Beauty Point Christmas Cheers: A Blessed Affair

The FilMasons and Amasons Christmas Choir.

Those who were present at the Christmas Cheers presentation at Beauty Point Retirement Resort can count themselves blessed indeed. It was a wonderful program which in my opinion showed what true Christmas spirit is.

The young performers literally hypnotized their audience with their talents; be it singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. They were very professional in the way they conducted themselves. Their parents have every reason to be proud of them and we thank them for giving their time during this very busy holiday season. (See separate post for more details of performers. Ed)

It is always a risk singling people out for praise but I feel that the following deserve our gratitude and congratulations :

Bro Nomer Romero for providing the usual fantastic line up of talents which is the core of every Christmas Cheers presentation. Unfortunately Sis Sony and Bro Nomer were not able to attend and on an overseas trip for a much deserved holiday.

Photo shows Sis Sen, Bro Manny P and WBro Romy doing last minute work.

Bro Manny & Sis Do Placido for once again taking on the production of this year's Christmas Cheers program. Production is the sharp end of the knife in any presentation and we should be grateful that we have such a talented couple doing this vital task on our behalf. This included a late night session of rehearsals at their home and production of the programs (both content and printing/design) which were exceptionally beautiful this year. Bro Manny Santos for printing the certificate of appreciation for the participants.

Sis Dodo, Sis Odeng, Sis Irene and Sis Marilyn seen here taking a breather and enjoying the show.

Bro Ved Reyes and WBro Romy Nieto for their very able assistance in setting up the technical side of the production. The sound system does not just walk from the car to the hall and set itself up and then back to the car again. Bro Manny Placido also unselfishly loaned his (the FilMason's official) sound system.

Seen here mingling with the audience, First Lady Sis Pen and Sis Ellen.

Bro Manny Santos, WBro Bobby Briones and Bro Mario Baylon for keeping the cameras rolling during the entire progam and ensuring that there will be a record of that wonderful day. Also for setting up the after presentation venue downstairs with WB Jack.

Bro Ved, Sis Odeng, Sis Marilyn and VP Bro Louie relaxing & enjoying the show.

Sis Odeng Santos for providing us with a legacy of beautiful costumes which continue to be used and enjoyed in our various activities. Aside from this, she, along with Sis Irene Baylon, Sis Nanette Briones, and Sis Sen Olaco, were always on hand to make sure there were no costume or prop failures and help coordinate the participants and the program. Sis Ruth for accompanying grandson AJ Reyes.

A very rare photo of official photographer, WBro Bob and seen here with the ladies helping the Hornsby Girls High dancers with costume adjustments, hair and make-up.

Special mention to Sis Sen for stepping up as the initial compere and for providing the green and red hats. For Sis Odeng and Sis Irene for helping with the hair and make up of some participants and for Sis Ellen for wrapping up some gifts. For Sis Pen, Sis Tess, Sis Remy, Sis Marilyn and Sis Elvie for preparing most of the after presentation snacks (banquet!) and drinks.

Ms May Mateo, Christina Joson, and Christine Nguyen for the excellent emcee work on the day. Thank you very much, ladies, for running the program so smoothly and professionally.

The brothers and sisters of the Filmasons' choir (you know who you are) who gave their all in leading the community singing of traditional Christmas carols which is always a highlight of the afternoon and really gives it the necessary Christmas spirit. The residents really look forward to this part in the program and when we announced the last song, they looked let down but all good things come to an end.

VWBro Manny M and WBro Jack.

Last but very definitely not least, VWBro Manny & Sis Remy Maniago for being the vital link with the Beauty Point Retirement Resort and enabling us to have a Christmas Cheer venue and most of all, for being the very generous hosts of our Christmas party (see separate post).

Ladies seen here all smiles after the show, Sis Remy, Sis Mila, Sis Ellen, Sis Nanette & Sis Irene.

This is the third year that they have hosted us at this time of year and each time has been a wonderful and memorable event. It was noisy, happy, full (and I do mean full!) of good food, drinks, singing, picture-taking, and general merriment --- things that are always present at a family get-together; which is what this was.

VWBro Norm congratulating one of the performers, Ms Rosanna Placido with VWbro Manny M and President WBro Fidel Pamplona.

