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Plato:

J ULY 2 0 11 ISSUE

Wisdom Monthly Publication of San Pedro Lodge No. 292 Free And Accepted Masons of the Philippines

PLATO WISDOM alone is the right coin with which to deal, and with it everything of real worth is bought and sold. And for it, Temperance and Justice, Fortitude and Prudence, are a kind of preliminary purification.

292 “THE MOST OUTSTANDING LODGE IN DISTRICT RIV-B”

And those who instituted the Mysteries for us appear to have been by no means contemptible persons, and to have intimated in a veiled manner that whoever descends into Hades uninitiated, and without being a partaker in the Mysteries, shall lie in the mire ; but that whoever arrived there purified and initiated, shall dwell with the Gods. Yet, as said those who preside over the Mysteries : 'Many are the candidates seeking Initiation, But few are the perfected Initiates.' But these few are, in my judgment, true wisdom-lovers; and that I may be of their number I shall leave nothing un-attempted, but shall exert myself. in all possible ways." SOCRATES in PLATO'S Phaedo.

/ San-Pedro-Lodge-No-292-Free-Accepted-Masons

SOON WE WILL BE TWITTING!!!!

WM Armando G. Cazzola Worshipful Master For Suggestions, Corrections and Reactions please EMAIL the EDITOR: [email protected] 09229334764

To all Brethren who wants to publicize their article, advertisements, and Announcements please feel free to contact the editor –in-charge

SUNSHINE NEWS

2

THE DEGREE

2

TRESTLE BOARD

2

Birthday ALERT

2

INDEPENDENCE

3

Reforest

4

District News

5

Photo gallery

6 &7

View from the EAST EAST

8

NEW 17

9

Masonic LAW

10

Appendant Bodies News

11

Wisdom

12

given to other LODGES and worthy MM’s who made a contribution for the district. Brethren of the lodge present in the district meeting namely, WM Armando G. Cazzola WB Ambrosio D. Restrivera VW Cesar L. Medina VW Joselito B. Maghirang VW Serafin E.R. Manarin Bro. Sec. Quirino M.Asug jr. Bro. Aaron Jeffrey B. Montenegro.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH:

Publication Staff Bro. Aaron Jeffrey B. Montenegro Committee on Publication

The lodge bags awards last June 17, 2010 at the district Meeting in Sta.Cruz where we received The Most Outstanding Lodge “Award” for Masonic Year 2010-2011 in the district of RIV-B together with a recognition award for San Pedro Lodge No. 292 F&A.M. for actively supporting the Immidiate Past DDGM Nilo B. Gavia’s Term of office. Several awards were

I NSI DE T HE C OMPA SSES

We @re On-LINE www.sanpedrolodge292.com www.sanpedrolodge.org www.thecompasses.net

[29] “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” [30] “And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.” [31] “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” *** BOOK OF GENESIS 1 : 29-31

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SUNSHINE NEWS!!!!

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Appendant Bodies “21st Public Installation of Officers”

Let us visit our brethren who are in distress or in trouble and extend our Cabletow and Twenty four inch gauge to them. Please ask our Senior Warden Bro. Januario B. Brusas for information of such brethren who are in need of Counsel and assistance.

The San Pedro Chapter Order of DeMolay just finished their Installation of officers last June 26, 2011 at the San Pedro Masonic Temple. Brethren, Parents, Guest and our sponsoring body were present in the said Convocation. The Guest Speaker bro. Winston P. Uy delivered a very inspiring Message about the theme “ By our Virtues and acts DEMOLAY will be

judged” also present were the National DeMolay congress representatives JMC-LUZON, Congress Secretary and the EX-O of RIV-B VW Joselito B. Maghirang. The newly elected officers are as follows: Master Councilor : Bro. Lech Nino C.Bagapuro Senior Councilor: Bro. Nikko Bernardo Junior Councilor: Bro. Lester C. Bagapuro Treasurer:

Bro. Justin Q. Queyqep

The Degree

Two new Fellow Crafts Bro. Benjie O. Ortiguero and Leopoldo Chomi passed to the second degree of masonry last June 11, 2011. with the worshipful

Master WM Armando G. Cazzola in the east, SW Juanario B. Brusas in the West and JW Bro. Arnel

Rebeta in the South. The lecture was given by bro. Winston P. Uy and charge by VW Ricardo O. Buendia. After passing fellowship followed and harmony prevailed among the brethren. “PLUMB, LEVEL & SQUARE”

O

n the Trestle Board REPORT

Knockers/Petitioners:

Michael Yanong

Udarbe Balmarin

Alfred L. Morales (**)

Nicanor V. Catimbang

Jerry Uy

Entered Apprentice Mason

Erwin M. Halog

Mark John C. Mangahis

Rey Narciso

Allison A. Alfeche

Espinelli Dennis

Noel Obrador

Valenzuela Rolando

Gil Bagapuro

Frederick A. Ocampo

Novebon Montoya

(*) For Circularization

Fellowcraft Mason

Jerwin B. Lopez

Rey I. Jacomille

(**) For Circularization &

EAM Benjie O. Ortiguero

Jextaire J. Fabian

Leon M. Chavez, Jr.

