But can we really relax?

A timely email from a friend overseas.

I am just stressing about a fund rasing event the FilMasons is organising. I just shot an email for appeal and after doing that I read this new email with this boy that somehow looks like me – telling me to relax!

The caption says:

“When life is hard and payday is still so far away and when the salary comes and it's not enough there is only one thing to do – Relax!

And that is basically what I am going to do!

Monthly Meeting: 20 September

Photo above shows the ladies at the recent District 28 Ladies Night.

The monthly meeting in September will be on the 20th, Saturday at 5:00 PM; to be hosted by WBro Bobby and Sis Nanette Briones at their Parklea home.

Invited will be our Sis Milabel Estrera, who will also be presenting "something" for the ladies. Former FilMasons and their ladies have also been invited to have fellowship with us.

Please bring a dish and/or dessert and your favourite drinks to share. While not a requirement, this will tremendously help out our host. Any chichirya will do as well.

Hope to see you all there with your ladies.

Amasons' Performance at District 28 Ladies Night

Mga mahinhing "dalagang" Filipina.

Sis Nanette and Sis Marilyn strike a pose.

From left: Sis Do, Sis Irene, Sis Ellen, Sis Nanette, Sis Odeng, Sis Remy and Sis Marilyn pose after their "Footloose" dance number.

Sis Remy (left) all smiles after the dance and the changeover of DGIW for District 28. With her is Sis Irene.

Reinstallation of WBro Rudy Romerosa

WBro Rudy and Sis Mila cutting the cake at the reinstallation banquet.

From left, Sis Elvie and WBro Jack Sta Maria, WBro Fred Enriquez and some of the brethren and ladies at the installation banquet.

VWBro Zaldy Angeles entertaining some of the brethren and ladies.

Bro Carl Bucoy congratulating the newly installed WM of Lodge Beauty of Cabra Vale, WBro Rey Velez who is attending his first Installation as Master.

WBro Rey Velez Installation

IPM WBro Abe Amores turning the gavel to WBro Rey Velez.

WBro Rey Velez installed as Master of Lodge Beauty of Cabra-Vale.

Some of the ladies helping out WM (Worshipful Mama) Irene.

WBro Velez addressing the brethren and ladies at the dinner banquet.

Induction Dinner Dance Night: 4 Oct

You have to have one of the above tickets to attend and enjoy the FilMasons Induction Dinner Dance.

While the officers for 2008-2009 have already been inducted by no less than the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), MW Bro Pacifico Aniag, this dinner dance is to formally present the new set of officers to the community.

This is one of the very few instances that the induction of officers was held in a private residence. It has been a while since an informal induction of officers was held in the 15 year history of the Club. This was not done to make history, but rather to take advantage of the presence of MW Bro Aniag and his delegation. This was a first in the history of the Club, a sitting GM inducting our officers; also the fact that a past president was “recycled” as President of the Club.

While this was not meant to make history, it did. But the very important aspect was the excellent speech of MW Bro Boy Aniag regarding the theme of his term as GM: Harmony. For those present, it was crystal clear how the GM explained how harmony should work in Masonry. Unfortunately, his speech was extemporaneous and no notes were available. Suffice to say, the induction, while very informal was made very special due to presence and wisdom of the GLP’s GM.

The details of the induction dinner dance: Saturday (long weekend), 4 October 2008 at the Corregidor Entertainment Centre and Restaurant, 122 Rooty Hill Road North, Rooty Hill NSW (across Saint Aidan’s Church). Start time is 6:00 PM for drinks. Attire is semi-formal. There will be very few formalities, and the rest of the evening will be dinner and dancing, to the sound of Del and Bona.

We hope to see there!

