Family Celebration: 275th Anniversary of Massachusetts Masonry: 6 July 2008

"With all of the excitement surrounding our Grand Lodge’s 275th Anniversary this year, many Massachusetts Masons will be looking for a way to celebrate this special occasion with their entire family. On July 6th our Grand Lodge, in conjunction with the Scottish Rite Valley of Boston Family Life Committee, will be sponsoring “A Family Celebration in Honor of the Grand Lodge’s 275th Year Anniversary” with the Brockton Rox.

All Masons are invited to join us as the Rox take on the Worcester Tornadoes. Highlights of the day will include pony rides and face painting along with time for parents to play catch with their children on the field before the game. After the game has ended, children may run the bases and will have an opportunity to meet the entire Brockton Rox team. A limited number of Benjamin Franklin bobble-head dolls will be given to fans upon entering the stadium.

As a Massachusetts Mason, you may choose between two family friendly options for enjoying the day. You may choose between grand stand seats or join us for a cook-out at the Shaw’s Center.

Grand stand seats will be available for the discounted price of $4.00 per ticket which will allow you to take part in all of the activities.

The 275th Anniversary Cook-out will be hosted by Campanelli Stadium’s Shaw’s Center. The chef and his staff will be serving traditional baseball cuisine. Attendees will be able to take part in all of the activities while enjoying the game on the lawn of the Shaw’s Center, which is located down the left field line. Tickets for the cook-out are $20 per person.

For more information on this event please contact Brother Craig Pina at (617) 426-6040 or cpina@massfreemasonry.org, or tickets may be purchased online."


A Family Celebration in Honor of The 275th Anniversary of Masonry in Massachusetts

Presented by: The Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts & Scottish Rite Valley of Boston Family Life Committee, JULY 6, 2008 at 3:30PM

Join all Masonic bodies in Massachusetts as we celebrate the 275th Anniversary of Masonry in Massachusetts during this event filled day as the Brockton Rox take on the Worcester Tornadoes!

Many special promotions have been planned, many more to be announced!

Choose from:

• Special cookout, and game seating, on the lawn at The Shaw’s Center ($20.00 per person)

• or specially discounted grandstand seating.
($4.00 per person)

Highlights of the Night Include:

• Masonic-Themed Between inning promotions
• Pony Rides before game
• Play catch on field before game
• Kids run the bases after the game
• Limited Edition Ben Franklin Bobblehead Doll
• Much, much more to be announced!!

This event will be affordable fun for the entire family!!

For more information call Craig Pina at (617) 426-6040 or to purchase your tickets online today:CLICK HERE

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
186 Tremont Street,Boston, MA 02111

Successful Bacolod ANCOM 2008

Brethren,

Let us rejoice in the success of the Bacolod Ancom 2008. Let us welcome the ascendancy of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, MW Pacifico Aniag. Let us also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bacolod-Negros brethren who gave their all in hosting this event.

We also rejoice in the fellowship we've had with the brethren from Muog #89, Pyramid Lodge & Gramercy Lodge of the Grand Lodge New York.

Evenwhile we rejoice, we pray for the safe travel of our brethren from Bacolod. At around 6:00 p.m. today, WB Gustav Joseph Bocek of Ang Tipolo Lodge sent me a text message: KUYA YARI KAMI. Nasiraan ang sinakyan namin, Super Ferry -- Our Lady of Good Voyage... Part pa lang kami ng Iloilo...Nasa news na ba? ------

Lets us pray for their safety and their safe return.


(Via email by Bro Joel Porlares,Muog #89,Paranaque City).

So Mote It Be! That all brethren and their families have reached their respective places of abode safe and well, especially our Ang Tipolo brethren.

Pinoy Masons Worldwide

First Mormon Utah GM: MW Bro Glenn Cook, 137th Grand Master

First LDS Grand Master in Utah: MW Brother Glenn Cook at the Utah Grand Lodge.(Photo from Deseret News.)

