Rizal and Quezon: Freemasons or Not?

by RmOlano
26July2010


Does Rizal really denounced freemasonry during his trial in Fort Santiago? --- Bro Erick

First allow me to say that in no way shape or form that I can be considered as a historian nor subject master expert on Jose "Rizal" Mercado's biography. Having said that it is just fair to say that Bro Jose's last minute "retraction" of Freemasonry and/or returning back to fold of Catholic dogma is still being debated by experts. The "evidence" presented by the Church is being contested for its validity. In his fourteen paragraph Ultimo Adios, Bro Jose mentioned God twice and never by His name. The Catholic Dogma is very clear in regards to naming Name. Unlike Manuel Quezon, PGM who in August 1930 demitted not only from his Lodge but was on the record that he "resigned" from the Fraternity because of Masonic and Catholic ideology conflict. Now why is that "small" detail was not even hinted nor mentioned in the official History of Philippine Masonry published and sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines?

As a young veteran Manuel L Quezon, the future first Filipino Grand Master of GLP was "taken under the wings" of American Freemasons. His meteoric political flight from the rank of Major during revolution to Presidency of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was not a matter of luck or chances. If we are to believe that his rediscovered religion guided him to the places he was in then we ought to consider whose hands actually placed him where he can assert his "calling." We should not be naïve to remember that during Quezon's period, American expansionism policy influenced every political, economic, and military affair of the islands. Although the official version of the cause of returning to Catholic Church was due to his children, it could be postulated that Quezon's resignation from Freemasonry in 1930 was a political statement to the Americans that he was no longer bound to American policy. Being an ardent nationalist, Quezon was possibly thinking about his other children--- the Filipino people. One could also wonder if Philippines would fare better in terms of pre- WW2 American military and economic aid from Bro Franklin Roosevelt Administration had Quezon did not demitted from the Craft.

There is a lesson in the Prince of Royal Secret degree or better known as 32 Degree of Scotish Rite that emphasized the importance of balance in our life. To achieve equilibrium is to maintain harmony, to support harmony there must be Truth and without Truth there is no Justice.

I salute those who fought for truth to achieve justice, may you find your equilibrium hence, harmony of your spirit. You know who you are as He is what He said He is. I thank the Brother for the nice words.



**reposted from West to East Yahoogroup.

...

Manong Peping, PM

Letters and Figures
by RmOlano

02June2007

I was on active duty when I met WBro/Manong Jose "Peping" Pascual in 1997 when he was still with NAS Lemoore Engineering Department as a civil engineer. He was surveying the area where the current F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Training Building is now erected. In a way, we worked together as he was involved with the actual construction of the building while I participated in planning of the usage of the same building for training. I can’t forget the day when he stepped into our office with ever present smile, pointed my coffee cup with square and compass affixed and asked who owns it. I stood up and said that was mine. With a brighter smile this time, he asked, "Are you a Mason?" which I replied,"I am."

The story might be insignificant as this encounter occurs everywhere and anytime however, the difference is that though I claimed to be a Mason, talked to many Brethren and even have a decal on my truck, I was not active nor have visited many Lodges including WB Joe or Manong Peping's Lodge---the Welcome Lodge No. 255 where he was the second Filipino Master of a one hundred twenty five plus year old Masonic Lodge in Lemoore, CA.*

WB Joe/Manong Peping genuine smile and warm invitation to visit Welcome Lodge had me interested again in participating in our rituals. His friendly but stern admonishments when I fumbled with my lines gave me motivation to be better next time, next line, next chance. I learned it first hand when as a Junior Deacon and he was the Tyler, short cutting the order from the Worshipful Master did not work and as certainly corrected for missing and butchering my line. One of the hardest questions he asked me after I informed the Lodge that I can’t serve as Secretary for next incoming year was if I want to be a Junior Warden. Though it was an honor and privileged to be asked by a much respected WB, I knew I was not ready, hesitated, and respectfully declined. I followed him and affiliated with Hanford Lodge No. 279 where he served as Master in 2006 – the year after I left federal service and took my current job in JSF program with Pratt & Whitney here in CT.

I heard that he is under the weather and I take the news of his illness with heavy heart. Though we are all aware of the finite amount of sand contained within hourglass, realization of that fact does not come easy. Manong Peping was my Commander at Hanford Commandery--KT, he was my High Priest at Royal Arch Chapter and was present when I was installed as Illustrious Master of Cryptic Masons Council. We served in multitude of KidsID events, attended District's School of Instructions and participated in numerous degree conferals. I am privilege to call him--- my mentor.