Just a few examples of the merriment: Bro Manny Reyes included himself in several group photos - mga Reyes, mga Manny, at mga pogi (his words). The ladies had their own kris kringle and judging from the volume of laughter coming from the Maniago living room, the gifts must have been very interesting indeed!

The sisters are also to be thanked for helping Sis Remy in putting on our traditional overflowing Christmas banquet. Literally, suko lahat at napilitang mag take-away!

I have little doubt that I have forgotten someone for doing something. Please remind me so that I can similarly thank and congratulate you. But I do believe that everyone had a good time!

By VP Bro Louie Reyes (via email).

Christmas Greetings from Our President & First Lady

Dear Brethren and Ladies,

May the Joy and Peace of Christmas be with you throughout the year and a Prosperous New Year 2008.

May you all have happy and safe holidays throughout this festive season.

Fidel and Pen

Oft Unseen Art from the Lodge

On my Masonic virtual travels, I've stumbled on Bro Ken's blogsite and from that other wonderful links. One of which is this art show of Masonic artifacts. To view the flash interactive exhibit, click on the title.

"Oft Unseen: Art from the Lodge and Other Secret Societies, exhibited from February 20th through March 20th, 2004.

The exhibition presented the Webb Collection of art, artifacts and ephemera from the Freemasons and other secret fraternal organizations including The Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Knights Templar, Order of Red Men and many others.

While not all of these organizations consider themselves truly secret societies they can all be considered societies with secrets. This exhibition provided a rare glimpse into the visual components of these mysterious and commonly misunderstood organizations."

I am A Mason: A Masonic Story (Author Unknown)

I've read a lot of anecdotes and stories about Masonry. But this is the first time I've read this story on one of my "Masonic researches" on the internet. I don't know whether this actually transpired or not, but the lessons learned is worth it. I hope you'll reflect and like it.

"A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane, a farmer in the adjacent field comes over and they discover that they are "Brothers".

The salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town: "Don't worry says the farmer you can use my car, I will call a friend and get the car repaired while you go to the appointment".

Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting a part which won’t arrive until the next morning. "It's not a problem," says the farmer, "use my telephone and re-schedule your first appointment tomorrow, stay with us tonight and I'll see that the car is done first thing!"

The farmers' wife prepares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of fine single malt during an excellent evening, the salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes there is his car, repaired and ready to go. After a full English breakfast the salesman thanks them both for the hospitality.

As he and the farmer walk to his car he turns and asks "my brother, thank you so much but I have to ask, did you help me because I am a Mason?"

"No" was the reply, "I helped you because I am a Mason."

"Travel well my brother."

Happy 50th Birthday IPP Bro Bubot Santos!

Brother Manny "Bubot" Santos celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday, 25 November at their home at Woodcroft with Sis Odeng, their family and friends.

It is a veritable meeting and fellowship of FilMasons. FilMasons present were: WBro Abe & Sis Tess Amores, WBro Leo & Sis Josie Bautista, Bro Mar & Sis Irene Baylon, WBro Bobby & Sis Nanette Briones, Bro Bert Dooma, WBro Vince Flores, VWBro Manny & Sis Remy Maniago, WBro Romy & Sis Ellen Nieto, WBro President Fidel & First Lady Sis Pen Pamplona, Bro Manny & Sis Dodo Placido, WBro Manny Reyes, Bro Louie & Sis Marilyn Reyes, Bro Ted & Sis Evy Robiso, WBro Rudy & Sis Mila Romerosa, and WBro Jack & Sis Elvie Sta Maria.

Other brothers and sister present were Bros EA Tom Baena and Carl Samboy; Bro Rudy & Sis Sen Olaco, and Bro Dick Palenzuela; who just got back from his trip to the Philippines.

As always, there's plenty of food and drinks and the obligatory karaoke singing and dancing. Yep, Sis Sen, Sis Evy and Sis Marilyn burned some calories as well, while the brethren are trading stories and jokes while partaking beers and Chivas. We would have love to finish off the Black Johnnie Walker, except that WBro Manoy Reyes "hijacked" it and requested the host for him to take it away in his bush hide-away.

Congratulations to Joe & Emy on their Engagement

The happy couple, Joe & Emy, with Emy's parents.

