Saturday, December 15, 2012

Iligan Lodge No. 207 Bulletin December 2012

Message from the Worshipful Master, WB Hilario Abel B. Gomez

"THANK YOU"

Brethren, allow me to express my heartfelt thanks to an unforgettable and most challenging experience being in the Oriental Chair.

The year started with great enthusiasm and a lot of plans but alas, the year proved to be not enough to accomplish all what we set out to do.  Through thick and thin, you were there and still are part of my life in the lodge.  We moved on with our obligations to each other, to our lodge, and to our fellowmen.

Thank you Brethren for the hard work in practices, the sound advises and the warm fellowships.

Thank you VW Cesar Miguel for the 90-100% grades.

Thank you VW Warly Sanguila for keeping the records straight.

Thank you Bro. Sandy (Sy) for the balanced recording of our finances.

Thank you to my Wardens, Deacons, and the rest of the Officers.

Thanks to all of you.  It was a privilege and honor serving you.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!!!

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NOTICE OF STATED MEETING 15 DECEMBER 2012, SAT, 5 PM

Agenda

*  Opening of the Lodge of Master Masons                                                     5:00 PM
*  Reading & Approval                                                                                   5:15 PM
                             Minutes of the last Stated Meeting
                             Secretary's Financial Report
                             Treasurer's Report
*  Communications
*  Reading of Part III Article II Section 2 of Masonic Law Book
*  Committee Reports
                             The Road to Ancom 2013
*  Election of Officers
*  Masonic Education Speaker :
*  Other Agenda/Worshipful Master's Time
*  Recognition
                             Visiting Brethren, Birthday and Anniversary Celebrants
*  Messages/Commentaries (Visiting WMs, GLI's & DDGM)
*  Closing of the Lodge                                                                                   6:40 PM
*  Fellowship Dinner                                                                                       7:00 PM

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

December
10  -  WB Jaime Magnetico
11  -  Bro Rogelio Nuñeza
12  -  Bro Warren Lim
14  -  VW Edwin Co
28  -  Bro Victor Orbe

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

December
9    -  VW Fem & Sis Gloria
10  -  WB Lando & Sis Liberty
19  -  VW James & Sis Fely
20  -  WM Abel & Sis Joanne

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers."  - Psalm 1:1

Monday, November 26, 2012

Am I A Better Man?

(This article was the piece I wrote for the lodge when the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Abel Gomez asked me to be the Masonic Speaker for the month of November, 2012 for my mother lodge, the Iligan Lodge No. 207.  I wrote everything that I wanted to say so that I will not forget what to say... :) When I ask him on what topic I was supposed to talk about, he said, "Anything you like Brod!"  And it really frightened me because I have nothing to start with.  It took me two days just to come up with the topic.  And I really thanked God because what I wrote touched a bit of the Worshipful Master's message on Charity.  So brethren, please feel free to give your comments.  At least it will also help me improve my writing skills...if I really have any.  Thank you and may the GAOTU continue to bless us and guide us in all our undertakings.)


Worshipful Master Abel, Very Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful Sirs in the East, Very Worshipful Sirs and Worshipful Sirs on the floor, Brethren, Good evening!

First and foremost, let me thank our Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Abel Gomez for trusting in me to be the Masonic Speaker in this month’s stated meeting.  The task given me is frightening as I still up until now consider myself a young Mason who is in search of the light that will ultimately make me a better man.

It is in this field that I would like to dwell in my talk.    Am I a better man?

Allow me to tell the story as to how I was led to Masonry.  When I was still in 2nd year high school, my father asked me if I wanted to join the International Order of DeMolay.  It was fortunate that I already had classmates who were members of the Order so it was not something new to me.  The only thing was that I didn’t have the slightest idea what the organization was all about.  Without second thoughts though, I said “Yes!”  He must have witnessed something in it that made him asked me to join.  To this, he supported me in everything that is related to the Order’s activities.  The organization somewhat didn’t fail in its objective in molding me to what I am now.  I know, because I have tried to become a better son, a good leader and a good citizen.
 