In an article on the March 29, 2008 issue of the Deseret News by Carrie A Moore, entitled "A Mormon Mason: New Grand Master is the first in a century who is LDS", she reported that:

"It's been nearly a quarter of a century since Freemasons in Utah rescinded a 60-year ban that prohibited Latter-day Saints (LDS) from joining their fraternity. And while many remember the religious division that had characterized Freemasonry in the Beehive State from pioneer times, Glen Cook believes he is evidence that things are changing among his Masonic brethren.

"Cook, a Salt Lake criminal defense attorney and Brigham Young University law school graduate, is believed to be the first member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be elected grand master in Utah in nearly a century, overseeing the activities of several lodges around the state and looking to make the group more open to public understanding.

"During a recent tour of the Masonic Temple in downtown Salt Lake City following his installation in February, Cook said there are definite misconceptions about Freemasonry in Utah, particularly among Latter-day Saints, "but there's also some reality there as well."

"Cook said the fact that membership requires belief in a supreme being and a willingness to make obligations to fellow Masons through Masonic rituals and symbols that bear some limited similarity to LDS temple ceremonies also foster a misunderstanding of what the fraternity is, and is not.

"There is no question that elements of the (LDS temple) endowment and Masonic ritual are similar," Cook said. "The question for faithful Latter-day Saints is whether that makes a difference. I tend to be a rather concrete thinker."

"For those who accept Joseph Smith as a prophet and believe he actually saw God and Jesus Christ in vision as a precursor to restoration of Christ's ancient church, "then the rest, I would suggest, should be a corollary" of that belief.

"I think sometimes we spend too much time worrying about issues that don't really matter to our salvation."

"Nothing in LDS faith or practice precludes Latter-day Saints from becoming Masons, he said, though family and church obligations may limit the amount of time Mormon men can spend in other pursuits like Masonry.

"Freemasonry should be an adjunct to your faith and not a barrier to its exercise," Cook said.

"The "Encyclopedia of Mormonism" addresses questions about the faith's view of the fraternity, noting "the philosophy and major tenets of Freemasonry are not fundamentally incompatible with the teaching, theology and doctrines of the Latter-day Saints. Both emphasize morality, sacrifice, consecration and service, and both condemn selfishness, sin and greed. Furthermore, the aim of Masonic ritual is to instruct — to make truth available so that man can follow it."

"The ritual resemblances between the two "are limited to a small proportion of actions and words," according to the encyclopedia, and "where the two rituals share symbolism, the fabric of meanings is different."

"Cook said he sees signs within the Utah fraternity that a new openness is developing toward the community at large, and toward Latter-day Saints in particular, evidenced not only by his recent installation in ceremonies that were open to the public, but also in a willingness to acknowledge the faith in ways it hasn't previously been recognized.

"I think those three things really signaled to me the change that has come about. ... I think LDS culture has changed, and that today, civic activities are not inappropriate."

"As for what he plans to emphasize during his term as the 137th grand master of Utah, Cook said he will focus on the fraternal tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth.

"I find Freemasonry to be something at which to marvel, to be something which I view in awe," Cook wrote in a recent message published in a fraternal newsletter. "In a world in which men war and shed the blood of the innocent based on race, ethnicity and tribe, we have united ... without regard to the color of a man's skin, caring only about the tenor of his heart."

"In short, Masons "are men who try to lead moral and upright lives. They contribute significantly not only on a private basis, but in a public way" as well, he said, noting they fund Shriner's Hospital for Children, help with arthritis research and other community causes.

"It's the place where I've found friends, men who have cared for me and my family and hold the moral values that I hold."

To read full article please click Deseret News above or here.

(Via email by WBro Allan M. Lacson, PM,Teikoku 19,Okinawa 118)

Sunbro-Airsoft Annual Meeting: 23 April ANCOM 2008

All Sunbro are reminded to attend the 1st Regular Sunbro Annual meeting Wednesday, April 23, 5:00 PM Coco Groove, at the ANCOM 2008 site.