Also congratulations to the Placido's for the recent engagement of their son, Joseph or Joe to Emy, last Saturday, 24 November. A veritable garden engagement party at their home at Castle Hill complete with marquee and spit barbeque. This was a grand occasion that necessitated a hired porta-loo and refrigerated mini-container to hold the food! But the center of attention obviously goes to the engaged couple; Joe and Emy, who from the looks of it are madly in love and so lucky to have the full support of both their parents and families.

Journey to the East - A FilMason Masonic Education Blog

Brethren and friends, just announcing the creation of this blogsite for your Masonic education. Click the title above to access the link.

Bro Louie and myself have been discussing whether to publish Masonic education articles here in our FilMason's BloGazine or not. Due to the more "serious" nature of the articles, we decided to create another blog site just for Masonic Education.

This would make our BloGazine more "friendly" in terms of light-hearted articles, which is more on the side of social activities and fellowship of the association.

While we would like to publish more original articles, we have collated and gathered (in our humble opinion and knowledge of the craft) articles from other blog and web sites and printed articles.

Your interest and comments on the articles are most welcome as always. Any contributions for publication are also most welcome, especially original ones.

We hope all of you will enjoy and learn something from the articles, whether you are new to Freemasonry or an old hand. There is always something new to learn about Freemasonry with which we might be able to apply in our daily lives.

Calling All FilMasons and Amasons Photo Enthusiasts

A test macro shot I took at my back yard. Maybe not the greatest photo, but this is taken using a point-and-shoot Olympus 7.1 Megapixel digital camera (unretouched).

In my younger (much much younger!) days, I use to own a Pentax viewfinder film camera and another SLR camera that I can't recall the brand. It is a bit of an expensive hobby to say the least, but that got me closer to the girls... Heheheee.

Nowadays, it is a bit least expensive owning a digital camera. There's no film to develop and if you don't want to print your pictures, you have the luxury of keeping them in your PC's hard disk or burn in a CD or DVD media; or even upload them on the net (Flickr, Photobucket, PBase, etc).

I've been talking to WBro Bob B.(who recently bought a Canon DSLR and lenses worth $25,000; I am just kidding Sis Nanette!), Sis Dodo and other brethren about oganizing a camera club for the FilMasons and Amasons. I believe they are receptive to the idea. We can discuss and learn from each other, and probably invite resource speakers and the like. Set up a tour somewhere to take pictures, etc. There's so much that we can all do.

You don't have to have the latest DSLR (digital SLR), even if you have a film SLR (like WBro Fidel P. and Bro Rey M, who is a pro!). I own a point and shoot digital camera which I am experimenting with (see my photo blog, click on the title page).

So if you are interested, whether you are a beginner, amateur or advance photographer; please contact me and we will schedule our first meeting.

Sis Connie's 40th Day: A Day of Remembrance & Celebration

The Amasons pose for a group picture before going home. Photo courtesy of WBro Bob Briones.

Sis Connie Subijano's 40th Day get-together and November general meeting is another great affair as far as attendance is concerned. A great deal many of you attended this meeting, most likely because of your love and respect for Sis Connie. This was only eclipsed by her wake at Pinegrove wherein past and present Amasons were present as well.

Special mention goes to the Amasons for their presence and the sumptous dinner they have lovingly prepared.

Present were Sis Alicia Tan, Sis Sen Olaco, Sis Tess Amores, Sis Lourdes Balgos, Sis Irene Baylon, Sis Nanette Briones, Sis Remy Maniago, Sis Ellen Nieto, First Lady Sis Pen Pamplona, Sis Dodo Placido, Sis Vivian Reyes, Sis Mila Romerosa, Sis Odeng Santos and Sis Elvie Sta Maria. Of course all the friends and workmates of Sis Connie, who remembered and celebrated the life of our late sister. A great deal more apologised due to previous engagements.

The President, members and officers of the Club wishes to thank all these ladies for preparing the meals and especially for their presence and company. Also a great thank you to Sis Dodo for preparing the program; even printing a nice coloured program, and also for leading the prayers. Bro Manny P for the accompaniment in his trusted guitar and leading the singing. For IPP Bro Manny "Bubot" Santos for preparing a slide show of wonderful memories we had with Sis Connie.

Past President Bro Tony Subijano extends his thanks as well to all.