1984 was one year I will never forget.  My father asked me if I wanted to join Masonry.  It was not something that I found unusual for him to ask for it was he himself who asked me to join DeMolay.  What keeps on pondering on my mind until now though is that how was he exposed to the craft that he asked his son to join it?  A fraternity in which, he himself is not a member.

I was initiated to the degrees of DeMolay in 1974.  10 years later, he asked me to join Masonry.  Though I know many Masons already at that time, I told him that I am still not ready.  I was still studying then in Mindanao State University, Marawi City.  He did not bring up the topic again.  He died in 1988.  And it never left my mind that one day, I will be a Mason.

1993 I submitted my petition to this Worshipful Lodge together with Worshipful Brother Wayne Chavit and Brother Al Espejo.  Both of them were elected favorably and I was left behind for reasons which were at that time explained to me.  I waited patiently until 1995 when I asked to be deferred so that I can try to settle the issues brought against me.  2003, 10 years after I submitted my petition, I reapplied and this time, it was Worshipful Brother Wayne Chavit who was the Master of the Lodge.  After undergoing the process, I was balloted and favorably elected to receive the degrees of Masonry on May 15, 2004.  I have always considered my election as a gift from the GAOTU as I got accepted 3 days before my marriage.  I applied single but was initiated, passed and raised Married.  This early, Masonry has somehow changed my life!

“Am I A Better Man?”

All of us who passed through that door which comes from the preparation room, was required  to fill-up  forms to apply for degrees, and were asked questions like, “Do you believe in one supreme being?” and “Have you prepared for your family in case of your sudden death?” or something in those lines.  You all agree that these questions were asked, and that these questions were the basis for our acceptance as a candidate.  Meaning, at this stage, it is clear that Masonry requires us to be believers of one Supreme Being, which is the first requirement. And that preparing for the future of our own family is what I consider as the second.  These I feel is an indicator of our commitment to our religion and a responsibility to our immediate family.  For beyond this is a chance for us to be of assistance of our goodness to the community from where we belong.

When we were initiated, we were again ask by the Marshall if it was of our own free will and accord in the lines – “…that unbiased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives…” in our intentions but that for us to improve ourselves in Masonry.  Which were again asked when we first made our first step inside the lodge by the Senior Deacon.  Then again in the succeeding 3 stations which were answered in the same manner as in the door.

These connections made me ponder.  For the thousands who passed through that same door, and for the thousands who made it to the sublime degree of Master Mason, how many can now say that through those portals, they have improved themselves and became better men?

I have asked myself, how will it make me a better man?  How can I say that Masonry made me a better man?

Challenges had been hurled to me, in front of me, in my face, which tested my belief, my credence as to what makes me a Mason.  Everyone would probably agree with me that our obligations answer all these questions.  But, does it really?  Have I really lived up to my obligations?

Our country was born through the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers who are Masons.  We are proud of them all.  But I ask myself – “Will our children, our children’s children, be proud of us when we are done with our journey?” – in the assumption that we have made this a better world for them to live in once ours ends.

I have asked myself the purpose of the craft, my purpose in the craft, and my most logical answer is “to do my best to make myself better and probably along the way and as a result make life better for everyone.”  To be honest, almost every non-members impression that I know of thinks that it is a fraternity of the rich, of the famous.  That joining Freemasonry will make them better-off. Now I have come to understand that this ancient and honorable organization is neither, for I am neither rich nor influential, but I now have friends and brothers who are and in whom I can say I can be on the level.  It is one of the main reasons why Masonry has become meaningful to me.

