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Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 2 - (You can view this Newsletter online at www.cebulodge.co.nr) RTC of 8

EBBS AND FLOWS CHRONICLE The Official News Bulletin of Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M.

Under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of

Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines

Volume 1, Issue 2 June 2010

Inside This Issue 1 Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. Celebrates Diamond Year

2 Message from the Grand Master

3 Summer is Fun and so We are...

4 Arts, Arts, Arts - A Summer Art Workshop

5 Operation Manhood: TULI

6 Message from the West: Freemasonry and Public Education

7 Cebu Lodge No. 128 Shares Blessings…

8 Vicsal Foundation, Inc. Donates for Hairclip Surgery

9 Cebu Lodge Initiated Temple Clean Up

10 Past Grand Masters Ko and Yu here to Raise New Brother

11 New Look at the Lodge Hall

12 Annual Communication 2010 Corner

13 A Sunny Day on June

14 BIRTH Induction of Officers for 2010

15 Past Master, Where Art Thou?

Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. Celebrates Diamond Year “The year 1950 was the birth year of Cebu Lodge No. 128,

Free & Accepted Masons.”

Founded, erected, managed and sustained by committed,

dedicated and able young men, Cebu Lodge No. 128 has

withstood the test of time. Great visionary leaders, cunning

business entrepreneurs, and humble philanthropists are

some of the fruits of the Lodge. Members are now

scattered all over the globe with the same zest of

enthusiasm of the Lodge and as proud members of the

Masonic fraternity.

This year’s 60th founding anniversary celebration kicked off

last June 8, 2010 through a “Balik Eskuwela Program”

which was launched in Barangay Kalunasan Elementary

School, Cebu City. Several hundreds of elementary

students from less previledge communities surrounding

Kalunasan Elementary School were happy enough to

receive their gift items from us. These gift items consist of

various school supplies donated by the members and

friends of Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. teachers also

received lesson planner, class records and other teaching

materials and aids, some books and school materials were

also donated for their school library.

Several mothers were teary-eyed with the efforts made by

the Lodge. This was the first time that such number of

students attended this kind of gathering. This was also the

first time that such effort from a non government

organization was felt.

This event was well attended by several Lodge members,

Lodge officers and sisters who came in their dazzling 60th

anniversary uniform.

(Continued at Page 2 / Diamond Year)


Summer is Fun and so We are… Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. Goes Zipline Adventure.

For the first time in Lodge history, Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. &

A. M. members as well as members of the family were treated to

a very exciting and thrilling summer outing adventure – Zipline

Adventure on May 23, 2010.

Located some 33 kilometers from the City of Cebu and away

from the maddening crowd, the group travelled north-

westbound to the scenic Cebu’s trans-central highway. With the

cooler wind of the early summer morning touching our tender

skin and the awesome panoramic view of Cebu seen from the

mountaintop, the group brazed through the heights, lows and

curves of the famous highway. When we reached our

destination and as we look back at the long and winding road

we travelled, we found food a plenty. The super hot and mouth

watering lechon, sea foods, barbeque (which we grilled at the

site), fruits and the likes were too much for a hungry stomach to

resist. The high blood pressures and the swelling sugar readings

were put aside for awhile.

After lunch, with much excitement the group plunged into our

adventure at K33. Those who can withstand the height and the

air rushing speed of the zip line took the challenge and enjoyed

the adrenalin rush. While those who can’t just watch with fear

and lots of envy.

It was a test of pure guts, trying to overcome self-made fear and

at the end of the line feel the sweetness of success – a warm

smile with a drum beating heart.

With the “Go, go go” chant from the Brothers, who can forget

this summer fun? �

Message from the Grand Master

“If the Master teaches what is error, the disciple's submission is slavery; if he teaches truth, this submission is ennoblement.” �

(From Page 1 / Diamond Year)

The activity opened with a program initiated by Worshipful

Master Douglas S. Tan in tandem with the teachers of

Kalunasan Elementary School on June 6, 2010. Some

entertainment numbers were given by selected students that

made the event livelier than expected.

Monthly support activities will also follow to make this

Diamond Jubilee celebration worth remembering. This year-

round activity will culminate with a grand celebration on June

2011.

“Let’s 60, Cebu Lodge No. 128 Ako!” �


Arts, Arts, Arts A Summer Art Workshop

Other kids go for sports this summer, some go for music and

dancing, others go for acting and speech while some choose

Visual Arts.

Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. sponsored a Summer Art

Workshop for children aged 6-12 years old. The main objectives

of this workshop are to discover if not enhance the art skills of

the kids and to teach them the basics in visual arts. It also

introduced visual art as a means to express themselves and to

boost their level of confidence.

