Easter 2009 Outing Photos: Day 1

Just some pictures on our recent Easter outing at WBro Manny and Sis Vivian's residence at Tomerong. Above picture shows what greeted us, an expansive land with a newly built house.

What is spectacular about this farm property is that it is "green", Bro Manny has a 1Kv solar electricity with a back up generator. There is a large rain water tank at the back of the house [not shown in the above photo], a man made dam nearby to take care of the overflow and Bro Manny erected the small water tank, shown above.


The brethren [from left], WBro Vince, WBro Manny M, WBro Manny R and WBro Rudy; taking a breather after the long drive, with WBro Manny R's favourite drinks. At the background, WBro Jack practising his golf swing.

While some of the ladies [from left]; Sis Mila, Sis Irene, Sis Elvie and Sis Vivian preparing the banana leaves that we will be eating on. Sis Remy is inside the house preparing food.

Just to make sure that not only the ladies doing the cooking, WBro Vince is seen here cooking his papaitan!

Happy Easter to all!

If we don't see you this Holy Week, have a Happy and Blessed Easter to you and your family!

Don't forget to drop by or come at our Tomerong [NSW] Easter "Camping"!

Easter 2009 Outing: 11-12 April

Photo shows, from left: our host, Sis Pen, Bro Manny P, Bro Sec Dan, WBro Vince, Sis Irene, Sis Odeng and WBro Manny Reyes; our Easter outing host. Photo taken last 21 March meeting.

Brethren & Ladies,

WBro Manny Maniago suggested we visit our sick brother, WBro Manny Reyes this Easter to coincide with our Easter Outing at his residence at Parnell Rd Tomerong. Our WBro Manny Reyes gladly accepted to host us at his farm property, and even attended last meeting to confirm the details.

The Easter Outing will be on Saturday and Sunday, 11 to 12 April.

Please bring some linen, food [potluck], drinks [Bro Manny R fav drink!] and if you are camping on his vast property, bring camping gears. As his residence uses solar energy [1KV] and rain water tanks, these will be in limited supply for the numbers of attendees. There is however a gas heater for hot showers and cooking and stores are nearby.

Tomerong is located 15 minutes south of Nowra, follow the Princes Highway, take the Tomerong turnoff and follow the signs. It is about 188 kilometers and 2.5 hours by car from Woodcroft.

WBro Mat, Bro Rick & Sis Gene

It seems bad news come in threes. First, I've learned that Bro Rick has a blood disorder, and then the following day at McDonald's, WBro Mat nonchalantly announced that he will be operated on for colon cancer. When I've visited WBro Mat at the hospital, I've learned from Sis Cora [WBro Mat's better half], that Sis Gene Canicula is also suffering from kidney cancer.

Fortunately for Bro Rick, his PET scan and other tests revealed that his lymphoma is not as serious as first diagnosed. He and his family are taking a well earned rest and recreation in the Philippines as we speak.

With WBro Mat, it is the same, the cancerous colon has been taken off, and photo above shows him [on the left] taking a breather after walking and exercising just a couple of days after he was discharged from the hospital [with Bro Nomy [on the right], a perennial exercise companion at Woodcroft Lakes].

I just hope that with our prayers and well-wishers, Sis Gene will also get better. According to Bro Butch, she still goes to work from time to time and enjoys the visits from her siblings from the US.

21 March Meeting, 4 PM Woodcroft

Brethren and ladies,

Just a follow up and reminder regarding our stated/scheduled 3rd Saturday General Membership Meeting:

21 March, Saturday at 4 PM

IPM WBro Fidel and Sis Pen Pamplona's Residence in Woodcroft

This was originally scheduled in my house but the ladies reminded me that they will be practising the dance numbers for VWBro Rey Porras' District Meeting, so I requested WBro Fidel to host. While he won't be there since he is on Grand Lodge duty, I will be there early to set up the place. Thanks in advance to Bro Fidel and Sis Pen for graciously hosting this meeting.

Main agenda is the proposed Easter outing at the Reyes' Ranch at Tomerong [WBro Manny "Manoy" and Sis Vivian Reyes retirement house]. This was suggested by WBro Manny Maniago and is scheduled for the weekend of 11-12 April [Saturday and Easter Sunday].

Hope to see you all in this meeting and please bring a dish and your favourite drinks to share.