EAM Leopoldo Chomi

Joseph Alvin S. Sisik (**)

Dennis Espinelli

Home Visitation done by WM Armando G. Cazzola & VW Beato R. Relato, Jr.

BIRTHDAY ALERT Our brethren who will celebrate their birthday for the month of JULY 2011. Name

Date

Bro. Jose Ignacio A. Mananghaya

July 26,

Bro. Cesar L. Medina

July 21,

Bro. Mark Angelo R. Oro

July 03

Bro. Armando Cazzola

July 27

Bro. Serafin G.R. Manarin

July 21

Bro. John Power

July 30

Upcoming Events and Lodge Activities TREE PLANTING PROJECT - July 2, 2011 MAGSAYSAY AVE. NEAR BRGY GSIS SUBD. Meeting Place and assembly (Municipal Hall of San Pedro 6:00am **please wear casual attire**)

MEDICAL MISSION/FAMILY DAY/ CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION— July 16, 2011 starting at 8:00am onwards it’s a whole fun filled day for our family and brethren. Diabetes Seminar, family Day Fellowship and Charter Day Celebration will be held at the lodge temple.

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“The Principle of Masonic LAW” (MD Albert G. Mackey)

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Independence Day Celebration

T HE AUTHORITIES FOR MASONIC LAW. The laws which govern the institution of Freemasonry are of two kinds, unwritten and written, and may in a manner be compared with the "lex non scripta," or common law, and the "lexseripta," or statute law of English and American jurists. The "lex non scripta," or unwritten law of Freemasonry is derived from the traditions, usages and customs of the fraternity as they have existed from the remotest antiquity, and as they are universally admitted by the general consent of the members of the Order. In fact, we may apply to these unwritten laws of Masonry the definition given by Blackstone of the "leges non scriptæ" of the English constitution—that "their original institution and authority are not set down in writing, as acts of parliament are, but they receive their binding power, and the force of laws, by long and immemorial usage and by their universal reception throughout the kingdom." When, in the course of this work, I refer to these unwritten laws as authority upon any point, I shall do so under the appropriate designation of "ancient usage." The "lexscripta," or written law of Masonry, is derived from a variety of sources, and was framed at different periods. The following documents I deem of sufficient authority to substantiate any principle, or to determine any disputed question in masonic law. 1. The "Ancient Masonic charges, from a manuscript of the Lodge of Antiquity," and said to have been written in the reign of James II.1 2. The regulations adopted at the General Assembly held in 1663, of which the Earl of St. Albans was Grand Master.2 3. The interrogatories propounded to the Master of a lodge at the time of his installation, and which, from their universal adoption, without alteration, by the whole fraternity, are undoubtedly to be considered as a part of the fundamental law of Masonry. 4. "The Charges of a Freemason, extracted from the Ancient Records of Lodges beyond sea, and of those in England, Scotland, and Ireland, for the use of the Lodges in London," printed in the first edition of the Book of Constitutions, and to be found from p. 49 to p. 56 of that work.3 5. The thirty-nine "General Regulations," adopted "at the annual assembly and feast held at Stationers' hall on St. John the Baptist's day, 1721," and which were published in the first edition of the Book of Constitutions, p. 58 to p. 6. The subsequent regulations adopted at various annual communications by the Grand Lodge of England, up to the year 1769, and published in different editions of the Book of Constitutions. These, although not of such paramount importance and universal acceptation as the Old Charges and the Thirty-nine Regulations, are, nevertheless, of great value as the means of settling many disputed questions, by showing what was the law and usage of the fraternity at the times in which they were adopted. Soon after the publication of the edition of 1769 of the Book of Constitutions, the Grand Lodges of America began to separate from their English parent and to organize independent jurisdictions. From that period, the regulations adopted by the Grand Lodge of England ceased to have any binding efficacy over the craft in this country, while the laws passed by the American Grand Lodges lost the character of general regulations, and were invested only with local authority in their several jurisdictions. Before concluding this introductory section, it may be deemed necessary that something should be said of the "Ancient Landmarks of the Order," to which reference is so often made. Various definitions have been given of the landmarks. Some suppose them to be constituted of all the rules and regulations which were in existence anterior to the revival of Masonry in 1717, and which were confirmed and adopted by the Grand Lodge of England at that time. Others, more stringent in their definition, restrict them to the modes of recognition in use among the fraternity. I am disposed to adopt a middle course, and to define the Landmarks of Masonry to be, all those usages and customs of the craft—whether ritual or legislative—whether they relate to forms and ceremonies, or to the organization of the society—which have existed from time immemorial, and the alteration or abolition of which would materially affect the distinctive character of the institution or destroy its identity. Thus, for example, among the legislative landmarks, I would enumerate the office of Grand Master as the presiding officer over the craft, and among the ritual landmarks, the legend of the third degree. But the laws, enacted from time to time by Grand Lodges for their local government, no matter how old they may be, do not constitute landmarks, and may, at any time, be altered or expunged, since the 39th regulation declares expressly that "every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power and authority to make new regulations or to alter these (viz., the thirty-nine articles) for the real benefit of this ancient fraternity, provided always that the old landmarks be carefully preserved."