This month long art activity was made possible by UP Fine Arts

Alumni Association and PUSOD, Inc. who shared their

expertise with the kids. Worshipful Master Douglas S. Tan, a

UP Cebu Fine Arts graduate assisted in the session.

All sessions were held every Tuesdays and Thursdays morning

at the Cebu Masonic Hall under their supervision, starting April

13, 2010. Sessions were divided into 2 classes based on

children’s level of art knowledge. The first class was for Art and

Crafts Appreciation for Kids while the other class was for

Basic Drawing and Painting.

Kids were very fortunate to have with them Prof. “Sio”

Montera from the UP College of Fine Arts as one of the

resource persons.

Prof. Montera is a well known Visual Art Professor in Cebu and a

winner of GSIS’ National Art contest recently. Being a UP

professor, it brings with him years of visual art experience which

he freely shared to the kids.

This was a first time activity initiated by the Lodge and plans to

make this as an annual event for continuity is now being

considered. �

Operation Manhood: TULI

Once again, Operation Manhood: TULI was held last May 9,

2010 at South General Hospital, City of Naga, Cebu. This Tuli

Project was made possible through the help of our very owned

VW. Felix Vicuña, Jr. M.D. who heads the volunteer team of

Cebu based doctors and medical practitioners. More than 200

boys (the biggest number ever for Cebu Lodge No. 128) living in

the City of Naga and its neighboring towns were circumcised.

This Lodge activity was initiated as our contribution to our

community and for the support of our belief that the youth is the

future of our fatherland. �


Message from the West Delivered By: Brother Marvin S. Sanchez, Senior Warden

Freemasonry and Public Education

Human capital theory states that the economic development of a nation is a function of the quality of her education. With 95 percent

of elementary students attending public schools, our nation’s future and economic development begins in the classrooms of our public

school system.

The quality of Philippine education, however, according to the Former DepEd Undersecretary Juan Miguel Luz, “has been declining

continuously for roughly 25 years. Our schools are failing to teach the competence that the average citizen needs to become

responsible, productive and self-fulfilling. We are graduating people who are learning less and less.”

With around 18 million students there is simply too many pupils against too few classrooms, teachers, furnitures, and teaching

materials. In 2005, the Philippines could only spend about US$138 per pupil a year. Compare this to US$1,582 spent by Singapore,

US$3,728 in Japan, and US$852 in Thailand.

And so perhaps, one of the reasons why our economy now lags behind our neighboring countries is that our Educational System is

way behind theirs. Our Educational System is in Crisis.

We can say that this problem is better left to be solved by the political leaders of our country. Educational reform, after all, is part of

every politician's platform. And we are but ordinary citizens. What do we know of educational reforms? True my brethren. But we are

Freemasons.

Freemasons are historically strong supporters of public education. So strong that one of the major objections of Pope Leo XXIII to

Freemasonry in his encyclical “Humanum Genus” issued 1884, was that we supported Public Education. Freemasonry promoted

public education that teaches reason instead of superstition, as the basis of intellect.

The Masonic Heroes of our glorious past were largely great educators and supporters of public education. George Washington

founded a free school in Virginia; Benjamin Franklin founded the first free school in Philadelphia; Abraham Baldwin, Henry Burbeck,

DeWitt Clinton, and many other Masons founded or endowed free schools and universities. Their efforts pushed the realization of

state supported public school systems in the United States.

During the American rule here in the Philippines, hundreds of American teachers who were Masons came. They laid the foundations

of the secular education of a new generation of Filipinos. The father of public elementary education, Isauro Gabaldon. Conrado

Benitez established the first school for women. Tomas Mapua, who established the foremost technological school in the country was

also a Mason. MW Camilo O. Osias, was a legislator, writer educator and patriot who dedicated his whole life for the education of the

youth in the Philippines. And our Lodge, Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. has it's very own educator in Bro. Pedro Dimaya who was

once the Director of Cebu Eastern College.

The question for our generation today is does our Lodge support our public education? Last March 2010, the members of Cebu

Lodge No. 128, joined Barangay Kalunasan Elementary School in their commencement ceremony. And through Worshipful Master

Douglas S. Tan's Academic Excellence Program, we awarded the top students of every grade school level with medals, cash gifts and

school supplies.

And last Sunday, June 6. We returned to the same school, this time bringing school supplies for all students of every level, and lesson

plans and teaching aids for teachers, through the Balik Eskwela Program.

Our WM Douglas S. Tan also donated school supplies to a community in Consolacion and to the St. Joseph Parish school for children.

