I found an original copy of the minutes of this meeting. The following is a facsimile of the meeting. Personal details, such as home addresses & contact numbers were deleted due to privacy.
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"In attendance:
1. Bro Jimmy Estrera, Plumpton 2761 - Capitol City Lodge No 174 [GLP]
2. VWBro Cecilio R. Uy, PDDGM, Michinbury 2770 - Araw Lodge No 18 [GLP]
3. WBro Vergel E. Valderrama, Russell Lea 2046 - St John-Corregidor No 3 [GLP]
4. Bro Romy S. Nieto, Bossley Park 2176 - Waratah Lodge No 166 [UGL NSW & ACT]
5. VWBro Ruperto J. Demonteverde, Jr., PDDGM, Belfield 2191 - J Zobel Lodge No 202 [GLP]
6. Bro Ben Demano, Jr., Eastern Creek 2766 - Kalantiao Lodge No 187 [GLP]
7. WBro Mat H Armonio, Doonside 2767 - Makawiwili Lodge No 55 [GLP]
8. Bro Ramie Tirol, Plumpton 2761 - Iloilo-Acacia Lodge No 11 [GLP]
9. WBro Jose G. Santos, Doonside 2767 - Bataan Lodge No 104 & Malolos Lodge No 46 [GLP]
10. Bro Rey Reodica, EAM, Doonside 2767 - Lodge Alpha (Blacktown) [UGL NSW & ACT, will be passed on 8 February 1992.]
Absent:
11. Bro Rey Reyes of Pilar Lodge No 15 [GLP], who called up to follow as soon as his commitment is over. He called up later , he can not make it. Croydon Park 2133. He is the painter in the group.
12. Bro Dick Palenzuela - Cosmos 8 & Noli Me Tangere 148 [GLP]
13. Bro Mar Baylon - Lincoln Lodge No 34 [GLP]
"Agreed to name the organization as Filipino Travelers Masonic Club.
Elected as Chairman to preside the meeting VWBro R J Demonteverde, Jr.
Appointed Bro Jimmy Estrera as Vice Chairman, Bro Tirol as Secretary-Treasurer, VWBro cecilio Uy & Bro Reodica as a committee of two, to take care of the next meeting and Valentive Affair in February 16, 1992 in Nurraginggy Park. All unanimously agreeing.
For the first time, a group of dedicated Filipino Freemasons, residents/immigrants and plain visiting Brethren in Sydney and suburbs met one night in early October this year [most likely 1991] for the purpose of establishing a Register of Philippine Masons in NSW. They met in Winsome Street, Plumpton and hosted by Brother Jimmy Estrera of Capitol City Lodge no 174, Q. C. In attendance were Past Masters Joe Santos of Bataan Lodge No 104, and Mat Armonio of Makawiwili Lodge 56 Roxas City, Bro Jimmy Tolentino of Union No 70, and dual Lodge Cosmos 8 and Noli Me Tangere 148 member Dick Palenzuela. Bro Innocencio Malinis of Baulkham Hills, previously of Noveleta, Cavite Lodge, did not make it to the meeting.
It was like an ordinary Square and Compass meeting, when Masons do meet in foreign places and warm to the idea that there are brethren around. Square and Compass meetings are actually social ocassions for furthering fellowship over a cup of coffee and bottle of beer or wine. And exchanging pleasantries and hardnews of home and country, work and family. And of course, our Lodges.
There are of course WBro Valderrama of Lodge Waratah, Balmain, Bro Perfecto Mendoza, of Bataan Lodge No 104 and a host of others, residing in and around Sydney area, who are equally active in Masonry hereabout. The UGL of NSW & ACT is in communication with the GLP.
"In the dark as well as in the light, Masons must communicate." All NSW Philippine Masons please send in your name and Lodge name and number (Philippines) to WBro Jose Santos and Bro Jimmy Estrera. A Register of Philippine Freemasons residing in and around Sydney and of the whole of NSW is being prepared."
