Easter Weekend at the Sta Maria's: Mannering Park, 22-23 March

Lakeshore sunset. Photo courtesy of Lakeshore, First National.

These are some of the views in WBro Jack and Sis Elvie's holiday house in the Central Coast. According to WBro Jack, the house is a three-bedroom house with a yard that can accomodate from five to seven tents. So make sure you bring your linens, tents (if you prefer), boat and fishing gear, golf and other sports' gears.

Larger groups can be accomodated at Monterey Tourist Park, which is a couple of streets away from their home.

This outing is in conjunction with our March monthly meeting. As stated previously by WBro Jack, everyone is welcome to come as early as Good Friday, 21 March and extend till Monday, 24 March.

According to WBro Jack's handouts (which he handed out at the Ladies Night):

"Mannering Park is located on the southern shores of Lake Macquarie and in the northern region of the Central Coast. This area offers activities and interests for everyone of all ages.

Lake Macquarie is the gateway to the subtropical rainforests of the Watagan Mountains and the Hunter Valley Vineyards in the West, Newcastle in the North and beautiful unspoilt beaches in the East.

The lake itself is the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, covering 109 square kilometres (4 times the size of Sydney Harbour). It is 24 km long, 3.2 km across at its widest point and 9.7 km at its deepest. The Lake is calm enough for fishing, boating or any variety of watersports. The Watagan Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for adventurous hikes, picnicking, camping or horse riding."

Parks and gardens in the area include the "lovely Vales Point Reserve, offering an ideal setting for a family day out. Featuring picnic tables, electric BBQ's, seating swimming facilities, boat ramp and toilets. You can relax and unwind in a tranquil setting in one of Lake Macquarie's most beautiful suburbs."

Social Director, WBro Jack suggested activities before and after the meeting are fishing, beach, boating, wine tasting, RSL clubbing, shopping; and of course fellowship!

Ladies Night 2008: A Successful Night Out

Some of our Ladies who attended the night out. Seated, from left to right: Sis Melinda, Sis Pen, Sis Lourder and Sis Elvie (not in picture is Sis Ruth). Standing, from left to right: Sis Irene B, Sis Odeng, Sis Remy, Sis Irene V, Sis Sony and Sis Dodo (not in picture Sis Ellen).

The semi private area we managed to occupy, on the left side is the dance floor and the band.

As expected, the 2008 Ladies Night was a success, based from the happy faces of the attendees.

Present were: President WBro Fidel and First Lady Sis Pen, IPP Bro Manny and Sis Odeng, IVP Bro Mario and Sis Irene, Bro Nomer, Sis Sony and son; Bro Rey and Sis Irene, Bro Manny and Sis Dodo, guests Mr Freddie & Sis Melinda (brother and sister in law, respectively of Sis Dodo), Sis Remy (WBro Manny at work), WB Ted and Sis Lourdes, WB Romy and Sis Ellen, WB Jack and Sis Elvie, and Bro Ved, Sis Ruth, her mother and daughter, Dianne.

"Maitre D' Bro Manny P" checking the Reyes' table.

Bro Nomer entertaining the ladies and WB Ted after the dinner.

The group managed to get a semi-private area at the newly refurbished Dooleys' Catholic Club, close to the two-band musician. As expected the food was affordable and excellent, except for the time in between ordering and getting the food.

We had the dancefloor all to ourselves.

WB Romy checking whether time to go home or go back to the dancefloor.

After the dinner and fellowship, the ladies decided to dance away the accumulated calories. Their enthusiasm attracted not only the brethren; who were talking among themselves, but another Filipina and another patron on the dance floor. Even the sore knee of Sis Ellen miraculously "dissapeared" on the dance floor, with the help of partner, WBro Romy. The night out went on till about 11:30PM and the fellowship continued some more at the car park!

Monthly Meeting for March & Easter Outing: Mannering Park: 22-23 March

Per our President Fidel, please don’t forget to attend our next monthly meeting which is on Saturday (about lunch time), 22 March 2008 at WBro. Jack Sta Maria’s holiday home in Mannering Park (exact address will be emailed to all and WBro Jack's contact numbers).

As per WBro. Jack, we can stay there overnight or so and remember that Monday, 24th March is also a Public Holiday. It will be good time to extend our holidays on Saturday and Sunday inclusive.

Please also don't forget to bring your swimming as well as your fishing gears.

More details to follow.

(Via email by WBro Fidel Pamplona).


An Invitation From Our Hosts: WBro Jack & Sis Elvie Sta Maria:

"I'll take this opportunity to invite all and join us in our place in Mannering Park in March 22 to 23 (you are also welcome to come as early as Good Friday, 21 March!). This will be an overnight event so you may bring your linens or tents with some camping chairs, golf clubs, fishing rods etc.

You may also make Mannering Park your "home base" to explore tourist places like Hunter Valley, The Entrance, Lake Macquarie or even reminiscing the episodes in Myuna Bay (not all of it of course)."

Bro Jack

Informal Ladies Night: Dooleys Catholic Club, Lidcombe: 29 February

Courtesy of www.ladiesonly.se All Rights ReservedCopyright © 2008.

With the "leap day" falling this coming Friday (29 February, of course!), the brethren; with much prodding, decided to give the Ladies the TLC they much deserved.

An informal Ladies Night is slated at this date at Dooleys Catholic Club, Church St (nearest corner John & Church Sts; car park entrance at Church St, click here for directions/map), Lidcombe at about 7 PM (you can come as early or as late as you like, depending on your schedules). This is just a simple get-together of sorts to honour our Amasons.