Sunbro collar pins are also available on site. Sun Cellular is an Ancom 2008 Sponsor. So please bring your credit cards Thursday, for Ancom 2008 on site applications and be a Sunbro!

All Airsofters MMs are also invited in the Sunbro meeting as many SBs are players too.


Newsletter of the Year Award - Silanganan Lodge No 19


Congratulations to my ML Silanganan Lodge No 19 for bagging the newsletter of the year award!

I am the IPM (ehem). Kudos to WBro Willy Calinawan and Bro Jonathan Amoroso, editorial managers.

See you!

(Via email by BigBro Jojo Atienza, Dapitan 19, ML Silanganan 19, IPM)


Pinoy Masons Eyeball - Poolside: 23 April 7PM

Brethren,

If you are near the Ancom City tonight, please be reminded of the eyeball at the poolside around 7:00 PM as planned.

(Via email by BRO GERARD T GONZALES GLI PM, Ernesto S. Salas Memorial Lodge #280 Bacolod City, SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM Western Visayas Division Cluster Legal Unit, Bacolod City(034) 709-0880 loc 33809189309766 - SMART09228158017 - SUN)


Have a happy ANCOM 2008 and Pinoy Masons, SunBro and Airsoft eyeball/meeting.

Congratulations to Pinoy Mason WBro Willy Calinawan and Bro Jonathan Amoroso for their editorial prowess. Keep up the excellent work!

Pinoy Masons Worldwide

St Augustine's Fun Shoot for a Cause: 17 May

On behalf of St. Augustine Lodge No 300, you are cordially invited to participate on its First Practical Shooting Competition (Fun Shoot for a Cause) to be held on May 17, 2008 (Saturday) at RAL Firing Range, Barangay Manggahan, Gen. Trias, Cavite.

The proceeds will be used to augment financial requirement in finishing the construction of our Lodge.

Other pertinent information such as course of fire, schedule of activities, registration fee and directional/route map will be posted on this site the soonest for your information.

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Brethren, we look forward to your attendance and support on this endeavor:TOGETHER BRETHREN!

(Via email by Bro Joey Z. Bernales, Dasmarinas Lodge #346, Bagong Buhay Lodge #17, Honorary member: St. Augustine Lodge #300, La Naval Lodge #269)

100th Conferral and Military Night: 25 April

Worshipful Sirs and Brethren,

On behalf of the Officers and Members of Silver Gate Three Stars Lodge No 296 of San Diego, I would like to invite you to our 100th Conferral of the Sublime Degree of Master Mason to Brother Christopher Toft this April 25, 2008.

Since the merging of Silver Gate Lodge and Three Stars Lodge in Sept 2000, we will be raising our 100th Master Mason. This will also be our Military Night in honor of our active and retired Military Brothers.

Attire: Active and Retired Military- Military Uniform (Dress Blues) Civilian: Business Suit.

Venue: Silver Gate Three Stars Masonic Temple, 3795 Utah St, San Diego, CA 92104.

The Lodge will be open at 1830 (6:30 PM).

Refreshment and fellowship will immediately follow after the ceremony.

Thank you for your support.

Fraternally,

Bro Carding Edra, WM 2008
SGTS Lodge No 296

Congratulations to the Officers and Members of Silver Gate Three Stars Lodge, especially to its Worshiful Master, WBro Carding Edra and 100th Master Mason, Bro Christopher Toft.

Pinoy Masons Worldwide

Tagaytay City - Champions in Shootfest

The Tagaytay City Shooting Team bagged the team championship and got most of the gold medals too in the 1st Mayor Freddie Tinga Invitational Shootfest last April 12. The team is being encouraged and supported not only by Bro Atty Avelino M. Sumagui, but by no less than the City Mayor, VW Brother Bambol Tolentino and the whole Tagaytay Lodge No 165.