Please send my warmest fraternal greetings and best wishes to WB/Manong Peping and I would consider it a Brotherly favor if you'll make him smile with our story. If I may ask the Brethren to wish him well and recovery. May GAOTU let him stay with us as long as WB Joe/Manong Peping wishes to be.

...

* Angel Luna, PM was the first Filipino born Master of Welcome Lodge No. 255 per WB Hermie Valdeabella's email to the author. My apology to WB Angel for the error. /rmo 20Jun07.

Lowly Things in High Places

Letters and Figures

by RmOlano
19Dec06


In Sept-Oct 2006 issue of Cabletow, the official magazine of Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), an excerpt of a Past District Deputy Grand Master (PDDGM) paper delivered during Masonic Education held at Capitol Masonic Temple was published. The article briefly traced the formation of Lodges and Grand Lodges in England, U.S. and the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. Though it shed no new revelation, the absence of at least a footnote to the fact that Masonic lodges under the jurisdictions of Gran Oriente Espanol, and Grand Lodge of Scotland were in existence BEFORE the formation of lodges warranted by Grand Lodge of California and the GLP itself was notable. As if the ignoring the key role of brethren from Gran Oriente Espanol would not matter in influencing the idealism of Filipino illustrados to form their lodges in Spain and back home prior to the outbreak of open armed uprising, the article was equally silent about the continued existence of regular Masonic lodge operating in the Philippines under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodge of Scotland. The omission, whether intended or not, did enforced the punch line of the entire article---the formation of "clandestine" lodges and the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands. The PDDGM is of course entitled to his own opinion but is it really necessary to use the word "bastardo" to drive his point and follow it up with "So Mote It Be?

In The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, Bro Manly P. Hall (1901-1990) wrote that as a true Mason in search of the Truth, "He must search for the high things in lowly places and find the lowly things in the high places.” In my years of writing and posting thoughts/opinions, I found the most bitter comments and rebuttals comes from those who signed their names with “PM” and in this case, though the issue has nothing to do with my ramblings, the PDDGM’s one liner during Masonic education and published in the official magazine of GLP is simply astounding. While members and the Independent Grand Lodge of Philippine Islands (IGLPI) were declared “clandestine” by GLP, other breakaway lodges and the United Grand Lodge of the Philippines (UGLP) were not! One has to wonder the level of control and civility of some of those who wear the purple of GLP.

Where was the PDDGM first prepared to be made a Mason? Who are we? I wonder if the PDDGM remembers the fourth paragraph of the Fellow Craft Charge. Labeling somebody “clandestine” is not justification for anybody to resort to name calling, it is not only immature but also irresponsible and unMasonic.

After I wrote my thoughts relative to the breakaways and it was interesting to note that though the level of volatility of the responders to my articles were almost the same in terms of passion to defend their cause, the origins were directly opposite. United Grand Lodge of America (UGLA) supporters and one of the founders managed to find time to send me a number of not-too-friendly emails while GLP loyalist fired back for “lambasting the GM and GLP.”

Being not too familiar with details UGLA issues, I would not even restart that one however, both breakaway groups have something in common— irreconcilable differences from their Grand Lodges. While UGLA statements are more combative and directly challenged the authority, the IGLPI stance to GLP was not as confrontational. As I replied to UGLA founder email that perhaps, if they could tone down their rhetoric they might find more people to be receptive to listen to their plight as they/UGLA raised some issues worth talking about.

On the other hand, the heavy handed handling and aloofness of GLP to the issues and concern worthy of discussion could be argued as ways or rationale that numbers of GLP brethren were sympathetic to the breakaways (IGLPI and UGLP) causes. It’s unbelievable that in these day and age people/Masons still subscribed to the idea that a Grand Master can not do wrong and be accepted as “benevolent dictator.” Grand Lodges were created by lodges to serve the members interest and not the other way around. After election and/or appointment, local or Grand Lodge officers were asked if they are willing to serve NOT expected to be serve.

Somehow, it seems that the vanity of titles or alphabets after one’s name overshadowed the meaning and ideals of who we are---sadly some of us lost sight of which Temple we are building.

/rmo

What is a Concept of Freemasonry

Letters and Figures
by RmOlano
26Nov06

"Maybe the language barrier does not allow me to express my thoughts in a proper manner so I am kindly asking if you have time and a good will to explain me how the one could and should see a concept of freemasonry."

