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Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A. M. Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 3 - (You can view this Newsletter online at www.cebulodge.co.nr) RTC of 9

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

Under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of

Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines

Volume 1, Issue 3 December 2010

Inside This Issue 1 WM Tan Assisted BIRth Inc. Induction of Officers

2 Cebu Fire Victims Got Helped…

3 Up in Arms...? No More!

4 Sisterhood Pack – A History in the Making

5 Courtesy of Maranaw Lodge No. 111

6 It’s Sand… Sun… Sea… Sail…

7 Cebu Lodge No. 128 Early Christmas Spirit

8 Cebu Lodge No. 128 Co-Hosted Visayas District Convention

9 It’s a Merry Little Christmas

10 Lodge Officers Uplifted City Jail Inmates’ Spirits

11 Cebu Lodge No. 128 Supports Mabuhay Shriners…

12 Bro. Marvin S. Sanchez Elected to the East

13 A Tribute to our Brother Dr. Jose P. Rizal

14 Hero’s Marker Restored…

15 Cebu Lodge No. 128 Dominated Bowling Tournament

WM Tan Assisted BIRth Inc. Induction of Officers The annual BIRTH, Inc. (Bureau of Internal Revenue Traveler’s

Haven, Inc.) Induction of officers went smoothly at the Grand

Ballroom of Montebello Villa Hotel in Apas, Lahug Cebu City

last July 23, 2010. This was the first time that such an event was

held outside metropolitan Manila. Birth members from all over

the country attended the gathering with around 200 in

attendance. Bro. Emir Abutazil was sworn in as the new Birth

National President. In attendance were 10 Past Grand Master of

Masons of the Philippines. They were MW Rizal Aportadera,

MW Danilo Angeles, MW Juanito Espina, MW Franklin de

Monteverde, MW Oscar Bunye, MW Eugenio Labitoria, MW

Romeo Yu, MW Jaime Gonzales, MW Pacifico Aniag, MW

Peter Lim Lusoy and MW Avelino Razon, Jr, the incumbent

Grand Master. It was the biggest number of past grand masters

in attendance outside of ANCOM.

One of the Highlights of the affair was the Inspirational

Messages of MW Avelino Razon, Jr. Grand Master of

Masons of the Philippines (former Chief of the Philippine

National Police) and VW Voltaire Juzmin, Secretary of

National Defense.

Birth awarded financial support in the amount of P50,000

for various medical mission projects in Cebu. This amount

was course through Cebu Lodge No. 128 represented by

WB Douglas S. Tan being one of its first Associate

Members in Cebu.

The meeting ended with a great fellowship anchored on

food, wine, fun and entertainment. With the successful

staging of this year’s annual BIRTH induction of officers,

everyone is looking forward to the next annual meeting. �


Up in Arms…? No More!

The Lodge was fortunate enough to host a luncheon meeting

with two (2) of our country’s bravest brother Masons in the

Arm Forces of the Philippines (AFP). WB Danilo “Danny” Lim

from the Philippine Marines, who holds the rank of General

and Bro. Ariel Querubin of the Philippine Scout Ranger, who

holds the rank of Colonel were in town to meet with Cebu

based brothers. Just this May, these brethren seek an elective

post in our country’s senatorial race but failed to land in the

magic 12.

However, even in defeat both brothers were graceful enough to

come back and give thanks to all the brethren who supported

them in that electoral process. Both brethren shared their

experiences, struggles as well as their own personal little

triumphs. Long Live my brothers! �

Cebu Fire Victims Got Helped… Cebu Lodge No. 128 members extended their own cabletows to

help fire victims in T. Padilla St., Cebu City. This was a densely

populated urban poor area which was hit by an evening fire that

razed more than 200 houses thereby leaving them homeless.

A few days after the fire broke out, members of Cebu Lodge

headed by Worshipful Master Douglas S. Tan immediately

distributed relief goods such food and non-food item to help

ease the plight of our homeless neighbors.

This benevolent act was greatly recognized by some sectors of

the society especially the local media group. An impromptu live

television interview over GMA 7 was made to WB Douglas

“Nikki” S. Tan. This was also simulcast live on their local radio

station. GMA 7 recognized our Lodge’s noble deed done to our

less fortunate neighbors. Kudos brethren! �


Sisterhood Pack – A History in the Making…

The historic Sisterhood Agreement between Cebu Lodge No.

128 and Maranaw Lodge No. 111 of Iligan City, Lanao del

Norte was finally signed last October 12 2010 during Cebu

Lodge stated meeting here in Cebu. District Officers of

Masonic District RX headed by District Deputy Grand Master

VW Buenaventura Alipio and Maranaw Lodge Officers and

members lead by WB Ian Uy were in full attendance to witness

this memorable occasion.