Christmas Cheers & Christmas Party, 9 Dec

FilMasons members and visitors after the meeting. Photo courtesy of WBro Bob Briones.

As approved by the members present in the November General Meeting at Blacktown Masonic Hall, the following activities will be held on 9 December, a Sunday:

Christmas Cheers for the residents of Beauty Point Retirement Village will be held at 33 Bernard Road, Padstow Heights NSW 2211. Program starts at 2 PM, and FilMasons, Amasons and performers are requested to be there at 1 PM or earlier.

Contact WB President Fidel Pamplona, Vice-President Bro Louie Reyes, IPP Manny Santos, Social Director WBro Jack Sta Maria or Committee Chairman VWBro Manny Maniago for more details. While he will be away, Bro Nomer Romero; is again instrumental in spearheading this annual affair with the help of various committees.

Right after the Christmas Cheers, our Christmas Party and get-together will be held at the residence of VWBro Manny and Sis Remy Maniago at Illawong. This is another pot-luck event as per previous year.

The success of last year's Christmas Party inspired the membership to have another cosy affair at VWBro Manny and Sis Remy's house. Friends and relatives are cordially invited to this event as well as in the Christmas Cheers at Beauty Point.

Happy Birthday To You... Happy Birthday To You... Happy Birthday!

Well, Happy birthday to all November celebrants!

Special mention goes to Past President Manny Placido, who feted us with a dinner at the Castle Hill RSL last Monday, 5th November. That day was his actual birthday and fortunately for him (and us!) he was working from home. But instead of cooking something for those who greeted him, he and Sis Dodo decided to take us out.

Actually, they did not willingly took us out, I am embellishing a bit. We had to "pressure" them into treating us out via numerous "suggestive" emails. The day started with the usual birthday greetings and asking for ice cream treat, from "you know who".

I think it got out of hand when Bro Manny did not responded with the ice cream request. That was his biggest mistake (his excuse: he was busy with something else, aside from work.) I won't mentioned it just in case someone from work reads this :) . If he did responded with a passable reply and did not just ignored the request, he might have gotten off scott free.

But the impromptu night-out ended with great food (the Aussie chef at the RSL even cooked his version of Kaldereta that night), drinks and great company. Happy birthday again Bro Manny and thanks again for the treat!

November celebrants: Bro Manny Placido (Nov 5), Sis Connie Angeles (Nov 8), Sis Marilyn Reyes (Nov 14), WBro Hermie Mateo (Nov 18), Bro Manny Santos (Nov 20), Bro Dan Elizes (Nov 21, same birthday as my dad), Sis Vivian Reyes (Nov 28) and WBro Zaldy Angeles and Sis Cora Armonio (Nov 29).

Happy birthday too to Rea, my daughter (Nov 13) and her hubby, Charles (Nov 22).

Also, Bro Louie and Sis Marilyn's son, Mark's birthday is Nov 5 same as Bro Manny P. Very small world indeed. But what is weird is Sis Odeng/Bro Manny S's son, also named Mark is Bro Manny P's lookalike!!!! But that is another story...

Again my apologies to "new" members who I don't know your birthdays. Again please let know.

November General Membership Meeting, 11 Nov

Photo above taken last October General Membership Meeting at Flinders Park. The ladies taking a breather (from lunch!), seating left to right: Sis Marilyn, Sis Irene, Sis Odeng and Sis Ellen. Back standing, from left: First Lady Sis Penny and Sis Tess.

Brethren and ladies, I have been instructed by our President, WBro Fidel Pamplona; thru our IPP Bro Manny Santos, to relay that our November General Membership Meeting will be held this coming 11 November, 7 PM. This is right after the 40th day get-together for Sis Connie Subijano, at the Blacktown Masonic Hall, corner Boys and First Avenues, Blacktown.

Hopefully this would be more convenient for the majority of us, since I believe most of us will be at the 40th of Sis Connie. Any concerns or apology, please contact our President or any of the officers. Any matter or agenda you wanted discussed please direct also to President WBro Fidel, as I do not know whether Bro Secretary Dan Elizes is back from the Philippines.

I hope you had a good All Souls Day by visiting your loved ones at the cemetery. We did, but unfortunately we did not see any of you. Hopefully we'll see you all today at the management meeting at WBro Fidel and Sis Penny's residence or on 11 November.

