No 1045, District 25, Under The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales & ACT Australia [Views herein does not necessarily reflect those of LJR 1045 & UGL NSW & ACT.]

Monday, November 24, 2014

Lodge Jose Rizal on its Fifth Year – 2014-2015

       I would like to begin by thanking everyone who have supported and made our last Installation a successful one.   I hope you, your Ladies and guests have enjoyed the ceremony as well as the installation banquet. From my view it was a great start to a new year for Lodge Jose Rizal, a happy occasion full of enthusiasm and positive feelings.

       Lodge Jose Rizal is a very young Lodge compared to other Lodges in the jurisdiction. Our survivability depends on our members and officers to carry on the mission of Freemasonry in general; and the mission of LJR in particular. Obviously we want to see the Lodge’s legacy in 10, 20, 30 and 50 years [even at 100 years!] from now.
       We are very lucky to have some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, motivated and driven senior members. They have an ‘LJR culture’, a legacy that they want to pass onto to our younger and newer members. While we are a successful Lodge we cannot rest on our so-called laurels and past successes. There is always room for more improvements and adjustments to our time-proven manner in the way we do our business. This is the secret to survivability, to adapt to change and continuous improvement.

       Our RWBro Secretary Fidel had given me a booklet entitled “101+ Ways to Improve Interest & Attendance in Your Masonic Lodge”. I began reading it and have found it to be of much interest and jibes with most of my plans in directing our focus on Masonic Education,  Charity work and the publication of our much awaited souvenir program. Here are the highlights and my comments which I would like to share with you:

1.      Focus on Fellowship – This is a definite aspect that we need to improve on. Not just fellowship outside the Lodge, but as well as the way we entertain our first time visitors during and after Lodge meetings. I would like to see our Stewards to work in groups with other Brethren, under the leadership of our Bro JW to make sure that every visitor and our own members are greeted, entertained and introduced to other Brethren and their Ladies. We also plan to have more fellowships and ‘for the boys’ only events to improve our relationships with each other and serve as a team building exercise; especially now that we are continually growing and gaining new members.

2.      Time Management – Again, we can improve this by making sure the business end of our meetings are kept to a minimum, without affecting the quality of the outcomes of our real business: our fine ritual work. We are not going to allot less time, but will focus more time to better mentor our candidates and make time and make plan to retain the interest of our members, which in the long run would save us time in following up their absences from our regular and management meetings.  This is aside from the usual time we spend on the administrative end of running our finances, festive boards, charity work, etc. The more free time we have, the more time we have for No 1 – fellowship. 

3.      Plan for a Perfect Evening or event – Obviously we need to plan more to create the results we want. To paraphrase a quote: “Victory loves preparation” so does “Success loves preparation”! Detailed planning with everyone involved but with a specific outcome or outcomes, an action plan and specifying who is responsible for what. We have been doing this with success at our Degree work, with both the WM, Secretary, and DC and Assistant DC appointing who would be doing the Work, the Charges, etc.; as well as assigning those who are doing the Toasts in the South. But we will doing more – “we will plan to succeed”! 

4.      Get the Ladies on Your Side – I believe we have pioneered and utilised this to a great extent. We have the full support of our Ladies, but will make sure that they are not the only ones toiling in the kitchen. Our Stewards and other Brethren [plus the usual hired help] will work hand in hand with out Ladies to make sure that we have a successful Festive Board and social event.  

5.      Communicate with Your Members – With most of us have access to emails and the internet; and with the Lodge activities on:  

a.      Two Blog sites http://joserizalnsw.blogspot.com.au/ for general postings of events and http://lodgejoserizal.blogspot.com.au/ for news, past events, Rizaliana and othe Masonic articles. Both moderated by me as your communications officer.

b.      Two Facebook pages, one for members & Ladies only [moderated by our Bro SW Micvi] and one for public social media [moderated by me]. Everyone is encouraged to upload and participate in these pages.

c.       An email Yahoogroups, private group messages for members only .

d.      A recent Google Calendar spearheaded and developed by our IPM, WBro Manny Placido; which in the future would add SMS direct to your mobile smart phones; whether iPhone or Android.