The first teachings that I recognized were given in the entered apprentice mason.  It gives recognition to the importance of God as One Supreme Being.  Upon entering, we were all poor blind candidates who are in search of light.  This light I understand is the goodness God has given us in this world.  We were asked to kneel for the benefit of prayer for it is important that before we undertake any important undertaking, we must first invoke the blessings of God.  The Perambulation also talks about the goodness of being one with God and His people.  Our obligation is an addition to our commitment to God’s goodness as it strengthens our commitment with Masonry.  We made vows sealed with a kiss to the Sacred Volume of Laws.  A review to it is very much appropriate for us to recall those obligations and for us to practice out of the lodge those great moral duties.  The first degree then is to establish our relationship with God.  This experience I would like to ask myself and at the same time my brethren, to everyone, this question, “Has this affected your lives even just a bit?”

The second encounter with the light, which all of us fondly use, was when we were passed.  At the entry we were again announced to those present that we are seeking further light in Masonry.  I would safely surmise that we are very happy with the first so we pursue for the second, hoping that it was not just to accomplish something out of requirement…that we be able to make it to the 3rd.  Which I presume as actually what everyone thinks during that time.  I don’t blame anyone on this for I too am guilty with the feeling.  But I would totally accept negative reactions to this statement as my own fault if I am wrong for it is but my assumptions.

Being passed was another stage which we underwent and with this important teaching as stated in the last line in the perambulation…”And now abideth Faith, Hope and Charity, these three; but the greatest of these is Charity.”  One of the very important teachings of Masonry which I find very hard to achieve.  Faith in our God, Hope for our Future and Charity towards Mankind.  Faith in God, I was born with it, we were all born with it.  Hope for our Future, the reason of my existence and of everyone else.  Charity towards Mankind, now that is something I am partly guilty of not being able to accomplish to the max.  The third probably is the hardest for it is usually hard for us to part of our hard earned monies.  But unbelievably, one of the most pleasant and elating feelings of doing every time we do charity.  Feeling uncomfortable in parting with hard earned monies is reversed to elation and happiness when we give in to charity not just to our brethren but most specially to total strangers in this area.  Have you tried giving randomly to a stranger?  Have you tried sharing what you have?  Have you tried sharing what little you have to those who have less or none at all?  Once you have, I’m sure you’ll find it a bit addicting.  The expression of people on the receiving end is a reward unequal to the amount given.  And specially if after the act, the expression of appreciation is accompanied by a heartfelt word and acts of appreciation.  That is priceless.

Now for the sublime degree.  The awe-inspiring peak.  The moving end of the beginning.  We are reminded of the process which we undertook in the 1st and 2nd degrees.  We are enlightened so to say.  The perambulation goes back to God.  But this reminder, we came from the dust, to the dust we shall return.  We rose from the ranks, to the ranks, we shall return.  And a lot of other adages relating to the thought.  We now have been accepted as a full member of the craft.  We have died and rose again.  The obligation now is very long.

In the process that all of us underwent, all the memorization and everything, I ask the question to myself…”What have I learned?”

Have I really become a better man?  My answer to this question in all honesty, is that I did my very best to live up to what Masonry is trying to impart to me.  For it will be a waste of my time and your time, if all the things you taught and imparted during all the degrees that we just all undertook just went to deaf ears.  You my brethren had done your best for me to understand what this ancient and honorable fraternity is all about.

Daily I am challenged with the thought that my actions will reflect my involvement with Masonry for almost everybody I know, knows that I am a Mason.  And that almost everyone knows what Masonry is all about, right or wrong impressions.  And that almost everyone expects us to act honorably because we are Masons.

Masonry has a lot in store for those who seeks its true essence, its true meaning, its true light.  I have made it for just a few years and I see where it will take me in the future.  I am not perfect nor I wanted to be, but probably with all the teachings that the craft has to offer us, it will ultimately lead me and those who seek further, the light that will shine our path towards our final journey.  To meet the GAOTU and be welcomed to His kingdom as His servant. 

Brethren, I have related this to ask you and to remind each of us, to go back to the basics of the teachings of the fraternity for it is very important that we never forget what we are here for.  Work not just for ourselves but for everybody around us.  Let us labor for our family, for our children’s future, for the future of our craft and for the future of our country.

