Bulletin and Summon of Regular Stated Meeting January 21, 2023

 Message from the East

Bro. CARL IRWIN P. GARZON
Worshipful Master

Greetings Brethren!

We, Masons, get a lot out of our fraternity.  We get a chance to make new friends, do worthwhile things in our community and improve ourselves as human beings. We have opportunities for ethical, moral and spiritual growth. We have a support system in times of trouble, and we have a chance to be with other masons, do things together, and talk and share our ideas and goals.

But our families and communities get a lot out of Masonry, too.  You may not be aware of all those benefits but it's good to know them.  Sometimes they can really make a difference!

First of all, there are lodge activities for the family...    

We know that a Mason's family is most important thing in our lives.  We plan activities in which the entire family can participate just like last February 15, 2023 when we celebrated the "Iligan Masonic Lodge 207 Family Day".  I truly appreciate who attended the said event and brought their Families as we had fun and successful event.

And if you ever need help...

In a strange town or a foreign city, help is as close as the nearest Mason.  All you have to do is find one.  Look for the Square and Compasses - you'll find one at the back of this brochure (or at the bottom of the page) - on a ring or pin, or look up the number of the lodge in the telephone book.  Make yourself known as the wife, son, or daughter of a Mason, and you'll get all the help that you need. Just like our lodge have all promised to give any Brethren our help.

Our City benefits too...

We do many things to make our communities better places in which to live.  It takes many pages of computer printout to list the local projects in even one city or province in which masons are involved. Such things as we have done in our lodge was clean up programs, packed foods and goods for the needy, Feeding programs for street family giving volunteer time to services for the elderly... the list go on and on.  But all these things make our city a better place for us to live.  Masons care!

That's the key - Masons care...

We care about our own development as men and Masons.  We care about our country. We care about our individual faiths. We care about the poor, the sick, the helpless, and the hopeless.

And, especially, we care about our families.  We care about our wives as independent, equal partners in life.  We care about our children, not only because they represent hope for tomorrow, but as growing or developing individuals who must be given every possible chance to be everything they can be.  

As I end my term, I hope that the support and cooperation you all have shown and given will continue as our newly-elected WM Maclin Lanto set his programs and activities for the new Masonic Year 2023. 

TOGETHER BRETHREN!


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Agenda of the Stated Meeting

 -   Opening the Lodge of Master Mason               
 -   Presentation of the National Flag

 -   Reception of Dignitaries of the East
 -   Reading and Approval
         *Minutes of previous stated meeting
         *Secretary's Financial Report
         *Treasurer's Financial Report
  -   Reports of Committees
         *Sunshine
         *Fellowship
  -   Reading of Grand Lodge Edicts/Circulars
  -   Masonic Education

  -   Other Matters/ Communications
  -   Recognition of Visiting Brethren
  -   Commentaries of Visiting Dignitaries
  -   Retirement of the National Flag
  -   Closing the Lodge of Master Mason

                 

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Happy Birthday (January)

VW Ali M. Bari                  - Jan 10
WB Renato  Bontol            - Jan 10
Bro. Jason Lim                   - Jan 14
WB Rolando Layumas       - Jan 17
VW Ronald Sy                    - Jan 30

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Happy Anniversary

Angelo & Cecilia Rentoy         - Jan 3
Oscar & Belinda Badelles        - Jan 10
Ike Saturnino & Grace Gaite    - Jan 18


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"There are no strangers in Freemasonry, only friends you've yet to meet." - Dave Thomas

The Three Lights for Masonic Year 6014 AL (2014 AD)

 WB ALI M. BARI, Worshipful Master

Bro. Ali graduated BS Forestry in MSU-Marawi campus in 1977.  He works with DENR Region 9 as Director III.  He was initiated on October 25, 1991 and raised to the sublime degree on December 21, 1991.  He is married to Haydelisa Laurente and blessed with three children, namely, Myrna, Iben Ali and Potri Iren.  He is a member of Maranaw Bodies, a member and past Royal Patron of the Order of Amaranth Iligan Court No. 21.


   

Bro. PAT D. NOEL, Senior Warden

Bro. Pat was initiated in June 2004, passed in September 2004 and raised in October 2004.  He is at present the Chapter Adviser of the Tomas Ll. Cabili Chapter of the International Order of DeMolay.   He is also a 32nd Degree MRS of the Scottish Rite.   He is married to Sister Revilla Nazareno Carbonell-Noel last May 18, 2004.  Bro. Pat has been working with the Iligan City Tourism Office since 1996 up to the present.



