Oct Monthly Meeting: 18 Oct

Brethren and ladies,

President Louie announced the October monthly meeting next Sunday, 18 Oct at 4:00 PM, to be hosted by WBro Romy and Sis Ellen Nieto at their residence.

Please attend this very first meeting of Bro Louie. As always, please bring a dish, dessert or drinks to share if you can.

The ladies are also meeting to discuss a fund raising dance event for the benefit of the victims of typhoon Ondoy. The tentative schedule for this event is 5 Dec at Concord RSL.

The club wishes also to thank all those who contributed, both their time and money to the victims of typhoon Ondoy. Our fund raising and collection of donations in kind are still ongoing.

*Link for informational purposes only and does not in any way endorses their fund raising event.

Incoming Officers: 2009-2010

President - Bro Louie Reyes

Vice-President - WBro Romy Nieto

Secretary - Bro Mario Baylon Jr

Treasurer - Bro Manny Santos

Auditor - Bro Ted Robiso

Chaplain - Bro Jose Dan Elizes

Public Relations Officer - WBro Bobby Briones

Social Director - Bro Manny Placido

Congratulatory Message from WBro Joe

Founding member, WBro Joe Santos and wife, Sister Paz.

To the officers and members of the FILIPINO FREEMASONS CLUB OF NSW on the occasion of the induction of its officers for 2009-2010 Year

CONGRATULATIONS!

It seemed it was only yesterday that the first induction we have, held in Blacktown City [Workers] Club was actually 16 years ago. How time flies!

That first induction was a small crowning event for the Filipino Freemasons in NSW. The founding members* did their job so well, opening many fraternal windows with the local Masonic communities-lodges and other appendant bodies; we are even looking forward to a Filipino lodge to be established soon, hopefully.

As in all organization, our club, has its cycle of growth and decay, members demitting and resigning, but we also have new names and youth coming in.

We should never, for a moment, be distracted away from our noble objectives of brotherly love, relief and truth… Keep it alive.

Again my CONGRATULATIONS!

Jose G. Santos, PM,

Bataan Lodge No 104
FOUNDING MEMBER,

FilMasons Club NSW Inc.


DATE: 17 JUNE 2009**

**The Association; or as widely known as the FilMasons Club, normally hold its Induction of Officers on the month of July, after the election of officers on the month of June. Hence the date of WBro Joe's message.

*with WBro Mat Armonio and Bro Jimmy Estrera.

Monthly Meeting: 19 Sept at Woodcroft

Brethen and Ladies,

Just a reminder regarding our stated monthly meeting for this month, Saturday - 19 September at Bro Manny & Sis Lourdes Santos' residence in Woodcroft at 6:30 PM.

My offer still stands to start the fellowship at my residence [also in Woodcroft], at 3:00 PM.

The main agenda is obviously our coming Induction of Officers at Concord RSL on 26 September. Payments should have been finalised, tickets returned and our program of activities for the night finalised as well.

Hoping to see you all at my last meeting as President. For those who have sent their apologies, I do understand [and much appreciate your replies]; and hopefully we will see you in the induction or in our next meeting/activity.

Regards,

Bro Mario

FilMasons Induction: 26 Sept

With the election of Bro Louie Reyes as President of "The Club" [aka Filipino Masons Association of NSW, Inc - FilMasons NSW], the club announces its induction of officers this coming fourth Saturday, 26 September 2009, 6:30 PM at Concord RSL & Community Club, Nirranda St, Concord West NSW 2138.

The attire is smart casual [no jeans for gents please, after five for the ladies] and the ladies [The Amasons - Asawa ng Masons] are suggesting a Mediterranean/Middle eastern theme. I am sure there is a surprise number coming from the ladies!

Aside from Bro Louie, Vice President elect is Past President [PP], WBro Romy Nieto, Treasurer is PP Bro Manny Santos and Secretary is PP Bro Mario Baylon Jr. Other appointed officers are yet to be announced by the incoming President.

Tickets are now available for $35 per person. Aside from a buffet dinner, there will be lots of dancing and fun throughout the night.