On Sunday, June 12, as scheduled, SPL292 Brethren, in Full Regalia, the San Pedro DeMolay also in full regalia, with the Petitioners (50 all in all) assembled at the SPL square plaza, fronting the Municipal Hall at 6:45AM and were given the front seats with the Mayor Calxto R. Cataquiz. At the Flag raising SPL292 was given the honor to raise the Flag. The 3 SPL292 Wreaths were then Laid by SPL292 Brethren, with the Mayor, escorted by the smartly dressed San Pedro DeMolay. At 9.30AM the Brethren, DeMolay, Petitioners and Sisters went for a late breakfast to McDonalds. (**correction above errors: SAN PEDRO MASONS 292). More Pictures at the Photo Gallery pg. 6-7

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Let’s Reforest our Country : A Project of Philippine Masons

BOOK OF GENESIS 1:29-31 [29] And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. [30] And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. [31] And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. JUNE WAS PHILIPPINE FREEMASONS. TREE PLANTING MONTH, WE HAD SCHEDULED OUR TREEPLANTING FOR SATURDAY JUNE 25, THE TYPHOON AND ITS RELATED FLOODS, MADE US CHANGE THE SCHEDULE TO JULY 2, 2011.IT IS THE PLANNING OF OUR TREE PLANTING ACTIVITY THAT MADE ME CHOSE THE QUOTATION FOR JULY FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS. IN FACT WHAT COULD BE MORE APPROPRIATE THAN OUR HOLY BOOK’S REPORT OF GOD’S CREATION OF TREES AND OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT,TO REMIND US THAT THIS BEAUTIFULL WORLD WE HAVE, IS A PART OF GOD CREATION SPECIFICALLY ENTRUSTED TO MAN TO MAKE POSSIBLE HUMAN LIFE ON EARTH. OUR MW GRAND MASTER JUANITO ABERGAS HAS MADE JUNE THE TREE PLANTING MONTH FOR US MASONS, THE CHOICE OF THE MONTH IS GOOD, RAINY SEASON HAS STARTED AND THE RAIN WILL HELP THE NEWLY PLANTED SEEDLINGS TO SURVIVE. WE HAVE PREPARED AND INSTALLED TARPAULIN BILLBOARD FOR THE EVENT, NOT TO CALL ATTENTION TO US , BUT TO CALL THE PUBLIC’S ATTENTION ON TREEPLANTING, AS THE CONTINUATION OF GOD’S CREATION. LET THE MASONS SHOW THE WAY TO THE CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF OUR ENDANGERED ENVIRONMENT. LET OUR TREE-PLANTING BE VISIBLE, SO TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO IMITATE AND REPLICATE. AND THERE IS POETIC JUSTICE IN THIS, WHATEVER WE DO GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT GIVES US LONG TERM GOOD RETURNS, LIKEWISE WHEN WE DAMAGE THE ENVIRONMENT, RETRIBUTION IS SURE.

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Orientation of the New 17 The New 17 Petitioners of San Pedro Lodge No. 292 undergone “PETITIONERS ORIENTATION” a Multimedia Seminar Conducted by VW Beato R. Relato Chairman of Committee on Petitioners Supervision together with the WM Armando G. Cazzola last June 20, 2011 at the lodge Social Hall. The attendees where very enthusiastic and actively participated in the discussion and question and answer Forum of the seminar. The Orientation Included Brief Masonic History, Qualifications and Petitioner’s Decorum.