According to Bro Atty Avelino M. Sumagui of Tagaytay Lodge No 165, the Tagaytay team "have a regular practice at the Philippine Marines' Shooting Range at the Fort every Saturday morning."

Brother Sumagui also commented that "Your children can also be developed to represent your area." (Please see the Tagaytay Olympic Shooting Team site here. There are links to the Olympic Committee and the PNSA as well.)

"We do not have to be in basketball, let's rake the gold in these events. You don't know what natural gift you child has, let us join the National Youth Development Program of Mr. Tac Padilla. This is the first time that this event has ever been promoted. Our shooters have gone old that they themselves decided that replacements are due. Your child can be the Philippines' Pride. See the qualifications on the site." Bro Avelino exhorted further.

(Via email by Atty. Avelino M. Sumagui, Tagaytay Lodge No. 165. Grand Honors Band, The Unofficial Band of the GLP. IBP President, Cavite Chapter, Philippines.)

New Knight Templars: Twenty-Two Templar Lights

Brethren,

Let us welcome the members of the new Knights Templar (class name: Twenty Two Templar Lights) coming out from the (Philippine York Rite) Joint Summer Conferral.

Some of them are members of this august e-group (Pinoy Masons) and some will in due time knock at the door of PinoyMasons EGroup.

Welcome Sir Knights!

AVILA, Joel A. Zapote 29
BISCARRA, Rolando G. Perla Del Oriente 1034
CARIAGA, Alex C. Kakarong 327
DOMINGO, Martin C. Dalisay 14
GARCIA, Juan Arnel Island-Luz-Minerva 5
MANUEL, Joselito C. Malolos 46
MOSQUITO, Teodocio G. Taga-Ilog 79
OFOAEME, Okey H. Sinukuan 16O
NG, Eddie C. F.D.Roosevelt Memorial 81
QUIAMBAO, Beda R. Jr. Biak na Bato 7
RANA, Andrew D. Taga-Ilog 79
RIVERA, Protacio V. Ang Tipolo 334
ROBERTO, Rodrigo B. Taga-Ilog 79
SANTOS , Diosdado R. Jr. Taga-Ilog 79
SON, Mark Byron G. Sierra Madre 181
TAMAYO, Angelo F. F.D.Roosevelt Memorial 81
TORRES, Lyndon D. Bagong Buhay 17
VILLANUEVA, Nelzon P. High 12
WONG, Alger G. Dalisay 14
YU, Ysmael S. M.H. del Pilar 272
ZAMORA, Zidney G. Island-Luz-Minerva 5

(Via email by Bro Joel PorlaresFar East Commandery No.1).

Congratulations to all new "Knighted" brethren!

Pinoy Masons Worldwide

ANCOM 2008 Bloodletting Announcement: 23 April

Dear Brethren,

Kindly support the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and Philippine National Red Cross Bloodletting at ANCOM site in Bacolod City.

It will be conducted on April 23, 2008 from 9am to 4 PM. It is organized by the ANCOM Medical Committee headed by Bro. Mike Bedford assisted by Bro. Ben Tan.

Let us assist our brothers through our own blood. Thank you and more power to the craft!

Bro. Ben Tan

(Via email by Bro Ben, copy fowarded by Bro Ken Tieng).

VWBro Tato Macalalag, PDDGM (Laguna) Drops Working Tools:8 April

According to an email by Bro Boy Opina (boyencs@yahoo.com ) last Wednesday, April 9, 2008 7:26 pm (PDT); VWBro Tato Macalalag, a PDDGM from Laguna dropped his working tools last night.

"The family needs assistance on how to bring back the body of VWBro Tato to his hometown in Lumban, Laguna; where he served as Town Mayor for three consecutive terms.

For condolences and further assistance, please contact Edzel Macalalag at 1033 West Thelborn, West Covina, California 91790 (contact number 1-626 480-1436).

