Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 F. & A.M.

Reason tells us...

2008-09-13T22:59:00.004+08:00

“Reason tells us that we cannot expect anything but more sufferings, more treachery, more insults and more slavery. Reason tells us not to fritter away time for the promised prosperity that will never come. . . . Reason teaches us to rely on ourselves and not to depend on others for our living. Reason tells us to be united . . . that we may have the strength to combat the evils in our country.”

Bro. Andres Bonifacio

A proud heritage...

2008-09-13T21:41:00.003+08:00

"The successful Revolution of 1896 was masonically inspired, masonically led, and masonically executed. And I venture to say that the first Philippine Republic of which I was its humble president, was an achievement we owe, largely, to masonry and the freemasons."

WB. Emilio F. Aguinaldo
First President of the Philippine Republic

Let it be our creed...

2008-09-13T21:23:00.004+08:00

"Masons should not rest so long as the world nurtures a tyrant, so
long as the night gathers in its echoes the moans of the oppressed,
so long as there are slaves, so long as there are oppressors. And
this work is perhaps the greatest that Masonry has imposed upon
itself and the only one worthy of its universal name."

Bro. Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Pintong Bato Lodge No.9 Joins IGLPI 2nd Founding Anniversary

2008-09-11T17:51:00.001+08:00

(With excerps from the IGLPI Information Center)

On September 7, 2007 (Sunday), the brethren of Pintong bato Lodge No.9 and joined the other brethren of IGLPI as they gathered for the celebration of the IGLPI Second Founding Anniversary.

Program of Activities in the morning was started at a tee off as the First VWB Rolly H. Sarmiento PDDGM Memorial Cup was held at Royale Tagaytay Country Club, Inc., Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, and was participated on by many brethren both from IGLPI and other jurisdiction and by their families and by non mason guests who enthusiastically supported the event. There were raffle prizes distributed at the program while the brethren held its fellowship. Its was a great day and a fun activity as the brethren friendly compete on the greens of the golf course. The over-all championship was won by RW Manuel Carranza. The program ended after the awarding of the winners, and the brethren proceeded to the more important affair of the day which was the 2nd IGLPI Founding Anniversarry celebration at Tagatay Tropical Greens.

At around 4 o'clock in the afternoon, at Tagaytay Tropical Green, Patutong Malaki, Tagaytay City , Philippines , the Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands celebrated its memorable second founding anniversary. More than two hundred fifty (250) brethren from its member lodges and the two (2) lodges U.D. attended the great affair which was also graced by more than one hundred (100) family members of Masons, including visiting brethren from other jurisdiction.

"The journey had began “ a fresh start for true Masonry, and the continuation of that journey to move on and march forward, so let us put true Masonry in our heart to sustain more progress from a fresh start “. It is the journey that counts, not the distance we have traveled."

The Ladies of the IGLPI, an organization composed of wives, sisters, daughters and relatives of Masons led by Sis. Estrella del Mundo, wife of Bro. Evaristo del Mundo, one of the pillars of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9, a Master Mason with fifty two (52) great years of Masonic services, an outstanding Master Mason, once "expelled" without due process in the practice of Freemasonry because of his uncompromising stand, showed their strong support in all undertakings of the Grand Lodge.

An instant theme for the night, "Give me some men who are stout hearted men who will fight for the right they adore. Start me with ten who are stout hearted men and I soon give you ten thousand more. Shoulder to shoulder and bolder and bolder we march together to the goal. All ten thousand men will march together man to man." The Journey of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands.

The program proper started with the singing of the National Anthem led by the Master of Ceremony Bro. Waldo Carbonel of Mendez-Nunez Lodge No.8, followed by the invocation solemnly delivered by VW Bayani R. Leoncio Grand Chaplain and the welcome address of the Over-All Chairman of the affair RW Cesar L. Go JGW.

An interesting and notable performance, once more, the apples of the brethren, the Ladies of the IGLPI gracefully showed their talent in dancing side by side with the younger ones.

Thereafter the inspirational talk of RW Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. DGM, followed by the History of the IGLPI by RW Joseph A. Capuyan SGW prepared and played by Bro. Adlai and Dwight Jawid in a film presentation was projected for all to watch.

