Filipino Freemasonry in the Pacific Northwest Compiled and

Filipino Freemasonry in the Pacific Northwest Compiled and Summarized from Different Sources by Norberto C. Bautista, PM Luz. Vi. Minda Lodge No. 317 Ver. October 2013 for Grandview Lodge 96, BC & Y Acknowledgment is hereby given to the original authors/researchers. All errors are mine. This presentation is for members only. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 1

A Prologue Ang hindi marunong tumingin sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan… an interpretation in English THOSE WHO DO NOT APPRECIATE THE PAST WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MOVE AHEAD/FORWARD. LEARN FROM PAST EXPERIENCES WHETHER IT BE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 2

Philippine Facts 101 October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 3

Four Historical Periods • Before 1521 - Pre-Spanish era • 1521 -1898 - Spanish Colonization inclusive 1762 -1765 - British Occupation • 1898 -1946 - American Colonization inclusive 1942 -1946 - Japanese Occupation • 1946 - present - post-Colonization Era inclusive 1972 -1987 - Martial Law Regime October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 4

Islands placed side by side, land area roughly the size of Nevada or slightly larger than Arizona Maps are of different scales. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 5

October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 6

Outside contacts of native Filipinos q Archeological artifacts point to the economic trades between the pre-Hispanic Filipinos with the Chinese people of the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644). A town in southwestern China traces back its roots to a Sultanate in the Mindanao islands. q Before the Spaniards - the Germans, the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese were already bartering goods, but not establishing permanent settlements in the Philippines. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 7

Pre-Hispanic Filipinos Indigenous Filipinos already had its own socio-economic political structures. ◦ Bartering goods was the economic practice. ◦ Feudalistic – Barangays (villages) were lead by Datus and Sultans. No central government or authority. A system of religious belief. Bathala was the native Filipinos’ reference to the monotheistic Deity. Anitos, believed to be the souls of forefathers were venerated. Replaced by the western “Dios” and “santos” October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 8

Religion and folk practices q 90% of the Filipinos identify as Christians o 81% Roman Catholics (1521) o 2% Protestant denominations (1898) o 11% Philippine Independent Church (1890 s) q 5% are Muslims with the highest concentration in southern Philippines in the island of Mindanao (dates back to the 1380 s). q 5% are others (Buddhist, Hindus, Sikhs or other religions). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 9

Is it a Language or a Dialect? q If one cannot understand another person’s verbal or nonverbal symbols of communication, these then become a “language” mutually relative to the sender and receiver of the message (e. g. Tagalogs cannot understand Ilocanos), q Variations of a particular language are classified as “dialects” (Ilocanos can understand Panggasinensis). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 10

Going by the preceding definitions: q 7 major languages in the archipelago (regional) q 84 major ethnolinguistic groupings, each with their own dialect q There are two official languages: v. The 1971 Philippine Constitution adopted Tagalog as the official Filipino language. Tagalog is widely spoken in the country. v. English is the medium in conducting business and schools q A small number of Filipinos still speak Spanish fluently, a vestige of colonialism, passed on by families from generation to generation, doubles as a status symbol for some October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 11

Diversity of Languages & Dialects When one talks of “the Filipino accent”, there as many of them as there are ethnolinguistic groups. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 12

when the saints came marching in (the genesis of the Spanish Era) • 1521– financed by Imperial Spain, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator “discovered” the Philippines. (1492 Columbus landed in America -29 years earlier). • Unfortunately, Magellan did not live long as he was met by a fierce native leader named Lapu-lapu in the Island of Mactan, Cebu Province. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 13

Another unfortunate event is that Lapu-lapu’s name became popular not as a man of history, but as the local name for a fish - the red snapper. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 14

. . . their own version of “G” • Our fraternity has a more significant meaning of the letter “G” where the youngest EA Mason to the WM east most humbly bow. . . but the Spanish colonizers had a different idea – three of them • GOLD to fill the coffers of Imperial Spain to further their colonization of the other “savage” natives; • GLORY to what was once the Spanish Empire, a world super power at that time; and • GOD (specifically using Christianity) to subjugate and control what to them were native “indios” or “savages”. Cross on one hand sword on the other. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 15