16 Aug Monthly Meeting

Brethren and Ladies,

Just a reminder of our 3rd Sunday Monthly Meeting, 16 August at 4:00 PM at WBro Rudy and Sis Mila Romerosa's residence at Balmain Place, Doonside, NSW.

Please come on time, so we can have more time for fellowships.

As always, if you can bring a dish/dessert/snacks and drinks to share.

Regards,

Bro Mario

FilMasons Vic Induction Photos by WBro Romy

Election of Officers: 2009-2010 - 20 June

The Annual General Meeting and election of officers is slated for this Saturday, 20 June, 4:00 PM at WBro Bob and Sis Nanette's residence at Parklea.

At last month's nomination of officers meeting, Vice-President, Bro Louie Reyes was nominated as President; while WBro Rudy Romerosa was nominated as Vice-President, Bro Manny Santos as Treasurer and Bro Mario Baylon Jr as Secretary.

In this year's AGM and monthly meeting, further nominations will be accepted from the floor as customary.

Hope to see you all and your ladies there and support our new incoming officers.

Thank you for WBro Bob and Sis Nanette Briones for hosting this month's meeting.

Photo shows [from left], Bro Al, Bro Butch, WBro Jack, WBro Rudy and Bro Dan at last month's meeting.

While the ladies are practising dance routines for a presentation. While, other ladies watched WBro Romy's photo presentation [see photo below, left].

After the meeting, the much awaited fellowship and dinner at Bro Manny "Bubot" and Sis Odeng's residence. Thanks again for hosting this May nomination month meeting.

From left, Bro Louie, RWBro Rey, Bro Manny P, WBro Romy, Bro Bubot, WBro Fidel and Bro Ted.

Lodge Woronora Re-Installation: 19 June

Photo shows [from left] Sis Remy, VWBro Manny, Bro Manny P and Sis Odeng on a recent trip to Melbourne for the Induction of Officers of FilMasons Victoria. [Photo by Sis Do].

Lodge Woronora No 414

The Installing Master, VWor. Bro. Manny Maniago, Grand Pursuivant

Request the pleasure of the company of

FilMasons NSW

at the Re-Installation of

Wor. Bro. Dennis Karadimitropoulos,

(Worshipful Master elect)

At the Oatley Masonic Centre,

11a Letitia Street, Oatley

on Friday, 19th June 2009

Also to be installed as Senior Warden is Bro Louie Reyes and Bro Ted Robiso as Junior Warden. Congratulations to WBro Dennis and especially to FilMasons members, Bro Louie and Bro Ted and their ladies, Sis Marilyn and Sis Evelyn on this momentous occasion.

Lodge tyled at 6:30 PM, visitors 6:45 PM and Grand Lodge dignitaries 7:30 PM.

There is dining fee of $15.00 for those attending the South. Please RSVP to any of the officers above for catering purposes.

[See more pictures of the FilMasons Vic Induction of Officers 2009 at Sis Do's Flickr Photostream here.]

Region 11 Conference: 30-31 May 2009

Just a reminder to all regarding RWBro Rey Porras' invitation to attend Region 11 Conference and Charity Dinner on 30 May 2009. The working conference will end 31 May, with the theme: "Working Together".

Start of the conference is 9:00 AM of 30 May at Lodge Kiama No 35, Collins St Kiama NSW 2533.



For those just attending the Charity Dinner and Concert, it will start at 6:30 PM [for 7:00 PM] at Kiama Leagues Club, 109 Terralong St Kiama NSW 2533. There is a nominal charge of $35.00 per person.

The Amasons will be performing in this Charity Dinner and Concert along with professional performers.

------------------------

Last dance practice for the ladies is on Friday, 29 May [6:00 PM] at Bro Manny and Sis Odeng Santos' residence in Woodcroft.

Congratulations FilMasons Victoria!