-a question from a non Mason law student from Serbia

Many distinguished Masonic scholars had written and hundreds of books were published to explain the very concept you are asking me. Men like Laurence Dermott's Ahiman Rezon (1756), Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (1871), John J. Robinson's Born in Blood (1990), Laurence Gardner's Shadow of Solomon (2005), John R. Heisner's Meditations on Masonic Symbolism (2006) and many others. Very few of my articles were printed on Masonic publication hence, I would not even consider my work on the same shelf where our distinguished brothers books were kept. Having said that let me try to address your question.

Freemasonry is an ideal as Pike wrote in 1888 in response to Albert Mackey’s Landmark or Unwritten Laws, “…it is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” We can infer Freemasonry as a collection of thoughts acting in unison to live in a righteous conduct rather than law or customs though the use of partly concealed or decorated representation of models usually seen as signs. Note the two major parts of the definition, an accepted principle based on ethics not laws and partly concealment or enhancement of such ideals by using symbols as clues.

From operative to speculative, from solving mathematical problems to philosophical issues, even distinguished Masonic scholars were at odds in describing what is Freemasonry. If this humble writer could hazard an opinion, viewing Freemasonry is similar to defining beauty. What viewers see will depend on many things including what the eyes want to see. Demanding for further light is of no use if the eyes remain close not to mention distortion of light waves if selected filter is involved. Some of us ended our search for that which was lost in the Royal Arch degree. Maybe because we believe that the search was about Faith. For those who did not waver in their Faith, it is beyond that—something filtered through the calibrated prism of his choosing. People wears different lenses, different filters. Some found their Truth by wearing their shades and discovered peace within their own temple, while some continue to remain on their steed to hunt the fire-breathing dragon or to seek out for their own personal version of Holy Grail.

There is an old clique that states “the real secret of Freemasonry is making good men to be a better man.” The people you are referring were already good men before they joined the Order and the Fraternity polished them into shinning marbles. In fairness, if you look hard enough you will find villains within our group but that doesn’t mean the Fraternity made them such. They were already bad apples at the start who unfortunately did not learn or grasp the teaching of the Craft.

I know you have more questions than answers I could provide at this time. Being a student of law I am sure you will want references to my ramblings. As you have stated that you are not a member of our Craft but an interested party, there are things that I cannot discuss with you which, I am sure you will understand. I am glad however, that you noticed the positive angle of our Order despite of the unfavorable treatment of Roman Catholic Church and other organized religious entities. If I may suggest of the possibility of talking to a known reputable Mason in your city for which I don’t have any idea how challenging that might be but it could provide you the real human side of our Order. I do receive correspondences from Romania expressing not only interest but of having difficulty in finding Masons in their city. Aside from being a low keyed organization, our Fraternity does not actively seek members and in your side of the globe, there is a history to rationalize the reason. To be a Mason a good man has to ask to be one.

I kept most of my writings in Under the 9th Arch website as a lesson learned from crashing hard drive; you can browse in it and maybe find what you are looking for. You might be interested on the article “Secrets of the Craft.”

It is far easier to ask for answers than knowing the question. You certainly know how to ask your question. I thank you for the inquiry and the time to read my response. And I also wish you all the best.

/rmo

Mason's Work

Letters and Figures
by RmOlano
13Nov06
.

As confirmed by WB Chico Alvares of San Diego, CA, there will be a Third Degree conferral at Past Masters Night at Cornerstone Lodge No. 659 at LA (1701 W La Habra Blvd, La Habra) on Wednesday, the 15th of this month/Nov. Since I have little bit info in this coming event, allow me to share.

The occasion will be unique since the candidate, Macario, Jr., will be raised by his own blood brothers due to the courtesy of the Master of Cornerstone Lodge. Pepito, the oldest, flying-in from Washington State is a PM of Silverdale Lodge No. 311, while Ben is the current Master of Gateway Lodge No. 339 in Brea, CA and Aurelio, the youngest brother, flying in from Phoenix, Arizona was installed as the Master of Peoria Lodge No. 31 on 11 Nov. Dan is a member of Black Mountain Lodge No. 845 of San Diego, CA and Angel who since passed away was a member of Lincoln Lodge No. 34 in the Philippines. The candidate was named after the father Macario, Sr., who at the time of his passing was a city councilor and also a proud member of Lincoln Lodge No. 34 in Olongapo City.

