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.]

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.

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