 

Bro. IVAN GERARDO J. BANAAG, Junior Warden

Bro. Ivan was initiated on August 20, 2011, passed on November 19, 2011 and raised June 16, 2012.  He is married to Sister Rosanne "Madin" G. Banaag of MSU-IIT and is blessed with 3 children, namely, John Michael, 15 years old; Gerard Chael, 5 years old; and Aaron 2 years old. He is presently connected with NPC, Mindanao Generation since 2003 up to the present.

A Real Freemason

A real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct.  Other men are honest in fear of punishment the law might inflict;  they are religious in expectation being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world.

The Freemason would be just as if there was no law, human or divine, except those written in the heart by the fingers of his creator.  In every climate under every system of religion, he is the same.  He kneels before the throne of God in gratitude for the blessing he has received;  and in humble solicitation for his future protection.  He venerates the good men of all religion;  he disturb not the religion of others.  He restrains his passion because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself.  He gives no offense because he does not choose to be offended.  He is honest upon principles.


The duty of a Mason is to endeavor to make man better of his neighbor;  to quiet, instead of aggravating difficulties; to bring together those who are severed or estranged; to keep friends from becoming foes; and to persuade foes to become friends.  To do this, he needs to control his own passion, and be not rash and hasty, nor swift to take offense, nor easy to be angered.

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)

Message from the Worshipful Master - September 20, 2010

VIVA SEÑOR SAN MIGUEL! .... VIVA!!!

The 20th day of September marks the beginning of the nine days of novena prayer leading to the celebration of the Feast of Señor San Miguel.  This is also the "pagkanaog" day when Señor San Miguel is lowered from his lofty pedestal.  Perhaps not known to everyone, there is a local "tinuhuan" or folk belief associated with this event - it augurs well for the People of Iligan if Señor San Miguel allows himself to be lowered in one easy heave, while it is bad omen if several attempts are required.  So, in spite of the fact that this ritual has been carried out repeatedly in the past, the devotees still anxiously look forward to and pray for a smooth and quick "pagkanaog."  This is the reason why many devotees also celebrate this day.  We therefore join them in their celebration as we also pray for peace and harmony in our community in this deplorable present.

The "pagkanaog" is also opportune time for us Brethren to have a fellowship among ourselves.  It has been months since we last had a similar bonding activity.  Everyone is urged to attend this meeting, specially, the fellowship afterward.  You don;t want to miss the gimmicks prepared by JW Abel Gomez.

We visited our sister lodge, the Leonardo T. Pañares Lodge No. 220 last September 6th.  Aside from the three lights, we were joined by DDGM Ben Alipio, DGL Edward Banawa, WB Ed Ulindang, VW Fem Calio, VW Warly Sanguila, Vw James Yu, and VW Willington Yee.  VW Fem Calio gave the Masonic Education talk.  We were all warmly but separately, received.  Dinner and fellowship followed at the Philtown Hotel.  WB Raul Cinco, Worshipful Master of LTP 220, proposed their reciprocal visit on November due to hectic schedules.  My deep gratitude for the brethren who supported us in this undertaking.  Thank you.

-  WB Oscar V. Badelles

- - - - - -
AGENDA FOR THE STATED MEETING - September 20, 2010

5:00 pm - Opening of Lodge of Master Masons

5:30 pm - Main Business
                Reading & Approval of the Minutes of Last Stated Meeting
                Reading & Approval of Secretary's Financial Report
                Reading & Approval of Treasurer's Report
                Reading of Communications

6:00 pm - Committee Report
                Visit to the Leonardo T. Pañares Lodge No. 220 - Bro. Jaime P. Magnetico, SW
                Membership Development - VW G. Audwin T. Garzon, Secretary

6:20 pm - Masonic Education
                VW Eufemio L. Calio, PDGL
                Topic:  "Peace And Harmony Prevailing"

6:40 pm - Acknowledgement of Visiting Brethren

6:45 pm - Messages / Commentaries Visiting WMs, GLI, DGLs, and DDGM

6:50 pm - Closing of the Lodge

7:00 pm - Fraternal Dinner


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YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE FORTHCOMING ACTIVITY:


       October 2 (Saturday) @ Oroquieta City  :   Conferral of 4th to 14th degree A&ASR


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Greetings to our SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS:

Bro. Boyd F. Siao - September 10
Bro. Lowell D. Chiong - September 10
Bro. Mark Stanley K. Siao - September 15
VW Eufemio L. Calio - September 16
Bro. Alberto V. Espejo - September 17
VW Datumanong D. Sarangani - September 17
Bro. Miguel T. Valbuena - September 18
WB Melanio D. Siao - September 19
WB Ferdinand P. Bartolome - September 27
Bro. Rene A. Tan - September 30


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Felicitations also to the love birds of Iligan Lodge on their WEDDING ANNIVERSARY:

VW Edwin & Sis Annie Co - September 8
VW Robert & Sis Joy Co - September 15





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"Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open." -  Elmer G. Letterman