Part of the group of brethren who attended the October meeting: From left to right, WB Rudy, Bro Manny, WB Vince, WB Pres Fidel and Bro Bert.

Happy Halloween!

The FilMasons family greets you Happy Halloween!

While not a traditionally Filipino or Australian holiday, it is "celebrated" in Europe and in Northern America on the night of 31 October.

In the Philippines it is followed by All Saints Day on 1st November and by All Souls Day on the 2nd of November. A tradition which Filipino-Australians have been trying to emulate. Try visiting cemeteries, of note is Pine Grove Memorial Park in Michinbury, NSW; wherein a lot of Filipinos are interred. You will see a Filipino traditonal "picnic in a memorial park", with friends and relatives reuniting and visiting their loved ones. Complete with picnic mats, chairs and sometimes full-blown tents. I kid you not!

But I am sure there will be a Mass held this coming Saturday, as is traditionally held for the past years. At least, a prayer or two would give this pagan festival a Christian flavour. It also jibes with our culture of reverence for the dead, as was most likely passed onto us by our Chinese ancestors.

With the advent of American culture, this innocous festival is now being celebrated with that famous trick or treat as seen in American films. Even in my neighbourhood of Woodcroft, you will encounter Aussie kids in ghoulish costumes going house to house asking for "death" -- lollies. I try to stock up on lollies during this period, as I do not want to be embarassed by kids -- small cute kids in Halloween costumes with their trick or treat bags. At one Halloween, with no lollies in the house I tried giving apples and oranges just to be stared at. I think they were a bit dissapointed.

According to Wikipedia, "Halloween originated from the Pagan festival Samhain, celebrated among the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century.

"The Festival of Halloween is a celebration of the end of the fertile period of the Celtic Goddess Eiseria. It is said that when Eiseria reaches the end of her fertile cycle the worlds of the dead and the living interlap. This happens on October 31. Masks are worn to show respect for the Goddess Eiseria who, like most Celtic deities, does not wish to be seen with human eyes. The day also preceeds All saints day, which was at first the celebration of the start of a new cycle of fertility for the celtic Goddess Eiseria. Couples incapable of producing children thus tried their luck on All saints day."

I better go home early today and try trick or treat at home, I might get lucky!

My Two Cents

Good morning to all. This is my maiden post to our blogazine and I'll start by thanking bro. Mar for inviting me to contribute.

November is looking to be another busy month, but that's one of the things about being in the Filmasons - it's never boring. Dates for your diary include the installations at Lodge Education on 10 November and Lodge Star of Australia on 24 November, both being Saturdays. Add to this the management meeting this coming Friday at Woodcroft, the 40th day remembrance for Sis Connie, and our regular monthly meeting on the 17th of November and you can see why.

Watch this space as well for some Masonic content articles, first one coming up soon will be one of a non-Mason's view of us.

Finally, as a member of Lodge Woronora, I would like to thank all the bro and sis who joined us for our Ladies Night last Saturday and were a very large part of the evening's program and its success. We do value your continued support and I can only hope that you remembered to have your passports exit stamped as you left.

Management Meeting for Friday, 2nd Nov

I have been requested by our President, WB Fidel Pamplona, to announce a management meeting he is calling. The meeting will be at his residence in Woodcroft at 7:30PM on 2nd November, which is this coming Friday. Apologies either by telephone to brother President or via email.

As always, aside from the officers and members of the management committee, all and their ladies are invited. Please bring a plate and drinks if you can.

Main topics will be the Christmas Party and the Christmas Carol Cheers to retirement homes.

See you there as the association need your participation and ideas.

Bro Mario

Fellow Bloggers

I have just invited Sis Nanette Briones and Bro Louie Reyes as fellow bloggers to our FilMasons BloGazine.

Sis Nanette is behind the man (that's you Editor WBro Bobby!) and perennial helper and "Chief of the Editor" of our FilMason Newsletter (the original and printed version).

While Bro Louie is not only our newest Vice President, but also an avid writer and retired chess master.

Welcome on board and we will wait for your posts.

Any other brother or sister who wants to contribute, please email your article to me. If you want to be a regular contributor, I can set up and invite you as well.