The new set of Officers FilMasons 2008-2009

President: Bro Mario Baylon Jr

Vice President: Bro Louie Reyes

Secretary: Bro Dan Elizes

Treasurer: Bro Manny Santos

Auditor: WBro Abe Amores

Public Officer: VWBro Manny Maniago

Chaplain: WBro Romy Nieto

PRO: WBro Jack Sta Maria

Peace/Safety/Security Officers: WBro Rudy Romerosa

WBro Vince Flores

Bro Ved Reyes

Social & Recreational Director: Bro Manny Placido

Lodge Liason Officer: WBro Zaldy Angeles

Newsletter Editor/Photgrapher: WBro Bobby Briones

Membership/Caring Officer: Chairman Bro Louie Reyes

Lodge Woronora's Ladies Night: 6 Sept

Sis Remy and WBro Manny "Senator Villar" Maniago.

WBro Manny Maniago, DGIW, District 28; and Lodge Woronora 414 cordially invites you and your partner to attend their Annual Ladies Night to be held on Saturday, 6 September 2008, commencing at 7:00 PM at the St George Masonic Club, 86 Roberts Avenue, Mortdale.

Cost is $35.00 per person. RSVP 19 August 2008.

According to WBro Manny; also a Past President and active supporter of FilMasons Association of NSW, Inc. together with Sis Remy: "An interesting and pleasurable evening has been arranged and we hope you come and support us."

This is much more an important occasion for WBro Manny as he is the outgoing District Grand Inspector of Working (DGIW). With the incoming DGIW, WBro John Spooner; also from Lodge Woronora, "the opportunity is being taken to celebrate this extraordinary event in conjunction with the Ladies Night."

According to their newsletter: "Entertainment in the form of ballroom dancing and cultural dancing demonstrations has been arranged for the evening and a two-course meal will be provided. In addition, suitable music will be provided by a two-piece band for us all to trip the light fantastic on this memorable evening."

FilMason Aug 2008 Meeting: 17 Aug Sunday

One of the many pictures taken at the GM MW Bro Boy Aniag's visit to Sydney. Shown above are the FilMasons ladies, the Amasons and the delegation led by the GLP GM.


August 2008 monthly meeting is slated on Sunday, 17 August at WBro Romy and Sis Ellen Nieto's residence at Dalbertis St, Abbotsbury. Starting time is 12:00 noon.

Please bring a dish and/or dessert and drinks to share; otherwise just your presence will be good enough.

Main agenda is FilMasons Induction Ball at Corregidor on October 4.

The FilMasons would like to thank in advance WBro Romy and Sis Ellen for hosting this meeting and fellowship.

Social Golf & Barbeque Lunch: 27 July

Photo above shows The Honorable Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Bro Ernesto De Leon, GLP GM MW Bro Boy Aniag, WBro Romy Nieto, VWBro Fidel Pamplona and Bro Manny Placido, taking a breather after a round of golf and partaking of the barbeque lunch.

Social Golf and Barbeque Lunch at the Park: 27 July

Preparations for the Sunday barbeque and fellowship began at approximately the same time that the golfers teed off at Villawood, if not earlier. Bro Manny Santos was already at Flinders Slopes at 9 am to make sure that the Filmasons had their customary spot, marked off by the Filmasons banner.

VWBro Fidel and Sis Pen Pamplona joined him shortly afterwards and they worked so quickly that by the time the others started arriving they were greeted by delicious smell of cooking sausages and steaks.

The full menu was prawns, steaks, sausages, chicken and fried rice by Sis Ellen; grilled onions, a variety of salads, and chips, all of which could be washed down by a selection of softdrinks, juices, wines, and three bottles of whisky donated by our fearless president. There were also fresh fruits, cakes, and chocolate for desserts. A typical Filmason picnic spread and even after everyone had had their fill, there was still enough left over for take away.

I got the chronology slightly messed up in that the lunch got eaten in two shifts because the golfers arrived about an hour after it was served. Nonetheless, they also had their fill, led by MWBro Aniag and His Excellency, brother Ernesto De Leon, Philippine Ambassador to Australia; who has already been a guest on several occasions at our get-togethers. Bro De Leon had made his way all the way from Canberra to join us for golf and barby and we are most grateful for this, brother ambassador.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in pleasant fellowship – stories on every topic including but not limited to golf and masonry were exchanged among the brethren and sisters, punctuated only by the slight interruption of the record-breaking hail storm at around 3 pm. We were then grateful for Bro Manny Santos’ foresight because we had the best and most protected spot on the grounds and stayed relatively dry throughout the downpour. It was also quite cold but the brethren were fighting it off bravely with liberal doses of Bro Mario’s medicinal whisky. I personally favoured the Johnny Walker Black for this purpose.