A shortened version of a very long story 377 years of colonization • From 1521 – 1898 spanning 5 generations • The Social Stratification resulting from the colonization: v Natives were called “indios” (born of native parents) v Espanoles Filipinos or Insulares – parents are Spanish but was born and raised in the Philippines the first batch to be called Filipinos) v Peninsulares – Spaniards born in the Iberian Pensinsula v Mestizos or criollos – born of Spanish and native parents v Mestizos de Sangley – born of Spanish and Chinese parents October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 16

Initial Presence of the Craft in the Philippines October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 17

first known Masonic labors in the Philippines (no Filipinos yet) • Sept. 22, 1762 – an English fleet anchored in Manila Bay carrying on board the English Masons who did the first Masonic work on Philippine soil, labor was conducted inside the Manila Cathedral (a Catholic Church). 1762 to 1764 – short British Occupation (after a struggle with Spain) October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 18

Before the earthquake in 1880 Currently known as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. As in most edifices left by the Spanish Colonizer, all structures were influenced by the Renaissance architecture and came into being - courtesy of the forced labor of the native Filipino slaves. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 19

A hundred years later the Green Light from Spain • 1855* - the PM of Spain, Ill. Bro. Sagasta, sent three 33 rd degree Masons to the Philippines. He was then the Sovereign Grand Commander (of the Scottish Rite) and the GM of the Gran Oriente de Espana. *Nine years before the 1861 US Civil War. • MW Sagasta appointed three 33 rd degree Illustrious Brothers into positions of responsibility in the colonial government (circulo de treinta y tres, circle of the 33 rds): § Bro. Perinatt - Governor General of the Philippine Islands, § Bro. Centeno - Civil Governor of Manila, and § Bro. Ballesteros - Director General for Civil Affairs October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 20

first Blue Lodge in the Islands (no native Filipinos) • 1856 Lodge Primera Luz Filipino - first Masonic lodge established in the islands under the Grand Oriente Lusitano of Portugal. Spanish Navy ensign, Bro. Jose Malcampo, is credited. No pure blooded Filipino was accepted for membership. • Masonic researchers have found evidences that when Bro. Malcampo came back to the Philippines in 1874 (after 18 years), he was unfortunately behind the persecution of the Filipinos October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 21

first Blue Lodge in the Islands (still, no Filipinos yet) • Subsequently, three other lodges were established, but limited their membership to the Europeans: § 1868 - 1 st by the Germans, § 1868 - 2 nd the British Consul organized Nagtahan Lodge and also Scottish Rite with Hongkong roots § 1874 - 3 rd by the Spaniards under the Gran Oriente de Espana, in 1874. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 22

Other Masonic presence (still, no Filipinos yet) • 1875 – District Grand Lodge was organized under the Gran Oriente de Espana • 1879 – More lodge organized and also the Chapter Rose Croix and Grand Triangle of the Royal Arch • 1884 – Arrival of the Grand Oriente de Espana • 1888 – Grand Oriente de Espana fused with the Grand Oriente Nacional • 1889 – Grand Oriente Espanol was organized by MW Miguel Morayta in Spain then brought to the Philippines October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 23

Finally, the first Filipino Masons … hold your horses (in Europe though, still not in the Philippines) • 1880’s - the improved economic conditions in the Philippines enabled Filipinos to sail for Europe • they belonged to the illustrado (wealthy, educated class); A mestizo (mixed) who can speak Spanish. • Lodges in Spain were open to all nationalities regardless of race or color, the Filipinos soon as possible became initiates of the Masonic lodges. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 24