As a young urchin back then, remember Grandpa/Lolo Kayong as a giant of a man not only in stature in his community but also physically and probably the reason why the boy was scared of talking to him. However, the boy was more docile around Grandma Oring and to the only girl of the family---Gloria. Aside from playing in their huge living room, the boy’s most fond memory while his family stayed at 14th Street renamed-Macaraeg St, West Tapinac, was the mean flock of geese which ruled the owner’s backyard. Mean as they were, noisier than barking dogs, these geese somehow represented the inverse qualities of Grandpa Kayong and his family. The Macaraeg’s welcomed a young father during the post WWII era in his search for work to support his own family. Later on, their kindness was extended to Islaw ’s brother who, like his elder, owed a great deal of benevolence to Lolo Kayong and his family.

As the Macaraeg brothers were older than the boy except Aurelio, the boy barely saw them especially when they immigrated to the U.S. and joined the Services. Seeing a photo of Kuya Pepito in his crackerjack made an enduring impression to the boy that maybe someday he too can join the US Navy. As the leaves turned from green to yellow and back to green again, the boy lost contact until WB Tony Abad’s invitation to Black Mountain Lodge Fellow Craft Degree, where the writer unexpectedly met Dan who was the Senior Steward of the Lodge.

The raising is more than a degree work, it is a symbolic of completion the work started by Bro Macario Sr, who by example and providence demonstrated that no words are needed to encourage all of his six boys to become Freemasons. Macario, Jr’s rising to the degree of Master Mason is a testimony that good man will knock on the door of Freemasonry “on his own freewill and accord.” It is not hard to imagine the smile of the father when all six of his boys to call him a Brother and in return call three of them (so far) Worshipful Brothers.

In behalf of the family of the young father who is now in his 80’s living in Guam, in behalf of the Olano’s family—there are no words to express our gratitude but allow me to simply say with all sincerity—Thank you.

Before leaving to Phoenix to attend Peoria Lodge No 31 installation of officers, WB Chico Alvarez sent me an autographed copy of WB John Heisner’s Meditations on Masonic Symbolism. I asked the WB Chico to sign it for me which he kindly wrote, “we make a living by what we make, we make a life by what we give...” The Macaraeg family will be remembered by this legacy.

...

Without Faith

By Rudy Olano
5May06

In The Future: Advancing Masonic Morality in both Natural Philosophy and Geometry, by Jeff Peace, the article certainly caught my attention as the title suggests a subject that could have shed further light to the study we know as Freemasonry. The use of key phrases such as morality, philosophy and geometry as the title succeeded in drawing attention and curiosity. Reading on, one could not help but realized that the piece was about promoting the “United Grand Lodge of America.” The organization claims to be “a lighthouse of the original Masonic philosophy of the early eighteenth century” and “in the position to advance the Royal Art to levels never before imagined by Masons of any generation.” The author boldly claimed that the “dream to the Free-Masons of 1717” can now “be realized for the first time.” While the article championed the virtues of being pro-activeness and exhort “our gentle Craft” to rise and “meet the challenge of generations yet unborn,” it also blamed the current Freemasonry or as the author described as “our Peculiar System of Morality, ” for the failure of “both Masonry and humanity.” The eight paragraph article concluded with an ominous declaration “to the purveyors of darkness, superstition and tyranny” of their betrayal and dramatic end of their life.

The repeated use of “Free-Masonry” in place of normally used “Freemasonry” raises the question of the purpose and motive of the writer. Skirting legal issues? The UGLA’s website has the look of a regular Masonic body. The symbols, quotations from Masonic scholars and publications such as Ancient Landmarks, Anderson’s Constitution, etc.., are liberally utilized to achieve the appearance of legitimacy. Are they? The article audaciously proclaimed that the old tradition is lifeless and that “guarded secret” should be given to the “rightful inheritance of humanity as a whole,” that is “time to restore this gift to its rightful owners.” Abandoning tradition for the sake of what? More members therefore, more paid dues? Does the UGLA really believe that if the humanity knows the “secret word,” that mankind will change and live a life without fear, hunger, and sickness?

For someone with daring to proclaim that the past--- the traditions is dead and those who clings to that notion “… will die with it,” is a sad conclusion which could only come from someone who seems to be at loss of understanding of what the Craft is all about. A system whose aim is to make a good man to be a better man is alive. What appears to be dying is the comprehension of who we are and what purpose Freemasonry exists.

Freemasonry is not about paid off dues card; it's not about achieving "32nd degree," not about making children laugh or about changing the world to New Order. It's about building a temple not made by hands but eternal in heaven. The allegory behind the study of grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy directs us to better understand ourselves. Understanding our own strengths and frailties make us appreciate the struggles within ourselves. Man will always contend with wickedness within himself, for as long as man walk on the face of this Earth, man will always be exposed to evil. That’s why we are men not gods.