e.      Not to mention our Secretary’s Notice Paper, which is laboriously written, edited, printed and usually snail mailed to members.
I think there is no excuse in missing our news and upcoming activities. But communication denote a two-way interaction; hence we need more feedback through proper channels by speaking directly to your officers and by participating in management and regular meeting discussions. Your input is paramount to OUR success. Do not suffer in silence and just go away.
6.       Friend and Mentor – We will be implementing and improving our mentoring system [not spoon feeding], which will be spearheaded by our Lodge Education Officer, RWBro Rey Porras. While we have a non-structured mentoring system, which is almost done by the sponsors of a candidate and the senior members of the Lodge. We will have an accredited mentoring program [per UGL NSW & ACT] to fully prepare and educate our newly interested and would-be mentors. This will guarantee that the information passed onto the candidates and new members are correct, updated and in adherence with the Constitution and Codification, practices and Rituals of UGL NSW & ACT. What is worse than no information at all is information that is wrong. 

7.      Putting the Phones to Work – Again, there is no excuse not to use our mobile phones. Personal contact has proven and yielded greater results than mere passive communication; as proven by our various past officers and more recently by our former Bro JW, Bro Micvi. One on one human contact is very essential in drumming up support. I am sure our Bro JW, Bro Paolo will continue to utilise that personal contact; not when required but in the usual course of running the Festive Board and other fellowships. We have directed and decided at our last Management Meeting to split the function of Fraternal attendance coordination to our Bro SW; while Bro JW will continue to coordinate our Charity Sizzles, as well as the various groups assigned to the Festive Board. All will be assisted by our junior officers, Bro SW with the Senior & Junior Deacons; while Bro JW by our Stewards. I am hoping that other members will continue to help out as well, as best they could. 

8.      How Food Can Work for You -  Early on we knew and have discovered; as inherent in the Filipino culture, the importance of good food in every special occasion and gathering. We are a very hospitable Lodge, and we will continue to improve our way of serving good food after a hectic meeting. Our members and visitors deserve only the best at a modest and affordable cost. 

9.      Make Involvement Pay off – Again, I believe we have been doing this. With our system of progressive officers advancing to the next stage in an orderly fashion. We continue to give opportunities to new members to deliver charges and other Ritual work as required. Mentoring members on how to plan an event such as the Festive Board or coordinate a Fraternal visit and Charity work. These are no mean feats and always require dedication and involvement, and pay offs are also as satisfying and mostly gratifying to all those who involve themselves to a successful event. Again, to paraphrase an old saying: “What we put into Masonry is what we will get out of it.” We need to invest to get the best dividends. 

10.  Creating “Followship” – Out of the last nine previous steps, this is about leadership, the type of leadership I want to cultivate in our Lodge and members – leadership from the front and not merely delegating. We will lead by doing.
 
      Last Sunday afternoon before our management meeting, I promised a young man that I met at our last Charity Sizzle at Bunnings Castle Hill that I will attend his Initiation into DeMolay at Orchard Hills Masonic Centre. This event reminded me of one of the passages in the DeMolay ritual on the Installation of the Master Councilor – that the best and ablest leaders would not be effective without the full and dedicated support of his members; and the best members would fail without the proper leadership. In short, we are a TEAM, and together with our Ladies and family, we will try to achieve a better Lodge Jose Rizal as we found it. We will try to have a more friendlier and happier atmosphere and improve things that needed to be improved.

      Obviously our Masonic life is in extreme competition with our family, other social interests and work lives; and either we balance all these in perfect harmony or choose the ones we feel more important to us. Our challenge then is to make our Masonic lives more relevant to what we would like to become. We will create a better Lodge that can be a second home to all of us!

      Irene and myself wish you and your family all the best of the coming Christmas Season and have a great New Year!

Yours sincerely and fraternally

Bro Mar

Monday, November 17, 2014

Lodge Jose' Rizal's Installation Night

By RWBro Bruce Quirk [as published in the Freemasons NSW &ACT website]
 
Numbers approaching eighty were in attendance at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday evening, the 8th of November, for Lodge Jose’ Rizal’s 5th Installation Ceremony, where, Bro Mario Baylon Jnr, became WBro Mario Baylon Jnr, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Jose’ Rizal No 1045, under the very capable Installing Hands of WBro Manuel Placido, in the Presence of the Deputy Grand Master RWBro James Robert Melville.
 