Bro Mario

FilMason Newsletter for October is Out

Issue 2007-2008/1 (October 2007) is now out. If you have not received your copy, please let the editor, WBro Bobby Briones (or his Chief Editor, Sis Nanette... hehehee) knows.

I have handed out advance copies to save postage, but the Editors will mail copies as soon as practicable.

From the Editor:

"Welcome to another chapter of the Filipino Freemasons Association.

In this issue, we pay tribute to a dear friend and Amason, Sis Connie Subijano, who passed away on the 2nd of October 2007 (see separate post here, Mar). She will be dearly missed and will always be remembered. May she rest in Peace.

October marked the Induction of the Association's officers for 2007-2008. To be an officer is not an easy task. To have accepted the challenge is admirable.

The editotial staff of this newsletter congratulates all the officers that will be at the helm this year. May you fulfill all your objectives for the club. You have our support. This newsletter will be your voice.

To our many readers, hope you enjoy this issue!"

Bro Mario

Post Induction Thank You From the President, 21 Oct

Photo left: Newly inducted President, WBro Fidel Pamplona (far left) receiving the Presidential Plaque from outgoing President, Bro Manny Santos.

Below is the thank you note delivered by our President at his first official meeting:

"Brethren and Ladies,

Thank you very much for your support and assistance during the Induction Night. This consisted of selling the induction tickets, raffle tickets, voluntary donations of gifts and drinks, and many more that made the occasion successful. Most of all; to our friends, visitors, and families, who continuously support this association every time there is an occasion. It is an excellent effort of everyone concerned.

My special appreciation goes to our ladies (the Amasons) and fellow brethren who participated in the cowboy dance choreographed by Sis Odeng, Bro. Bro Louie Reyes and Bro. Manny Placido. The good teamwork shown by our dancers earned a tremendous applause from the audience especially from our guest speaker and distinguished guests.

Special mention goes to the following:

Emcee: Program and BBQ in charge: WBro. Abe & Tess Amores
Invocation: WBro. Romy & Sis Ellen Nieto
Vote of Thanks: WBro. Ted & Sis Lourdes Balgos
Flowers & Decorations: Sis Dodo Placido and Sis Nanette Briones
Raffle Tickets: WBro. Vince Flores & Bro Bert Dooma
Reception: WBro. Rudy & Sis Mila Romerosa

Photo at right: Sitting down from left to right: Our first lady, Sis Penny, Sis Lourdes and Sis Tess.

Back standing, again from left to right: Sis Irene, Sis Remy, Sis Nanette and founder WB Mat and Bro Manny P. With flower arrangement by Sis Dodo in foreground.

Assisting the President in many ways:
Bro. Mar and Sis Irene Baylon
Bro. Manny & Sis Odeng Santos
VWBro. Manny & Sis Remy Maniago
Bro. Manny & Sis Dodo Placido
WBro. Bobby & Sis Nanette Briones
Bro. Louie & Sis Marilyn Reyes
Bro. Dan & Sis Amy Elizes
Bro. Ted & Evy Robiso
RWB Rey & Madelene Porras
WBro. Jack & Elvie Sta Maria
And my loving wife, Penny

The motif of the night which was the cowboy dance mixed with line dancing; cha-cha-cha and progressive dancing very much fitted and well participated by our visitors and our members.

My congratulations to everyone and well done!"

WBro Fidel Pamplona, President

Sis Josie Bautista's Mom, Mrs Eugenia Santos, Dies at 89

Text messages from Sis Nanette Briones, Irene and Sis Josie herself conveyed the death of Sis Josie's mother; Mrs Eugenia Santos, age 89 at their hometown in Bataan.

Spoke to Sis Josie today and she said she is planning to go home this coming Monday, 29 October.

Prayers will be held at their residence at Rooty Hill at about 6:30 PM starting tonight.

Our deep condolences and prayers to the late Mrs Eugenia Santos, Sis Josie and WBro Leo Bautista and their family here and in the Philippines.

Bro Mario

Despedida for Bro Fred Sese, 24 Oct

Saw and spoke to Bro and Dr Fred Sese (of Lodge Alpha) last Sunday General Membership Meeting and spoke to him at lenght. He is our very own "pussy cat whisperer", a veterinarian by profession.