On our part, WB Douglas S. Tan signed in behalf of Cebu

Lodge and VW Robert Savellon had it for Masonic District

RVII-A. The signing was witnessed by other sojourning

brethren from other Masonic Lodges in the country.

By the signing of this pact both Lodges can now do more

projects for the benefit of the fraternity as well as to the

community we live. There will also be sharing on expertise and

experiences by both lodges and stronger brotherly ties and

linkages are seen ahead.

It was a history for Cebu Lodge 128 for this was the very first

time that such kind of bilateral ties was initiated. It is symbolic

in nature as the Sisterhood Pact served as the bridge to connect

the islands of Visayas and Mindanao. �

Courtesy of Maranaw Lodge No. 111 Coming in full force like marines going into battle, Maranaw

Lodge No. 111 conferred the 3rd degree of Masonry to Brother

Marvin Pañares last October 22, 2010 with finesse. WM Douglas

S. Tan opened and closed the Lodge of Master Masons while WB

Ian Uy open the second section while WB Alan Buenaventura

performed as King Solomon for the tragedy section. The famous

traditional Mindanao colorful costumes with the matching music

background were showcased by the members of the Conferral

Team.

It was a fitting tribute to Worshipful Master Douglas S. Tan who

he himself was raised some ten (10) years ago by the same Lodge

here in Cebu.

It was an awesome display of fluency in floor works and the

myriad of colorful costumes. WELL DONE my Brothers! �


Its Sand… Sun… Sea… Sail… Cebu Lodge No. 128 goes to the islands

Realizing the famous adage: “Work without fun makes Jack a dull

boy”, Cebu Lodge members and families together with members

of Maranaw Lodge went into island hopping last October 24,

2010. This was a day after the famous conferral team showcased

their conferral/raising prowess.

A motorized banca was hired to hop from one island unto

another to experience, to feel and to see Cebu’s glamorous

islands – An island in the Pacific. It was a day full of fun, food

and feast.

It was also a treat given by the Lodge for the great efforts

extended by our sister lodge – Maranaw Lodge No. 111. �

Cebu Lodge No. 128 Early Christmas Spirit… On October 13, 2010, the brethren Cebu Lodge No. 128 led by

WM Douglas S. Tan, and members of its sister lodge, Maranaw

Lodge No. 111 with WM Ian Uy, visited Vicente Sotto Hospital.

The group donated 50 beddings and mattresses for the ward for

children being handled by VW Felix J. Vicuña, Jr.

This project was in line with the Worshipful Master's goal this

year of extending a helping hand to children. And this was made

possible with the support of Uratex Foam. The brethren also

gave some toys to the children patients, brightening their days

and putting smiles to their faces.

Donation of medical supplies and Isoflurane (Anesthesia

Medicine) were also given to the Department of Surgery and

Anesthesia Department respectively.

After visiting the children the VW Felix J. Vicuña, Jr. kindly

gave the brethren a tour of newly constructed Burn Center.

There are still many works to be done and equipments to come

in before the center becomes fully operational.

But VW Felix is confident that when it does opens, the center

will be state of the art. And it will become a good avenue for the

brethren's charitable works. �


'

Cebu Lodge No. 128 Co-Hosted Visayas District Convention The annual Visayas District Convention of Masons was held

here in Cebu last October 8 and 9, 2010. This was a gathering of

all active Masons in the Visayas. Cebu Lodge No. 128 co-hosted

the event together with other Cebu based lodges namely,

Maktan Lodge No. 30 (Lead Lodge), Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 252

and Datu Lapu-Lapu Lodge No. 347 of Cordova, Mactan

Island.

It was a well-attended district convention with around 120

active Masons in attendance. It was held at the very cozy Sacred

Heart Center in Cebu with Most Worshipful Avelino I. Razon,

Jr., Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the

Philippines was the convention speaker. The fellowship night

and Grand Master’s Ball were both held at the Grand

Convention Center, Banilad Cebu City were the renewal of

brotherly ties and camaraderie were made. The sojourning

brethren were entertained and awed by songs and dances from

Cebu’s top performers.

(Most Worshipful Avelino I. Razon, Jr. awarded Bro. Alex K.

Verar. See related story on Page 8).

Truly, the night never sleep until it slipped. �

It was a Merry Little Christmas…

Who can forget Christmas? None at all brethren. Cebu Lodge,

as part of its family fellowship activity celebrated its annual

Christmas party at the newly opened function room of Cebu’s

famous chain of restaurant – AA BBQ Guadalupe. The affair

was well attended by most members of the Lodge and their

families. This time, the widows of our departed brethren of

Cebu Lodge No. 128 were also invited to make the affair more

meaningful and memorable.