With the Installing Master, WBro Manuel Placido,“In the Chair”, the Lodge tyled at five o’clock sharp and the usual business and correspondence were quickly presented and dealt with by the Lodge Secretary, RWBro Fidel Pamplona. All visitors were then admitted, including strong fraternals from neighbouring Lodges. Among those in the Lodge Room and in the North East Corner, were three entered apprentices, Bro Dominic Green (Lodge Baulkham Hills), Bro Hamad Sadat (Lodge Woronora) and Bro Lane Lenfallon (Lodge Katoomba). In the South East Corner was one Fellow Craft, Bro Fernando Tejada from Lodge Star of Australia.
 
Meanwhile, a very strong contingent of some thirty Grand Lodge Officers, were assembling under the watchful eye of the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, VWBro Grant Singleton, assisted by VWBro Graham Leers, Grand Steward. Representing The United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, was RWBro James Robert Melville, Deputy Grand Master. Other high ranking Grand Lodge Officers were also in attendance, including, MWBro Raymond Barry Brooke, Past Grand Master, RWBro Kevin Foster, Past Deputy Grand Master, RWBro Peter Ratcliff, Past Senior Grand Warden and RWBro Kevin Foster Past Deputy Grand Master. Adding further colour to the delegation, were several Past Assistant Grand Masters, making it a very colourful delegation and at six o’clock sharp, the Grand Director entered the well filled Lodge Room and announced that Deputy Grand Master, RWBro James Robert Melville, accompanied by a large contingent of Grand Lodge Officers, were in attendance and seeking admission.
 
With consent by the Installing Master WBro Manuel Placido, the Brethren standing to order, loud hale on the trumpet, played by VWBro Allan Owen and music from the organ played by Bro Daniel Placido, the delegation entered the capacity filled Lodge Room and were made extremely welcome. In his welcome to the Deputy Grand Master and acknowledging the strength and numbers in the delegation and in token of Rank, WBro Placido surrendered the Gavel of Lodge Jose’ Rizal to the Deputy Grand Master who, in receiving the Gavel and acknowledging the welcome, returned it to the capable Installing Hands from which it was presented.
 
After the delegation were seated and made comfortable, notice papers were distributed and all officers of Lodge Jose’Rizal divested themselves of their insignia of office, which were collected by the Deacons and presented to the Grand Director of Ceremonies with VWBro Graham Leers assisting. All below the rank of Installed Master were then retired and with WBro Roland Martinez adopting the role of Senior Warden, WBro Antonio Saputil as Junior Warden and WBro Manuel Santos as Inner guard, the Board of Installed Master’s was opened and soon, under the very capable Installing Hands of WBro Manuel Placido, sponsored by RWBro Emmanuel Maniago and RWBro Fidel Pamplona, Bro Mario Baylon Jnr became WBro Mario Baylon Jnr, the Worshipful Master of Lodge Jose’Rizal No 1045.
 
All Master Masons were then re admitted and after the 3rd degree proclamations were given by the Installing Master in the East, accompanied by fan-fare on the trumpet, played by VWBro Allan Owen, the 3rd degree working tools were presented by VWBro. Rofolfo Romerosa.
 
The Lodge was then closed in the 3rd Degree and opened in the 2nd and all Fellow Crafts, including Bro Fernando Tejada, were re admitted. The 2nd degree proclamations were then given in the West, accompanied by fan-fare on the trumpet, again, played by VWBro Allan Owen, before the 2nd degree working tools were presented by WBro Remegio Nieto.
 
The Lodge was then resumed in the 1st degree and all Masons were re admitted, including Bro Dominic Green, Bro Hamad Sadat and Bro Lane Lenfallon. The 1st degree proclamations were then given in the South, again enhanced by fan-fare on the trumpet, played by VWBro Allan Owen and the 1st Degree Working Tools were presented with much enthusiasm and gusto by WBro Pritam Singh. The Installing Master then presented the Book of Constitutions and Codifications to the newly obligated Worshipful Master, before entrusting the Warrant of Charter of Lodge Jose’ Rizal to his care and instructing him to now invest his officers.
 