After the sumptuous dinner, the Ceremony of After Dinner Toasts:

The first toast was proposed by MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente GM to the Republic of the Philippines

The second toast by RW Manuel L. Carranza, Jr. DGM to Freemasonry and Harmony of all Masons in the Philippines

The third toast by RW Joseph A. Capuyan SGW to the IGLPI

The fourth toast by RW Cesar L. Go JGW to the District and Lodges Brethren

The fifth toast by VW Bernardo E. Marges GIG to the Newly Raised Master Masons of the IGLPI

The sixth toast by VW Aldo G. Olaguer DGS in tribute to the sisters, the Ladies of the IGLPI

The seventh toast by VW Eduardo V. Bayot GL to All Masons Withersoever Dispersed

The eight toast by RW Roxy H. Sarmiento GAud and Sis. Baby Sarmiento in Memory of the late VWB Rolly H. Sarmiento PDDGM.

Special toasts were also proposed by the Master of Ceremony, from father to the son and son to the father toasts.

Bro. Waldy Carbonel of Mendez-Nunez Lodge No. 8 IGLPI proposed a toast to his son and to the GLP

WM Walden Carbonnel Master of Araw Lodge No. 18 proposed a toast to his father and to the Brotherhood “ On the Level."

And before everyone get drank with more wine toasts, the message of the Guest of Honor and Speaker, VWB Ruperto S. Sangalang, PDDGM Masonic District No. 2 GLP was delivered. His speech was very relevant and interesting as it talks about the early history of the craft in the Philippines, a sad part in the history of masonry when Bro. Apolinario Mabini wrote letters regarding the unequal treatment and injustices between Spanish and Filipino Lodges. The message was familiar and quite similar to the situation when the Cavite brethren formed and organized the IGLPI. The Grand Officers then headed by MW Nicolas G. Ricafrente presented a Plaque of Appreciation to VWB Sangalang as the Guest of Honor and Speaker of the IGLPI second founding anniversary.

It was then followed by the Grand Master's Message, and finally the highlights of the affair, at the darkness of the night, lighted by candles held by everyone, side by side, the brethren, the Ladies of the IGLPI, wives, sisters, daughters, relatives and friends of Master Masons, the orphans and the visiting brethren from other jurisdiction with lighted candle on one hand, sang IF WE HOLD ON TOGETHER.

Don't lose your way with each passing day
You've come so far don't throw it away
Leave believing dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story, faith, hope and glory
Hold to the Truth in your heart.

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by for you and I

Souls in the wind must learn how to bend
Seek out a star, hold on to the end
Valley, mountain, there is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying, someone is praying
Please let us come home to stay.

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
As high as souls can fly
The clouds roll by for YOU and I

The song was first sang at the Pintong Bato Lodge Ladies' Night celebration last July as wives of brother masons of Pintong Bato Lodge were honored and recognized for their active and unwavering support to the brethren of the lodge.
The essence of the song was felt, indeed touched every one's heart, carried away, some still with tears, shook hands, embraced each other, the IGLPI, the Ladies of the IGLPI, the relatives of Masons, the visiting Brethren from other Jurisdiction, A ONE WHOLE FAMILY, gathered together.

The brethren's great effort and meritorious commitment extended to Freemasonry serves as an inspiration to the members of the IGLPI and other brethren whithersoever dispersed.

Congratulations, IGLPI!!! and More power.

The 90th Public Installation Ceremonies of Pintong Bato Lodge No.9

2008-09-08T20:44:00.004+08:00

On September 6, 2008, at 4 in the afternoon, The newly elected and appointed Officers of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 under the jurisdiction of the MW Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands were installed in a solemn ceremony held at Pintong Bato Lodge hall at Bacoor, Cavite.

It was a well attended affair graced by no other than the Grand Master, MW Nic Ricafrente and other Grand Line Officers.

After the invocation and flag ceremony, a welcome address was delivered by the new SW, Bro Nap Monsod. The Installation ceremony was delivered by the outgoing Worshipful Master, WB Bert Binuncal assisted by the Master of Ceremonies VWBro Bob Landas. The newly installed Worshipful Master, VW Rafael Velasquez, sitting for the second time in the oriental chair, delivered his inaugural address, he was the WM of the lodge 21 years ago. The Past Master Apron and Jewel were awarded next to the outgoing Worshipful Master, WB Bert Binuncal for an excellent job well done for serving two consecutive terms when the lodge was at its lowest moments and was very successful in bringing back the glory and strength of the lodge, and for becoming an inspiration to many of the brethren to continue strengthening and supporting our mother lodge.