First predominatly-Filipino lodge (whoa. . . was also in Europe) • Filipinos were accepted into Spanish society because these brothers peacefully advocated for the colony to be a province of Spain, not independence from it. • 1886 - Filipinos, with brothers from other Spanish colonies participated in the organization of Lodge Solidaridad No. 53 in Barcelona, Spain, then died. • 1889 - Filipinos established Lodge Revolucion also in Barcelona; • In 1890, Filipinos revived a lodge in Madrid also named Solidaridad 53, composed exclusively of Filipinos, under the Grand Oriente Espanol. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 25

Finally, the first Filipino lodge in their native Philippines • 1891 - Bro. Serrano Laktaw was commissioned (by a group on Masons) to establish Filipino Lodges assisted by Bros. Anacleto Ramos (initiated in England), Timoteo Paez and Moises Salvador. • 1892 (January 6). Nilad Lodge No. 144 was the first all. Filipino lodge chartered and constituted by the Gran Oriente Espanol; recognized as the mother lodge in Philippine Masonry. Was deputized to oversee Filipino lodges, that caused friction amongst the brothers • 1893 – Creation of the Consejo Regional De Filipinas (Regional Grand Council of Philippines) that Bro. Marcelo del Pilar intervened with GM Felix Morayta. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 26

The Spanish Masonic Connection • 1892 to 1906 – All Filipino lodges established between this period were under the administration of the Grand Council of the Order of Scottish Rite (in Spain); and • Passed the hands of the Regional Grand Lodge No. 2 (in the Philippines) of the jurisdiction of the Gran Oriente Espanol for chartering October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 27

Changing of the Guards (from one colonial master to another) • 1886 – Philippine Revolution against Spain started. • 1896 - Spaniards publicly executed Bro. Jose Rizal for writing two novels exposing the atrocities of the Spanish colonizers. • short Spanish-American War (April 25, 1898 to Dec. 10, 1898), extended to the Asian Pacific shores October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 28

no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests • Mid-1898 – The victory of the Filipinos against Spain was eminent. Mock naval battle between the United States and Imperial Spain was staged. • Goal was for the Spaniards to surrender to the US (then an emerging super power) rather than to the Filipinos whom the Spaniards treated for 3 centuries as an inferior people. • 1898 (June) Admiral Dewey’s naval fleet “defeats” the Commodore Montoya’s Spanish Armada off Manila Bay. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 29

one’s own interpretation of history • 1898 (June 12) Bro. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declares Philippine Independence from Imperial Spain: western historians dubbed this as the “Philippine Insurrection” while Filipino historians dubbed this as the “Filipino-American War”. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 30

the colonizers • June 12, 1898 - Declaration of Independence from Imperial Spain. (a declaration) • Philippines became a colony of the United States under the Treaty of Paris of 1898, purchased from Spain for $8 M (similar to the Louisiana Purchase) October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 31

The American Occupation 1898 to 1946 the Masonic Mix and Confusion October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 32

Spaniards out. . . Americans in. . . • GM Ambrosio Flores attempted to establish the Filipino Grand Council (Gran Consejo Regional) • 1901 - the Grand Orient of France was introduced by the prominent Dr. Trinidad Pardo de Tavera • 1903 – Gran Oriente de Espana revives lodges • Also in 1903 - This was followed by the Gran Oriente Espanol through the reactivation of Modestia Lodge 199. • Also in 1903 -2 nd American lodge, Cavite 350 was established under the Grand Lodge of California (after the movable military lodge) October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 33

wanting a piece of the pie (the local and foreigners alike) • the Grand Lodge of Scotland established Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1034 in Manila and Cebu Lodge No. 1106* (then the only two lodges under a foreign jurisdiction recognized by the current Grand Lodge of the Philippines). • MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F & AM Washington and Jurisdiction has a blue lodge in the Philippines: Mabuhay Military No. 59 (first was Manila No. 63, military). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 34

. . . and more confusion (which is which? who is who? ) • Gran Oriente Luisitiano Unido (Portuguese) was also reorganized • The Chinese Masons also came into the picture • The Americans brought forth the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Mystic Shrine and the order of the Eastern Star. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 35