The Officers being presented, invested and taking up their respective position, VWBro Ted Balgos delivered a very instructive address to the newly Installed Master, followed by WBro Mauuel Santos addressing the Wardens and WBro Vince Flores, in a voice full of authority, addressing the Brethren.
Before the Installation Ceremony was completed, all in the Lodge Room had their breath taken with two musical items, one by Bro Micvi Fidel playing the saxophone, the other, a solo by the Installing Master’s son, Bro Daniel Placido, both acknowledged on completion, by the Brethren, with thunderous acclamation.
 
A somewhat relieved Installing Master then told the now, WBro Mario Baylon Jnr. that the ceremony of Installation was over and Lodge Jose’ Rizal was now under his complete control.
 
RWBro Melville immediately presented the newly Installed Master with his Installed Master’s Certificate, along with hearty congratulations. A photo opportunity was then taken, before the Deputy Grand Master asked the Grand Director to present the Immediate Past Master and duly presented WBro Placido with his Past Master’s Jewel and congratulated him on a job well done. RWBro Melville then asked the Grand Director to present Bro Noel Gosiengfiao, Bro Bien Palad and Bro Jomar Crisostomo and presented them with their Master Mason’s Certificates. The Deputy Grand Master went on to congratulate the Grand Lodge Officers, who had recently received further Grand Lodge Honours and recognition with particular mention to Lodge Jose’ Rizal’s own RWBro Emmanuel Maniago and his elevation to the rank of Past Assistant Grand Master.
 
The formalities and presentations completed, RWBro Melville, in a very relaxed manner, went on to speak of his long association with Lodge Jose’ Rizal, dating back to its consecration and how he always thoroughly enjoyed each visit and complimented the Lodge on its continual advancement and achievement, doubling its numbers in five short years and now in its quest for accreditation and in closing wished the Lodge well.
 
In thanking the newly Installed Master, indeed all the Brethren of Lodge Jose’ Rizal for a totally enjoyable evening, the deputy Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Delegation retired and all made their way to the Installation Banquet which was held at The Hills District Bowling Club, Castle Hill just a few kilometres down the road.
 
On their arrival, the Brethren found the party to be in full swing, with loud music and the dance floor filled completely with wives, partners, girl friends and children, “Line Dancing” and totally enjoying themselves. After all had found a seat, some hard to find, as the room was filled to full capacity, The Master of Ceremonies, WBro Kris Albano, introduced WBro Vince Flores who welcomed everybody and recited Grace.
 
With soft music and singing in the background, all made themselves comfortable and got drinks from the bar, before the Worshipful Master proposed the first toast of the evening, the Loyal Toast, followed by a toast to The Most Worshipful Grand Master. In response to the toast, the Deputy Grand Master related that this was Freemasonry in its truest form, all meeting together in peace, love and harmony and totally enjoying each-others company.
 
The Deputy Grand Master, being the Chairman of the “Australian Masonic Friends of the Philippines”, then received a cheque for one thousand dollars, to be forwarded on to the people of the Philippines who have lost all they owned in the recent typhoons and left on the very brink of starvation, the monies to be spent on new fishing boats and medical equipment so urgently needed.
 
The newly Installed Master’s grandson - Ashlee then entertained all with a little song and speech before Bro Daniel Placido sang another song, in a powerful voice, which drew a huge response of gratitude and appreciation from all in the banquet hall.
 
WBro Renmegio Nieto then proposed a toast to The Worshipful Master and his Officers, which was responded to by the Installed Master.
 
RWBro Fidel Pamplona then proposed a toast to The Installing Master and in doing so, introduced all previous Masters of lodge Jose’ Rizal in its short but highly successful history.
 
VWBro Kris Albano D.G.P. then proposed a toast to“Our Ladies and Our Visitors”
And in doing so gave Lodge Jose’ Rizal’s Visitors Honours which are:
 
“We Hold You in Our Hearts”
“We embrace you as Family”
“We honour your Friendship”
 
The toast responded to, in the first instance, by VWBro Vergel Vanderrama and supported by RWBro Paul Schultz from Lodge Blacktown Kildare.
 
A “Thank You” presentation was then made to the Deputy Grand Master and his Partner Luana, before the Worshipful Master and his good wife Irene cut the Installation Cake and the Bonza Raffle was drawn.
 
