FilMasons Victoria: Induction of Officers: 7 June 2008

In a letter dated 10 April, the Filipino Freemasons Association of Victoria Inc. wrote:

"Fraternal greetings to all the brethren and families.

The Filipino Freemasons Association of Victoria Inc. wishes to invite all the brethren and the ladies of Filipino Freemasons Association of NSW to our Induction of Officers on June 7, 2008 Saturday at 6:00 PM at Polish Hall, 6 Helene Street, Ardeer, Victoria 3020.

The attire is formal and the cost per head is $30.00."

Worshipful Brother Fidel Oray, the current secretary of FilMasons Victoria also invited the Amasons (Asawa ng Mason, Wives of Masons) to present a dance number on the evening as part of the programme.

There is also a proposed golf activity on Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 AM; the day following the induction and followed by a barbeque lunch.

At the last April Monthly Meeting, the President, VWBro Fidel Pamplona endorsed the invitation and a number of brethren assured their attendance at said Induction of Officers.

The Filipino Freemasons Association of Victoria, while similar in nature to the FilMasons Association of NSW; is an independent association of Filipino Freemasons in the state of Victoria. It is a sister association of FilMasons NSW and have been in contact and fellowship for more than a decade. The first contact of which was during the fifth anniversary and founding celebration of FilMasons NSW in 1996.

April Monthly Meeting: 13 April Sunday

Brethren and Ladies,

As per President, VWBro Fidel Pamplona invites everyone to the April Monthly Meeting of the Club at 5:00 PM (or earlier for those who wish to listen to the piano bar, etc.) at Dooleys Catholic Club at Lidcombe.

For those who have not had the chance to attend one of our functions at Dooleys, it is located near the Lidcombe train station. The nearest corner is John and Church Streets, and the car park entrance is at Church Street. There is another new underground car park at the John St entrance.

Please come with your ladies.



Other News: Bon Voyage, Happy Birthdays and Welcome Back!

Sister Nanette Briones will be flying to Hawaii for a much earned holiday and bonding with her sisters.

Bro Manny and Sis Odeng Santos will also be flying back to Manila.

While, via email; Sis Elsa Arreza said she's in Cebu (I believe with Bro George) for a well-earned break.


Welcome back WBro Abe Amores, from Manila. He attended a school reunion and while was there also visited the wake of Sis Milabel's dad, Mr Pablo Mejia.

Also back is Bro Fred Sese, and also left again for a business trip to the Philippines.

Back also is Bro Ved and Sis Ruth Reyes, who just came back just last week. Bro Ved attended his high school reunion and a relative's wedding.

Happy Birthday to those who celebrate their birthday this month, (I am sorry I don't have the list with me). But notable is WBro Ted Balgos, who celebrated his 70th birthday this month.

*I got a partial list of April birthday celebrants: 2 WBro Bobby Briones, 3 WBro Ted Balgos, 5 Sis Irene Velez, 9 Sis Evelyn Lee, 10 WBro Vince Flores, 11 WBro Leo Tan, 12 Sis Rorie Jalocon, 24 WBro Mark Prats, 25 Sis Mayven Reodica, 29 Bro Pablo Lee and Bro Fidel Zaballa.

Again I am sorry for the members, especially the new ones. I don't have the records, so unless you've invited me (hehehehee), it is regrettable that I don't know your birthday. Anyway, have a Happy Birthday!

Cedars Lodge Consecration: From A Fellowcraft's Eyes by Bro Gerry Reyes

The following is a narration of the historic consecration of Cedars Lodge No 1041 last 29 March. According to Bro Louie Reyes, also the elder blood brother of the author; Bro Gerry, the officers of the new lodge had to sit in the tessalated part of the lodge. According to Bro Louie, the attendance is not fewer that 250 Masons!

Here is Bro Gerry's personal account of the ceremonial part of the consecration:

"Last Saturday the 29th of March 2008 I witnessed an event that most Freemasons witness well into their journey in the craft, being in the craft for only 4 months this was truly an opportunity not to be missed. The event was the consecration of The Cedars Lodge No. 1041.

The afternoon started off rather normally. Brother Roland and I were searching for a parking spot which was a fair distance from the lodge. This was a sign of things to come for I have never seen so many Freemasons in one area outside of Grand Lodge.

Upon entering the lodge we were welcomed warmly by brothers we have never met. As the time came closer for the ceremony I was most surprised when our group (Bro Roland, Bro Manny and Bro Rudy and I) was approached by RT Wor. Bro Dr. Gregory Henry Levenston. He welcomed us and shook our hands and mentioned he was glad to see us there. We had a brief chat about his upcoming grand installation and he said he was looking forward to seeing us there and hoped we could make the event.

The Ceremony was quite spectacular. Witnessing the Grand Lodge Ceremonial team and Officers up close go thru their paces is a sight to see. It inspires newcomers like me to continue my studies and advance in the knowledge of the craft. The Ceremony proper itself was full of symbolisms such as the Corn, Wine, Oil and Salt. These are things you would not normally know or hear about. I feel I got an advance class in Masonic symbolisms. Also of interest was to see the openness of the craft to all races and religions, I say this as I observed our Muslims' brethren listening intently to the Rabbi when he was reading from the Volume of the Sacred Law. Nowhere else in the world will you see this without causing dissent.