I sincerely hope that in my small way, I have sent a message through.  And I heart fully wish that this reminder, which is actually my intention, will get support from everyone.  Or at least awaken the original meaning of our intentions of pursuing this travel.  Which will ultimately give a true meaning and a concrete answer to the question, “Am I A Better Man?”

Thank you so much for allowing me to stand in front of you and for giving me the opportunity to be the Masonic Speaker for this month’s stated meeting.  Good evening!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Iligan Lodge Bulletin Stated Meeting November 2012

(Note:  My apologies for missing the October bulletin posting.  I was out of the country with no access to the internet. :( I'll do better next time.)

Message From The Worshipful Master...WB Hilario Abel B. Gomez

Charity In Freemasonry

"Charge in the North-East" as we Masons know, is a testimonial to the importance of Charity, driven home to a candidate, addressed during the ceremony of initiation, when he joins Freemasonry.  Even while conducting ceremonies of superior degrees the candidates are informed from lessons in the ritual manuals, about the importance of charity.  That also proves why Charity is an inseparable aspect of Masonry and how everyone should make others also to practice this unique virtue.  Masons should remember that it is Freemasonry that teaches its members to practice charity right from the day a candidate is initiated.  Our lodges always carry a special item in its summons "To honor the cause of Charity".

Charles Dickens - the famous novelist said, "Charity begins at Home and goes to next door."  We as Freemasons are proud of the fact that charity begins from the heart of a Freemason and goes to many doors for all living beings, who derive benefit from the donations in cash or kind.  One of the charges in the craft manual confirms that this act of benevolence blesses the donor and the recipient alike.  A donor should not have expectations for publicity but continue practicing this virtue wholeheartedly which does repay in one's own lifetime in some form or the other and that fills the heart with joy for God looketh at the heart.

Robert Farley - a poet, in his collections says, "Charity is a blessing - chance to serve others.  Think of the service you may render, not of serving self alone;  think of happiness of others and in this you will find your own!"

(excerpts from The Importance of Charity in Freemasonry by WB Vijay Kummar Gauhar)

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NOTICE OF STATED MEETING 21 NOVEMBER 2012, WED, 5 PM

*  Opening of the Lodge of Master Mason  -  5:00 PM
*  Reading & Approval
       *  Minutes of the last Stated Meeting
       *  Secretary's Financial Report
       *  Treasurer's Report
*  Communications
*  Committee Reports
       *  LT Panares Lodge visitation
       *  The Road to Ancom 2013
       *  December Family Bonding & X'mas Party
*  Balloting Petitioner Anthony Canete & Carl Garzon
*  Masonic Education - Speaker:  Bro. Pat Noel
*  Other Agenda / Worshipful Master's Time
*  Recognition
        Visiting Brethren, Birthday and Anniversary Celebrants
*  Messages / Commentaries (Visiting WMs, GLIs & DDGM)
*  Closing of the Lodge  - 6:40 PM
*  Fellowship Dinner  -  7:00 PM

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NOVEMBER

3  - WB Camar Umpa
11  -  Bro Aurelio Dacalos
          VW Victor Mariano
14  -  VW Henry Dy
27  -  Bro Cristio Denopol
29  -  Bro Aaron Fetalvero
30  -  VW Ronnie Albulario

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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! NOVEMBER

17  -  WB Alvin & Sis Jackie Bacolod

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"...And now abideth, Faith, Hope and Charity.  But the greatest of these is Charity." - excerpt from the perambulation of the Fellowcraft Mason.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Golden Sentences (The Craftsman - 1866)

From an address by De Witt Clinton, before Holland Lodge, the evening of his installation, December 24, 1973

His Definition of Masonry.    It is well known that our Order was at first composed of scientific and ingenious men who assembled to improve the arts and sciences, and cultivate a pure and sublime system of morality.  Knowledge at that time, was restricted to a chosen few;  but when the invention of printing had opened the means of instructions to all ranks of people, then the generous cultivators of Masonry communicated with cheerfulness to the world those secrets of the arts and sciences which had been transmitted and improved from the foundation of the institutions then our Fraternity bent their principal attention to the cultivation of morality.  And Masonry may now be defined as a moral institution, intended to promote individual and social happiness.