The journey will take us to a rough and rugged road; it's not going to be easy but that’s what life is always been. And in that journey, it is hope that by becoming a better man, we can influence our surrounding to make it a better place. The Scottish Rite teaches us the importance of finding the balance between good and evil. The Order of Knights Templar of the York Rite dramatizes the commitment to defend or readiness to defend ones Faith. Faith is what we believe, it maybe as simple as preserving the tradition, it could be the meaning of Life or as complex as knowing the Ultimate Unknown. Without Faith is sailing without rudder – without destination. How can a Mason search for something that was supposed to be lost, if he never knew that he lost something valuable in the first place?

originally posted at http://www.geocities.com/rmolano5/ugla1.html

When a Mason a Real Man

by Rudy Olano
17Sep06

The Reverend Brother Joseph Fort Newton wrote a poem, When a Man a Mason. A lovely poem indeed, full of aspiration and heavenly reflection, but to a pragmatist --- it is a dream. To find someone who might fit into his definition is still a possibility within our lifetime. One thing that a searcher need to consider is that majority of men are still mortals trying to keep their lambskin apron spotless. What makes a man a Mason? Does the standard answer we memorized for proficiency examination is true or is it the moment when we signed a piece of paper offered by the Secretary after being asked to do so by the Master? What is the correct answer for a simple question of what makes a man a Mason? Is a philosophical response “my Obligation,” or after he signed the bylaws "as all brothers and fellows have" done before are the answers? What makes a man a Mason, his obligation or his dues card? Is it his actions or legal standing in his Grand Lodge? A man who does not practice Tenets of Freemasonry but carries an updated dues card in his wallet is legally a Mason. A man who practices the Tenets of Freemasonry but does not fulfill his responsibilities to his Lodge is not legally a Mason. A man who is not member of the Fraternity but practice the Tenets of our Fraternity is not a Mason either. He is simply--- a good man.

If we can truly satisfy the answer to the preceding inquiry then maybe we could apply the same rule as to when a man being "unmade" as a Mason. According to some brothers from Canada and UK, in their respective Grand Lodges, a Mason can sign a paper stating that he is no longer a Mason. Their interpretation of demit is different from what Brother Albert Mackey's definition. Having a law that requires members to declare or register if they are a Mason or not, the apparent practice has a strong legal overtone. I tend to believe that a brother who refused, recanted, and ignored to carry out his Obligations ceased to be a Mason, signing a paper to just a matter of legal proceeding which lead us into the next question---when a Mason became clandestine Mason?

Clandestine according to Brother Mackey, means not legal such as group of Masons meeting in a Lodge without permission or authority from a Grand Lodge. The term also applies to a Lodge which continues to meet after their charter has been suspended, arrested or revoked by issuing Grand Lodge. By definition they are still Masons who for some reasons or another, were not recognized as such by declaring Grand Lodge therefore, illegal. In his book, Lexicon of Freemasonry, he wrote that in our Fraternity we follow an axiom, once a Mason, always a Mason. This is why in United States, we use the term, ”demit” not resign. A brother can be excused from his duties from the Order but still be subjected to the moral standards of the Craft. Demit does not cancel his Obligations nor be exempt from Summons from the Master of the Lodge. No one can be “unmade” a Mason unless expelled by his Lodge and the confirmed by the Grand Lodge.

Expulsion was defined and discussed in Lexicon of Freemasonry by Brother Mackey as “the highest Masonic penalty that can be imposed by a lodge, upon any delinquent members.” This action divests a member of all rights and privileges and treats him as “he has never been admitted.” A Lodge can suspend but can not impose expulsion. Only Grand Lodge can but only within its jurisdiction. Every Mason is subjected to different rules and regulation of different Lodges .e.g. amount of dues, meeting day, time, etc.. whereas all of us share the same standard of our Obligations. Expulsion is the equivalent of death penalty in Masonic jurisprudence. The seriousness of the charges should rise to the level where the immoral conduct of the accused is detrimental to the good order and discipline of the Fraternity. Being guilty of immoral conduct, “should be the only offense visited with expulsion.” An individual Lodge may convene Masonic Court to try its member. If found guilty after due process, the sentence of expulsion has no force until the Grand Lodge confirmed the decision.