. . . to recap 1. Gran Oriente Lusitano of Portugal (1856) 2. Gran Oriente Espanol (1875) 3. Gran Oriente de Espana (1888) - not the same as in Item 2 4. Gran Oriente de Francia (1901) 5. Grand Lodge of Scotland (1907) 6. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri (1900) 7. Grand Lodge of California (1901) 8. Grand Lodge of Chinese Masons 9. Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (1915) 10. Gran Soberana del Archipelago Filipino (1925) October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 36

American Masonry in the islands Early to make known its Masonic presence were: • 1898 - the Movable American Military Lodge led by the First Regiment of volunteers from North Dakota, dispensation from the GL of North Dakota • the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F & AM of Missouri established Manila No. 63 • Non-blue lodges created such as the Knights Templar, and the Sojourner’s Club October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 37

birth of American Masonry in the Philippines • 1912 - The Sojourners Club helped the Americans established three lodges (Manila 342, Cavite 350 and Corregidor 386 Formerly under the Grand Oriente Espanol), they formed the Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands* chartered by the Grand Lodge of California. *now renamed and currently the MW Grand Lodge of F & AM of the Philippines. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 38

. . . polarization of craftsmen disharmony circa 1900’s • 1917 - On or about this year, 27 lodges of the Regional Grand Lodge No. 2 ( of Gran Oriente de Espanol), transferred allegiance to the; Pres. Manuel L Quezon of Sinukuan Lodge was one of them Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (American Masonry) • 1918 - started the practice that the station of Grand Master alternated between American and Filipino brothers every year until 1974; by this year, 1918, 38 blue lodges were established; Pres. Manuel L Quezon of Sinukuan Lodge was the first Filipino GM October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 39

. . . the claimant to the Ancient Craft (“we are the original owners”) • 1918 - on or about this year, all lodges that remained loyal to the Regional Grand Lodge No. 2 reorganized under the name: Gran Oriente de Archipelago Filipino (Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago) (which is the Spanish Masonry) • 1923 (June 14) This Grand Lodge presented a petition for its charter from the Gran Oriente Espanol (Spain). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 40

. . . polarization of the craftsmen disharmony circa 2007 • Factions and dissatisfaction never stops • 2007 - Creation of the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Island (IGLPI) October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 41

the renamed Spanish Masonry • 1925 December 31 the Gran Oriente Espanol granted this petition with the title: “Gran Soberana del Archipelago Filipino” (Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago) Recognized by the International Masonic Asso. of Lucerne, Switzerland the Universal League of Freemason October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 42

the US West Coast Connection the California link • 1951 August 20 - The Gran Soberana del Archipelago Filipino (based in Manila) granted a charter to: “The Regional Grand Lodge in America No. 1” (renamed “Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago in California”). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 43

the US West Coast Connection the Seattle, WA link 1973 August 24 - The Gran Soberana del Archipelago Filipino (based in Manila) granted a charter to: “The Regional Grand Lodge in America No. 2” (renamed “Deputy Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago in America, Seattle, WA”). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 44

All-Filipino debacle in the islands post-Spanish colonization • • Philippine Grand Orient (1903, by Utor) Gran Logia Regional de Filipinas (1906, by Paez) Gran Logia Regional de Archipelago (Gran Oriente Espanol) Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas (1904 attempt, 1924 successful) • Grand Logia de Archipelago Filipino (1925) • Gran Soberana del Archipelago Filipino (Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago) • Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippines, 2006 October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 45