Released for publication: Square & Compass Club (Phil) of NSW, 30 November 1991
Published in the Philippine Community News, January 1992 issue, Sydney Australia
J. G. Santos, 15 January 1992.
Friday, September 13, 2013
4th Meeting, Filipino Masons, Sydney Area, 11 January 1992 at Winsome Ave, Plumpton
Thursday, August 01, 2013
FilMasons Victoria Induction: 23 Aug 2013
The President-elect of the Filipino Freemasons of Victoria, Bro Mac Bongcaron extends his invitation to his Induction Day. Below is the FilMasons Vic letter of invitation:
"Fraternal greetings to all the brethren and families.
The brethren of the Filipino Freemasons Association of Victoria Inc. wishes to invite all the brethren and the ladies of Filipino Freemasons of N.S.W. to our Induction of Officers on August 23, 2013, Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Millennium Reception and Function Centre, 45 Fourth Avenue, Sunshine. The attire is Smart Casual and the cost is $50.00 each.
Fellowship will be on the following day, August 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Western Masonic Centre.
It would be great if you could attend this memorable day."
Respectfully and brotherly yours,
Wor. Bro. Fidel Oray
Secretary, Filmasons Victoria
P.O. Box 5164, Cairnlea, 3023 VIC
Condolences to Bro George Arreza & to the Causon Family
It is with sadness that we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Bro George Arreza and the Causon family on the passing of Mrs Cathy Arreza Causon.
Below is the schedule for both viewing & interment:
Viewing: 01 Aug (Thursday) 5-9pm, Pinegrove, Kington St, Minchinbury
Burial: 02 Aug (Friday) 1:30pm, Mass at St Aidan's, 9 Adelaide St, Rooty Hill
Then interment at Pinegrove Memorial Park, Kington St, Michinbury
Snacks: Will follow. Place (TBA)
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Our condolences to WBro Louie & Bro Gerry Reyes
The mother of our Bro Luis Reyes & Bro Gerry Reyes- - Mrs Rosario "Charito" Torres Araullo Reyes [8 August 1931 - 21 September 2012; recently passed away last Friday. Details are as follows: Viewing: Thursday, 27 Sept from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Guardian Funeral Homes, 388 Forest Road, Hurstville NSW [Tel 9580 1554] Funeral: Friday 28 Sept 10 AM Mass at St Gabriel's Catholic Church, 18 Salisbury Ave, Bexley NSW [Tel 9502 4231] Interment to follow after Mass at Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland NSW Wake to follow at Oatley Masonic Centre, 13 Letitia St, Oatley NSW.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
My tribute to our Brother Al Toledo – 30 Sept 2011
"One by one they pass away, the Brothers of our adoption, the Companions of our choice. A Brother whose hand we have clasped in the bonds of Fraternal Fellowship is now passing from our sight, and we know that we shall meet him on Earth no more."
At the outset, please accept my apologies for not being here physically tonight. I know that our Brother Al Toledo will understand my previous commitment. I thank Bro Rudy for sharing this to you tonight.
This is my third eulogy this year, I guess the saying that these unfortunate things come in threes. Some people dread giving eulogies & speeches, but I do take the view that it is both an honour & privilege to ask to give a tribute to a loved one. This is especially true to a good person like our Brother Al Toledo.
Brother Al and I have several similarities, I guess that is the reason that Sister Heidi requested me to say a tribute to him: we both come from Cavite, we both worked at TAFE and we are brother Masons.
I call him brother in the truest & sincerest meaning of the word – and he was a brother to me & us all. You’ll see a lot of men here with Square & Compasses – rings, pins, hats, etc. These are Freemasons – his Masonic Brothers; & together with their partners; forms his Masonic family.
For those who does not know of his membership in Freemasonry; Brother Al Toledo was initiated, passed & raised in Gen Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge No 31 in Kawit, Cavite long before he migrated here in Australia. Being a Caviteno, and him proudly telling me that the Lodge is just next door to their house in Kawit; his family has had a long history with Masonry. He’s a member of the Filipino Freemasons Association of NSW for more 15 years; one of the almost original members.