The hour getting late (almost midnight), Bro Micvi Fidel then proposed the Junior Warden's Toast and whilst some stayed and partied on, more made their way to their respective homes all well pleased they had come to Lodge Jose’ Rizal’s 5th Installation and all looking forward to:
 
“Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose’ Rizal No 1045”
 
       

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Lodge Officers

2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015

Monday, November 10, 2014

From the Worshipful Master's Corner

 
 
Time flies fast!
 
This time last year, I was dreading the second Saturday of November. My problem was, I was new to my job; which was of a very different nature to what I have done before. Hence, a new job with so many things to learn and then, the prospect of being the Worshipful Master [WM] of Lodge Jose Rizal; with more things to learn! Thus, I begun to have a "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" persona, operating on binary switches - switch on work, switch on Masonry. Do lodge memory work today then loose them altogether the following work day.
 
Fast forward to this year, I could not wait for the second Saturday of November to arrive. Not because I wanted to put Freemasonry on the side, but to celebrate the fact that I survived! At the start of my term, I mentioned about being in awe with the history of other Lodges. And now, it seems that I managed to add one small notch to the history pages of our Lodge. But not without the help of all of you!
 
To our RWBro Secretary, Fidel Pamplona, who I pester with numerous phone calls - thank you for your patience with me. No matter what others say, I believe the Secretary's job is a lot harder than being the WM. Along with the other mentors: VWBro Rudy Romerosa, RWBro Manny Maniago, RWBro Rey Porras and others, you are the cornerstones of Lodge Jose Rizal.
 
To Bro Micvi, as I have stated previously, you are my superhero when it comes to coordination. Juggling family, work and the lodge is very remarkable achievement in itself. You have delivered! Thanks to Sis Eugenie, who tirelessly supported you. And of course, to the monthly South Committee who assisted our Bro Junior Warden to bring out the South to perfection - many thanks.
 
To the WM-elect, Bro Mar and Sis Irene, both of you were always there for me. I still remember what Sis Irene (and Sis Remy) said to me: "Bro, just be the WM and leave the rest to us!" What more can I ask? And by the way Sis Irene, your performance as Rizal's mother - Teodora, still bring goosebumps whenever I remember it. Whilst I'm on Rizal's tribute presentation topic, my heart is still applauding to the other Sisters in the cast: Sis Marissa, Sis Kharole and Joy Santos (our IPM Manny Santos' daughter-in-law); and the assistant Director, Sis Hazel.
 
Our IPM and Treasurer, WBro Manny Santos, who will happily allocate funds for the WM's pleasure, I thank you and Sis Lourdes - aka Sis Odeng (another 'nepotismic' act!) for being with me. I owe you lots of apologies as I wasn't able to give my 100% when I was your Senior Warden. Sis Odeng is who I run to whenever I needed things like costume, music and other requirements.
 
To WBro Khris Albano, with your wit and charm, I feel that I have yet to see a South that can surpass ours. I won't even mention the eloquence in your Charges inside the Lodge. You are our yardstick when it comes to public speaking.
 
WBro Pritam's thunder completes the versatility of our Charges in the Lodge. You are a wonder and a joy to behold and listen to. But please give ample notice when you intend to whack the WM's station, lest it gives him a heart attack!
 
I have never publicly thanked our organist, Bro Daniel, because of my misguided fear of being miscontrued as practising a form of quasi-nepotism. But, at this stage of my term I have nothing to loose anymore :) :0). His music serves as my inspiration and strenght inside the Lodge. I'm so proud of you Son-Brother. With your "partner-in-crime" WBro Mateo, our Lodge Music Director and conductor; who has guided the music to perfect timing.
 
To our Master Masons and Junior officers; who have done the floor works flawlessly and delivered their Charges as if they live it, not only that you are the future of  Lodge Jose Rizal but you have been inspirational to me and others.
 
I have reserved the best for last - to our "secret weapon" - the Ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal, who have worked tirelessly to support us. Your mere presence serves as an inspiration. To my wife, for your bouquets and encouragements.
 
So Brethren, Rise, Charge your glasses - a Toast to the Queen of our hearts!
 