Older Filipinos know of two Independence Days? Ø June 12, 1898 - Declaration of Independence from Imperial Spain. (a declaration) Ø July 4, 1946 - US “grants” independence to the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Now celebrated as the Filipino. American Friendship Day. (a recognition) October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 46

a sad note on the local NW Pacific front (disharmony across the shores) o Both Deputy Sovereign Grand Lodges in California and Seattle, WA are not recognized by mainstream Masonry o A 2 nd group of Filipino Masons in Seattle, WA making themselves known as belonging to the Gran Oriente Filipino. o A 3 rd group is Regional Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago or RGLPA o Starting 2007, a new cohort of brothers who by default are clandestine because their home lodge in the Philippines broke away from the regular MW GL of the Philippines o A number of brothers from these jurisdictions have received the degrees in regular form - as our Washington Jurisdiction requires October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 47

a note in Washington q 1995 – Filipino Masons organized the Filipino Masons of Greater Seattle (Fil. MAGS). It used to act as the “clearing house” for Filipino Masons who are visiting or who have newly relocated to our State q Prior to 1995, the. Travelers of Washington in Kitsap County , based in Bremerton have already existed, most members are retired US Navy. q As if to mimic the events in the Philippines, another group of Filipino Masons in Seattle organized PASS. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 48

Filipino Masons in North America Similar associations of Filipino Masons exist in the Pacific NW including neighboring Canada: q *Dimasalang Brotherhood in BC, Canada q Filipino Cabletow Society in Calgary, Canada “Dimasalang” is the “nom-de-plum” of Dr. Jose P Rizal, our famous clandestine Mason. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 49

. . . A few cents worth q Dichotomy was created between adherents to either Spanish and American Masonic schools of thought, and thereby dividing the Filipino brothers. q Dichotomy extended beyond the Philippines shores. There exist in our State and in California, a number of Filipino-American Masons whose Grand Lodges were chartered by the Spanish-influenced Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 50

we should abide by the “Masonic Code” q Not within the purview of Filipino-American Masons in the Pacific NW to address the issue of irregular Masons. q It will not be in our lifetime that we will seat in lodge with the other “Filipino-American Masons” q We, North American Masons, belonging to regular Grand Lodges have the luxury of experiencing the universality of the craft. Our Grand Lodges (Canada & Washington) are in amity with most Grand Lodges in the world. q A privilege not existing with the other Filipino. American/Candian Freemasons of the Spanish tradition. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 51

. . . the irony, the denial o Most Filipino and Filipino-American Masons identify themselves with famous Freemasons in Philippine history, o Ironically, quite a number of mainstream Masonic publications have printed articles about famous Filipino Masons, notably, Bros. Aguinaldo, Bonifacio and Rizal. o Ironically, the Philippine Grand Lodge Building is named “Plaridel Masonic Temple” (the nom-de-plume) in honor of Bro. Marcelo Del Pilar (dubbed s the father of Filipino Freemasonry). o The blue lodges of these famous brothers are not recognized by mainstream Grand Lodges in the world, including that of the Philippines’ October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 52

Filipino “irregular” Freemasons Cited in Mainstream Masonry Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Apolinario Mabini October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 Juan Luna 53

What our Grand Lodges requires. . . q If all these famous Filipino Freemasons were alive this hour and are by the tyled door tonight, requesting entry, I do not want to be the Tyler who would refuse them entry. q Neither would I want to be the Lodge Secretary to break the news that they are not eligible for plural membership in our jurisdiction. q The Only Solution For Now: Our jurisdiction requires those from unrecognized or irregular lodges to sign a form if they were to join our lodge. One has to petition for degrees (and be obligated the second time!!!, as some in our ranks have done). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 54

CERTIFICATE OF RENUNCIATION I, JUAN DELA CRUZ, in witness of my desire to participate in the rites, ceremonies, and privileges of membership in LUZVIMINDA LODGE NO. 317 which Lodge is a constituent of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, do aver and declare my willingness to abide by the By-Laws of this Lodge, the By-Laws, rules, and Constitution of the Grand Lodge under which the same is holden, and that, congruent with my election to receive the Degrees of Freemasonry, I do solemnly and sincerely renounce all obligations and allegiances to any other body or organization in which I may have been previously received, which renunciation does not affirm or deny the authenticity, integrity, or validity of any other organization but simply the right of the Grand Lodge of Washington to exercise superintendency over the Degrees of Freemasonry conferred by Lodges of its Jurisdiction. As of this date September 12, 2013 in witness whereof I have caused my signature to be hereto affixed in the presence of these witnesses: Signed by Two Witnesses: Signature of the Petitioner October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 55

a social critic from within this ethnic group, my luxury the foregoing is an opinion and not a result of a scientific or academic research q mode of data collected is by “participant-observation” and listening to “anecdotal” accounts q the group can decide to invalidate, ignore and deny the foregoing hypothesis q October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 56