The MW Grand Master Nic Ricafrente, the Guest of Honor ans Speaker for the event then delivered a very inspiring speech and imparted a very interesting story about the history of our nation as related to the history of masonry in the early days of the country.

Later in the program, the new Junior Deacon Bro. Sherwin Foronda delivered the closing remarks with a warm and flaming inspirational speech.

A warm and happy fellowship/dinner of the brethren and their families and guests thereafter followed.

To all the newly installed Officers and members of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9, Congratulations and more power to you all. May the the Grand Architect of the Universe bless our lodge, our brethren and our beloved fraternity.

KS636

MASONIC HUMOR

2008-04-04T09:46:00.002+08:00

A man had been convicted of murder and was about to be hanged. Just before the sentence was executed, the hangman asked the man if he had any last words. Yes came his reply, I hate Masons! Why do you hate Masons? asked the hangman. The man I killed was a Mason, explained the murderer, the sheriff who hunted me down was a Mason, the Prosecutor who tried my case was a Mason, the Judge who presided at the trial was a Mason, and all of the men on the jury who found me guilty and said I should be hanged were Masons! Is that all? asked the hangman. Yes replied the convicted murder....

Then you will advance one step with your left foot...

THE TYLER AND THE TYLER'S OATH

2008-04-04T08:07:00.007+08:00

Who is the Tyler? Of course we are all familiar with what he does and where he is stationed in the lodge...He is the brother "without the door armed with proper implements of his office". But what is a Tyler's oath and why is there such a thing? It's what I love about Freemasonry, its rich collections of customs, traditions, rituals, and of course secrets. Indeed not every mason knows that there is such a thing as a Tyler's Oath. I dont remember it being part of any of our lectures, nor was it delivered in any way during the course of any masonic education. Here, we can learn more about the our brother Tyler, and what he does, and of course about The Tyler's Oath.

Historically, we know that the medieval operative craft guilds jealously guarded their trade secrets. They would post a sentry outside the meeting place to protect it from inspection or intrusion by the uninitiated. He was known as an "outer guard", "guarder" or "doorkeeper" and often was the most junior apprentice, who was not eligible to attend the trade discussions.

From a Masonic perspective, the tyler continued this "guarding" tradition. In the 1723 "First Book of Constitutions", Dr. James Anderson mentioned "another brother to look after the door, but shall not be a member of it" and in Regulation XXVI charged the use of "porters or doorkeepers." The English Grand Lodge, in 1728, ascribed him more importance as an "officer who kept the door" and in its minutes of June 8, 1732, initially referred to his specific title as "the Tyler." In 1738 he was described as "brother the doorkeeper to lock up all aprons." The word "tyler" first appeared in print in new Regulation XXVI of the 1738 "Second Book of Constitutions." Here Anderson recalled "Old Regulation XIII" of the first Grand Lodge of 17l7, which required that "another brother and Master Mason, should be appointed the Tyler, to look after the door." And so our ritual today tells us that he is "a brother without the door."

The ritual tells us that he is "armed with the proper implement of his office", not only to ward off potential intruders but also to symbolically guard the Book of Constitutions from alteration. This was described as "a sharp instrument', initially a pointed trowel and later a sword. It gave him such great authority that even our military brethren of yesteryear were required to relinquish their swords before entering the lodge room. Today our tyler uses only an emblem of his position, a single unsheathed sword. However in other jurisdictions it may be crossed swords, right over left. Before opening some English lodges, a sword lies on the Master's pedestal. At the proper moment, the tyler is summoned into the lodge and must answer certain questions as to his place and duties. Then the Master hands him the sword, investing him with the power to ward off intruders and "suffer none to pass but such as were duly qualified." It is interesting that English, Irish and Scottish lodges have an "Inner Guard" posted within the lodge room door, under the direction of the Junior Warden. He shares responsibilities with the tyler, monitoring member's entry and exit, announcing visitors and advising entrants as to which degree the lodge is working on.