The Equality of Masonry.   Our institution asserts, in language not to be misunderstood, the natural equality of mankind.  It declares that all brethren are upon a level, and it throws open its hospitable doors to all men of all nations.  It admits of no rank, except the priority of merit, and its only aristocracy is the nobility of virtue.

The Onerous Cares of the Master.   Sensible I am that neither my age, experience nor abilities entitle me to fill this place.   Sensible I am that it is surrounded with difficulties and embarrassments;  that it requires promptitude of expression, quickness of thought and presence of mind, and that it demands conciliatory manners and instantaneous perception of character, and a considerable knowledge of mankind.

The Beneficent Work of Masonry.   How often has it showered down its golden gifts into the seemingly inaccessible dungeons of misery!  How often has it radiated with its beneficent rays of the glooms of affliction, and converted its horrors of despair into the meridian splendor of unexpected joy!  How often has it, with its philanthropic voice, recalled the unhappy wanderer into the paths of felicity, and with its powerful arm, protected from the grasp of malice and oppression the forlorn outcast of society!  Let the widow, the orphan, the prisoner, the debtor, the unfortunate, witness its beneficent deeds, and in a symphony of gratitude, declare that on the flight of all the other virtues, charity as well as hope remained to bless mankind.

The Duties of a Mason to His Brother.   A Mason is bound to consult the happiness and to promote the interests of his brother; to avoid everything offensive to his feelings; to abstain from reproach censure and unjust suspicions;  to warn him of tie machinations of his enemies;  to advise him of his errors; to advance the welfare and reputation of his family;  to protect the chastity of his house;  to defend his life, his property, and what is dearer to a roan of honor, his character, against unjust attacks;  to relieve his wants and his distress;  to instill into his mind proper ideas o conduct in the department of life which he is called to fill;  and, let me add, to foster his schemes of interest and promotion, if compatible with the paramount duties a man owes to the community.  If such are the obligations which a man owes to brother, they are precisely the duties that one freemason ought to perform to another.  Our Order enjoins them as rules from which nothing can justify a deviation, and considers their infraction a violation of honor, conscience and religion;  a prostitution of all that is deemed sacred and venerable among men.  But Masonry does not confine the benignity f her precepts t her followers;  she rises higher in the scale of excellence, and enjoins the observance of honor, honesty and good faith to all men;  she espouses the cause of universal benevolence and virtue;  she declares as unworthy of her patronage those who violate the laws of rectitude, and her votaries exemplify in their lives the truth of the remark that, although there are vicious men in the fraternity, yet they are better, than if they were not Masons.

The Religion of Masonry.   As Christian Masons, acknowledging the divinity of Christ, we have introduced the Bible into our Lodge, to manifest our belief in the doctrines which it inculcates.  In life manner the followers of Moses, Mahomet and Burmah may introduce into their Masonic assemblies their Pentateuch, their Alcoran, and their Vedan;  and yet the unity of Masonry would remain - the essential principles on which she moves would be the same;  she would still declare to her votaries, I regard not to what sect you attach yourselves;  venerate the popular religion of your respective countries;  follow the light of your understanding; forget not, however, the doctrines of the religion of nature;  adore the Great Architect of the Universe, acknowledge the immortal soul, and look forward to a state of future retribution when the virtues of  all religions and countries shall meet together, and enjoy never fading bliss.