A Dilemma? Where are the other ethnic groups in Freemasonry? Latin Americans, Eastern Europeans, other Asian Pacific Islanders? October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 57

exclusivity is an attraction in the islands and elsewhere Historically, early Masonry in the nation did not accept Filipinos, now it is open to any person, but. . . Historically and currently, the society is still very stratified – members are those in the middle to upper strata of the social and economic ladder of Philippine society Cost of petition and membership dues are not affordable to the average wage-earner Labors are in English (old English), only the schooled can understand the philosophy of Masonry October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 58

socio-economic reasons (networking or mercenary motive or status-seeking behavior? ) Archipelagic geography forces one to be in harmony with others for survival and development Extension of the “Filipino hospitality” – a brother will not go hungry if stranded in the Philippines The Craft is an extension of the family; a usual social custom to refer to a brother’s wife as “Sister” as an extension of the fraternal bond/love. Our kids call us “Tito” or “Tita” (uncle/aunt even if they are aware that there is no sanguinity, but just a matter of affinity). October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 59

Dilemna vis-à-vis Psychosocial Characteristics Ø “feeling of belongingness” with and to what is perceived to be an “elite society of men” in which the understanding is. . . Ø Transformed into the “gang” or the “country club” mentalities whence this becomes the attraction, as well as the end goal – resulting from the. . . Ø superficial understanding of the philosophy behind Masonry complicated by lack of qualified mentors to mentor the correct path (MWB John Mc. Nab’s program), and Ø Whereby the incorrect signals, anathema to Freemasonry, are passed on such as the attitudes and the knowledge (“Pass It On” is MWB Doug Tucker’s motto) October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 60

Some popular sociology of the Filipino q obsession with titles – a seeming belief that titles rather than respect are earned – looses sight that “Worshipful” or “Worchip” is the old English for “respected” q assurance of success (“segurista”) vis-à-vis, some will take the opposite route which is a “come what may” (“bahala na”) attitude q “Parroting Masons” rather than “practicing Masons”; can spend hours memorizing, but lack of manifestation of the tenets of Freemasonry q “Padrino” system, results to violation of our unwritten rule not to recruit members into our fold q “Crab mentality”, the tendency to pull down compatriots rather than support them q “Balimbing” , figuratively, one can change horses in the middle of a race (multi-faceted rather than multi-face) such as when a group of brothers decided to change allegiance from the fledging Soberana to the emerging GLPI – can also mean abandonment of a cause October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 61

In Washington State q q q MWB Al Jorgensen challenged the brothers to form lodges that will address the common interests and needs of its members, such as their trade or profession, ethnic background, special hobby interest. for more than a decade there have been a constant talks and a desire of Filipino Masons to have a so-called “Filipino Lodge” In 2005, the association of Filipino Masons created a committee to study the feasibility of forming a blue lodge Immediately after presentation to the association, the idea drew numerous objections Knowing this to be the possible outcome, the committee prepared ahead of time a written request to be dismissed and that the committee be dissolved The committee transformed itself into an independent study group rather than under the auspices of the association October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 62