Who is this tyler and what are his duties? He is appointed to his office and compensated for his duties and "lonely position." He is a Master Mason, usually a Past Master, who is respected and well-informed in Masonic law and custom. His qualities must include a good memory, trustworthiness, dignity, geniality, understanding, sympathy, patience and dedication. He need not be a member of the lodge, but if so, has the right to debate and vote. He recognizes and greets the brethren, assuring that they are "duly qualified" by being clean, not inebriated and properly clothed with aprons. He is a "one-man welcoming committee' for visitors, giving them the first and most important impression of his lodge. He assures that members and visitors sign the "Tyler's Register." In the old days, when taverns and other non-permanent places were used, it was the tyler's charge to "form" or "draw" the lodge with chalk and charcoal. Within a rectangle he displayed various Masonic emblems of the proper degree level. His classical duties included the preparation and service of notices and summonses. He had the key to the "apron box" and was in charge of the lodge's possessions, arranging them properly for upcoming meetings and securing them afterwards. He gave notice of the times of "calling on" and "calling off", oversaw the proper preparation of candidates and even collected visitor's dinner fees! The special "Tyler's Knock" signals the lodge already in-session that a qualified brother requests admission. He will refuse entry to anyone whom he does not personally recognize or who cannot be "properly vouched for" by another brother. If this visitor is subsequently cleared by an ad-hoc examining committee, he will administer the "Tyler's Oath."

THE TYLER'S OATH

"I.... do hereby and hereon solemnly and sincerely swear that I have been regularly initiated, passed and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in a just and legally constituted lodge of such; that I do not stand suspended or expelled, and I know of no reason why I should not hold Masonic Communication with my brethren."

So there it is, the "Tyler's Oath". It ascertains that the brother was "regularly" initiated, passed and raised in a "just and legally-constituted lodge", that he stands not suspended or expelled from his own lodge, and that there is no other reason why he cannot hold Masonic communication with the brethren of the lodge. In short, it is the access code on which a visiting brother master mason may gain admission into a lodge.

CRACKS ON THE WALL

2008-04-03T22:29:00.006+08:00

Dear Brethren,
I am humbled myself, to those of you who were able to note and appreciate a piece of my thought on certain issues that i percieve should be an important concern among the brethren. (My writings about the so-called Internet Hate-Your-Brother Virus). And somehow impart a positive influence for us all to act and do something about the growing and spreading cracks on the walls of the temple of our fraternity.

I'm sure many of us are aware, (especially those who reads the other masonic blog sites) or perhaps have a first-hand experience, that anywhere in the masonic world, in any Grand Lodge jurisdiction, in any district, and in any lodge, there exists conflicts or personal disputes among brethren. Its human act. Unfortunately even our masonic oaths can not prevent that. Now the thing is, they dont usually just keep it to themselves. The sad thing is, sometimes these conflicts explodes and escalates within the middle of even a monthly stated meeting...Yup, It do happens... (Based on personnal experience). Even more depressing, it automatically destroys the harmony of the entire lodge...And worst, dragging the fraternity down with it. The very same issue we are dealing with brethren who constantly throws rubbish and dirt on each other's face whenever answering to opinions on the internet blogsites. What the brethren do not realized perhaps, is that whatever they post in the internet, it ends up being read over the four corners of the wind of the cyberspace. Implication, we considered ourselves masons, and yet we practice the opposite of what we were taught within the lodge. Nakakahiya tayo sa mga di mason na nakakabasa ng ating mga bangayan.

In the end, the accumulated dirt and thrash we thrown to our brethren, ends upon the face of our venerable fraternity as a whole itself. We actually are staining the very face of Freemasonry.

As in putting solutions to any problems in general, it is basic that we learn that a problem exists. And a problem exists within our midst. That there is such a thing that little by little causing cracks on the walls of our beloved institution, eroding the very foundation of our masonic society. And that's the human emotion we call HATE. A product of intolerance, of insolence, of arrogance. The ones directly opposite of the teachings of the craft.

As always, i hope we see a more civil and masonic means to resolve differences and disputes among brethren...without dragging the name of our Fraternity down with it.

I do not pertain to anyone in particular when I wrote this seemingly sermonic essay. It actually goes to every brother, even to me, to keep us reminded of our obligations as masons, the ones we took solemly upon the altar. The answer to the question. Wht mks u a m?

The question is, when are we going to start mending, to start healing, to start using our trowels and put the cement on the cracks of the walls to unite our building into one common mass, and bring back harmony to strenghten and support our society? Surely we cannot do it individually, but it will surely work if we'll do it...

...Together brethren.

GAOTU guide our way.

Internet Hate-Your-Brother Virus...