Although not a religion and we don’t have a formula for salvation, Freemasonry asked its adherents to believe in a God; whatever he conceives him to be and the immortality of the soul. That same toleration and respect of other’s people beliefs - whether political or religious, sets it apart from other associations & fraternities. It only asks that you follow what you believe in faithfully, never discuss those beliefs inside the Lodge to prevent animosity among those who believe differently.
Masonry also teaches the tenets of Brotherly love, relief & truth – it teaches a good person to be a better person; a better husband, a better father, a better brother, a better son, a better citizen. By being a better person, it reflects that one forms part of and contributes to a better family and society.
Why I am telling you about this is not to encourage or ask you to become one – as Freemasonry does not solicit membership. It is up to a good man of good repute to apply for membership.
The only reason I am letting you know about these; and they are not secrets & you can Google them; is that this is a part of who Bro Al Toledo is and was to me. He lived that same tenets & philosophies in his short life. I may not know him as his family does. I can only tell you what I know him to be – a good person, a faithful friend, and a true and a worthy Mason. He is slow to anger, and he will get angry at the perceived injustices committed to those he love.
See his pictures in the program, that is his patently original and always smiling face; whether he sees you in the mall, in the streets of Mt Druitt or in the Lodge. With an extended hand he will greet you “How are you? or Kumusta” with that same smile.
Your concern is always his concern. His last words & advice to most of us when we visited him in Mt Druitt Palliative Care is: “God gave us this body to take care of; if you feel anything wrong with your body please have it checked straightaway.”
Bloody very typical of Bro Al, there he lays in bed in pain, thin and frailty and dying and advises you to take care of yourself! This is the Brother Al I know and I am so sure that this is the same Bro Al you all know. As I’ve said before in the last two eulogies I gave; one to a long time friend dying of cancer as well & my 92 year old mother - they are not perfect but they sure do left us with great memories that we have immortalized them not only in our minds but also in our hearts.
I could go on and on talking about Bro Al, but since there is another tribute I would like you to pay tribute to our Brother Al by having your blood tested, do your colonoscopies especially if you are over 50 – which I think most of you are and just listen & respect yours and our bodies – it is a gift from God and we must take care of it. Brother Al wants us to live a little bit longer, happy, healthy and without pain. And that is our Brother Al!
As Gandhi said "Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts."
Bro M. Baylon Jr
[I am happy to say that Sis Heidi Toledo & daughter, Vanena liked the eulogy/tribute from the FilMasons' perspective.]
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Bro Alejandro Toledo Drops Working Tools: 22 Sep 2011
It is with regret to let you all know that our Bro Alejandro 'Al' Toledo dropped his working tools last 22 September 2011 at Mt Druitt Palliative Care.
Sis Heidi informed us that the viewing will be held at Guardian Funerals, located at the Corner of Sunnyholt Road & First Avenue in Blacktown [walking distance from Blacktown Railway Station]; this Friday, 30 September from 5 to 9 PM.
Funeral Mass the following day, Saturday, 1 October 2011 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Angels, 1 Wellgate Ave (cnr Withers Road) Rouse Hill NSW.
Followed by interment at 12:30 PM at Castlebrook Memorial Park, Windsor Road Rouse Hill NSW.
Followed by lunch at the Toledo residence also in Rouse Hill.
The FilMasons family offer their condolences, prayers & sympathies to Sister Heidi, their children and family.
Bro Al Toledo was initiated, passed & raised at Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge No 31 in Kawit, Cavite and is an affiliate member of Lodge Alpha No 970 in Blacktown NSW under the United Grand Lodge of NSW & ACT.
He was a long time member of FilMasons.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Happy Easter and AGM 2011
Marilyn and I wish each of you and your families a safe and solemn Easter.