The Response to the Challenge Vision of Luz. Vi. Minda 317 q 20 Filipinos and one Caucasian Seattlelite brothers heeded MWB Al’s challenges and all 21 agreed to form the first ethnic lodge in the Washington Msonic jurisdiction q To exercise the freedom to practice ways to manage and administer lodge affairs still in conformity with Masonic Code q To enhance proficiency in the spoken and the dramatized rituals through the mentoring by more seasoned members q To engage with all members regardless of ethnicity q To prepare non-PMs to lead the lodge and encourage participation of all members by giving assignments q To provide a venue to showcase a socio-ethnically focused and yet diverse blue lodge, versus just “entertaining” other culture groups with native songs and dances October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 63

What is in the name? . . . it is the Seattle-Manila Connection Luz. Vi. Minda is the acronym of the three main island groups in the Philippines, to wit ØLuzon ØVisayas ØMindanao is NOT and NEVER will be an exclusive lodge for Filipino Freemasons; two lodge members are Filipino-Canadians also known in the jurisdiction as “LVM 317” October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 64

Some information and update q March 11, 2006, granted a dispensation by MWB Al Jorgensen q Chartered as No. 317 during the 150 th Annual Communications by MWB Charles Mc. Query q Constituted on July 7, 2007 by MWB Wayne Smith q Since 1 st Stated Meeting (UD) in March 18, 2006, 18 members have been raised – one of the first 3 charter initiates is a Caucasian q Daylight lodge that meets at 2: 00 PM of odd-numbered months starting January q Strongly recommended Barong Tagalog – a dress code appropriate to the warm season October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 65

In summary q Filipino Freemasonry in the our State cannot be understood outside the context of Philippine history. q It is the historical experiences of the nation and the distinct ethnic psychosocial character of the people that one can attempt to understand a Filipino brother. q As Filipino Masons increase in numbers in the Pacific Northwest, or even in the entire United States and Canada, it is hoped that all of us will appreciate an understanding of the “basics” in freemasonry so that we, as a group, may have a meaningful contribution to the fraternity’s growth not by the numbers. . . but by the practice of genuine brotherhood – to reinforce the love, the respect and the reverence given by others to our beloved fraternity – by Masons or non-Masons alike. October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 66

An Epilogue q It is my hope, brethren and guests, that this presentation has provided you NOT with a perspective, BUT ONE OF THE perspectives of Filipino Freemasonry in our beautiful, rainy, evergreen State of Washington q It is my hope that other brethren will further the research and add into the body of knowledge befitting all researches q The views, opinions and errors are personally mine and does not at all, reflect those of the jurisdiction, the members of Filipino Masonic community, Luz. Vi. Minda Lodge No. 317, or any other blue lodges I may belong q As we part, I leave you a glimpse of an art by a “clandestine” brother from the “other” jurisdiction, one who was recognized in another country, and involuntarily exiled from his homeland by a colonizing master. Bert C. Bautista, PM October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 67

Sources and References q Filipinas Magazine, May 2008 Issue, page 56. Flashbacks. St. Malo: the real story (a synopsis) q Golden Jubilee Souvenir of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippines Archipelago 1925 -1975. Published 1975. Manila: Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago. q Hunt, Chester, Quisumbing, Socorro, Costello, M and Lacar, Luis. (1996). Sociology in the philippine setting, a modular approach. 4 th Ed. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House. q Panopio, Isabel S. , Cordero-Mac. Donald, Felicidad and Raymundo, Adelisa. (1994). Sociology focus on the Philippines. 3 rd Ed. Quezon City: KEN Incorporated. q Souvenir Program, 20 th Anniversary. 1966. Manila: Published by Gran Logia Soberana del Archipelago Filipino. q Website of Wikipedia. com q Website of MW Reynaldo Fajardo (GL of F & AM of the Philippines). q Website of the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippines October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 68

In celebration of the 100 years of Philippine Masonry October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 69

Thank you! Salamat! Merci! for allowing Luz. Vi. Minda 317 to present this, and very lastly we greet one and all MABUHAY! (mah–boo-high) virtually visit us at www. luzviminda 317. org Physically visit us at the Yancey C Blalock Masonic Hall 13524 Lake City Way, Seattle, Washington October 2013/Grandview Lodge 96 70