WBro Manny Placido
Worshipful Master, 2013-2014
Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045
 
[Photo credit: WBro Romy Nieto, a big thank you too for being the 'Official LJR Photographer']

www.nietophotography.com

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Officers Masonic Year 2013-2014

Worshipful Master - WBro Manuel "MannyP" Placido
Immediate Past Master - WBro Manuel "MannyS" Santos
Senior Warden - Bro Mario 'Mar" Baylon Jr
Junior Warden - Bro Micvi "Mic" Fidel
Chaplain - Bro Julio "Jay" Roson
Treasurer - WBro Manuel "MannyS" Santos
Secretary - RWBro Fidencio "Fidel" Pamplona, PSGW
Director of Ceremonies - WBro Khris Albano, GStwd
Senior Deacon - Bro Paolo Beringuel
Junior Deacon - Bro Roderick "Erick" Buenavista
Director of Music - WBro Herminigildo "Hermie" Mateo
Organist - Bro Daniel Placido
Membership Officer - RWBro Emmanuel "MannyM" Maniago, PSGW
Membership Officer - WBro Vicente "Vince" Flores
masoniCare Caring Officer - WBro Remigio "Romy" Nieto
Inner Guard - Bro Roberto "Obet" Urqueza
Stewards
Bro Troy Quimpo
Bro Oscar "Ohkah" Eugenio
Bro Rommel Cruz
Bro Rajeev Kalra
Tyler [Interim] - Bro Jim Holdsworth
 
Assistant DC - VWBro Rodolfo "Rudy" Romerosa, PDGDC
Lodge Newsletter - RWBro Bruce Quirk, PAGM
Lodge Mentor - RWBro Rey Porras, PSGW
Auditors
WBro Remigio "Romy" Nieto
Bro Paolo Beringuel
 

Monday, September 1, 2014

José Rizal’s favorite dishes as gleaned from his Dapitan letters


Jose Rizal, left with Filipinos attending the the 1889 Paris Expo.

"As I write this, I look forward to my visit to Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte, where national hero José Rizal lived in exile from 1892-1896. It certainly is good timing because the country commemorates the 150th birth anniversary this year [2011] of Rizal, who was born on June 19, 1861.
Accounts have it that he accomplished so much in those four years. He built his home made of bamboo. He planted fruit trees around the perimeter of his residence. He established a school. He practiced medicine and was renowned for his eye operations. He built an aqueduct, a feat of engineering considering he had no heavy-duty tools.

More interesting, however, is what makes him human, such as his requests for food from his family as gathered from his letters documented in “Reminiscences and Travels of José Rizal” (1977), and “One Hundred Letters of José Rizal to his Parents, Brothers, Sisters, Relatives” (1959), both published by the National Historical Institute.

Rizal requested his mother, Teodora Alonso, for instance, to send him some Laguna cheese, mangoes and “terrinas de foie gras.” The cheese, of course, is made very well in his home province, Laguna. Filipinos will always miss mangoes. The foie gras made me smile because it must have been as expensive as it is now. It must have reminded him of his visit to Juan Luna in his studio in Paris. The photograph in this column [above] was sent by Ambeth Ocampo, who surmised that this must have been when the “Pinoys attended the Paris Expo” in 1889. Rizal requested the same food items in a letter to his sister, Narcisa.

What was available and what they cooked also made for interesting reading. He wrote to another sister, Trinidad, that there were so many fruits to eat such as pineapples, atis [custard apple] and mangoes. He said he ate beef rarely and that he slaughtered one chicken a month. Pork was eaten more often, so that he expressed being tired of pork, and because more than five pigs a month were slaughtered, there was much more lard than the household could use even if he gave some away.

In the same letter, he wrote that “fish is becoming scarce, and we only have anchovy and small shrimps.” Vegetables were also scant because Rizal hadn’t been planting anymore. That’s probably why he told his sister, Maria, that they had no more viand and requested for “tokwa [soy bean cake], monggo and dried small fish.”

It is Josephine Bracken who kept house for Rizal in Dapitan. Miss B, as he called her, makes suman, bagoong, bread and chili miso, adding that she has made so much of the bagoong and chili miso to last 10 years. When Rizal asked for angkak, it was for the bagoong. When they didn’t have noodles for pancit, Miss B made a kind of long macaroni noodles out of flour and eggs, which serves the purpose.”