Sisters Solidad Avellanosa together with her son, Hope

Latorena, Lilli Ann Du and her family, and Anglie Lim Gothong

were there to grace the affair. A bunch of roses, Christmas gifts

and some goodies were given to them.

It was a great moment for the widows and families of our

departed brethren as they reminisced the golden old days of

their Masonic life.

The Petitioners also presented a dance number in their colorful

red attire. A Rondalla group from San Nicolas Elementary

School composed of children ages 7-12 showed their musical

prowess through a variety of Christmas songs that made the

affair worth remembering. Wonderful and enticing door prizes

were given to lucky brethren and their family members.

The party ended with each one looking forward to a brighter

year ahead. Happy New Year! �


In our own little way, the Lodge wants to be part of that catalyst

which our society needs. This might be just simple little things

but incredibly important for Cebu City’s inmates. Change and

progress usually come in small packages.

The event ended with a peep talk from WB Douglas S. Tan who

encouraged the inmates never to give up their dreams and never

to stop learning new things. �

Cebu Lodge No. 128 Supports…

Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship

and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.

There are approximately 340,000 members from 193 temples

(chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto

Rico and the Republic of Panama. Starting July 2010, Mabuhay

Shriners is already operating independently under the

Jurisdiction of the Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic

Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America.

Our very own Most Worshipful Pablo C. Ko, Jr. of Cebu Lodge

No. 128 was the first Potentate of Mabuhay Temple.

(Continued at Page 7 / Shriners)

Lodge Officers Uplifted City Jail Inmates’ Spirits… Is there hope for inmate’s plight? This was the question that

keeps ringing on the ear of our Worshipful Master as he was

confronted with such query. To answer his doubts, our 3 Lights

together with VW Anderson Uy went to Cebu City Jail last

November 2010 to share something for these groups of people

– most of which have lost their light back home.

As an advanced Christmas giveaways they gave school supplies

such as blackboard, notebooks, grade pads, pens, teaching aids

and devices to be used for their educational training under the

tutelage of the Department of Education. As part of the

government’s trust for continued education and educational

upliftment, the inmates were given continued educational

programs which were accredited to our educational system.

Their progress is being assessed through a periodic government

managed accreditation examinations based on their level of

competency. This is very useful in a way that once they can avail

of their freedom, they can use it either for further studies or in

finding decent jobs.

Recognizing the inmates’ plight, Cebu Lodge wanted to be part

of this noble endeavor as our gesture to give back to society

what society has given to us.


Bro. Marvin S. Sanchez Elected to the East… Senior Warden, Bro. Marvin S. Sanchez was elected Worshipful

Master of the Lodge for Masonic Year 2011 in an election held

last December 14, 2010. Bro. Sanchez was raised into the

Sublime Degree of Master Mason last June 10, 2006. He holds

various positions such as Senior Decon, Junior Warden and

Senior Warden of the Lodge prior to his election. He is the son

of VW Rogelio “Roger” Sanchez also of Cebu Lodge No. 128.

Brothers Bryan Y. Teson and Frederick “Popoy” Yu were also

elected Senior and Junior Wardens respectively. With the

election to office of these new set of younger generation of

Masons, 2011 will indeed be a banner year for Cebu Lodge as it

will also celebrate a major milestone of her existence – 60th year

anniversary. �

A Tribute to our Brother Dr. Jose P. Rizal In commemoration of the 114th martyrdom anniversary of Dr.

Jose Rizal, Cebu Lodge No. 128 attended a solemn tribute for

the Philippine national hero last 30th December 2010.

Over 200 participants from the Cebu City government, the

media and the academe attended the tribute. The Highlight of

the event is the floral offering at Dr. Rizal’s monument at the

ground of Cebu City Hall.

(Continued at Page 8 / Rizal)

(From Page 6 / Shriners)

Shriners International supports Shriners Hospitals for

Children®, a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to

improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty

care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs

for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with

orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip

and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a

family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability

to pay.

Cebu Lodge No. 128 supports Filipinas Shrine Club by sending

off 5 novices to join the 9th Mabuhay Shriners Ceremonials held

at Echo Tech Center, Lahug, Cebu City Philippines last

November 19-20, 2010. It was a Fun Fun Fun experience for

the 22 novices from all over the Philippine archipelago. �


(From Page 7 / Rizal)

The Masonic delegation were among the largest crowd during

the event, headed by the District Deputy Grand Master Robert

E. Savellon of Masonic District RVII-A, together with the

brethren of other lodges namely Maktan Lodge No. 30, Cebu

Lodge No. 128, Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 252, and Datu Lapulapu

Lodge No. 347.