We easily outlasted the storm and then, on cue, the paparazzi appeared from nowhere and began their work, as will be evident from the photos accompanying this article. You will agree that just about every angle to photograph the group was used. Then, and this is never my favourite part of any story, it was time to pack up and say our goodbyes.

Everyone who wanted take away got some, except for the whisky. Some of us brought our visiting brethren to their lodgings, some at Bro Ariel Gonzales’ and Bro Joe Diroy’s residences at Campsie and Darling Point, the others to the Masonic Club and Hotel at Castlereagh Street in town; and with this a great day of fellowship had come to a most satisfying end.

Epilogue

At the start of his address, MWBro Aniag thanked the Australian brethren and sisters for making him and his delegation so welcome. At the end of it, he also congratulated them for forming the Filmasons Club. He stated how important it was, particularly in foreign lands, to come together and provide an environment in which we can feel welcome and at home, and through this club, it was possible to do just that.

Finally, he extended an invitation to all present to inform him whenever anyone was going back home for a visit so that they could reciprocate the warmth and hospitality shown them this day; a food for thought for sure.

Reported by Bro Louie Reyes

GLP's GM Aniag Sydney Visit: Fellowship & Induction

FilMasons NSW Officers for 2008-2009, after the induction posed with GM MW Bro Aniag.

Official Welcome, Fellowship and Induction of Officers: 26 July

The Apollo Street at Greenfield Park home of Bro Romy and Sis Tessie Bernabe and their family, became the focal point of every brother and sister that evening. The Bernabes’ had very generously offered their home as the venue for the official welcome for GM Aniag and the brethren who accompanied him and for this all were most grateful.

WBro Abe Amores took charge of the official proceedings with some preliminary words of welcome then invited WBro Romy Nieto to lead all in the prayer of thanks which he did in his usual very capable way. Dinner was a traditional barby which included kangaroo steaks specially ordered for the visiting brethren. It was prepared under the supervision of Sis Tess Amores, many thanks for this.

After dinner, Filmason co-founder WBro Mat Armonio introduced our honoured guest in his usual inimitable style. MW Bro Pacifico Aniag was then invited to take the floor and address everyone assembled.

What followed was a tour de force by the head of Philippine masonry as he revealed and expounded on the theme of his term as grandmaster – Harmony. He used the example of a choir to develop his idea – many different and differing voices crafted to produce one harmonious sound, each member of the choir primarily charged with listening to those on their left and right and then singing so as to blend with them, subjugating individual voices to that of the group.

According to GM Aniag, Masonry is no different. It accepts men of the widest variety of races, backgrounds, and beliefs into its fold and then teaches them to concern themselves primarily with the needs and wants of those around them. The grandmaster stressed that unity of such a diverse group of men is very difficult, if not impossible, a pipe dream, unless harmony is first achieved.

I believe that all were touched by his oration and it was made amply clear to all why he is the grandmaster.

The official proceedings continued with outgoing president VWBro Fidel Pamplona sharing his final thoughts with his fellow Filmasons followed by the induction of the Filmason officers for 2008-2009 by MW Bro Aniag. Incoming president Mario Baylon Jr led his officers in taking the oath administered by the grandmaster and then the paparazzi closed in again, led by our official photographer Bro Ray Moncay who coordinated and choreographed the photos throughout the evening.

Newly-inducted president Bro Baylon shared his vision for the club for the coming year, saying that he would use a back-to-basics approach, reducing the number of business meetings and increasing the number of fellowships and socials, and also putting some emphasis on the charitable aspect of the fraternity on which the club is founded.