The recent developments within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines produced series of instructions from the Grand Master ordering the expulsion of members who declared independence from GLP and ordered that subordinate Lodges to severe Masonic ties from those declared to be "clandestine." While professing that "Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God" as a guiding light of the Fraternity, this action seems to be contradictory. The Craft bend over backwards to explain that universality of the fraternity applies to all and yet we are instructed to cut off our Masonic ties to those who asked questions and waited for explanation of something they don’t understand. Brother Mackey wrote in Lexicon of Freemasonry that expulsion is the equivalent of death penalty of a crime against our Craft. Does questioning authority is considered as "immoral conduct." Does declaring independence from parental protection be rewarded as a crime so heinous that brothers name were ordered be erased from the memory of our Fraternity? Where is the concept of "Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God?" Where are the Lessons that would help us build our own Temple? This is not the kind of example we could expect from the office of those who wear the purple of our Fraternity.

Knowing the token and signs does not make a man a Mason. Neither his ring, car decals, jacket, or dues card. Clandestine, legal, regular, irregular Masons in comes all shapes and forms and as member of the Craft we are somewhat familiar with the peculiarity of each. The general public seems not to care one way or another and in the big scheme of things, why should we? Freemasonry is an ideal, as the noted Masonic scholar and author Brother Albert Pike wrote in 1888, “it is a system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols.” On whose authority that a certain group may declare that the other is illegal, whose brilliant mind decided that a Grand Lodge decision is final and cannot be contested, and who concocted the notion that only men can practice a system of morality called, Freemasonry? I may have misspoken but I do have some questions in my thought. The Reverend Brother Joseph Fort Newton wrote a poem about what makes a man to be a Mason, this humble student is asking what makes Mason to become a real man.

...

*** Photo of Rev Bro JF Newton from Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon website.

Rebels, Freemasons and History

RmOlano

Lincoln Lodge No. 34

Hanford Lodge No. 279

10Sep06

In 1887, a Filipino doctor named Jose Rizal (Logia Solidaridad No. 53, Madrid, Spain) wrote novels about Spanish occupation which inspired Andres Bonifacio (Taliba Lodge No. 165) to create a secret nationalist society patterned after Masonic structure (Katipunan). The execution of Bro/Doc Rizal who was against armed revolution, set off open armed clashes between Filipinos and Spanish troops. The Spanish Gov. Gen. who made conscious effort to shield Rizal from serious prosecution, cost him his job and was recalled back to Spain. The replacement Governor-General launched a crackdown to the rebels including execution of Jose Rizal. Because Rizal refused to turn around to recant his opposite view of the Church e.g. renounced Freemasonry, the Church denied Rizal request to marry an Irish woman named Josephine Bracken.

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo (Pilar Lodge No. 203) waged successful battle against Spaniards during the early phase of the Philippine Revolution. Gen. Aguinaldo ordered the arrest of Bonifacio who was unfortunately assasinated/executed by Aguinaldo's troops. When American forces replaced Spain as the new master, local troops fought US soldiers in what is known as Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902). During this stage of “insurrection,” fearing coup from Gen. Antonio Luna (Logia Solidaridad, Madrid) Aguinaldo's soldiers was accused of murdering the Commanding General of Filipino forces.

Late 1898, U.S. President William McKinley (Hiram Lodge No. 21) deliver his Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation and claimed American jurisdiction over the islands. He declared Gen. Aguinaldo as bandit and sends about 3/4 of U.S. Army to steer the natives to “maturity” and “enlightenment.” Rudyard Kipling (Hope and Perseverance Lodge No. 872, India) wrote a poem urging America to recognize the duty of "civilizing" less fortunate people, notably the Filipinos.

Take up the White Man's burden--

Send forth the best ye breed--

Go bind your sons to exile--

To serve your captives' need.

"…rather bad poetry, but good sense from the expansionist standpoint." Theodore Roosevelt, Secretary of the Navy (Matinecock Lodge No.806, NY).

Manuel Quezon, who served as a Major in Aguinaldo staff, saw combat as a young man later on became Assemblyman, Resident Commissioner in U.S., President of Philippine Senate, and the President of Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935). He was a member of Sinukuan Lodge No. 272 and the first Filipino Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. Manuel Quezon, PGM defeated his old boss during pre-WWII election for Presidency of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Holland Lodge No. 8, NY) denied personal plea from the President Quezon for more U.S. assistance before the outbreak of WWII. The exiled-President Quezon, PGM died in United States in 1944.