Bro Fred recently sold his veterinary business and retired. He is currently going to the Philippines next week for a four-month "holiday", thus this hastily conceived despedida. Actually the idea was broached last Sunday meeting, FilMasons only need an excuse to have fellowship even mid-week!

IPP Bro Manny Santos is hosting said affair at his Burrinjuck Drive home tonight, so if you and sis are available please drop by with your favorite drinks. I am sure red wine will be the preferred drink, as our Bro Fred has a penchant for red wines.

Prior to his retirement, Bro Fred is a perennial visitor to Masonic Lodge meetings in the district, together with Lodge Alpha's WM, WBro Vince Flores and Bro Bert Dooma. According to him he will visit lodges at the Capitol Masonic Temple in Quezon City. I am sure Bro Fred will have a grand time visiting lodges in the Philippines and having fellowship with our Filipino brethren.

Bon Voyage Bro Fred.

Bro Mario 3:36 PM 24 Oct Sydney EST

Sis Connie Subijano's 40th Day Get-together, 11th Nov

As per traditional Filipino custom, the FilMasons will be hosting a 40th day get-together for our beloved Sis Connie Subijano on 11 Nov, 4PM at the Blacktown Masonic Hall (corner First and Boys Avenues, Blacktown, near Blacktown Railway Station).

I was curious as to what the significance of the 40th or 40 days. Thus in true Google form, I Googled it and found out (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_(number) the following:

1. "Forty days was the period from Jesus' resurrection till his ascension into heaven."

2. "In modern Christian practice, Lent consists of the 40 days preceding Easter. In much of Western Christianity Sundays are excluded from the count; in Eastern Christianity Sundays are included."

3. "The dead are usually mourned for forty days in Muslim cultures."

4. "Ad-Dajjal roams around the Earth in forty days, forty days that can be as many as forty months, forty years, and so on."

In short, "The number 40 is significant in Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and other Middle Eastern traditions..." I guess this where we got the 40th day tradition, otherwise it is as good as any excuse to meet and celebrate the life of so beloved, respected and much loved Sis Connie!

See you there!

Bro Mar 12:48 PM 24 Oct Sydney EST

Lodge Woronora Annual Ladies Night, 27th Oct

WBro John Spooner, WM, cordially invites you and your partner to attend their Annual Ladies Night, Saturday (27 th October), commencing at 7:00 PM at the St George Masonic Club, Roberts Avenue, Mortdale.

The invite reads: "An interesting and pleasurable evening has been arranged consisting of International and Formal Dancing Displays (that's us! Ed), together with a three-piece orchestra that will provide plenty of opportunities for you to "trip the light fantastic" yourselves."

"A two course meal will be served at your table."

This invitation was relayed to us by our VWBro Manny Maniago. For more details please contact him directly. Cost is $40.00 per person.

Dinner & Dance Practice, 26th Oct

Corollary to this, we have a dance practice at Bro Rudy and Sis Zen Olaco's residence at Bardwell Park (near Earlwood), this Friday, 26th October. Meeting and dinner place at Auburn Soccer Sports Club, 5 -7 Northumberland Rd Auburn 2144 (near Auburn train station) at 7PM or earlier. Telephone number (02) 9646 3511 at the club.

Even if you are not participating in the dance practice, you are very welcome to join us for Friday dinner. Auburn Soccer Club serves one of the best Chinese cuisine at very affordable prices, I mean very affordable! Try it, maybe we'll get further discounts and commissions.

Bro Mar 10:46 AM 24 Oct

LA/SD Bush Fires

I've just received some updates from our PinoyMasons Yahoo Group, JoDem Olongapo City Yahoo Group and friends from the Los Angeles and San Diego areas. These are mostly brother Masons and families, as well as Job's Daughters and DeMolays.

As you can see on the news, it is not looking good and we all know too well the devastating effects of bush fires. Please spare a moment to pray for all LA/SD residents, that they may be spared and if ever no harm come to them.

Thanks!

Bro Mar

October News: Good and Bad

For the record, and for those not in the know:

1. This year is a very sad one for the Club with the death of RWBro Arthur Thomas, the very first member; honorary or otherwise. Very recently, we've lost also to cancer our dear Sister Connie Subijano, a very distressing times especially for our lady Amasons.

