Golf Fellowship - Sunday, 30 Nov 2008 Sefton Golf Course

Picture taken a year ago after one of the FilMasons' Victoria and NSW golf social games.

According to VP and acting President, Bro Louie Reyes the November FilMasons Golf Social and fellowship game will be held Sunday, 30 November at Sefton Golf Course, 160 Rose Street, Sefton. Tee off time is 1 PM, but there is lunch/snack before tee off at 12:30 PM, FilMasons at 11:30 AM as hosts.

According to Bro Louie: "Format is two-man Ambrose best-ball, maximum double-bogey on any hole.

Bro Manny Maniago is chief umpire but I [Bro Louie] will be enacting his decisions since I will not be playing because I will also be organizing the putting/chipping competition for the non-golfers.

Bro Manny Maniago [He] will make the pairings and decide handicaps, assisted by Freddy Ramos and myself.

[I suggest] top three prizes with handicap and top three prizes for scratch scores.

Also, one mystery hole in the front nine and one in the back nine and we will give a prize of a golf ball to each of the pair who score birdie or better on these holes. Ladies all get a prize.

Putting/chipping competition will be free golf balls to the first two places. I haven't really decided on the full format of this one yet because I do not know how many takers there will be for this one.

We are anticipating around five squads of four so we will send three squads off from hole one and the other two from hole ten to move things along faster. There will be four ladies, at most, so they will comprise the sixth squad and will have a competition of their own."

Thanks to all, especially to Mr Freddy Ramos, Bro Manny Maniago and Santos and VP Louie for organising and helping with this fellowship/social golf.

Egyptian Room Guided Tour: 14 Nov

"The United Supreme Grand Chapter (USGC) of Mark and Royal Arch Masons of NSW & ACT wishes to remind you of the:

Annual Egyptian Room Open Night

Petersham Royal Arch Temple - 23-25 New Canterbury Road, Petersham
Friday, 14th November, 2008 - 7 for 7:30pm
Full Lecture on the Egyptian Room Frieze
Light Refreshments available after the Lecture.
Cost : Free of Charge

All Non - Masons and especially Families, Friends, Brethren and Companions are welcome. Children are also welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult."

According to USGC of Mark and Royal Arch Freemasonsy: "The Egyptian Room originally formed part of the Royal Arch Temple in College Street, Sydney, until removed prior to the building's demolition in the late 1960's.

In 1979 the present Egyptian Room (at Pertersham) was classified and registered by the National Trust and is maintained under the responsible and dedicated care of the United Supreme Grand Chapter of Mark and Royal Arch Masons of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

As a working Lodge and Chapter Room it is much admired and greatly respected by the Masons who regularly use it, as well as those who frequently visit."

"Through a series of scenes, the frieze around the walls of the Egyptian Room at the Royal Arch Temple in Petersham, provides a fascinating insight into one man's relationship with the ancient Gods.

In a combination of brilliantly coloured vignettes, amazing columns and gold leaf, the frieze depicts scene from the papyrus Scrolls of Ani found at Thebes in 1888, which protrays Ani's interpretation of the life hereafter."

"3,400 years ago "Ani The Scribe" lived and breathed and wrote a letter to his god. You can meet him in the Egyptian Room.

Ani the Scribe actually lived during the 16th dynasty (1500-1400 BC). He was an important and well to do man who, as well as being a Veritable Royal Scribe, was the Governor of the Granary of Abydos."

Bro Noel M Quiroz Installation as WM Lodge Star of Australia: 22 Nov 2008

On Saturday, 22 November 2008, Bro Noel M Quiroz, Worshipful Master elect of Lodge Star of Australia 200 will be installed as Master.

Installation will be at Hurlstone Park, 67 Duntroon Street Hurlstone Park NSW 2193 . Tyling is 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm for visitors and 6:00 pm for Grand lodge officers and representatives.

Other incoming officers are Bro Jet Ednalino, Senior Warden elect and Bro Joseph Cassar, Junior Warden elect.

Secretary is VWBro Brian French and Treasurer/DC is WBro Mark Prats.

All FilMasons are cordially invited, RSVP for catering purposes to Bro Quiroz at noelq16@hotmail.com (0416 673 152) or to the Secretary, bafinoz@yahoo.com (02 9831 1879).

Our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the officers and members of Lodge Star of Australia No 200, especially to Bro Quiroz and elected Wardens on the occasion of their installation as officers of Lodge Star of Australia.