(Source :  Iligan Lodge No. 207 Bulletin, September 2012)

Saturday, September 15, 2012

September 2012 Iligan Lodge 207 Bulletin

Message from the Worshipful Master - WB Hilario Abel B. Gomez

Building on our Past, Excelling in the Present, 
          Providing for our Future :  More Masonry For All


This is the battlecry for the forthcoming Centennial Fun Run Series of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines dubbed as "Run Kuyang Run".  Different dates are set for specific key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Cagayan de Oro leg is slated on November 18 while that in Davao City on November 25, 2012.  Should you wish to join, please secure your registration form this early.  Your race kit includes a TechShirt (for Masons and Family of Masons), Singlet (for friends and guests), race rib, race map and race information.

This kind of activity goes a long, long way.  It does not only promote physical health, camaraderie amongst us and commitment to our mother Lodge but, most of all, our cooperation would help our organization realize our mission and goals for this centennial year.

Let this be a reminder that we brethren are meant to be builders not only of the past, in the present but also for the future.

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Agenda for September 15, 2012 Stated Meeting

5:00 pm       Opening of the Lodge of Master Masons
5:15 pm       Reading and Approval
                       -  Minutes of the last Stated Meeting
                       -  Secretary's Financial Report
                       -  Treasurer's Report
                     Communications
                     Committee Reports              
                        -  LT Panares Lodge visitation
                        -  Mindanao Convention - Camiguin Island
                     Balloting
                     Masonic Education       
                        -  Speaker :  VW Eufemio I. Calio, PDGL
                     Other Agenda/ Worshipful Master's Time
                     Recognition
                         -  Visiting Brethren, Birthday and Anniversary Celebrants

6:40 pm       Closing of the Lodge
7:00 pm       Fellowship Dinner               
            
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BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

          8      -  Bro Marlon Yu
          10    -  Bro Lowel Chiong, Bro Boyd Siao
          15    -  Bro Mark Siao
          16    -  VW Fem Calio
          17    -  VW Datumanong Sarangani, Bro Albert Espejo
          19    -  Bro Melanio Siao
          27    -  WM Ferdinand Bartolome
          30    -  Bro Renato Tan


Saturday, August 18, 2012

August 2012 Iligan Lodge No. 207 Bulletin

Message from the Worshipful Master
WB Hilario Abel B. Gomez

The Three Great Lights

Our lodge is illuminated, figuratively speaking, by the Three Great Lights:  The Holy Book, the square and the compass.  Our Mason's faith is ruled by the Holy Book; our actions, by the square; and our bond with all mankind, by the compass.  In person, these Three Great Lights function in accordance with their calling: the spirit, the soul and the intellect.

Akin to any other organizations, the Three Great Lights as represented by the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden and the Junior Warden, need The Lesser Lights to light the Masons to, at and from his labour.  The Senior and Junior Deacons are instrumental in bridging the gaps between the spirit and the soul, and between the soul and the mind.  Together with the inner and the outer Guard, the Lodge is in full force in undertaking Masonic activities both inside and outside of the Masonic temple.

The tree-planting activity was personally labored by the Three Great Lights.  As a builder, it is my fervent hope that the fruits of our labor will shine upon those who seek enlightenment.

Past Worshipful Master Jaime P. Magnetico also joined in shedding light on the school children who received the gift of love.  The donation of school supplies was not only a physical manifestation that we care. The reception by the school children showed that our simple act of sharing was truly priceless.

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Agenda for August 18, 2012 Stated Meeting

5:00 P.M.  -  Opening of the Lodge of Master Masons
5:15 P.M.  -  Reading & Approval
                       Minutes of the last Stated Meeting
                       Secretary's Financial Report
                       Treasurer's Report
                     Communications
                     Committee Reports
                       School Supplies donation to Doña Josefa Celdran Memorial School
                       Sagip Kalikasan - Update on the Tree Park at Brgy. Bonbonon
                       Salute to the Flag - an Inter HS Oratorical Contest
                       Through the Years:  Masonry in Action - a Photo Exhibit
                       Centennial Landmark
                       Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Lecture/DepEd LDN
                     Masonic Education
                       WB HABGomez
                     Other Agenda/Worshipful Master's Time
                     Recognition
                       Visiting Brethren, Birthday and Anniversary Celebrants
                     Messages/Commentaries (Visiting WMs, GLIs & DDGM)
6:40 P.M.  -  Closing of the Lodge
7:00 P.M.  -  Fellowship Dinner