I attempted to illustrate that history will show freemasons were on both sides of the issue. Men who believe in their own convictions, and viewed the same object with different interpretation. Using different filters accumulated during his time, each one comes up with his own solution. The ideals of our Craft expose each student to Lessons of how rough ashlar could be a polished marble. It is the individual contribution to political or social issues makes the change. Whether the individual is a Mason or not, does not really matter, it is the individual who made the choice---not the Fraternity. The exposure to the Lessons of our Craft could open the gate and its up to the flock to choose whether to stay captive or run for it. Freemasons on both sides. They made history not as Masons but individuals who happened to be Brothers.

As to your thought about freemasons in revolutions is “more than just coincidence.” The following was a quoted from an article by noted Filipino historian and late Bro Reynold Fajardo, PGM.

"The successful Revolution of 1896 was masonically inspired, masonically led, and masonically executed. And I venture to say that the first Philippine Republic, of which I was its humble president, was an achievement we owe, largely, to masonry and the freemasons." Emilio Aguinaldo, PM, 33 Deg, First President of the Philippines.

We are in agreement of what might be a product when a curious mind discovers a field of dreams where the possibility of expressing what has been shackled in the dark recessed of consciousness could be freed. A notion that subjected only to ones acceptance of carrying the burden of its corresponding responsibilities.

All rebellion has cause(s), right, wrong, justifiable, etc.. In that rebellion there are leaders who inspire others who felt the same way. Within that dynamics, a large group who is either afraid, indifferent or blind to the issue, just stand by the fence and watch where the winds blows---fence sitters. That description can be applied to any rebellion/revolution. The political upheavals we are witnessing is an obvious manifestation of lingering and dormant economic condition of the country. While the rest of the neighboring country made progress, the Philippines are very hard press to claim such achievement. Which comes first, the hen or the egg? Inept politicians or the people who select their representatives?

Freemasonry doesn't create or "lift up the condition of the country and our countrymen." The Craft is not about influencing society for "higher and noble" aspirations. Freemasonry is not about community service or Nation building. Its about building a temple hence, guiding an individual to make his choice, to follow his concience and to do what is right---to be a moral man. What comes after is another choice.

No single person ever accomplishes that Nation building task anywhere. It requires leaders with vision and in Philippine History----individuals who happened to be Masons were the catalyst to the uprisings against Spain and United States. Brother Masons were also key players in the modern history of the country. Freemasons were on both sides of the fence and many others were neither. World History is full individuals known and unknown, who made a difference to their country and countrymen. They are not known as Masons but as people who happened to be Brothers of the Craft. Those are the people who during the course of their membership learned the lesson of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice. Lessons about Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Let us not forget my dear Brethren, that great many participants of revolutions who equally endured hardships, lost thier properties and lives were not Masons.

My Brother, if I may suggest an idea to your rhetorical question, you don’t have to look far for a noble society "where one can belong and achieve success and greatness." Libraries are full of records of deeds of many great and noble men, many Lodge registers contain signatures of those men. As to your answer of your self-doubt regarding your membership, we heard your answer as to your willingness and maybe this time instead of asking yourself again "if it is your own freewill and accord," maybe you should ask "what I am really searching for?"

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Cavite Masons

by RmOlano

9Sep06

Clandestine according to Albert Mackey, means not legal such as group of Masons meeting in a Lodge without permission or authority from a Grand Lodge. The term also applies to a Lodge which continues to meet after their charter has been suspended, arrested or revoked by issuing Grand Lodge. By definition they are still Masons who for some reasons or another, were not recognized as such by declaring Grand Lodge therefore, illegal. In our Fraternity we follow an axiom, once a Mason, always a Mason. This why we use the term,”demit” not resign. A brother can be excused from his duties from the Order but still be subjected to the moral standards of the Craft. Demit does not cancel his Obligations nor be exempt from Summons from the Master of the Lodge. No one can be “unmade” a Mason unless expelled by his Lodge and the confirmed by the Grand Lodge.

Expulsion was defined and discussed in Lexicon of Freemasonry by WB Albert MacKey as “the highest Masonic penalty that can be imposed by a lodge, upon any delinquent members.” This action divests a member of all rights and privileges and treats him as “he has never been admitted.” A Lodge can suspend but can not impose expulsion. Only Grand Lodge can but only within its jurisdiction. Every Mason is subjected to different rules and regulation of different Lodges .e.g. amount of dues, meeting day, time, etc.. whereas all of us share the same standard of our Obligations. Expulsion is the equivalent of death penalty in Masonic jurisprudence. The seriousness of the charges should rise to the level where the immoral conduct of the accused is detrimental to the good order and discipline of the Fraternity. Being guilty of immoral conduct, “should be the only offense visited with expulsion” (MacKay, p140). An individual Lodge may convene Masonic Court to try its member. If found guilty after due process, the sentence of expulsion has no force until the Grand Lodge confirmed the decision.