In the last Christmas he spent in Dapitan, Rizal wrote: “We killed a small pig and a hen; we invited our neighbors; there was dancing; we laughed a great deal until dawn. We did not sleep on 31 December until the New Year.”

It is in another book where we learned about a dish served by Rizal to his nephews and nieces who visited him there. Mila Enriquez, in “Kasaysayan ng Kaluto ng Bayan” (Zita Publishing Corp., 1993), wrote that Francisco Rizal Lopez, a descendant, said that it is monggo soup with the young leaves of ampalaya. The hero’s sister, Narcisa, surmised that the soup must have contained shrimp, chicken and mushrooms harvested from the area. And probably the surprising addition of panocha for a sweetish taste."

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Read more: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/3450/jose-rizal%e2%80%99s-favorite-dishes-as-gleaned-from-his-dapitan-letters#ixzz3C3VggAxU



Wednesday, June 18, 2014

14 June 2014 LJR's Emergent Meeting: Walkabout & Dr Jose P Rizal's 153rd Birthday Celebration

2014/06/14 Lodge Jose Rizal Emergent Meeting

[Details: Created on Sunday, 15 June 2014 12:26]


Attendance was again very strong for Lodge Jose Rizal’s emergent meeting, held at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday evening the fourteenth of June, where all were entertained and very much enlightened by a First Degree “Walk About”, demonstrated by several members of the Lodge including, RWBro Fidel Pamplona, WBro Manuel Santos, Bro Mario Baylon Jnr., and Bro Micvi Fidel, followed by the explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board, delivered by the very capable hand of Bro Roderick Buenavista.

With over fifty in the Lodge Room including five Entered Apprentices and two Fellow Crafts, the Lodge tyled a little after six o’clock, with all “Brethren In”.

The Worshipful Master, WBro Manny Placido, opened the Lodge and welcomed the visitors with a special welcome to RWBro George Bell from Lodge Nepean and gave congratulation to him on receiving a District Award at the previous Grand Lodge Communication. 

This being an emergent meeting, no minutes or correspondence were presented and the work of the evening commenced immediately, with all Entered Apprentices taking up their positions in the West and following the Senior Deacon, Bro Paolo Beringuel, paused before the various presenters and the various Jewels and Furniture of the Lodge Room which were explained to them as they progressed around the Room, the “Walk About” completed with a flawless explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board by Bro Roderick Buenavista.

The Lodge Secretary, RWBro Fidel Pamplona, rose and congratulated WBro Kris Albano on his attainment of the position of Deputy Pursuivant at the recent Grand Lodge Communication and the Worshipful Master welcomed the visitors, with a special welcome to Bro Fulvio Olieviera from Lodge Blacktown Kildare, and a special mention of his unique Master Mason’s Apron. Rising in response to the welcome, Bro Olievuera explained the Apron came from Brazil and was of Scottish Constitution origin, presented to him by his father.

There being no further business, the Worshipful Master closed the Lodge and all retired to the festive board to join Family and Friends and to enjoy the hospitality of Lodge Jose Rizal.

After Grace was said by the acting Lodge Chaplain, WBro Vince Flores, all enjoyed the delicious food, lovingly prepared by the Ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal. WBro Kris Albano then conducted a competition of questions and answers, with RWBro Fidel Pamplona’s team winning the prize (a carton of Red Wine).

All were then entertained by a dance by the Philippine Ladies [Sis Irene Baylon, Sis Marissa Buenavista, Sis Kharole Bascara & Joy Santos - choreoragphy by Joy and Sis Lourdes Santos], all dressed in full costume of their homeland and all carrying lighted candles [Pandango sa Ilaw or literally Fandango with Lights], a very impressive sight.

As it was the one hundred and fifty third anniversary of Bro Jose Rizal’s birthdate [19 June], a re-enactment of his last few hours on this earth was then played out by both word and song [Mi Ultimo Adios or translated as 'My Last Farewell' set to the music arrangement of Gary Granada], which touched all in attendance.