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PHOTO OPPS

Arbor Day Tree-planting at Barangay Bonbonon last June 24, 2012 attended by the 3 lights:  WM H. Abel Gomez, Bro. Rogelio Nuñeza, Bro. Ali Bari; & Bro. Ivan Banaag.  Photo courtesy of Bro. Pat Noel.  Also in photo are volunteers:  our sons in DeMolay, Totong Cañete & Barangay Councilor, Ms. Marivic Alia.

 The group before the ground breaking, or back breaking, as the case may maybe... :-)

 The Worshipful Master, WB H Abel B. Gomez, showing and leading the way.

The Senior Warden, Brother Rogelio Nuñeza, following the example.

The Junior Warden, Brother Ali Bari, putting the seedlings in the proper places.

Donation of school supplies to the 593 school children at Doña Josefa F. Celdran Memorial School last August 8, 2012 attended by immediate past Master, WB Jaime P. Magnetico, WM H. Abel B. Gomez and Senior Warden, Bro. Roger Nuñeza.  School Principal Mrs. Nora R. Badiang acknowledged the turn-over of donated goods.  Photo courtesy of Bro. Pat D. Noel.

 The symbolic turn-over of the donated school supplies to the school principal, Mrs. Nora R. Badiang.

 The school supplies were given directly to the students present.

 A happy face inspires us to give more.  Thank you too for making us happy.

Students from different grade levels lined up awaiting for their turn to receive the school supplies.

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BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

4 - VW Melvin Salazar
7 - Bro Jose Montejo
11 - Bro Rainato Sy
12 - Bro Pasayud Macarambon
14 - Bro Angelo Loceo
30 - VW Dominic Siao

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"Give or share what little we have to those who have less or none at all!" - Pat Noel (not sure if i'm the original who coined this lines, but i've been using it for quite some time now.  If you knew somebody who mentioned this before and feels that that person said it first and is entitled for the recognition, please comment so I may correct this.  I have no intention to claim this one if I am not in the position to do so.  Thank you and may the GAOTU bless us all!)

Friday, July 20, 2012

July 2012 Iligan Lodge No. 207 Bulletin

Message from the Worshipful Master - WB Hilario Abel B. Gomez

"The Labor is plenty but the Work is not done."

Yes, fellow Laborers are mobilizing towards the fulfillment of our goals for this Masonic year.  As we continue growing for the next half-year, let us all be brother-in-arms in accomplishing the Work.  We are but one in the spirit of brotherhood.  As a unified element, the stronger and more fruitful we will be in our endeavors as craftsmen.

Last month, we welcomed Bro. Ivan Banaag, our youngest Mason in the Lodge.  Let's make his journey with us enlightened with the general ideals and principles each one of us is called for.  For the rest of the year, we are looking forward to more incoming conferral of petitioners.  The more we breed, the more we become productive craftsmen.

The Lodge celebrated a day early Arbor Day last June 24 by planting 50 trees in Brgy. Bonbonon.  This is the opening salvo in fulfilling our Lodge Park full of trees and flowers which the barangay officials have already approved.  Other projects in the offing are the inter-high school oratorical contest, centennial landmark, and Masonic photo exhibit through the years, to name but a few.

In the spirit of fraternal brotherhood, let us look forward to our "kapitbisig barkadahan" Lodge members get-together.  Likewise, let us be One Family as we bring together our respective families to our most-awaited wholesome family bonding moment.

So, together brethren, we move on.