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T H E C O M P AS S ES SP ECIAL CENTER FOLD GALLERRY M ON TH LY P U BLICAT IO N O F S AN P ED RO L O DG E N O . 2 92 F REE A N D A CCEP T ED

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Photo Gallery Independence Day and RIZAL @ 150 June 12, 2011 And June 19, 2011

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A View from the EAST JULY REFLECTIONS FROM THE ORIENTAL CHAIR OF SAN PEDRO LODGE No.292 -WM Armando G. Cazzola-

THE JUST CONCLUDED MONTH OF JUNE, 2011, HAS BEEN A VERY BUSY MONTH FOR US MASONS.JUNEIS IN FACT A VERY SPECIAL MONTH FOR PHILIPPINE MASONS, JUNE 12 IS INDEPENDENCE DAY, JUNE 19 IS RIZAL BIRTH DAY, TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY, BOTH EVENTS LINKED WITH A THREE FOLD TIE TO PHILIPPINE FREEMASONRY. THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY WHICH IS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 12, IS IN COMMEMORATION OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN, READ ON JUNE 12, 1898. THE PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION AGAINST THE COLONIAL POWER WAS , IN REALITY, AND AS REFLECTED IN THE WORDS OF THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC, EMILIO AGUINALDO, INSPIRED BY MASONS AND MASONIC IDEALS, PLANNED BY MASONS AND CARRIED OUT BY MASONS. FREEMASONRY WAS THE UNIFYING FORCE WHICH MADE POSSIBLE FOR SO MANY DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUND, FROM DIFFERENT PROVINCES WITH DIFFERENT DIALECTS TO UNITE AND ACT TOGETHER. EVENTUALLY IT TOOK 48 MORE YEARS, A WORLD WAR WHICH SAW THE COUNTRY OCCUPIED BY THE JAPANESE IMPERIAL ARMY, A LIBERATION WAR FOUGHT TOGETHER BY FILIPINO AND AMERICANS, BEFORE TOTAL INDEPENDENCE COULD BE ACHIEVED, BUT THE SPARK THAT STARTED IT ALL WAS FREEMASONRY AND ITS IDEALS OF FREEDOM, EQUALITY AND BROTHERHOOD WHICH INSPIRED AND UNITED THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ON THAT FATEFULL DAY, JUNE 12, 1898. IT WAS NOT THEN BY MERE CHANCE THAT THE FIRST AND THE OTHER GREATEST PRESIDENTS OF THE INDEPENDENT PHILIPPINES WERE ALL MASONS. JUNE 19 MARKS THE BIRTHDAY OF DR. JOSE P. RIZAL, THE GREAT PATRIOT, A MARTYR FOR FREEDOM, NATIONAL HERO, MULTIFACETED GENIOUS, THE GREATEST FILIPINO MASON, THE PRIDE OF ALL US MASONS. AS I WAS STATING ABOVE, JUNE IS A VERY SPECIAL MONTH FOR US MASONS IN THE PHILIPPINES, FIRST, WE ARE REMINDED OF THE GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS OF FREEMASONRY IN THE COUNTRY, SECOND BUT NOT LESS IMPORTANT, JUNE HAS 2 DAYS IN WHICH WE MASONS PARTICIPATE CIVIC ACTIVITIES, PARADES, CEREMONIES, WEARING OUR REGALIA. WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT TO US? BECAUSE , WEARING OUR REGALIA WHILE ATTENDING, IN GOOD NUMBER, PUBLIC FUNCTIONS, WE GET RECOGNIZED AS MASONS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE NECESSARILY TAKES NOTICE OF OUR ORDERLY AND WELL ORGANIZED PARTICIPATION, OUR SINCERE RESPECT FOR THE INSTITUTIONS AND THE NOBLE TRADITIONS.

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District R-IVB News VW Noriel Alexis S. Albano DDGM Masonic District RIVB had its 1st District Meeting at the Pinagsabitan Lodge No. 26 in Sta. Cruz Laguna after the Flag Raising Ceremonies in the Provincial Capitol last June 17 2011. All lodges in the District Participated in the said occasion. During the said District Meeting the Outgoing DDGM Nilo B. Gavia gave several awards to some LODGES and MM’S who made his term successful. Below are some pictures taken during the district meeting and awarding ceremonies.