It was quite interesting looking around the room catching everyone’s expressions and actions. What I found particularly interesting was the Entered Apprentices' were watching the Fellowcraft Masons and the Fellowcraft Masons were watching the Master Masons on what to do next. It was quite amusing.

I quite enjoyed the fellowship with other Fellowcrafts and Entered Apprentices when we were made to retire and we discussed the brief experiences we have had in the craft. Re-entering the lodge was also a good experience.

Definitely this is one event that will forever be etched in my memory and will be sharing to future members of the craft."

Fil Masons Exemplification Team

VWBro President Fidel Pamplona and VWBro Manny Maniago recently released the list of the Philippine 3rd Degree Exemplification Team. Those who made the commitment are as follows:


Worshipful Master: WBro. Romy Nieto

Senior Warden: WBro. Manny Reyes

Junior Warden: WBro. Ted Balgos

Senior Deacons: Bro. Louie Reyes & Bro. Ved Reyes

Junior Deacons: Bro. Manny Santos

Secretary/Marshall: Bro. Mario Baylon Jr

Chaplain: WBro. Jack Sta. Maria

Senior Steward: VWBro. Fidel Pamplona

Junior Steward: Bro. Bert Dooma

Working Tools: Bro. Bert Dooma

First Fellowcraft: VWBro. Manny Maniago

Second Fellowcraft: VWBro. Fidel Pamplona

The next practice will be on 19 April 2008 at the Blacktown Masonic Centre, 30 First Avenue, Blacktown NSW 2148 at 1:00 PM, before the April monthly membership meeting. (Note: Due to scheduling problems, Lodge not available at this time: This activity was rescheduled to a Sunday, 20 April at 5:00 PM. Please note, and call the President for more info.)

The lodges/districts who invited the team for year 2008 are as follows: Lodge Sydney St George, Lodge Alpha No 970, the Lodges that meets at the Bondi Masonic Centre and Lodge Theo Gray No 234 at 286 Princes Highway Bulli NSW 2516. Definite schedule are still under negotiations with the invitees.

The Filipino Exemplification team started in the early days of the Club as a way of Masonically educating the Australian raised brethren. First exemplified were the opening and closing of the three degrees. But the most popular by far is the 3rd Degree Raising, as this has no exact equivalent in the Australian lodges.

Lodge Alpha No 970 Installation: 9 May

Incoming Junior Warden (elect), Bro Manny Santos; invites the brethren and their ladies of the Fil Masons on the Installation of Officers of Lodge Alpha No 970 at the the Blacktown Masonic Centre, 30 First Avenue, Blacktown NSW 2148 on 9 May 2008. Tyling is at 6:30 PM for visitors.

Other incoming officers, who are also members of Fil Masons NSW are: Bro Carlo San Juan, Senior Deacon elect and Bro Sherwin Lim, Junior Deacon elect.

The sitting Worshipful Master is also a member of the Club, WBro Vince Flores.

Congratulations to these three Fil Masons on their way to the Oriental Chair!

Easter Outing 2008

Group Picture of the "Happy Campers"

The rain has not dampened the FilMasons' Easter Outing and meeting at WBro Jack and Sis Elvie Sta Maria's Mannering Park holiday house (background of photo above).

First to arrive on Saturday was Bro Mario and Sis Irene, who got the "first prize" of selecting their own bedroom. Followed by VWBro Manny, Sis Remy and son Joseph. Then by President & First Lady, VWBro Fidel and Sis Pen. Late to arrive (around 9:00 PM), were Bro Manny S and Sis Odeng, who has to work that day. While Bro Butch and Sis Jean, arrived Sunday afternoon.

After Saturday's lunch, VWBro Fidel, VWBro Manny and WBro Jack and the ladies accompanied VWBro Manny's son; Joseph for a round of nine-hole golf, while others took a much needed rest and nap.

The brethren and the ladies at the deck, by this time the weather cleared.

Sis Irene, Sis Elvie, Sis Odeng, Sis Remy and Sis Pen with Pres Fidel, munching the spicy "dilis" pulutan.

After Saturday's dinner, some of the ladies watched TV and talked while most of brethren partook some beer, wine, scotch and the favorite drink of the night: Tequila. The Club's first "midnight meeting" was held and was over at 1:15 AM Sunday! The brethren and some of the ladies could not help but wait for Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday morning walk: Bro Mario, Bro Fidel, Bro Manny S, Bro Manny M and Bro Jack.

After a sumptous Easter Sunday breakfast, most of group went to play golf, some went sightseeing of the surrounding areas and the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

Most went home after lunch to join with other family members for Easter Sunday. While Bro Butch and Sis Jean turned up to keep the Sta Maria's company till Easter Monday.

Another happy Easter Outing, and according to the Sta Maria's this is the first of the many open invitation to their holiday cum-retirement house.

The club wishes to thank Bro Jack and Sis Elvie for their generosity and hospitality!

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.