 
Commencing firstly with Jose Rizal, battered, beaten, but never broken and in prison, his hour rapidly approaching and him, writing a poem and hiding it in the base of a lantern, When his grieving Mother and Sisters came to visit him, he secretly gave the lantern to his Sister and soon after the guards entered and marched him off to the Prison Yard. The Captain of the Guard asked Jose Rizal if he had any last wishes and in response, Jose Rizal requested he face the firing squad and not with his back turned and also no blindfold. The request for no blind fold was granted but the Captain of the guard insisted his back must be turned to the squad. In defiance, when the fatal shots rang out, graphically illustrated by a kettle drum crescendo, Jose Rizal twisted and fell facing the squad. Such was the courage, defiance and determination, of this great man, so much loved and respected by all Filipinos.

The re enactment was then completed by beautiful songs, sung by both the Ladies and Brother Daniel Placido [son of WBro Manny Placido], playing the part of Jose Rizal and on completion, were complimented by thunderous acclamation of acknowledgement and approval.
 
Bro Troy Quimpo then proposed a toast to Our Visitors, to which there were two responses.
 
First Response, by the Worshipful Master Elect of Lodge Woronora, Bro Clarence Reyes, who also invited all to his forth coming Installation.

The second response was from Bro Fulvio Olieviera, from Lodge Blacktown Kildare, both sincerely thanking Lodge Jose Rizal for an unforgettable evening.

The raffle was then drawn, WBro Pritan Singh drawing the first lucky ticket.

Bro Micvi Fidel then proposed The Junior Wardens Toast and whilst some stayed on to the “Wee small hours”, most said their fond farewells and made their way to their respective homes, all ever so pleased they had come to Lodge Jose Rizal and shared in such an enjoyable and instructive evening and all looking forward to:

“Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045”
 
- Which meets at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre bi-monthly where a great night of family, friends, fun and unsurpassed Freemasonry is assured.

Written by RWBro Bruce Quirk, as appeared on the UGL NSW & ACT website.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Masonic Walkabout


To the Australian Aborigine, ‘walkabout" refers to a rite of passage during which male Australian Aborigines would undergo a journey during adolescence and live in the wilderness for a period as long as six months.

“In this practice they would trace the paths, or "songlines" [or “dreaming tracks”], that their ancestors took, and imitate, in a fashion, their heroic deeds. Merriam-Webster, however, identifies the noun as a 1908 coinage referring to "a short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Australian Aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work", with the only mention of "spiritual journey" coming in a usage example from a latter-day travel writer.

“To white employers, this urge to depart without notice (and reappear just as suddenly) was seen as something inherent in the Aboriginal nature, but the reasons may be more mundane: workers who wanted or needed to attend a ceremony or visit relatives did not accept employers' control over such matters (especially since permission was generally hard to get).” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkabout]

A Masonic Walkabout is similar in the sense that it is also a sort of rite of passage – of learning the various meaning of Masonic symbolisms and usages in a somewhat less formal manner compared to Masonic ritual.

In the preface to “The Walkabouts”, it states:

“The purpose of these walkabouts is not to unduly repeat the lessons of the ritual or the Tracing Boards. Rather, it is to further enlighten the Brethren, to answer questions, and to inspire them to inquire more into the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science in the Craft.”

In the Grand Lodge of California, The Walkabout is part of “California Masonic Candidate Mentorship Program” and the Brother’s lady [wife or partner] is included in the journey of the Walkabout. It emphasizes further that “this is not ritual, and should be presented informally, in a light and friendly manner.”

An important aspect of a Masonic Walkabout is that the new Brother is guided by expert members of his Lodge in contrast to the ‘sink or swim’ nature of Aboriginal walkabouts. The Aboriginal male of 12 or 13 years old are tested to survive by themselves in the wild for six months or more. The goal is to demonstrate what was learned from their Elders and put them into real world practice.

In the Masonic Walkabout, the new Brother gain further knowledge in a more relaxed manner without the ‘burdensome’ formal restrictions of our Ritual.

Again, the new member gains more knowledge and understanding after his initiation. It is apt to conclude with the following:

 “If the Masonic Philosophy is not at the centre of Freemasonry then we end up with a ceremony that is simply entertainment for those watching. Our ceremonies cannot compete with lavish theatrical productions or rock concerts. Every Mason needs to teach another Mason about the philosophy of Freemasonry.

“For over two hundred years it has been an appealing way of life. We may not be able to change the attitudes of members who are fearful of change and new ideas but we will provide every opportunity for those who seek assistance to progress their Masonic formation.”

 [http://masoniceducation.wordpress.com/]

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