Freemasons' Association (NSW and ACT): 11 Nov

On our last membership meeting in October, VWB Fidel Pamplona, IPP; requested that a letter from Senior Grand Warden Bro Walid Mehanna be read for the benefit of all brethren and ladies present.

Excerpts are as follows:

"In December 2008, the Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers Association of NSW (P&PGLOA) will achieve 100 years and it is proposed to hold a special function to celebrate the occasion, details of which will be advised later.

... a number of important and exciting changes to the Rules of the "Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers Association of NSW"... were approved at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on Tuesday, 14 August 2008.

Firstly, the Association has a new name which now reflects the fact that membership is no longer restricted to present and past Grand Lodge Officers but is open to all members of the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT.

Of even greater importance... is the fact that membership is now open to the wives, partners and widows of departed Brethren of this jurisdiction. The admission of ladies to our Association supports the Grand Master's stated intention to pay tribute to the women who have supported their men in Freemasonry, to encourage and support the contributions of all women of this Grand Lodge, and to apply their talents for the betterment of Freemasonry in this jurisdiction.

The structure of the Association has also changed and has reverted to that operating prior to 2006. The Senior Grand Warden is again the constitutional President of the Association and the Junior Grand Warden is one of two Vice Presidents. A second Vice President is filled by election.

In an effort to progress the Association and to provide a forum in which members are able to share ideas and to enjoy each others company through social interaction, the Committee of Management will be arranging a number of special functions. It is proposed to continue with the format of the regular luncheon meetings of the Association on the second Tuesday of February, May, August, October and December.

On [the] Tuesday, 11 November 2008, it is proposed to celebrate Remembrance Day with a Special Meeting of the Association at which MW Bro A Lauer APM, PGM, will be the guest speaker. The function will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 6:00 pm for 6:30 PM. Further details will be supplied shortly.

I sincerely hope you will support your Association through your attendance at Association meetings and by encouraging those who are not members of the Association to join."

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

04 November 2008 - Special Luncheon Meeting at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 12.30 pm. The meeting will discuss and if agreeable, adopt changes to the Rules of the Association. The view of those present on the future directions of the Association will also be sought. Cost $15.00 per person includes a light lunch, tea/coffee. RSVP: Friday, 31 October 2008 .

11 November 2008 - Remembrance Day Dinner in the presence of the Grand Master MW Bro Dr Greg H Levenston and his partner Miss Judith Morrice at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. The guest speaker will be MW Bro A (Tony) Lauer, APM, PGM. The dinner will be in the form of a carvery at a cost of $30.00 per person including beverages . RSVP: Friday, 07 November 2008.

December 2008 - In December 2008, the former Present and Past Grand Lodge Officers' Association, now the Freemasons' Association (NSW & ACT), will celebrate its centenary. The event will be marked by a special luncheon to be held on Saturday 6 December at the Sydney Masonic Centre commencing at 1.00 pm for 1.30 pm. The $60 per person cost includes a seafood buffet with beverages. RSVP: Wednesday, 03 December 2008.

Yours fraternally,

RW Bro Walid Mehanna SGW
President
24 October 2008

Barbeque Lunch with the Victorians: Flinders Slopes

After a much needed sleep after the hectic Induction Dinner Dance and a gruelling round of golf, the brethren and ladies met for a barbeque lunch at Flinders Slopes.

Thanks to Bro VP Louie Reyes who woke so early to reserve us a spot, notwithstanding that he was required at work later that day. He, together with Sis Marilyn was also assigned to provide the bread rolls and rice for lunch.

Good thing Bro Treasurer, Manny Santos came early as well to keep him company with the drinks (i.e., wine, beer and spirits). With storm weather forecasted for the weekend, I would not be surprised that these two warmed themselves, not with coffee but with red wine and WBro Bobby Briones’ JW Black Label. We did when I and Sis Irene arrived at about 9:30 AM. We could not wait for our guests to warm ourselves up.

The Victorian FilMasons present were Brothers Roy Esagunde, Chris Esagunde, Totie Mayo, Robert Pido and Greg Todio, our perennial guests from south of the border.

FilMasons NSW on hand were: Bro Louie and Sis Marilyn Reyes, Bro Manny and Sis Odeng Santos (who had lunch with us dashing from work), Bro Romy and Sis Ellen Nieto (who generously prepared the green salads), Bro Fidel and Sis Pen Pamplona (who not only hosted the five visitors but also prepared fruit salad), Bro Manny and Sis Do Placido (who brought in more fruits and cakes), Sis Mila Romerosa and the golfers, Bro Dick Palenzuela, Bro Julian Tan and Mr Joseph Schwarzkopf.