Let us offer prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of VWBro Tato, a worthy brother and a good friend."

Our deepest condolences and prayers for VWBro Tato Macalalag.

Pinoy Masons Worldwide

ANCOM 2008: Please Bring Your Aprons

With the Annual Communication (ANCOM 2008) of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines coming closer (scheduled for April 24-26, 2008 at Bacolod City), there are last minute news and updates. Please check regularly the ANCOM 2008 website (click here) for more details.

One such urgent reminder is as follows:

"To: DDGM's Worshipful Masters and Lodge Secretaries:

Please inform all brethren who are attending the 92nd ANCOM in Bacolod City to bring their own APRONS.

Brethren are advised to bringa prons apertaining to the highest masonic position they have attained, while other brethren may bring their own White Lambskin apron.

No apron will be provided at the 92nd Ancom.

Please pass to other Lodges.

Thank you. "

ANCOM 2008 SECRETARIAT -

Do not also forget the Eyeball Event of the Pinoy Masons Yahoo Groups.

A Vignette for Charity by VWBro Geminiano "Jun" Galarosa, Jr.

Bro Jun and the Lion Tamer (aka Sis Lorna) with their brood of grandkids.

"Circumcision is a pet project that the lion tamer and her pet meticulously conduct each year for the past four years now without much fanfare. Getting professional help from a country physician who charge them half the cost of what he would ordinarily bill his customer, adding that the other half is also his modest contribution to our simple outreach program for the kids, the endeavor would be timed immediately after the end of the school year and would involve from ten to fifteen young boys with ages ranging from six to twelve, who, accompanied by their doting mothers would nervously subject their natural armors to the knife.

Thus it was that on the first Monday of April, ten young lads trooped to the clinic of Dr. Rolando Salada just across the den of the aging cat for the ritual that would announce to the whole world their symbolic entry to manhood. Why the number decreased when compared to the previous year was due mainly to the gradual depletion of the of the “non-baptized” (di-binyagan) young lads that the periodic charitable work has resulted.

And as in the previous year, the kids owe their grateful appreciation to VW John Teng of Laong Laan Lodge No. 185 for footing the cost of the circumcision, and to him, the aging cat is likewise indebted for this charitable endeavor."

May his tribe increase!

Leon



Read his blog: Masonically Inspired Essays, by clicking main title or here.

I was told that Bro "Leon" has another blog site: "Faith, Hope and Charity" in which the above article was duly published, click here.

WBro Sonny Discar Drops Working Tools: 4 April

According to an email by WM Bro Rudy Duero of South West Lodge No 283, National City, CA:

"Worshipful Sirs and Brethren,

Please take a moment and pray for WBro. Sonny Discar. He dropped his working tools tonight (4 April 2008) at 8:30PM."

WBro Sonny Discar died after a lingering illness.

According to an email by Bro Kelly S. Medina, he spoke to WBro Discar's wife, Sis Blanca and daughter, Debbie; and was given the following schedule:

1. Wednesday, 9 April 2008 at 1830 or 6:30pm will be the Masonic Service at the big chapel at Glen Abbey with WBro Chico Alvarez presiding, WBro Pangilinan as Marshal, WBro Kelly Medina as Organist.

2. Friday, 11 April 2008 will be the internment or burial date; starting at 0800 or 8:00 am, with mass at Corpus Christy Church in Bonita. After the interment or at 1300 or 1:00 pm, there will be a wake (reception) at South West Lodge.

Please pray for the soul of our brother and the bereaved family, friends and brothers.

Pinoy Masons Worldwide

Masonic Funeral Rites for VWBro Benjamin "Ben" Brown: 4 April

Important and Urgent Information Brethren from VW Danny Datu:

We request your presence at Jacobo Zobel Temple on Friday, April 4, 2007 and attend the 4:30 p.m. Holy Mass (Requiem); and, at 6:30 p.m. 3rd Degree Funeral Rite & Vigil in memory of VW Ben Brown.