2008-04-02T13:30:00.023+08:00

Hail man's ingenuity! It seems there's just no limit to what the human mind can concieve... and even accomplish. The advent of the computer age hailed the dawn of a new century for mankind. It revolutionized virtually everything we do today. From bussiness, to services, to communication... name it, its all there. Thereby revolutionizing the way we view and percieve the world and thereby think and act. More so with the innovation called the internet.

The Internet or the world wide web brought a tremendous impact on the lives of men in the 21st century. It changed the way we live and the way we think. And of course the way we communicate.

Nowadays, communication between people millions of miles apart is as easy as a click of a mouse. press here, and click there, and voila! There you go talking to the person you wish to talk to in an instant. Making long lost friends and family easy to locate and communicate with. Making bridges among men so to speak.

Then there appeared the so-called blogsites, where people of the same interests join together to promote their passions, improve their skills, learn new tricks, and become updated with whats happening in the world of their circles. This also goes with the craft of freemasonry.

Since the beginning of the internet era, men in apron did not let themselves be left behind when it comes to internet pluggings and in promoting their craft. Like mushrooms, internet sites and blogsites related to Freemasonry, both pro and anti, pop out in every corner and junctions of the cyberspace. Blogsites related to the craft of freemasonry was initially at least, was made to promote the brotherhood, communicate with brethren withersoever dispersed, and keep them in contact, discuss happenings around the globe, news with what is happening in other jurisdictions, and informations on just about anything and everything with regards to Freemasonry. Alas, the world suddenly became a smaller place for the brethren, but a bigger community.

Then out from the horizon, appeared the "internet hate-your-brother virus". This virus did not spare the brotherhood. Like viruses do, it corrupted the way how masons meet and deal as brothers. Like wildfire, this virus spread throughout masonic blogsites, infecting forums and how masons converse and interacts. Like a hate bug, it infected the core of discussions of once breezy fellowships and blogging of brethren. Turning issues into a bar gun fight or a wrestling match complete with the dirty talks and bad mouthing.

Suddenly, brethren no longer talk about brotherhood and equality, no longer about brotherly love, no longer about tolerance. Sadly, masonic blogsites had become an arena or worse became a battleground for brethren whose views on masonic ideas and principles seemed different. The "holier-than-thou" and "my-masonry-is-better-than-yours" attitude replaced the original tenets of masonry of brotherly love, relief and truth. It seems that in just about any masonic blogsite you turn, Masonic conflict of ideas roams in the air, masonic intolerance hovers around. There will always be "people" that would insist on their points of view, without respect to the other brethren, without tolerance. ( I said "people" because judging from the way they act and talk, sometimes it doesnt seem like they are still acting as masons any longer). Like loose cannons some will comment harshly and intentionally hurt a brother's person and feelings, most of the times hitting not on the ideas and opinions about issues and concerns but rather on the person itself already.

Im not being naive,being masons, i understand we are still human nonetheless after all. Anyone can air their comments and opinions freely of course as it is their unalienable right, however if you can see how others asserts his so-called freedom of expression, i say it goes beyond what is masonic...its more of arrogance. I bet we can do better than that. We can share our opinions without causing much trouble, by being civilized people, by being masons.

With these, Iam reminded of a passage from the fellowcraft degree charge that goes ..."You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the offences of your brethren; but in the decision of every trespass against our rules. you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice."

Exchanges of opinions is healthy, it is a form of exercise. It will help us grow. Its the way of democracy as promulgated by the freemasons of the past. Of our masonic forefathers. However, let us all also be reminded of our charges as masons. Let us always be reminded that as masons we should never lose sight of the use of that very important working tool, the Trowel...

The "Trowel" is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection; that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.

After all, It might just be the anti-virus we need. An Application program that needs no downloading. Let us all install it. Not only to our computers, but to our lives.

Together brethren...

GAOTU Guide our way...

KnK

On Masonic Due-Process and Radical Ideas

2008-03-21T09:45:00.006+08:00

Just today, I have read from a masonic e-group/blogsite, the speech of the expelled GM Frank J. Hass of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia entitled Masonry Through the (Rearview) Looking Glass, as he was invited to deliver a talk with the Freemasonry - Philalethes Society a well respected organization in the U.S.