These projects of Cebu Lodge No. 128 are little steps to save our Public Educational System. Imagine if these projects are done every

year by the all 300+ Masonic Lodges in the Philippines. With MW Avelino I. Razon's conscious effort of supporting the Public School

in his program this year, it could be possible. And the Mason's dream of enlightening mankind through Education would become

evident once again. And perhaps history will write that our generation Freemasons was a strong supporter of Public Education. �


'

Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. Shares Blessings… Cebu Lodge made substantial donations this summer to the

Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Group (PCGA) in turn

donates it to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Various

medicines were given to PCGA through PCGA’s Commander

and Cebu Lodge Past Master, VW Felix Vicuña, M.D. This

donation was made to augment PCGA’s medicine supply for

better service to humanity.

On the other hand, various school supplies amounting to

around P15,000.00 (Fifteen Thousand Pesos) were given to St.

Joseph Parish Church in Mandaue City, Cebu. These were

given to their students who attended catechism.

Meanwhile, 70 Pulpugan, Consolacion, Cebu students who

attended catechism also received various school supplies from

Cebu Lodge. These were given upon the end of “Flores de

Mayo.”

Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. is well committed to help the

public school system as it is the foundation of our country’s

greatness.

Brethren who wish to share their blessings such as used

but usable books, bags, school shoes and other school

materials are highly appreciated. Monetary donations are

most welcome. Please contact the 3 Lights for more

details. �

Vicsal Foundation, Inc. Donates for Hairclip Surgery

Vicsal Foundation, Inc. the foundation arm of the Metro

Gaisano chain of Supermarkets through Brother Jack Gaisano

has donated a whooping P50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Pesos)

exclusively for hairclip operations. Vicsal’s donation was

received by the Lodge Secretary together with the 3 Lights this

May, 2010 and was put into our medical mission fund account

together with other donations intended exclusively for such

purpose.

This donation is Vicsal’s way of giving back to society what

society has given to them. Kudos Brother Jack Gaisano and the

Metro Gaisano Group! �


Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. Initiated Temple Clean Up

Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. initiated temple clean up this

summer to give the Masonic Temple a little facelift and a newer

look. Simultaneously, several steel cabinets and drawers were

also repaired. Several pictures and other important memorabilia

were found and now being safely deposited for future ages.

Several brothers joined the activity and had their hands full with

the broom and the mop. The activity brought with it some

childhood memories. Fellowship followed after the clean up. It

was a “clean fun”. �

Past Grand Masters Ko and Yu here to Raise New Brother Past Grand Masters Pablo C. Ko, Jr. and Romeo Yu of the

Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Philippines were

here last May 21, 2010 to attend and to participate in the raising

of Bro. Oliver C. Ko who was raised to the Sublime Degree of

Master Mason.

Worshipful Master Douglas S. Tan opened and closed the

Lodge in Ancient form. PGM Romeo Yu handled the Second

Section. PGM Pablo C. Ko, Jr. delivered the Charge, VW

William C. Ko played the role of King Solomon, while our

Brother Secretary, Raymond T. Chiu delivered the lecture.

This was the first time in Cebu Lodge history that two (2) Past

Grand Masters participated in Raising Ceremony. �

New Look at the Lodge Hall

Have you seen our altar candle that look like burning bush? If

not, then you haven’t been attending our Lodge meeting lately.

A new look of the altar conceptualized, designed and introduced

by Worshipful Master Douglas S. Tan (a visual artist himself)

gives emphasis to “a new life”.

(Continued at Page 7 / New Look)


A Sunny Day on June

We Masons often visit brethren who are sick or ones nearing

their dot age and can no longer be with us in our meetings and

fellowships. We do this believing that a visit from a brother

Mason gives them "Sunshine" that perhaps strengthen their

weakened bones.

Last June we made Sunshine visits to a couple of our elder

brethren. This time though, the visits were not for the sick or

the old. The Three Lights, together with our Bro. Secretary

Raymond T. Chiu, Bro. Omar Orig and Bro. Dy Sing visited

Bro. Alfredo Sy and Bro. Godofredo Alcantara who are still

active and very much healthy. We gave them their Life

Membership Certificates, honoring them for 25 years of service

to the fraternity. We listened to them as they shared old stories

and anecdotes. And we saw the pride in their eyes as they

remembered their glory days as active Masons.

The Sunshine visits strengthened us as much as the elders

whom we visited. Their stories of the past experiences and their

words of wisdom serve as inspiration to us young Masons. �

BIRTH Induction of Officers for 2010

The next BIRTH meeting (BIR Travellers’ Haven) will be this

July 23, 2010 with 6-8 Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge

of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines in attendance.