After the floral offering, the brethren were invited for a

breakfast at the office of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. �

Hero’s Marker Restored…

YEARS after it disappeared, the marker dedicated to Cebu’s

first post-war martyr of press freedom was restored. The Cebu

Citizens-Press Council and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama

unveiled the marker to remember slain Cebu journalist Antonio

Abad Tormis. Cebu Lodge No. 128 was invited to witness the

said event, headed by the Worshipful Master Douglas S. Tan.

Antonio Jr. said the marker for his father in front of the

Masonic Hall Association Inc. building on Borromeo St.

disappeared after a truck crashed into it. Roldarico Gemarino

Jr., a watchmaker whose stall was located near the marker, said

the monument was destroyed in 2000 yet. The marker was

made during the term of former mayor Carlos Cuizon. Fearless

in exposing anomalies, Antonio Sr., who was an editor and

columnist of the now defunct The Republic News, was shot on

July 3, 1961 inside his car after he had a haircut at a barber shop.

Antonio Sr. was exposing anomalies at the City Hall and

relentlessly pursued stories of corruption, particularly at the City

Treasurer’s Office. He focused on stories concerning payroll

padding, kickbacks, hospitalization loan anomalies and

overpricing of office supplies and garbage cans.

Rama hoped there will be more journalists who will follow in

the footsteps of Antonio Sr. �

Cebu Lodge No. 128 Dominated Bowling Tournament…

VW Robert E. Savellon, Disrtrict Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District RVII-A organize an Inter-Lodge Bowling Tournament held on August 28 and September 4, 2010 at Gaisano Bowlingplex.

Once again Cebu Lodge No. 128 has dominated the Inter-

Lodge Bowling Tournament, VW Anderson Uy defended his

title for the Highest Average score, the highest pin fall with a

score of 199 went to Bro. Alex K. Verar and in the group

category the blue team garnered the third place which have the

most number of Cebu Lodge No. 128 member lead by VW

Anderson Uy together with the members Bro James Demafeliz,

Bro. Oliver C. Ko, and Bro Alex Verar.

It was a Fun-Filled Event for the Whole Masonic Family. �

CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOS WM Douglas S. Tan Bro. Frederick D. Yu Bro. Marvin S. Sanchez Bro. Alex K. Verar EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bro. Raymond T. Chiu

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


Message from the East Delivered By: Worshipful Master Douglas S. Tan

From My Sanctum Sanctorum

Clean page is once again to be unfolded in the book of life of Cebu Lodge No. 128. Before it can be done, I would not forgive myself if I step down without opening my heart to say a few words of sincere gratitude to all who have made the pages of Masonic year 2010 a remarkable one. Honestly, I never thought I can survive the overwhelming responsibility bestowed upon me yet with all your cooperation… we all made it HAPPEN. I will always remember every brother who walked with me in my journey as master. Let me start by saying WELL DONE MY FAITHFUL BROTHERS! And as such allow me to thank our Immediate Past Master ANDERSON UY for the unbreakable support. To my idols, Most Worshipful Pablo C. Ko, Jr., Very Worshipful Dennis R. Villamor, Very Worshipful Sixto Rey M. Orig, my “agaw” Very Worshipful Jimmy U. Tan, Very Worshipful Johnson Lee and Very Worshipful Patrick Evan King for the continued support and Masonic wisdom. Very Worshipful William C. Ko and Very Worshipful Felix J. Vicuña, Jr. for the unconditional guidance… To Very Worshipful Jesus M. Ravanes who is my yardstick in all of my plans and programs. Those lengthy discussions became great exercises and avenues for me to learn more and still learning more. To my Senior Warden & Junior Warden Bros. Marvin S. Sanchez & Bryan Y. Teson who have assisted me along the way this Masonic year. Our Bro. Dy Sing who is always young... at heart, who always guided me in my sunshine visitation and accompany in all medical mission and a lot more. To Bro. Teepee Ledesma, Bro Alex Verar, Bro James Demafeliz and Bro. Louie Liston, who never fail to be present in our activities even in short notices. To Very Worshipful Ricardo Uy, Very Worshipful Roger Sanchez, Worshipful Brother Joseph Ngo and Worshipful Brother Stanley Uang for the great ideas they shared. To the district officers District Deputy Grand Master Very Worshipful Robert E. Savellon and Worshipful Brother Paul Alcazaren thank you for your support. To the Worshipful Master of the three lodges, Worshipful Master Hernand Ong, Worshipful Master Hudson Ong, and Worshipful Master Necomides Leonor who support and attend almost all our meetings and activities. Lastly, our Lodge Secretary who is my air and wind in flying towards our goals, Bro. Raymond T. Chiu. Probably, I have missed to mention some of your names, but it doesn’t mean I forgot your deeds for your name and faces have already been engraved in the sanctum sanctorum of my heart. So Brethren, Let us Go forth and seek further up and we will find Glory. Thank you very much. �

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