The guests were then presented with several gifts of welcome which included masonic banners from WB Amores, boomerang key rings, and an Aboriginal boomerang and mount for MW Bro Aniag as well. More group photos, including photos of the paparazzi at their work, an idea of Bro Ray. We were then entertained by a musical number from Jasmin, the granddaughter of Bro Romy and Sis Tessie, and she sang beautifully indeed.

The official proceedings having drawn to a close, the brethren and sisters resumed the fellowship that masonic gatherings are known for and this could easily have gone on all night but did not because there was a golf tournament and barby scheduled for the next day and the visitors were still to get some real rest from their trip.

Reported by Bro Louie Reyes.

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.

First Tracing Board Explained: 15 Aug

Bro Louie Reyes will be explaining the first tracing board to EAF on the third Friday of this month, 15 August, at Lodge Woronora No 414, Oatley Masonic Center, Letitia Street, Oatley. Tyling is 7:15 PM.

Everyone is invited, especially the new EAF who has yet to receive the explanation.

Bro Louie is also the present Vice-President of the Fil Masons Association (Club) Inc.

Re-installation of WB Rudy Romerosa: 16 August 2008

WBro Rudy Romerosa will be re-installed as Worshipful Master of Lodge Blacktown Kildare No 393 at the Blacktown Masonic Centre, corner Boys and First Avenues, Blacktown this coming 16 August 2008 at 5:00 PM.

Installing Master is WBro Douglas James Lewis Goodwin, PM.

Congratulations to WBro Rudy on his re-installation, and for Sis Mila and family for supporting him. Congratulations also to all incoming officers of the lodge, as well as the outgoing brethren for a job well done.

Bro Rey Velez Installation as WM: 8 Aug 2008

Bro. Rey Velez, Worshipful Master-Elect of Lodge Beauty of Cabra Vale No 743, will be installed as Worshipful Master this Friday, 8 August 2008 at the Fairfield Masonic Centre, 6 York Street, Fairfield, NSW.

Installing Master will be WBro Fred Enriquez.

Tyling will be at 6:30pm. Ladies invited and dinner charge will be $15. Entertainment provided for the Ladies while waiting at the South.

Grand Master’s representative will be RW Bro Stephen Green, PAGM; and Grand Director of Ceremonies is VW Bro Ron Webb, GDC.

Again, our congratulations to Bro Rey Velez and Sis Irene.

GLP GM MW Pacifico B. Aniag to Visit Sydney: 26 July - 02 Aug 2008

It has been confirmed that the Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines (F & AM), MW Bro Pacifico B. "Boy" Aniag wil be visiting Sydney on the occassion of the Asia-Pacific Grand Lodges' Conference and Installation of the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT, 26 July to 02 August 2008, inclusive.

Corollary to this, the FilMasons of NSW, Inc made representations to host a fellowship with the GLP GM and his delegation:

26 July 2008 at 5:00 PM at Bro Romeo & Sis Tessie Bernabe at 7 Apollo St. Greenfield Park NSW 2176. Cost per person is $15.00 and BYO drinks. Semi-formal attire.

There will also be a short induction of officers of the association.

Please confirm your attendance to WBro Abe Amores or President VWBro Fidel Pamplona for catering purposes. Your ladies are very much welcome to attend, as well as all Masons.

There will also be a welcoming delegation at the Sydney (Kingsford Smith) International Airport , composed mainly of FilMasons, NSW members and WBro Jun Capili and Bro Ariel Gonzales on the morning (26 July, Saturday) of their arrival (pending ETA/flight schedules).

Golf and Sunday Barbeque: 27 July 2008

VWBro Manny Maniago booked "a round of Golf for three (3) groups at Woodville Public Golf Course, 118 Rawson Rd, Guilford. Tee off time is 8:00 AM. Cost is $23.00 per person and ride on cart extra . Ring (02) 9632 3582 if you need one.

Please be there at 7:30 AM if you wish to play.