Let prudence direct you, temperance chasten you, fortitude support you, and justice be the guide of all your actions, [especially with double demerits in force].
SMIB.
Luis 'Louie' Reyes
President
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Brethren & Ladies,
May 21 is our next meeting in preparation for our AGM. At the AGM, the future of the Club will be discussed & hopefully we will elect another set of officers.
Regards,
M Baylon Jr
Secretary
Friday, March 11, 2011
40th Day: 19 March
On March 19, Saturday is my mother's 40th day. Mass is at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Underwood Road, Homebush (church where the viewing was held). Lunch follows after the mass.
Big and heartfelt thanks also for the support given to my family during those difficult times.
We are not fine as of yet but the prayers and kind thoughts are giving us strength and comfort.
Best regards
Sis Sony [Romero]
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thank you
Many thanks again to Bro Manny and Sis Odeng for their great hospitality in hosting our Christmas party last Saturday at their home. It was an excellent evening of food, drink, and fellowship, made possible by them. Our sincere gratitude, extended as well to all who made it that evening and shared in the wonderful atmosphere.
Luis 'Louie' Reyes
For those with Facebook account you can see some of our pictures on the night. As always these festivities does not end till the wee hours of the morning! For those who managed to attend; we are sure by your smiles that you enjoyed the night. Our thoughts to those were not able to come for some reason or another; especially those who are away overseas or those who are sick or are tending to those who are sick: we missed you!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas Party moved to 5:00 PM: 18 Dec
Hello All,
Just a reminder for this Saturday's Christmas Party, 18 December. Our host decided to have it moved from 12 noon as a starting time to 5:00 PM onwards due to most of you not available [see email below] as early as we want to. Perhaps this is much better & cooler; whilst I don't know the weather forecast I am sure we will have a good time.
Also Sis Remy suggested to have a gift per couple to exchange with [$20-$30] other couples.
Again on behalf of our Pres WBro Louie Reyes & Sis Marilyn, our Wor Master VWBro Fidel Pamplona & our hosts; Bro manny & Sis Odeng Santos; have a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy & Safe New Year to you & your family!
Friday, November 26, 2010
FilMasons' XMas Party: 18 Dec
On behalf of our President, WBro Louie Reyes; we would like to announce and invite you and your family to the FilMasons' Christmas Party, Saturday 18 December. Starting time is 12 noon till late at Bro Manny & Sis Odeng's Woodcroft residence.
To simplify catering, this is a potluck and BYO. It is requested, if you can [not a show stopper by any means!] to bring a dish or dessert and your favourite drinks to share. The important part is to show up with your family and have a wonderful time with the brethren, their ladies and their family.
For those, for some reason can not make it this time:
Have a Merry & Peaceful Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Lodge Woronora's Annual Ladies Night: 30 Oct
attendance for this important annual event in the Lodge’s activities program.
Luis 'Louie' Reyes
Wor Master
Monday, September 06, 2010
Eulogy: VWBro Cecilio 'Cecil' Reyes Uy
Family and Friends
Welcome and thank you for your attendance today and joining us to celebrate the life of my Dad, Cecilio.
I’d like to share my memories of Dad.
Dad’s a son of the solid north. Born at Aparri, Cagayan and raised at Tayug, Pangasinan [3 February 1938]. He completed his tertiary education at Far Eastern University majoring in Accounting. He became a Certified Public Accountant and built a successful practice. At the same time, he has a knack for teaching and became a professor at Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the University of Manila.
In his professional life, I think his best achievements include becoming Dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Manila. He assumed the role despite of just having a Bachelor Degree. We are very proud of this achievement. This is proof that he’s attained the role purely on merit and skill. He eventually was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, although, he preferred being a University Dean. He signs his name as Dean Cecilio R Uy to a point that people have mistaken his name to be Dean instead of Cecilio.
Another achievement is on being selected as one of the external auditors for the Philippine Constabulary – Integrated National Police. He would proudly display a sticker of the PC – INP on his jeep or car’s windscreen. Even the traffic police are giving him a military salute as he drove pass.