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Notice of Stated Meeting 21 July 2012, Saturday, 5 PM

Agenda
*  Opening of the Lodge of Master Masons                                    1:00 PM
*  Conferral of the 1st Degree of Masonry to Ian Justine Sagario     1:30 PM
*  Reading & Approval
         >  Minutes of the last Stated Meeting
         >  Secretary's Financial Report
         >  Treasurer's Report
*  Communications
*  Committee Reports
         >  School Supplies donations to Doña Josefa Celdran Elementary School
         >  Sagip Kalikasan / Arbor Day Tree Planting
         >  Tree Park MOA with Brgy. Bonbonon
*  Masonic Education - Speaker:  Bro. Catalino B. Rodriguez, Jr.
*  Other Agenda / Worhshipful Master's Time
*  Recognition
         >  Visiting Brethren
         >  Birthday and Anniversary Celebrants
*  Messages / Commentaries (Visiting WMs, GLIs, and DDGM)
*  Closing of the Lodge                                                                  6:40 PM
*  Fellowship Dinner                                                                       7:00 PM

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First Degree Conferral Team

Worshipful Master - Bro. Ali Bari
Senior Warden - WB H. Abel B. Gomez
Junior Warden - VW Eduardo D. Ulindang
Senior Deacon - Bro. Nizami Riconalla
Junior Deacon - Bro. Alykhan Ali
Senior Steward - Bro. Pat D. Noel
Junior Steward - Bro. Ivan J. Banaag
Marshall - Bro. Renato A. Tan
Lecturers:
  VW Sotero Q. Trinidad - Lamb Skin Apron
  VW Stephen T. Monterroyo - Entered Apprentice
  Bro. Ivan J. Banaag - Working Tools
The Charge - WB Jaime P. Magnetico

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Happy Anniversary!!!

July 8 - VW Joseph & Sis Mauling Sanguila
July 9 - VW Joseph & Sis Judit Sanguila
July 12 - Bro. Danilo & Sis Virgie Gonzaga
July 29 - Bro. Elmer & Sis Bernadeth Marcella

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Happy Birthday!!!

July 10 - VW Gerardo Padilla
July 18 - Bro. Gilbert Betoy

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Masonic Trivia:

"So Mote It Be" - This is the oldest phrase still used by Freemasons and is found in the Regius Poem of about 1390.  It is usually used to close a prayer, and means "So may it be" or "Amen."

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"No Man should ever enter into any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessings of God." - Entered Apprentice Mason Degree

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

What's with the Higher Bodies in a Blue Lodge?

The title seems to be a very tricky question addressed to anyone who cares to answer.  But to save you time, this blog is a blog for Iligan Lodge No. 207, a blue lodge...and what I'm about to blog about is an activity of the Higher Bodies...the Scottish Rite...in which members of the Iligan Lodge No. 207 are active members.

Nothing much can be written when a picture can truly paint a thousand words.  I greatly agree with the previous statement because the pictures below can really express words in silence.  And to put in a few lines, it shows the happiness and camaraderie of Brethren dwelling together, rubbing elbows, breaking bread in honor of our past Venerable Masters.

Last June 23, 2012, roughly 3 days ago, the Higher Bodies or the Orient of Lanao, Valley of Iligan of the Scottish Rite had for the first time in its history gathered to pay homage to those who led us in our valleys.  And what fitting affair when you see together and honored for the first time these worthy and illustrious men in our valley.  Some have gone to the place where no traveler ever returned...some to some places to earn wages to enable them to give a better life to their family and loved ones.  But even though, they were honored and missed by those present.

And what great honor it was when the affair was attended as its Guest of Honor by no less than the newly elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, no other than RW Tomas G. Rentoy, III, who flew in directly from Manila to join us in the event.  

As the roll call was made, I kept on answering silently, "With the GAOTU!" or "In Canada!" or wherever that particular brother had decided to stay and labored. 

Without much ado brethren, the photos that paints thousands of words!