After much banter about the golf game, the brethren and the ladies partook of the barbeque and the sinigang broth with more gulps of wine and Bro Fidel’s brandy and Bro Bobby’s JW.

As per previous post about the golf by Bro Manny Maniago, the prizes were awarded to the winners and to make sure our Victorian brethren does not miss their flight back home, they were taken direct to the airport.

It was another “happy occasion” moments, with lots of pictures and fellowship.

Tradition Continues: 5 Oct Woodville Golf Course by VWBro Manny Maniago

Group photo of the players and their golf trophies. From left: Bro Dick, Bro Chris, Bro Rob, Bro Mar, Bro Roy, Bro Greg, Bro Totie and Bro Manny M. (Photo by Bro Romy Nieto)

After a late night of dancing from our Induction dinner dance, nine (9) avid golfers anxiously met at Woodville Golf Course , 118 Rawson Rd Guilford on the early hours of 7:00 AM. Tee off time was scheduled at 7:30 AM.

The weather was not so friendly with early showers and overcast. However, as true golfers this atrocious weather did not stop four brethren from Melbourne and five from Sydney in demonstrating their golfing prowess.

Victorian’s team consisted of Brothers Roy Esagunde, Totie Mayo, Rob Pido and Cris Esagunde, and the NSW’s team were Brothers Manny Maniago, Romy Nieto, Dick Palenzuela and Julian Tan. Joseph Schwarzkopf was a late addition to the Sydney team.

This golf game in my mind gave a good opportunity for friendly rivalry and at the same time enjoying the camaraderie and friendship of the brethren. The first group were Brothers Romy, Dick, Cris, and Totie who teed off at 7:45 AM. Then followed by Bros Roy, Manny, Julian and Rob. Just before walking to the first fairway Joseph a supporter of Filmasons joined the group.

The golf trophies and prizes organised by Bro Fidel Pamplona and Bro Manny Maniago. (Photo by Bro Romy Nieto)

Nearest to pin at hole 2 was taken by Bro Dick Palenzuela. Bro Manny Maniago had hole 5 while Bro Roy Esagunde took hole 7. Longest drive was garnered by Bro Romy Nieto at hole 3 while Bro Cris Esagunde had drive and pitch award at hole 4.

In between holes exchanges of jokes can be heard among the group. The "ohs" and "ahs" were mostly heard when a short putt was missed. Fortunately, there were no voices shouting "FORE" as the golf course was nearly deserted. Could have been the weather (which tradition requires us to blame on the visitors, of course!) or attributed to the Daylight Savings Time (DST) clock adjustment?

The first group was finished just before 10:00 AM while the second group completed the nine holes at 10:30 AM. After a few exchanges of jokes and taking the score cards the group proceeded to Flinders Slopes which is just a few minutes from the golf course.

Photo by Sis Do Placido.

Brothers Fidel Pamplona and Manny Santos were busy cooking the sumptuous barbeque lunch. Bro Manny Santos and Bro Louie went to Flinders Slopes early morning, 6:30 am to be precise, to secure the traditional sheltered tables and barbeque area.

Our heartfelt thanks go to these brothers for having insomnia and getting there early. After the stories and joking around, then came the awarding of trophies. The team winner was Melbourne. The overall champion on the day was awarded to Bro Manny Maniago who carded 12 over par on the nine holes played and Bro Roy Esagunde was the runner up on 14 over par. Bro Rob Pido was awarded the trophy for most improved player.

The ladies with Victorian brethren. (Photo by Bro Romy Nieto)

Golf balls were handed to the others, making sure that everyone was a winner. Of course, the reality is we all enjoyed the camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship of those who participated in the game we all loved. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all the brethren and the NSW ladies, the Amasons. Without you all the event would not have been a success. Thanks!

Moderator's Note: It has become a tradition for visiting brethren, whether from interstate or from overseas to have a friendly golf game with the brethren and at times with some of the ladies.

For Fil Masons NSW, this is usually preceded by a party the night or day before and concluded by a barbeque lunch after the game. This tradition has been going for years, the recent one is the above and the very recent overseas golf game was with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, MW Bro Boy Aniag and His Excellency, Bro Ernesto De Leon, Philippine Ambassador to Australia. See post here.

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.