Message from the Worshipful Master - August 21, 2010

Greetings my brother,

Thank you - seems inadequate to express my deep gratitude to everyone who helped and contributed to the success of our district project Masonry: FYI last July 31st.  The enthusiastic effort of many brethren and sisters of inviting friends and guests was responsible for the huge turn-out: 125 in attendance.  And they were not disappointed for they were informed, enlightened and entertained by four of our most knowledgeable and erudite Freemasons: WB Vic Mariano, VW Warly Sanguila, VW Roy Trinidad and VW Fem Calio.  And just as the open forum was becoming more exciting with the audience earnestly participating.  I had to end the program because we had exceeded our time by one hour already.  My thanks also to the Masters of the other Lodges for their unstinted support and to all brethren who attended, specially those who performed as lodge officers.  Most of all, my thanks to the project chairman, WB Vic Mariano for acceding to my suggestion of reviving this activity after a lapse of about eight years, and to our DDGM VW Ben Alipio, for his trust and all out support.

In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, I would like to urge the brethren to also extend their support to the forthcoming district activities: Walk For Your Health on Saturday morning of August 21 with Manticao Lodge 243 as lead lodge and Novatos Golf on Sunday, August 22nd with Maranaw Lodge 111 as the lead lodge.  Let us practice outside the lodge the Masonic Fellowship that we so proudly talked about during the bring a friend program.  Let us support and participate in all of our district and lodge activities.  See ya...
- WB Oscar V. Badelles


* * * * *
AGENDA FOR THE STATED MEETING AUGUST 21, 2010

5:00 P.M. OPENING OF LODGE OF MASTER MASONS
5:30 P.M. MAIN BUSINESS
*  Reading & Approval of the Minutes of Last Stated Meeting
*  Reading & Approval of Secretary's Financial Report
*  Reading & Approval of Treasurer's Report
*  Reading of Communications

6:00 P.M. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
*  Bring-A-Friend - WB Victor G. Mariano
*  Sister Lodge Visitation - Bro. Jaime P. Magnetico

6:30 P.M. MASONIC EDUCATION
"Our Glorious Past and Deplorable Present" - VW Moises G. Dalisay, Jr.

6:40 P.M. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF VISITING BRETHREN -
6:45 P.M. Messages / Commentaries Visiting WMs, GLI, DGLs, and DDGM
6:50 P.M. CLOSING OF THE LODGE
7:00 P.M. Fraternal Dinner


- - - - - -
PLEASE BE REMINDED OF THE FOLLOWING DISTRICT ACTIVITIES:


*  WALK FOR YOUR HEALTH @ UDLMC, SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2010 @ 5:30 A.M.


*  NOVATOS GOLF @ GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB OF ILIGAN, TIPANOY ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010 @ 7:00 A.M.




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GREETINGS to our AUGUST BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS:

WB Mervin C. Salazar - August 4
Bro. Jose B. Montejo, Jr. - August 7
Bro. Rainato L. Sy - August 11
Bro. Angelo Guisseppi C. Loceo - August 14
VW Dominic W. Siao - August 30

FELICITATIONS also to the love birds of Iligan Lodge on their WEDDING ANNIVERSARY:

Bro. Angelo Guisseppi & Sis. Patricia Loceo - August 23


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"In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves." - Thomas Carlyle


               

Our Junior Warden's Daughter Got Zapped!

By God!  It was Abby's 1st Birthday Celebration and her Christening at the same time.  The proud father, Brother Hilario Abel Gomez organized a party attended by a few church friends, family members and a lone eater (outsider who is not actually related to the family, so I went there to eat...and brought along my lovely wife...and take photos...and wrote this blog...and posted these pictures)...

Beeday...cakes!

The candle symbolizing the light of the path towards God, the water

which symbolizes the cleansing of the soul. 

Sacred corner.

Officiating pastor.

The guests...with the proud Grandpa (right).

Some of the guests during the prayers for the newly baptized baby girl, Abby

Cute Abby curious of the camera while her dad, mom and kuyas are

all singing the hymn!

Proud Dad giving baybee Abby one of his

glowing smiles.

And God's words were broadcast in the air for everyone to hear

that this child Abby is in HIS protection.

The proud parents and the God parents.

Abby's energy was passed to her by these proud parents.

And the ritual of baptism is performed on Abby to proclaim

to everyone that she is GOD's precious child.

Baybee Abby dipping her cute little hands on the holy water.

Grand Pa leading the prayers for the blessings of the food.

The 3 Kings or Musketeers 

A pose with Ninang Marlene with Grand Pa at the background.

Hopping around to get acquainted with the rest of the guests of her baptism.

 

Struggling to grab her Grand Pa here standing beside Lolo Warly.

