GLP' GM Sydney Visit: 26 July - 2 Aug 2008 as reported by Bro Louie Reyes

One of the many pictures taken at the airport. Photo courtesy of Bro Louie Reyes.

Arrival - Sydney, Saturday, 26 July

Even as Philippine Airlines flight PR209, bearing Grand Master (GM) MW Bro Pacifico Aniag of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) and his delegation, landed at Tullamarine airport in Melbourne and became PR210 for the return flight to Manila via Sydney, the elements of his welcoming party were already converging on Kingsford-Smith airport via various routes.

Keen eyes scanned the arrival information on the internet and on the flight information board until finally PR210 status turned “landed” at Sydney. The brethren and sisters took up their stations at Arrival Gates A & B and unfurled posters and banners of welcome for the visitors who emerged in due course, led by the GM himself.

Many words and handshakes of welcome were exchanged and the sisters, led by Sis Connie Angeles added their own touch with garlands of flowers for the visiting brethren and a full bouquet for the GM as well.

FilMasons NSW contigent was led by VWBro President Fidel Pamplona, Vice-President Bro Louie Reyes, Treasurer, Bro Manny Santos and Past Presidents VWBro Manny Maniago, WBro Abe Amores, WBro Romy Nieto and Bro Mario Baylon Jr. Also on hand are Bro Ved Reyes, WBro Zaldy and Sis Connie Angeles, WBro Leo Bautista, WBro Hermie Mateo, WBro Manny Reyes, Bro Edwin Balasa, Bro Al Toledo and Bro Bert Dooma.

Also present were WBro Jun Capili, organised for some of the welcome banners, flowers, and car stickers on his own volition and Bro Ariel Gonzales and Bro Joe Diroy; who volunteered to billet some of our visitors in their residences, as well as providing some of the vehicles to ferry the delegation.

The paparazzi did their work outside and there were at least a hundred group shots taken, I kid you not! The general public must have been wondering what celebrity had arrived. The visitors and their luggage were then efficiently whisked away to a yum cha lunch at Canterbury Bulldogs Club at Belmore.