King Solomon Lodge will host the event.

(Via email from Bro Joel PorlaresMuog #89 NCR-G Paranaque City)

Last February 9, 2008, our VWBro Ben Brown dropped his working tools at about 8 a.m. He was cremated an hour later and his ashes was flown back in Manila recently.

VWBro Ben Brown is the father of our Bro George Brown of King Solomon Lodge No 150, MW GLP.

3rd King Solomon's Cup: 6 May

Golf for a Cause - Invitational Golf Tournament for "Feeding Needy Kiddies Program"

Brethren,

On behalf of King Solomon Lodge No. 150, we would like to invite you to join our 3rd King Solomon's Cup (Golf for a Cause - Invitational Golf Tournament).

For the benefit of the "Feeding Needy Kiddies Program"

Date: May 6, 2008
Tee-off Time: 0630H - 1000H
Venue: Phil. Navy Golf Club- Ft. Bonifacio, Taguig
Ticket: P 2,000 (inclusive of Green Fee/ Lunch/ Souvenir)

Raffle Prizes: 21in T.V./ Washing Machine/ Cellular Phones/ and other exciting prizes.

Thank you very much.

Interested to join, please call the following:

Bro. Oliver Yabut - 0917.7960466

Bro. Mon Clavecillas - 0927.6914383

Bro. Ariel Esquillo - 0917.3264015

(Via email by Bro Ariel Esquillo at GLPYahoo groups)

Bro Ed Cruz: Drops Working Tools 1 April

Brethren,

Bro Edgardo Cruz of High 12 dropped his working tools last April 1, Tuesday, at around 10:30PM.

Let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

We will update you where Bro Ed's body lies and the date and time of his Internment.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Nelzon P. Villanueva
High 12 Lodge #82 GLP

Our deepest condolences, especially to Sis Sharon and her family and friends.

Pinoy Masons Worldwide

Update:

Brethren,

Bro Edgardo Cruz of High 12 dropped his working tools last April 1, Tuesday, at around 10:30PM.

Let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

His body lies at Manila Memorial Park at Funeraria Paz at Sucat, Paranaque.

His cremation will be on April 5, Saturday.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

Bro Nelzon P. Villanueva
High 12 Lodge #82 GLP

Philippine York Rite: Joint Summer Conferral: 11 & 12 April

To All Sir Knights and Companions and All Master Masons Withersoever Dispersed:

By the authority in me vested as the Conferral Director of The Grand York Rite Of The Philippines, I hereby announce the JOINT SUMMER CONFERRAL OF YORK RITE DEGREES this coming two (2) consecutive Saturdays, of April 11th and 12th, 8:00 am, at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1828 Taft Avenue, Manila.

Participating York Rite Bodies are as follows:;

1. Luzon York Rite - Contact Person - SK Companion Antonio Ampil Tuason

2. Manila York Rite - Contact Person - SK & Companion Crispulo M. Fernandez

Arayat (Pampanga) Chapter of R.A.M. - Contact Person -SK & Comp. Nicolo Go

3. V. Floro AR. Memorial York Rite - Contact Person -SK & Comp. Harry Gonzalez

4. Plaridel York Rite - Contact Person - SK Jommel "Bunso" Maranan

5. Pilipinas York Rite - Contact Person - SK & Companion Jovy Magbanua

Please contact above persons for your petition forms and other queries. Attain and learn more Light in Freemasonry.... join the York Rite..

Please forward this e-mail to any groups (like md-ncrg, glp's) or brethren who may be interested.

Fraternally yours,

SK & Companion Danny C. Datu
(Via email: LuzonYorkRite@yahoogroups.com)

Moderator's Note: Personal contact numbers deleted, please use Luzon York Rite Yahoo Groups' email: LuzonYorkRite@yahoogroups.com .

Date of first conferral moved from 5th to 11th April per Bro Kris (see his email at the comment section fo this post).