The brethren and ladies of the FilMasons NSW Association [Club] Inc, wish to congratulate the incoming officers of our "sister FilMasons Club" in Victoria on their forthcoming induction of officers this 6 of June 2009:

PRESIDENT – Wor. Bro. CESAR SOLIS

VICE PRESIDENT – Wor. Bro. REG DE LEON

SECRETARY – Wor. Bro. FIDEL ORAY

ASSISTANT SECRETARY – Bro. RONAN COLOBONG

TREASURER – Wor. Bro. JHUN CARREON

ASSISTANT TREASURER – Wor. Bro. BONG FLORES

AUDITOR – Bro. JHUN DE LA CRUZ

P.R.O. – Bro. RODEL DIMAUNAHAN
– Wor. Bro. MANO GAMAT
– Bro. ABEL SAMBAT

CHAPLAIN – Wor. Bro. JOHNNY DIMABUYU

PUBLIC LIAISON OFFICER – Bro. ROY ESAGUNDE

WELFARE OFFICER – Wor. Bro. JHUN CORTEZ

Representing the FilMasons NSW in the induction are no less than four past Presidents of the Club and their ladies: WBro Romy and Sis Ellen Nieto, Bro Manny and Sis Odeng Santos, Bro Manny and Sis Do Placido and WBro Manny and Sis Remy Maniago.

Lodge Balmain Celebrates 150th Founding: 16 May

Photo shows [from left], Past Grand Master [1969-1972], MW Bro Robert Hammond, Worshipful Master-elect, Bro Jason Plumridge and Bro Ian Jarrat, Lodge DC. [photo by Sarah Nixon from Cumberland Courier].

Lodge Balmain No 23 [UGL NSW & ACT] will be celebrating it’s 150th founding this Saturday, 16 May at a reconsecration ceremony and banquet at Laurelbank Masonic Centre [87 Penshurst St Willoughby NSW 2068] starting at 4:00 PM.

As one of the oldest lodges in the jurisdiction, Lodge Balmain has its share of other lodges that amalgated with it; like Lodge Waratah-Pacific, which also amalgated with Lodge Pacific and Lodge Biloela in the recent past.

According to a news item by Eleanor Pearson in the Cumberland Courier,

"The lodge was founded by a shipwright at Balmain in 1859 when sailing was the only way to cross the Pacific.

About 40 sea captains have been members and even now membership includes a shipwright and navy personnel.

When the lodge meets each month members toast their seafaring forbears, ring a bell from an old ship, Westralia, and sing a seafaring ditty."

Filipino members of this lodge are VWBro Vergel Valderamma, WBro Bobby Briones, WBro Romy Nieto and WB Nep Reyes.

The FilMasons Association, Inc congratulates the officers and members of Lodge Balmain No 23 on this momentous occasion; especially members with Filipino heritage.

May events Update and Reminder

Hello all,

I do hope that you had a grand Mother's Day celebration with your families.

Time fly too fast, it is now mid May and the onslaught of winter and flu season is here again. Please take care and if you want, see your doctor for that very important flu vaccine shot.

Just reminding you of our following May events, please update your calendar:

1. 16 May - Saturday - FilMason Membership Meeting, 6:00 PM at Bro Manny & Sis Odeng Santos' residence in Woodcroft.

2. 24 May - Sunday - [RSVP 15 May] Manna and Julius Maniago are inviting us thru WBro Manny & Sis Remy Maniago. Party for their grandsons; Isaac Miguel's dedication and Joshua Emmanuel's 3rd birthday; 1 PM at Alford's Point Community Centre, 48 Coachwood Cres, Alford's Point NSW.

3. 30 May [to 31 May] - Saturday - [RSVP 18 May] RWBro Rey Porras' Region 11 Conference [opens at 9:00 AM, Lodge Kiama No 35, Collins St Kiama NSW 2533] and Charity Concert, $35 per head [starts at 6:30 PM at Kiama Leagues Club, 109 Terralong St Kiama NSW 2533].

The Amason [Asawa ng Mason] ladies will be performing in the Charity Concert. I have received from Bro Rey pre-paid tickets 8 [discounted] for the ladies and 6 for the brethren who previously RSVP'd.

Hope to see you in our nominations meeting this Saturday.

Bro Mario

President

Happy Mother's Day to all!

This is "dedicated to our mothers, whose love never fails. You may rise to positions of great influence in commercial, political, or professional life, but you can never reach the heights of your mother's secret hopes for you. You may sink into the lowest depths of infamy and degradation, but never below the reach of her love. The memory of it will always stir your heart. There is no man [or woman] so entirely base, so completely vile, so utterly low, that he does not hold in his heart a shrine sacred and apart for the memory of his mother's love.