Having the displeasure beating a dead horse or supposedly “moot and academic” issue, I just can’t resist posing an inquiry as to the disposition of the “rest of the story.” Last time I am aware of was that the breakaway were mostly consisted of Lodges from two Masonic Districts in Central Philippines. Edict No. 232 signed by GLP Grand Master was about “certain” members of Pilar Lodge were declared as “clandestine.” Now, how in the heck brothers from a Lodge in Cavite were singled out and that their names are to be expunged from the records of the GLP by the order of the GM? What happened to the other signers of Tacloban Manifesto and Declaration of Independence who according to the document were from Lodges of Masonic District RVIII-B (Leyte) and MD RVIII-A (Samar). Are they allowed to form their own Grand Lodge while our Cavite Brethren were declared “clandestine?” Where is the rest of the story or do we have to request that “privileged” information from those selected individual deemed worthy keeper of such responsibility?What kind of horrible act that some brothers from Pilar Lodge No. 15 had done to deserve such melodramatic judgment “…so that that no more remembrance may be had of them as Masons forever?” What have they done differently from Brethren from Leyte and Samar to warrant such extreme and bordering to theatrical declaration? Why are they so special to receive the wrath of the GM?

If the GLP expect that the members will jump just because they say so, maybe our esteemed Brethren in Manila should consider that they are dealing with grown men and not yes-men nor mindless machines. The breakaways raised serious issues; we have not heard a squat from GLP except this Edict to expel some brothers from Cavite for failing to display their loyalty to the authority. This is a very disappointing development; we expect better handling of recent issues from those who hold the “purple of our Fraternity.”Where are the meanings of the level, the plumb and the square or they are just objects to “fit the diadem of eastern potentate?” We should be asking ourselves where we as the Craft is heading, instead of second guessing a conviction of someone who stood up for his belief, “…for his inflexible fidelity to his trust,” knowing full well the consequence of his decision.

Our Cavite Brethren certainly commit certain act deemed inappropriate by those in power, it is my hope that due process were granted and the rest of the us might hear the unabridged ‘rest of the story.”Aside from wondering what happened to our Brethren from Samar and Leyte, does Pilar Lodge No. 15 recommended this expulsion to the GLP? I hope this is not a case of an ass pushing the cart. Maybe I should rephrase it to-- not a case of carabao pushing the sled. The first one does not sound correct. Either way you look at it— it is ass, I mean carabao backwards.

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Missing Brethren

To The Guy Who Asked To Join

Rudy Olano
Lincoln Lodge No. 34 (Phil)
Hanford Lodge No. 279 (CA)
Sequoia Council No. 228 (AMD)
31Aug06

So there you are standing in a corner,
waiting for someone to talk to you.
You feel awkward to approach and introduce yourself,
hoping someone to drew near you.
You can jump anytime you like, invitation is not required.
Share us your thoughts and feelings,
Your old gray haired brothers were waiting for you to come over.

So there you are sulking in a corner,
waiting for somebody to bring you a cup of coffee.
No bellboys showed up, thinking this treatment is not so impressive.
Lost your desire to attend the next “boring” assembly,
but clever enough for a ruse to test the brothers fidelity.
Nobody asked where have you been,
for it is up to you to make your scene.
Understanding life priorities is an art, not as easy it might seems.
However you arrange it,
your old gray haired brothers knows better not to intervene.

So there you are sitting and watching your new plasma gear,
and maybe rationalizing the excuse of not sitting in northeast corner.
Being amused of the thought of old gray hairs were now worried
for what-his-name failed to show up due to his feeling have been wounded.

Little presumptuous if one would think
that because someone is missing the Craft will ceased to exist.
Would you be interested to know that they are practicing
the notion that you, my sulking friend seems do not comprehend.
It is neither about community service nor raising immature kids,
it is all about building a Temple which obviously you are not interested.

So don’t blame your brothers for faults you my shy friend a party of.
You are unwelcome to demand for answers,
because you do not know what the questions might hold.
Old gray hairs might be were mulling, but you do not have a clue,
as you are not in the Lodge with your brothers, to hear what are the issues.

Mr. Guy picked up his marbles and left the playground in a hurry,
sulking and crying to dear mother for brethren hurt his feelings.
What gives him the right to point accusing finger,
when he should rather be contemplating
how to be a part of a solution instead of the problem.