2. We have a couple of our ladies who are not in the best of health. I hope they won't mind me to request you to pray for their recuperation: Sis Mela Reyes and Sis Connie Angeles. Without getting into too much details, please offer a prayer for their recovery. Prayers are all too powerful to be ignored. The support and well wishes of everybody, I hope would add to their well being and full recovery.

3. Also our VWBro Cecil Uy is not too well, and we hope to see him in one of our meetings. He is in Sydney and Sis Rosie, whom we know retired from work; is back at it at Woodcroft Asian store on a part time basis. If you are in the area please say hello but no discount... hehehee. I guess she's a bit bored at home with Bro Cecil sick as well!

4. Our WBro Mat Armonio is back in the Philippines just last week to attend to his brother's funeral. A very sad reunion. Will get more details when he come back.

5. Now for some good news: Bro Al Toledo will be back from his extended trip to the Philippines this January 2008, per his son whom I spoke to on the phone. I was calling Bro Al to invite him to our induction of officers, but unfortunately he is out of the country.

6. Bro Dan and Sis Amy Elizes, from the grapevine was heard back in the Philippines. Hopefully for a much well earned R & R.

7. Bro Ved Reyes and daughter, Diane (who just arrived from the Philippines a couple of months ago), became new Australian Citizens last Saturday, 20 October; at ceremonies at Bankstown. Sis Ruth and son, Sonny Reyes and family; were on hand to witness the event. Congratulations to our new Aussies!

8. Birthday wishes for the month: Sis Elvie Sta Maria (Oct 9), Sis Elsa Arreza (Oct 12), Sis Amy Elizes (Oct 16) and Sis Sony Romero (Oct 28).

I am using an old FilMasons Newsletter announcements. So I am sure I have missed some of the new bretheren and sisters' birthdays. Please let me know as I don't have the secretary's records/details. My advance apologies to those I missed.

Any other news; good or otherwise, please let me know so I can post or you can add it to this post's comment section.

Bro Mario 2:28 PM Sydney time (I find, for some reason that the time is not Oz time, maybe because the blog's website is in the US???).

Welcome!

Welcome to the first ever post (actually posted another article months ago but got lost in cyberspace :(, hopefully this one won't!) of Fil Masons of NSW Blogazine!

Why a blog? Actually this is more of a "Blogazine" to supplement our FilMason Newsletter. While some of our members are not on the net or does not have access to a PC, a large group are. Also this is for those of our family and friends who can not regularly attend our meetings to get updated of what is going in the Club. They can even comment and post their own stories and pictures.

Gone are the days of WB Leo Tan's editorship of our FilMason Newsletter. While our present editor, WB Bobby Briones and his Chief Editor, Sis Nanette; are working full time and can only come up with a quarterly version of our newsletter. Besides, being grandparents they are busy as well with their family. We know how much effort goes into a full blown newsletter, plus the printing and posting costs involved!

This is second best, a tree saver for those whose advocacies include the environment and into recyling (that's me! Ask Irene!). Also with a new job, I got some free time to post... hehehehee. I hope this will provide a positive contribution to our Club.

A few ground rules and if we have a solicitor; these are the items or small print they will ask us to put:

1. Comments here are just that: personal comments of this blogger as he sees it. They are not or does not reflect the official stand of both Freemasonry in general or the members and officers of The FilMasons Association of NSW, Inc.

2. Errors and ommissions excepted. Constructive comments and contributions are welcome.

3. There will be no gossips or rumour mongering of any kind as any unMasonic comments and conduct. As your Blogazine Editor and owner, I will assure that this will be strictly mandated.

4. Forwarding of email contents, such as virus warnings and "what-have-you" info are allowed. But please check with Snopes.com, Urbanlegend.com or Google it to check the veracity and correctness of item or items you want us to post here.

5. As much as possible, postings will be given priority to our activities which we won't be able to get on the net anyway.

I think I have included the basic ground rules.... too much would ruin the nature of our Blogazine anyway... so with the help of our fellow editor designates (you know who you are), we will provide as much info and entertainment to you via the web/net. Obviously this is not a substitute for attending our meetings and fellowship. We want to see you and your family in person from time to time.

Again, welcome to your FilMasons Blogazine and I/we hope you will enjoy our postings.


Bro Mario