Were I to draw you a picture of love divine,
it would not be that of a stately Angel,
With a form that is full of grace.
But a tired and toilworn mother
With a grave and tender face.

It was your mother who loved you before you were born--who carried you for long months close to her heart and in the fullness of time took God's hand in hers and passed through the valley of shadows to give you life. It was she who cared for you during the helpless years of infancy and the scarcely less dependent years of childhood.

As you have grown less dependent, she has done the countless, thoughtful, trouble-healing, helpful and encouraging things which somehow only mothers seem to know how to do. You may have accepted these attentions more or less as matters of course, and perhaps without conscious gratitude or any expression of your appreciation.

You are rapidly approaching the time in life when you will be entirely independent of your mother. The ties with which dependency has bound you to her may be severed as you grow older, but the tie of a mother's love can never be broken.

Thinking back upon the years of your life when you have reached the threshold of manhood, your mother might well say in the words of the poet:

My body fed your body, son,
But birth's a swift thing
Compared to one and twenty years
Of feeding you with spirit's tears.
I could not make your mind and soul,
But my glad hands have kept you whole.
Your groping hands
Bound me to life with ruthless bands.
And all my living became a prayer,
While all my days built up a stair
For your young feet that trod behind
That you an aspiring way should find.
Think you that life can give you pain
Which does not stab in me again?
Think you that life can give you shame
Which does not make my pride go lame?
And you can do no evil thing
Which sears not me with poisoned sting.
Because of all that I have done,
Remember me in life, O son.
Keep that proud body fine and fair.
My life is monumented there.
For my life make no woman weep,
For my life hold no woman cheap.
And see you give no woman scorn
For that dark night when you were born."

[Excerpts from the Order of DeMolay's Flower Talk ceremony.]

Maniago's Grandsons' Party - 24 May

According to an email by our Treasurer, Bro Manny Santos; the invitation by VWBro Manny and Sis Remy and the Maniago family is extended to all members of the Club.

Please RSVP to Bro Manny or Sis Remy if you and your lady will attend.

May Events

Just a reminder regarding scheduled month of May events:

1. Tonight, Friday, 8 May - Lodge Alpha No 970 Installation, 6:15 PM tyling, [$20 charge for the south] Blacktown Masonic Centre, corner Boys and 1st Avenues, Blacktown.

Worshipful Master Russell Dobsen

Senior Warden Les Coombes

Junior Warden Carlos San Juan

Senior Deacon Sherwin Lim

Junior Deacon Fred Sese

Inner Guard WBro Hannaford

2. Association Meeting, Saturday, 16 May, 6:00 PM - Residence of Bro Manny and Sis Odeng Santos at Woodcroft. This is our nomination month and hopefully all would show up. A big thank you to Bro Manny and Sis Odeng for hosting this meeting, fellowship and dance practice for the ladies. As always, please if you can bring a plate of dish/food/dessert to share and drinks.

3. Region 11 Charity Variety Concert, Kiama Leagues Club, 109 Terralong St, Kiama NSW 2533; Saturday, 30 May, 6:30 PM, tickets $35.00 per head [includes dinner and show]. Dress: clean casual after five.

This is RWBro Rey Porras, PJGW, last term as Regional Grand Counsellor for Region 11; and we will be supporting him by performing a couple of dance numbers as well as by attending this charity event.

Congratulations to the new officers of Lodge Alpha No 970, especially to Bro Carlos San Juan, Bro Sherwin Lim and Bro Fred Sese!

FilMasons Vic Induction: 6-7 June

The Filipino Freemasons Association of Victoria, Inc., through their Secretary, WBro Fidel Oray, invites all FilMasons NSW and their ladies to their Induction of Officers this coming 6 June 2009 [Saturday] at 6:00 P.M. at Polish Hall, 6 Helene Street, Ardeer, Victoria 3020. Attire is formal and the cost is $40.

According to WBro Oray, "Family barbeque will be on the following day, June 7, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Proposed golf activities can be arranged if brethren wishes to play. It would be great if you could attend this memorable day."

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.