Personally, he was a great Dad. Growing up was never dull. While we seldom have dinner with him on weeknights, he made a point to dedicate the weekend with us. We used to live in Las Pinas which is between Cavite and Laguna. We have a choice of spending the day at either the beaches of Cavite or the swimming pool resorts of Laguna. He also loved going to fiestas. We’d go to Bulacan for a fiesta among others. I share this love of the fiesta with him. It is the best example of Filipino hospitality. There is nothing better.
A particular good time was when he would pack the family for a road trip back to Tayug, Pangasinan. This is always around the time of All Saints Day in November. He liked going back to Tayug and introducing us to the rest of the family. He never forgot his roots.
Today, we farewell Tayug, Pangasinan’s favourite son.
After school, we normally get picked up by a cousin to get us home. On some occasion, Dad will pick us up and would treat us to a merienda at Max Fried Chicken, at the airplane that’s been converted to a restaurant for some club sandwiches or at some fancy hotel restaurant for cake.
Our home at Las Pinas is a hub on weekends. If we’re not in Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Tayug or visiting friends for lunch or dinner, Dad liked to entertain guests at home.
Dad is the most welcoming person I know. If he meets a new person, his instinct will tell him that this new person is a potential friend.
We have a long driveway at Las Pinas. Dad will set up a table and chairs at the street end of the driveway. He’ll have a case of beer and whisky. He loved his whisky. The first neighbour to walk pass our driveway is promptly invited for a drink. Next thing you know, the entire street is at our driveway with an impromptu party. The name of the street we used to live in is Tidy Tips. By the end of the party, our place in untidy and the guests are way pass being tipsy.
When we moved to Australia and he still have his accountancy practice back home, this period made him split his time between Sydney and Manila. But he always makes a point to be here with us during Christmas and New Year. During the most important time of the year, he will always be with us, his family.
This is how I remembered him, simply Dad.
Your attendance here is testament to his generosity and friendship to you, his family and friends. He made good friends here and back home. Friends that treated us like family.
It was different here when he first joined us in Sydney. It was so quiet for his liking. But that changed when he made friends with the gang at BM Mount Druitt, with his drinking buddies at the [Blacktown] Workers Club and, most certainly, his Lodge Brothers here in Sydney. Your tribute last night is befitting of your Past Master and Brother and he’d be pleased that you have delivered that honour to him. It is a reflection of the high esteem you hold for my Dad. You made Sydney just like what he’s used to back home.
Thank you for honouring his memory today.
by Dennis P. Uy [son]
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
VWBro Cecil Uy Drops Working Tools: 29 Aug 2010
Brethren & Sisters,
It is with deep regret & sorrow that I inform you of the death of our VWBro Cecilio 'Cecil' Uy in Sydney this 2:30 am [29 Aug 2010] at Westmead Hospital [Sydney] [as relayed by WBro Rey Velez].
He is a member of Araw Lodge No 18 [honorary member of Jacques DeMolay Mem Lodge No 305, GLP]; and in Sydney, a long time member of the Filipino Freemasons Association of NSW Inc [FilMasons Club NSW] and the representative of the Philippine Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay to Australia.
Our deepest condolences & prayers to Sister Rosie and their two children.
Sincerely & fraternally,
Bro Mario Baylon Jr
Secretary
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Viewing: Friday Sept 3, from 5 to 9 pm at Pinegrove [Kington St., Minchinbury NSW 2770 (02) 9625 8066]. We are planning a Masonic Tribute/Last Rites Friday, please bring your Masonic aprons.
Last Rites & Burial: Saturday Sept 4; there will be a 10:30 am Mass at St Andrew's Church, Marayong, and then onwards to Pinegrove Cemetery (Minchinbury) right after the Mass.
[More pictures of the viewing & Masonic Tribute here.]