The barbeque area at Flinders Slope (Mirrambeena Regional Park) along Henry Lawson Drive is a few minutes from Woodville. This is the scheduled lunch barbeque for Masons, their ladies (the Amasons) and our guests.

Arrangements for pick up of our GLP golfers will be finalised on our fellowship night."

Delegation

Aside from MW Bro Boy Aniag, the following brethren are members of his delegation:

VWBro Narciso B. Nieto, VWBro Michael L. Benjamin, VWBro Hermeno A. Palamine, VWBro Gilbert L. Pazcoguin, VWBro Emmanuel Sacay, WBro Roger R. Perez, Bro Ronaldo P. Alarcon, Bro Alberto G. Aniag, Bro Rodante I. Garcia, Bro Mario R. Mana, Bro Isagani V. Magpayo, Bro Raymond F. Ripotola and Bro Kenneth Y. Ong.

Bro Benito "Bennie" Dionson, Jr, who is also known to MW Boy Aniag is also in Sydney visiting his sister in Parklea. He was instrumental in the FilMasons making contact with Bro Joby Magbanua, our GM's Chief of Staff. Unfortunately, Bro Joby could not make it this time.

(See MW Bro Boy Aniag's bio by clicking here.)

July Monthly Meeting: 19 July 2008

It was announced by VWBro Fidel Pamplona that the Regular Monthly meeting will be held on 19 July, 6:00 PM at Bro Rey and Irene Velez's residence at Cecil Hills.

Bro Rey Velez is also the newly elected Worshipful Master of Lodge Beauty of Cabra-Vale.

Our congratulations and support to Bro Rey and Sis Irene.

FFV President's Cup 2008: 28 September 2008

The Filipino Freemasons of Victoria recently anounced their FFV President's Cup 2008 to be held at Eynesbury Golf Club, Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury, Victoria this coming 28 September 2008.

This is an 18-hole individual stroke golf championship with an open gross and net winners for the major events. There is also an A, B, C and social grade events. Tee-off time is 7:00 AM with an event fee of $100.00; which includes green fee, golf cart, light breakfast and lunch and beverages.

Entries close Sunday, 21 September 2008. For more information please contact either Bro Roy or Chris Esagunde.

AGM 2008: Officers Elected for FilMasons' Year 2008-2009

At the recent FilMasons NSW Association, Inc. the following brethren were elected for the ensuing term 2008-2009:

Bro Mario Baylon Jr - President

Bro Louie Reyes - Vice President

Bro Dan Elizes - Secretary

Bro Manny Santos - Treasurer

Present at the Annual General Meeting, which was held at VWBro and President Fidel and Sis Pen Pamplona's residence last Saturday are: WBro Abe and Sis Tess Amores, VWBro Manny and Sis Remy Maniago, WBro Rudy and Sis Mila Romerosa, WBro Rolly Fabi, Bro Rey and Sis Irene Velez, Bro Manny and Sis Dodo Placido, WBro Jack and Sis Elvie Sta Maria, WBro Romy and Sis Ellen Nieto, Bro Tony Saputil, Sis Irene Baylon and Sis Odeng Santos.

Congratulations to the new set of officers; and also to the incumbent set of officers for a job well done.

Mrs Ceferina Torres Reyes: Joined Her Creator

"Sis and Brethren,

I received a message from Bro Louie Reyes that his Centenarian Grandmother, Mrs Ceferina Torres Reyes has passed away peacefully.

Funeral arrangement are:

Friday, 27 June'08, at 10:30 AM Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church, cnr Anzac Rd and Menai Rd at Menai.

Followed by burial at Woronora Cemetery, Linden St. Sutherland

Followed by wake at Menai Catholic Club , Allison Rd Menai. P

Prayers for Lola Ceferina.

May her soul rest in eternal peace."

Bro Manny Maniago

According to Bro Louie, his grandmother, Lola Ceferina "was one of the strongest influences in my life, like most lolas tend to be."

We commiserate and offer our condolences, deep symphaties and prayers to the Reyes family, especially to our Bro Louie and Gerry Reyes.

FilMasons NSW, Inc.