In this regard, I was actually searching for logic and material grasp for the concept of the "masonic due process"...Well, I know it exists in the provisions of the Constitutiuon of every Grand Lodge, but is this system really true in practice? After all, Justice is one of the 4 Cardinal Virtues of the craft. Along with Temperance, Fortitude, and Prudence...

Temperance Fortitude Prudence Justice

As cries for masonic injustices done to brethren all over the world is still rampant, or probably increases, Do we just really ignore their cries and label them as sour-grapers? It is true in Philippine masonry, we are all familiar with it, as it is true elsewhere in the masonic world.

As I heard about the expulsion of the Grand Master from West Virginia a couple of months ago, i came to realized that in other jurisdictions, the blue lodges are indeed asserting their rightful position in the craft, that the Blue lodges are indeed more powerful than the Grand lodge. And it should be the case elsewhere, isn't it? Or is it just another case of factions within the Grand line itself...Grand lodge politics? I dont know for sure. Sadly as i see it, the trend maybe the same for many jurisdictions in case of punishments. Swift, no trial commission, no case study, the verdict is automatic. Masonic death. Expulsion. Seemingly no regards for the masonic constitution of the right of every master mason for a due process.

Whenever a radical new thinking of change and reforms are brought in, supposedly for the betterment of the craft, there will always be people who will react violently against that proposal, especially if it will strike the nerve of the ultra-conservative ones who always kept the pride and mentality that the lodges or even the Grand lodge were supposed to be managed in the very same manner as it was in the beginning. That only those "who have gone this way before" have the voice to be counted. It is here that I think that the crack in the "cement of brotherly love and affection" occurs. When there are people who insists on their own ideas without respect to other brethren. Reminds me of the working tools of the third degree, about the use of the trowel...that for us, " no contention should ever exist but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree".

Dont get me wrong, I'am not against the whole process and thinking of the old ways and the old days. I believe that our customs and traditions are the ones that made our fraternity unique. It is the bloodline of greatness that we inherited and still emulate from the great forefathers of the fraternity, that we are proud to say we too bear the same brand of thinking and greatness that they have as masons... or do we? I respect our landmarks, i respect the elders, and i actually respect all the brethren. Irregardless of color, race, creed, religion, and belief. Because I believe in their capabilities, their intelligence and brilliance. It is in that respect that I assert the belief that the rights of every brother mason should always be respected in the same way. The right for a due process under the constitution of any lodge, of any Grand jurisdiction. Irregardless if he is an officer, or an ordinary brother...after all isnt it that we are all to be treated each other as equal? ...as we all should "meet on the level".

Have a meaningful lenten brethren...
GAOTU bless us all.

K-n-K

Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 Annual Christmas Party

2007-12-17T15:57:00.000+08:00

Peace in our Hearts,

Happines to our Family,

and Harmony to the Fraternity.

This was the theme of the Christmas celebration of PBL#9 this year. A meaningful wish, hope and prayer for each and everyone of us.

December 15, 2007, at exactly 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the annual christmas party of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 was started. The occassion was held at the Pintong Bato Lodge No.9 Masonic Temple in Bacoor, Cavite. After a brief prayer headed by Bro. Sherwin Foronda, the yearly celebration formally begun .Emcees Bro. Nap Monsod and Sis. Gay Binuncal enthusiastically opened the party. There were a lots of singing and parlor games which were very much enjoyed by the couples and the brethren.There were also games for the children and prizes courtesy of WM Bert Binuncal and Sis Gay. Everybody had fun. A sumptous meal was shared and fellowship of the brethren was indeed worthwhile.

Meaningful christmas messages were rendered by the Worshipful Master, Bert Binuncal and VW Bob Landas. Inspirational talk was also rendered by VW Evaristo del Mundo by telling a story about a brother who generously donated his piece of land as a gift and token of his sincerity to the craft even if it was the only property he had.This is now where Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 Masonic Temple proudly stands...talking about sharing and giving as to remind the brethren of the true meaning of christmas. A special number on the other hand was also delivered by VW Val Espiritu by reciting a story poem.

Each brethren were given the chance to give their greetings and christmas messages. The annual celebration was well attended by the brethren of the lodge and their families, bringing with them their share of the foods, drinks and gifts for the occassion. Indeed it was nice to see families of brethren enjoying the company of everyone much like a family reunion.

And so everyone parted well, bringing with them the prizes, the memories, and of course the gifts they recieved. Looking forward to the next christmas party a year from now when once again, as a family we will celebrate together the spirit of Christmas...