Baybee Abby grabbing herself a handful!

Friends...Relatives...Neighbors...

Party's OVER! wwaaahhhhh!!! I wanna go home!

Baby Abby, May God always protect you and guide you as you make your way to this world.   To our Junior Warden, Brother Abel, the father, May you continue to shower your love ones with abundant love, wealth, attention and not failing to show them the way to our eternal creator.

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"Just as a flower gives out its fragrance to whomsoever approaches or uses it, so love from within us radiates towards everybody and manifests as spontaneous service." - Swami Ramdas

   The centenary celebration of the Tyrian Lodge. no. 253. of freem                    

Elocution on the "Lambskin Apron"

Elocution on the "Lambskin Apron" was first held at Tubod, Lanao del Norte last October 31, 2009 at the lobby of the office of Lanao Norte Electric Co., with the able leadership of VW Lyndon L. Abucay, DDGM.  Iligan Lodge No. 207 was ably represented by Bro. Hilario Abel Gomez, who as they say, "Took home the bacon".  He was pitted against the representatives of Maranaw Lodge No. 111, Manticao Lodge No. 243, Judge Valerio V. Rovira Lodge No. 259, Lake Lanao Lodge No. 227, Rajah Indrapatra Lodge No. 387 and the host lodge, Glicerio A. Lim Memorial Lodge No. 222.

The True Meaning of Masonry

By  Albert Pike
      "Morals and Dogma"

FREEMASONRY is the subjugation of the Human that is in man by the Divine;  the Conquest of the Appetites and Passions by the Moral Sense and the Reason;  a continual effort, struggle, and warfare of the Spiritual against the Material and the Sensual.  That victory, when it has been achieved and secured, and the conqueror may rest upon his shield and wear the well-earned laurels, is the true HOLY EMPIRE. 

To achieve it, the Mason must first attain a solid conviction, founded upon reason, that he hath within him  a spiritual nature, a sould hat is not to die when the body is dissolved, but is to continue to exist and to advance toward perfection through all the ages of eternity, and to see more and more clearly, as it draws nearer unto God, the Light of the Divine Presence.  This is the Philosophy of the Ancient and Accepted Rite teaches him.

Every Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the first to the thirty-second, teaches by its ceremonial as well as by its instruction, that the noblest purpose of life and the highest duty of a man are to strive incessantly and vigorously to win the mastery of everything, of that which in him is spiritual and divine, over that which is material and sensual;  so that in him also, as in the Universe which God governs, Harmony and Beauty may be the result of a just equilibrium.

Source :  The Far Eastern Freemason  2nd Quarter 2008


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"The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others."   -  Solomon Ibn Gabriol

Installation of 2010 Officers of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines : Iligan Lodge No. 207

On January 16, 2010 the newly elected and appointed officers of the Iligan Lodge No. 207 was installed at the Ubaldo Laya Masonic Center with VW Gerardo D. Paguio as guest speaker. WB Eduardo D. Ulindang was the installing officer, 2009 Worshipful Master. Master of Ceremonies was VW Eufemio Calio while the assistant MC was VW Genesis Calit. Fellowship dinner followed at the 7th floor of the Ma. Cristina Hotel .

Filipino tradition requires the brethren to be in Barong Pilipino, but to distinguish the elected and appointed officers from the rest of the members of Iligan Lodge No. 207, they decided to wear coat and tie which turned out to be quite pleasant to look at.

Below are some photos during the installation.

"No man should ever enter any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessings of GOD."

 

The Honor of Presenting the Flag of our Country at the altar.

 

"Press it on your lips, hug it..."

 

The outgoing officers surrendering their jewels to the Assistant Master of Ceremony for safekeeping.

 

Finally, the outgoing Worshipful Master surrendering his jewels to the Assistant Master of Ceremony. 

 

  The outgoing Officers closing their term with a prayer.

The Incoming officers at the altar for the benefit of prayer.

 The Incoming Worshipful Master, Bro. Oscar V Badelles being introduced to the brethren and the public.

 Incoming Worshipful Master Oscar V Badelles with the working tools of his office.

I do most solemnly promise and vow.

 The Senior Warden Bro Jaime P Magnetico receiving the jewels of his office.

 

Taking the vows of office of a Senior Warden at the altar.

 

Vows of the Junior Warden at the altar.

The Treasurer Bro Boyd Siao receiving his jewels.

 

The Secretary VW Audwin Garzon receiving his jewels.

Incoming Chaplain VW Roy Trinidad at the altar.

 

Bro Carlito Chan Jr being installed as Marshal.

Junior Deacon Pat Noel and Senior Deacon Renato Tan being installed.

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"HOPE is like a road in the country;  there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence."   -  Lin Yutang