Regards,

Bro Mar and Sis Irene

Ladies Night Photos 2

Bro Mar and Bro Manny practising and jamming on the drums while waiting for the others to arrive.

The ladies posed for another picture, from left: Sis Marilyn, Sis Do, Sis Pen, Sis Sen, Sis Remy, Sis Ellen and Sis Irene. You'll notice that some of the other ladies and our invited belly dancer, Zafira has not arrive yet. What better way to wait by taking more pictures!

The "brods", from left: VP Bro Louie, grandson Jaylen, Bro Rudy, Bro Fidel, back is "Bro" Daniel, son of our hosts; Bro Manny and Sis Do and Bro Pres Mar.

Will post more photos in the coming days (or weeks)!

Middle Eastern Night

Brother Vice President Louie called me up to remind me to update and post the Ladies Night pictures. I can understand his eagerness for everyone had a great time, especially and most importantly - our ladies.

I guess the highlight of the night is the belly dance performance of the ladies, after an hour and a half belly dance instruction. Surely, the brethren and the ladies managed to build an appetite for the chicken and beef kebab [shawarma] ordered by Bro Louie and Sis Marilyn.

Above photo shows the brethren taking time out to pose with our invited belly dance instructress. Even Bro Manny P's son, Daniel had a good time with the "oldies" and especially practicing belly dancing with the ladies!

Thank you to Bro Manny and Sis Do for hosting the Ladies Night, and painstakingly decorated their house to suite the Middle Eastern Night; as well as organising the rose flower arrangement and our belly dancer instructress.

Thank you to VP Bro Louie and Sis Marilyn for organising the main meal and all those who brought extra food and drinks.

To those who attended and supported this event, thank you as well. I believe everyone enjoyed the night, which makes organising an event like this theme night a joy.

I will publish more pictures in the coming days, so watch for this space.

Ladies Night: 21 Feb 2008

After the very successful Christmas Party at WBro Bobby and Sis Nanette Briones, we will have our traditional Ladies Night on Saturday, 21 February at Bro Manny and Sis Do Placido's residence. Start time is 5 PM and all visitors welcome.

The suggested theme is Middle Eastern Night so don your middle eastern attire and feast on middle eastern menu. For catering purposes, please email Pres Mario or Vice Pres Louie.

Christmas 2008 Activities

Dear Brethren and Sisters,

First of all let me and Sis Irene wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and safe 2009 New Year!

Just a reminder that if you are in the area or in the country, please attend the following activities:

1. For tonight, Thursday, 18 Dec at Bro Manny and Sis Do Placido for a Christmas Carols practice as organised by Sis Remy (I believe), or just another excuse to meet before Christmas. Please bring desserts or snacks, drinks if you can.

2. Friday, 19 Dec at Oatley Masonic Centre, Letitia Street Oatley. From 7:45 PM, Tyling for lodge meeting at 7:15 pm but will be only of short duration (as promised by VP Bro Louie!).

Dining fee: $10.00 per person, partners, children, and friends welcome.

Masons, usual black dinner jacket or perhaps Barong (summer??).

Please RSVP to Louie Reyes or Manny Maniago by next Tuesday, 16 December 2008. I am sure they may accomodate late bookings.

3. Saturday, 20 Dec - FilMasons Christmas Party at WBro Bobby and Sis Nanette's residence.

Starting at 4 PM onwards.

Please bring a gift $10 or more for a unique Christmas exchange "barter" gifts!

Also bring desserts, food, snacks, drinks, or whatever you wanted to share to the Club, but not required as long as you and your family can come. If ever we are short of food (but hopefully not of company!), we will order pizza so our hosts are not pressured to cook or order tons of food.

4. Tentatively, (subject to approval of Sis Irene): After Christmas Party at my place on Saturday: 27 Dec at lunch and onwards: some BYO food and drinks, but Sis Irene and I will cook and prepare a special meal!

Thanks to all those who have sent Christmas cards (am still waiting for my gift!) and those who earlier communicated their apologies and responses. This gives us a very good feedback that a: you are receiving our emails and communication; and b: that we may know attendees for catering purposes.

So even if you can't join now for various reasons, we appreciate your honesty and feedback. Unfortunately we can't schedule every event to suit all our schedules, but we do hope that you will set aside even one meeting to be with us!

Again, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year!

Fraternally,

Bro Mario & Sis Irene and family
and on behalf of the rest of the officers and members of FilMasons

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.