To all the Brethren withersoever dispersed, We greet you all a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New year! And may the blessings of the GAOTU be with us and our families always.

Kapatid-na-Kantero PBL#9, IGLPI

A Reflection

2007-10-26T20:55:00.001+08:00

By: VW Bro Evaristo A. del Mundo
Pintong Bato Lodge No.9
IGLPI
(A Short Speech Rendered During the First Founding Anniversary of the MW IGLPI)

Good evening, my dear brethren, sisters, and friends. Tonight is the eve of the one-year anniversary of the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI).

Some three weeks ago, I learned of this evening’s celebration. The wives of IGLPI masons were having their rehearsal of their dance number for this affair. I therefore asked myself, “What can I contribute tonight being one of the oldest member of IGLPI having completed more than 52 years in masonry?”

For this affair, it is my sincerest desire to give a reflection. A candidate for freemasonry can only be accepted provided he believes in the existence of the Supreme Being. The Holy Bible, the great light in masonry, is to us masons the rule and guide of our faith. Based on this premise, I qualify myself to reflect on the Holy Scriptures.

(1) Around 607 B.C. the woes of the prophet Habakkuk against Babylon, was to serve as a warning to Judah of God’s displeasure. The Lord’s answer to Habakkuk; “ Those who are evil will not survive but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God”. Thus the famous passage, “Man shall live by faith”.

(2) Between the period of 55 A.D. and 66 A.D. the same passage,“The just shall live by Faith”, is repeated by St. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians, Romans and Hebrews.

(3) Around 1544 A.D. a German priest named Martin Luther, while on his way to the Vatican office of the Pope, as he repeated his prayers on the Lateran staircase, the words of the prophet Habakkuk suddenly came to his mind: “ The just shall live by faith”. As he meditated on these words, he saw the whole face of the Scripture in a new light. And the Christian world was never again the same.

With the turmoil around May 2006, Cavite Masons illustrated their commendable virtue of heroic endurance to the wrongs of persecution.

United and firm in their conviction that TRUTH shall prevail, on September 10, 2006, the IGLPI was proclaimed to the Masonic world. The fruit and reward are now at hand as we celebrate this evening the first year anniversary of IGLPI existence.

Moreover I wish to relate this TRUTH to the Gospel of Matthew specifically on The Parable of the Talents. In it, the Master has said to his servants who were given five and two talents each, the following: “ Well done thou good and faithful servants, enter thou into the joy of the Lord”.

To the servant who did not use the single talent given to him, this was taken from him, and the Master said: “ Wicked and worthless servant, you shall always be in the DARK where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

About 66 A.D. St Paul wrote his last epistle to Timothy, a fellow worker in the Lord: “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race and I have kept my faith.”

My brethren, who among you can also claim the above? No doubt, it will always be a challenge for all of us to keep our faith in freemasonry.

Lastly, before 90 A.D. St John the Apostle has admonished his fellow workers with his kind words: “My children, love one another.”

To you my brethren, my sisters and friends, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.On this very memorable evening, I say to everybody: “Well done, thou good and faithful servants”.

The Lambskin Apron

2007-10-04T10:23:00.000+08:00

An emblem of innocence and the badge of a mason...

"Let its spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of an emblematical or unblemished purity of life and rectitude of conduct, a never-ending arguments for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for purer actions, and greater achievements..."

Note: "Wear to Honor the Fraternity..."

Character of a Freemason

2007-10-03T12:18:00.000+08:00

Farmers Almanac, 1823

The real freemason is distinguished from the rest of mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in the fear of punishment which the law might inflict; They are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the next world. A freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his creator.
In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the universal throne of God in gratitude for the blessings he has received and the humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others. He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principle..

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2007-09-30T17:49:00.000+08:00

Dear Brethren,

Fraternal greetings to all, we would like to invite everybody to contribute writings, poems, essays, stories, or whatever you have in mind to this blogsite, for the benefit of the brotherhood, the brethren, and of Freemasonry in general. Let it be a beacon of light for everyone to see the beauty of masonry, and may we all learn from here.

More power to our Fraternity, More power to Freemasonry.

Let Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth shine forever!

Mabuhay po ang Masonerya!

Announcements

2007-09-02T08:57:00.000+08:00

for news and announcements.