Venue will be at Celebrity Ballroom, Montebello Villa Hotel,

Apas, Lahug, Cebu City. Meeting starts at 6:30 in the evening;

dress code, formal. Bro. Emir Abutazel of Zamboangan Lodge

No. 310 will be inducted as the new President for term 2010-

2011. Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. members are

encouraged to attend. For inquiries please call Bro. Kenneth

Ong, BIRTH secretary at 0917-321-0227. �

(From Page 6 / New Look)

The folding pillars at the Senior and Junior Wardens’ stations

are another design being introduced. The Gavel, embraced with

brass iron for better artistry gives another meaning for bonding

and strength. Any new ideas in mind? Please share with us. �

Annual Communication 2010 Corner ANCOM 2010, April 22 – 24, 2010,

SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Pasay City.

The Annual Grand Communications, ANCOM is a yearly

gathering of Masons under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge

of the Philippines. This year’s ANCOM was hosted by Manila

based lodges. The atmosphere during the arrival in Manila was

purely all fun. Until, a call from a brother informed us of a

tragic event that happened to a Worthy Brother. This brother

we haven’t seen for years since he relocated to Manila several

years back. Brother Vicente Sy had dropped his working tools

to meet his Great Creator a few days before our arrival.

In fact, a number of our Lodge members can’t even recall him

due to his long time separation with us. But what we don’t

know is that he was very active in his adopted Lodge, Manuel A.

Roxas Mem. Lodge No. 152.

Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. ANCOM delegates and

outgoing and newly Installed DDGM for Region RVII-A VW

Sixto Rey Orig and VW Robert Savellon respectively attended

and participated the funeral rites during the wake. With the

Brethren of Manuel A. Roxas Mem. Lodge No. 152. Brothers

Peter Sy and VW William Go were also in attendance.

From the information we gathered, Bro, Vic used to travel and

do business in Cebu and Mindanao during his younger years. He

found Cebu to be his 2nd home and joined Cebu Lodge No.

128, F. & A. M.

After establishing a business in Manila, he permanently stayed

there until his demise. He owned a lot of businesses and one of

which is Triton Paints. Farewell our Worthy Brother! �


Sponsors:

Cebu Fair Marketing

Cebu - Consolacion Branch

Y & C Marketing

Past Master, Where Art Thou?

By: Bro. Omar M. Orig

This is not a sequel to that movie of George Clooney years back

but rather a question that needs an answer or not… For those

brethren who have sat on the Oriental Chair, this article is not

meant into your lives, business or personal or to evoke deep

emotional response or argumentative points but rather to elicit

simple answer.

I pose this question because having been with the Craft for over

two decades I have taken “due notice thereof” that once a

brother leaves the Oriental Chair he slowly fades away from the

lodge then finally disappears. It reminds me of a line in a song

“Mrs. Robinson” by Simon and Garfunkel, “Where have you

gone Joe Dimaggio” Is this the end of the line? The end of

that rough and rugged road which you have so bravely traveled?

The fruition of all your labors? Of course not all Past Masters

follow this path, some stay and still make their presence felt in

the lodge. Some show up during ANCOMs, “Hot Sands”,

during York/Scottish Rites ceremonies which make it a happy

occasion as it is a chance to renew old ties, forge new ones,

reminisce old stories and more. But some never do, it’s like

they have disappeared from the face of the earth like Atlantis

did. Is this why Past Masters were fondly given a moniker

“Pasmados”? Is this it? I do not know the answer. I can only

speculate. I have never sat on the Oriental Chair so I do not

know how hard or difficult it is to be one or the pressure that

goes with it. What’s with all the memory works, rituals that the

office entails. As I said I can only speculate maybe the Past

Master has had enough of Masonry and wants to devote more

time to family or business. That’s fair enough. Maybe during his

tenure in the East, he felt a perceived slight on his person by

some of his peers (real or otherwise, inside or outside the

lodge). Brethren, you know very well there will always be

people who think they know everything, who think with their

mouths more so when fueled by alcohol. As I said I can only

speculate. Yes there are Past Masters who are sick which make

it hard for them to come to the lodge and yes that is perfectly

understandable. But for those who can and are able to make it,

the question is… “Past Master, Where art thou?” �

CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOS WM Douglas S. Tan Bro. Frederick D. Yu Bro. Marvin S. Sanchez Bro. Omar M. Orig EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bro. Raymond T. Chiu

“Go forth and seek further; and ye shall find glory…”

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