private collection, or forgotten in the Masons were again the object of relentless persecution), the libera- cabinets, or forever lost, the MUSEUM will serve the important purpose tion and independence, a dictatorship, to the two EDSA revolutions. All of preserving and making available documents and objects “most ex- throughout those periods, Masons have never been passive spectators pressive, selected by the Fraternity to imprint in the memory wise and of events; on the contrary, they have been constantly enmeshed in the serious truths, and thus, through a succession of ages, transmit them important aspects of the country’s history, as direct actors or as cata- unimpaired” to future generations of Masons. lyzing elements, always contributing ideas, ideals, deeds (often heroic deeds), and everyday honest efforts towards social progress and en- In a recent Circular, MW Gabionza invited Masons and families of Ma- hancement of the independence and human dignity of the Filipino. sons to look into their Masonic memorabilia to see if they could offer to the MUSEUM documents, books or objects of historical relevance. Why a MUSEUM of the MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines? What pur- pose would such a MUSEUM serve? Items that will not end on the MUSEUM shelves, for lack of space, will be duly returned to the donors with a letter of appreciation. Each do- The International Council of Museums [Vienna, 2007] provides us with nated object which will eventually be displayed in the MUSEUM will this definition: “A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the be clearly identified by a tag with the donor’s name. service of society and its development, open to the public, which ac- quires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible The MUSEUM will be inaugurated on November 7, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the pur- Thereafter, it will be listed among the museums open to the general poses of education, study and enjoyment.” public and to students of different educational institutions in particu- lar. According to plan, the GLP Museum soon to be inaugurated will Museums Australia affirms that, as an institution, a museum “helps look something like this:. people understand the world by using objects and ideas to interpret the past and present and explore the future, and (it “preserves and re- searches collections, and makes objects and information accessible in actual and virtual environments.” It further states, “Museums are estab- lished in the public interest as permanent, not-for-profit organizations that contribute long-term value to communities.”

Obviously, both the history of the Philippines and that of the MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines are fraught with events that have left memories, mementos, and documents that are of great historical im- portance. It is also of paramount importance that the memory and appreciation of those historical moments of our MW Grand Lodge and those of the brethren are gathered together, organized, preserved, and properly displayed in a MUSEUM for the enjoyment and education not only of Masons but of the community at large as well. Young people who view the things displayed in the museum will be reminded of the pivotal role of Freemasonry and Freemasons in directing the course of events and therefore of the history of the country, and thereby their hearts and minds are deeply impressed with love of country or patriot- ism, as well as with the great Ideals of Freedom, Equality, and Broth- erhood, which Freemasons have kept alive and vibrant for centuries, often at the cost of their lives.

During the groundbreaking ceremony of the Museum at the Emilio Aguinaldo Hall of the Plaridel Masonic Temple on March 20, 2012, RW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., then the Deputy Grand Master, asked if I would be interested in helping the GLP with the MUSEM Project. I told him that I was more than enthusiastically available for the task. In fact, I eventually decided to “donate” the Project to the GLP. With that idea in mind, I did assign Noel, a young architect of my company, to start pre- paring the conceptual plans for the GLP MUSEUM. Noel is not a Mason, but for the last three years he has prepared all the plans for the exte- rior re-design and interior design of San Pedro Lodge 292, my Mother Lodge, and a multitude of conceptual designs for the planned addi- tions to our Temple building; therefore, he is already familiar with Ma- sonic architecture, Masonic paraphernalia, and Masonic iconography.

For various reasons, the ground floor hall or lobby of the New Plaridel Temple was chosen by the Centennial Grand Master, MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., to be the site of the MUSEUM. First, its position is stra- tegic. Strategic; it has two entrances – one along San Marcelino Street,

68 The Cabletow | Vol. 89, No. 3, September-October 2012