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Nanay Sally Estrera Passed Away: 20 July 2010
To all our brothers and sisters,
Sis Milabel Estrera informed me that Nanay Sally Estrera, 92; mother of our late brother Jimmy Estrera, co-founder of the FilMasons, passed away yesterday. Details of viewing and internment to follow but there will be prayers every evening at the home of Cesar and Myra Estrera at 64 Summerfield Ave, Quakers Hill. Please include Nanay in your prayers.
Luis Reyes
President
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Details for Nanay Sally Estrera:
Viewing - 5 PM to 9 PM, Friday, 23rd of July at Guardian Funeral Home, Sunnyholt and First Avenue, Blacktown.
Mass and internment - 10:30 AM, Saturday, 24th of July, Mass at St. Andrews at Marayong at 10:30 am followed by internment at Pinegrove
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Also continue to pray for our VWBro Cecil Uy, who is still confined as of this writing at Westmead Private Hospital from a cancer operation.
Pray also for Sis Elvie Sta Maria, who suffered a mild stroke a couple of weeks ago.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Condolences to VWBro Ronald Fabian
Former FilMasons member, VWBro Ronald Fabian is in town to commiserate with the family of his deceased sister, Rachel Fabian Ymalay [10 Sept 1954 - 8 June 2010] of Doonside.
Our condolences and prayers for the family & friends of Rachel, especially to our Bro Ronald Fabian.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
FilMasons AGM: 20 June
The FilMasons Annual General Meeting & election of officers for 2010 will be held this coming Sunday, 20 June at 3:00 PM at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre, corner Showground and Old Northern Roads, Castle Hill NSW 2154.
Please bring drinks & dish to share.
There is an onsite parking in the compound.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Lodge Woronora Install: 18 June
To all Brethren & Sisters,
Thanks for making yesterday's meeting a great success!
The fellowship was first class, probably second only this year to Bro Butch Canicula's birthday / meeting at their home last January when we all went over the limit! I'm sure your Amasons also enjoyed yourselves, judging from the constant laughter at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre.
Our dinner was also first class - chicharon, roasted peanuts, beer, wine, softdrinks, etc for pica pica, pakbet, tinolang manok, siomai, noodle soup, rice, bagoong, etc for dinner, and assorted cakes for dessert, including a Chinese dessert called 'mochi'. We still have not established the correct pronunciation for this particular delicacy so it will be an agenda item for our next meeting.
We also got through the business meeting, details to be provided by Bro Mario at a later date.
Once again, sincerest thanks from your Sis Marilyn and myself.
Bro Luis 'Louie' Reyes
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Also, let us congratulate our President, Bro Louie Reyes for being elected as Worshipful Master of Lodge Woronora No 414. Let us support him & Sis Marilyn by attending his Installation next month, Friday 18 June 2010 at 6:00 PM at Oatley Masonic Centre. All are invited, especially the ladies. See details below.
Details of Woronora's install are as follows:
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
16 May Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Easter Outing: 3-4 April
Brethren & Ladies,
We will have a joint Easter Outing with Lodge Jose Rizal at the Pilipino Multi-Purpose Centre [MPC] at 80 Grange Ave, Schofields [NSW 2762] this Easter weekend. Our Wor Bro Vince Flores is one of the caretakers here and will welcome you with a barbeque [cost per family is just $20.00]. We are planning to spend the weekend here, arriving on the morning of Sturday, 3rd April and leaving after lunch, Sunday, 4th April. Some might go there for a day and visit.
"The Pilipino MPC is situated in a big acreage with a three (3) bedroom house and meeting room. Please bring tent if you intend to sleep in the backyard, pillows, beddings, etc. or air mattress if sleeping at lounge room. Bedrooms can be shared by ladies. Suggested activities are chess, mahjong, card games, bingo or dominos, please take your family as well as friends." according to WBro Manny Maniago.
Bro President Louie says: "May this period be a blessed and solemn one for all of you."
Photos by Bro Manny Santos via his Facebook.