According to Wikipedia, leap years were conceived:

"...to keep the calendar year synchronised with the astronomical or seasonal year. For example, February would have 29 days in a leap year instead of the usual 28. Seasons and astronomical events do not repeat at an exact number of full days, so a calendar which had the same number of days in each year would over time drift with respect to the event it was supposed to track. By occasionally inserting (or intercalating) an additional day or month into the year, the drift can be corrected. A year which is not a leap year is called a common year."

This is a good as any day to also "synchronise" and touch base with our FilMasons' friends and ladies. "Life is too short" not to hold any fellowship, least of all before the end of this "love" month.

As per traditions, this is the "traditional time women can propose marriage. In many of today's cultures, it is okay for a woman to propose marriage to a man. Society doesn't look down on such women. However, that hasn't always been the case. When the rules of courtship were stricter, women were only allowed to pop the question on one day every four years."

This is also good day to be with our ladies, lest someone takes fancy (as if!) and indecently propose to us! So we hope to see you there with your ladies.

'carpe diem quam minimum credula postero' - 'Seize the day, trusting little in the future'

Horace

Invitation to the Consecration Ceremony of Lodge Cedars No 1041: 29 March

Dear Brethren,

The Worshipful Master Designate, WBro. Gary Sayed is fraternally inviting the FilMasons Association and their Ladies to attend their Consecration Ceremony on Saturday, 29th March 2008 at the Punchbowl Masonic Centre, 29 Arthur Street, Punchbowl.

Members and Visitors to be seated at 3:45 pm and the Consecration Ceremony will follow and will be officiated by the Grand Master of UGL NSW-ACT; MW Bro Raymond Barry Brooke, JP.

Consecretion Banquet will be at Bellevue Bankstown Function Centre, Restwell Street entry thru Stewart Lane with a charge of $50.00 per head. The Ladies will be entertained during the consecration and re-installation ceremony.

Please let us support this new Lodge on their Consecration Ceremony.

Kind regards,

Bro Fidel
President, FilMasons NSW, Inc.

"CONSECRATION Sacer was the Latin for something set aside as holy. By prefixing con, meaning "together," consecrare resulted, the general significance of which was that by adding to some holy object a formal ceremony the object was declared to be holy to the public, and must therefore be treated as such. The ceremony of consecrating a Lodge room is a way of giving notice to the public that it has been dedicated, or set aside, for Masonic purposes only."

To read the website and vision statement of Lodge Cedars No 1041, click here.

WB Vince to Raise Son, 14 March

Our WBro Vince Flores, Worshipful Master of Lodge Alpha, will raise his son, Bro Paul Flores this 14th of March, second Friday of the month.

WBro Vince will be ably assisted by an all Filipino Freemasons ritual team, most of which are members of the FilMasons Association.

Venue is at Blacktown Masonic Centre, corner Boys and Second Avenues, Blacktown. Tyling is 7:15 PM for visitors, except Grand Lodge Officers and contingent.

Also, WBro Vince is inviting all Freemasons in the area to a double initiation on 8 February at the same venue and tyling time.

First General Membership Meeting: Sunday 27 Jan

The first general membership meeting will be held this Sunday, 27 January at 2:00 PM at President WB Fidel Pamplona and Sis Pen's residence at Woodcroft. As usual please bring a dish and drinks to share.

The Year in Review: 2007 , A Sad Year for the Club.

After a mixed and bitter sweet New Year, first with the sudden demise of one of our founders and past President, Bro Jimmy Estrera on New Year's eve. And this month the demise of Bro Rudy O'laco's brother, Mr Edgardo O'laco and just last Saturday, the death of Sis Ruth Reyes' father; Mr Roberto Hsia. Our deepst condolences and prayers to Sis Milabel, Joshua and Jordan, to Bro Rudy and Sis Sen and family; and lastly, to Sis Ruth, her mom Fely, her siblings and Bro Ved.

On a good note, we saw, spoke to and learned that Sis Mela Reyes and Sis Connie Angeles are both doing fine and on the way to full recovery. They are up and about now and hopefully we will see them in one of our meetings or activities.

A year ago, the father of Sis Sony Nomero died. Last week, they said prayers on the "Pababang Luksa" or end of mourning gathering, officially ending the mourning period per traditional Filipino custom.

Last year, we lost RWBro Arthur Thomas and Sis Connie Subijano.

WBro Manny Reyes moved down to the south coast and we learn that Sis Vivian is not feeling well and is suffering from bouts of fainting. Hence they could not attend in our meetings as often as they would like to.

In Bro Jimmy's wake and funeral, we saw a lot of familiar faces. In addition to FilMasons members and their ladies, we also saw and spoke to former members of the Club: Bro Sonny and Sis Lilian Cuevas, Bro Ben Dimaano, Bro Tony Subijano, Bro Ramie and Sis Lolit Tirol, WBro Leo and Sis Lelian Tan, Bro Edgar and Sis Jane Estoesta, Bro Dave and Sis Becky Isaac, WBro Nep and Sis Mela Reyes, VWBro Vergel and Sis Pie Valderrama; including Sis Pie's Mom and Bro Dan Umali; Bro Roger and Sis Jennie Buenaventura, WBro Pert and Sis Emily Mendoza, Bro Ross and Sis Baby Rosales, Bro Ricky Marquez, and Bro Dick and Sis Mae Palenzuela.

The large attendance in both the wake and prayers, viewing and funeral of Bro Jimmy attests to the deep respect and friendship of Bro Jimmy and Sis Milabel's friends in the Couples for Christ and in the FilMasons. The outpouring of support for the family of Bro Jimmy, especially Sis Milabel, sons; Joshua and Jordan was borne out of love.

We hope that the rest of the year will bring us peace, love and harmony in all our endeavours.



For Pinoy Masons' News around the Globe, please click here.

For our Masonic Education, please visit our Journey to the East site.

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.