Mencius Bags 4 District Awards

Ten years later in 1994, WM Peter Phoa Yong Chip was the first Worshipful Master to initiate the wearing of uniform inside the lodge: White Barong Tagalog with embroidered white logo of Mencius Lodge at the left breast, black pants, and black shoes. He conducted a Medical Mission for the poor residents of a depressed area in Barrio Imelda, Araneta East Subdivision, Quezon City. He held Moon Cake Festival and Christmas Party for the members and family of the lodge. He supported the Masonic Charity for Crippled Children. He actively participated in all the activities of the district. In recognition of all his efforts, District Deputy Grand Master VW Alexander Madamba awarded him the Most Outstanding Lodge and the Most Outstanding Worshipful Master in District I-A. The other two District awardees were also from Mencius Lodge. VW Mariano Sih received the Most Outstanding Lodge Secretary, while WI Andy Lim bagged the Most Outstanding Grand Lodge Inspector.

Mencius Wins 3 Grand Lodge Awards

For the first time in the history of the lodge, Mencius won 3 Grand Lodge awards for 1996:

1. Outstanding Lodge
2. Outstanding Worshipful Master
3. Outstanding Lodge Secretary

Mencius: Outstanding Lodge

Grand Master MW Jose Percival Adiong declared Mencius Lodge as Outstanding Lodge of the Year 1996 during the ANCOM in April 1997 at Tacloban City. The Committee on Award evaluated the performance and accomplishments of the lodge based on the following criteria:

1. Quality of the Meetings
2. Promptness and Quality of Reports
3. Programs and Projects
4. Participation in District and Grand Lodge Activities
5. Inter-Lodge and Intra-Lodge Relationships

Promptness and Quality of Reports. The lodge through its Secretary, VW Mariano Sih, promptly submitted all the required reports to the Grand Lodge: Minutes of the Meeting, Secretary's Report, Treasurer's Financial Statement, monthly Mencius Bulletin, List of Members and Membership Dues.

Programs and Projects. The lodge implemented programs and projects of the Grand Lodge on community services, charity, and for the benefits of the members.

1. Community Services
   The MedicallDental Civic Action Projects of Mencius Lodge benefited 5,827 poor and less fortunate people in the different depressed areas of the country. The project includes free medical consultation and treatment, dental examination and extraction, de-worming and milk feeding, blood pressure test, circumcision, anti-rabies and anti-FMD campaign, informational drive on personal hygiene and community cleanliness. Free medicines were also distributed to the indigent patients with doctor's prescription.
   
2. Charity
   The lodge's Scholarship Program helped the poor but deserving students in their elementary education. It donated to the Masonic Charities for Crippled Children, Inc. The members visited and cheered the disadvantaged children at the Masonic Ward of the Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo, Manila. It had also extended financial assistance to a burn victim.
   
3. For the Benefit of the Members

   The lodge had undertaken several projects for the benefit of the members:

   a. Masonic Education

   Masonic Education was regularly conducted every stated meeting to keep the members updated in their Masonic knowledge. The new members benefited particularly from this portion of the meeting as they increased their knowledge on Masonic subjects.

   b. Sunshine Visitation

   The members of the lodge visited the sick and senior members, widows and orphans. The visited brethren were very happy and enjoyed the company of the visiting brethren.

   c. Physical Fitness Program

   To keep the members physically fit and healthy, the lodge organized the Sunday Walkers Club and Tai Chi Classes.

   d. Newsletter

   To inform the members about the plans and activities of the lodge, Ed Ramos initiated the publication of monthly newsletter: Mencius Bulletin.

   e. Award and Recognition

   Brethren who supported the activities of the lodge that contributed to the achievement of the goals of the lodge were given due recognition and awards.

   f. Enhance Closer Family Relaationship

   The lodge had undertaken the following activities to enhance closer family relationship among the members of the lodge: Officers' Night, Family Excursion, Educational Tour, Moon Cake Festival, and Christmas Party.

Inter-Lodge and Intra-Lodge Relationships. During the year, members of the lodge attended and assisted in the installation of officers of other lodges. They also assisted Nilad Lodge in the conferral of the 3rd Degree of Masonry on its candidate. They also attended the 75th Anniversary celebration of Kasilawan Lodge. Indeed, they maintained good relationship with other lodges.

Over 30 members attended every lodge meeting in 1996. Harmonious relationship prevailed among the members of the lodge. Members cooperated in the accomplishment of all the activities and projects of the lodge. Closer relationships also existed among the families of the members through excursion and parties.

Ed Ramos: Outstanding Worshipful Master

During his inaugural speech, Ed Ramos outlined his program of activities for the Masonic Year 1996: M-E-N-C-I-U-S

M - Masonic Education and Masonic Award & Recognition

E - Enhance Closer Family Relationship

N - Newsletter

C - Charity/Civic Action/Community Services

I - Inter-Lodge Visitation and Independence Day Celebration

U - Uniform

S - Sunshine Visitation, Scholarship/Y outh Program and Sport l
     Physical Fitness Program

To implement this plan and program, he created several committees:

1. Masonic Education Committee
2. Award & Recognition Committee
3. Special Events Committee
4. Charity Committee
5. Medica1lDental Committee
6. Scholarship Committee
7. Sunshine Committee
8. Sport Committee

With the cooperation, commitment and support of the members, Ed Ramos has successfully implemented all the programs and projects planned at the start of the year.

The Medical/Dental Civic Action Projects of the Lodge had benefited 5,827 poor and less

fortunate members of the depressed communities. It has won the heart and goodwill of the people toward the fraternity. They become aware of the charity projects being undertaken by the Freemasonry.

Closer family relationship among the members has been achieved through various family-get together activities: Officers, Night, Excursion/Family Outing, Educational Tour, Past Masters Night/Charter Day, Moon Cake Festival and Christmas Party.

Scholarship Program has helped 7 poor students in their education. The Lodge will continue to support these students up to the completion of their secondary education. The Lodge had also extended financial assistance to a fire victim whose 7-year-old niece perished during the conflagration. It had donated cash to Masonic Charities for Crippled Children, Inc., A. Mabini Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Scottish Rite Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. Sport Program has kept the brethren physically fit. Sunshine visitations were made to senior and sick members, widows and orphans. Two brethren had restored their membership with the lodge. Bro. Rafael Rodriquez, a long lost brother, had availed of the amnesty under Edict 173 last Nov 6. He was raised 43 years ago as Master Mason on 27 May 1953 and suspended on 7 Dec 1983 for non-payment of dues. Another brother, George Juanico, paid his past due account within 2 years after the suspension for nonpayment of dues.

The lodge conducted Masonic Funeral Services for 2 departed brethren: Bro. Josefino Arqueza, and WB John Ong Lin Siu.

Meetings started on time and followed a prepared agenda. An average of not less than 30 members and guests attended the meetings. The committees regularly made a report on their respective activities. The members were in proper attire and observed proper decorum. They actively participated in the discussion of the issues under consideration. Masonic Education was always conducted for the benefits of the members.

The lodge maintains good relationship with other lodges. It helped other lodges in the installation of officers and conferral of degree. It has actively participated in all District and Grand Lodge activities. Monthly and Annual Reports, membership dues, and other requirements of the District and Grand Lodge were promptly submitted.

VW Mariano Sih: Outstanding Lodge Secretary

During the 81st Annual Communication at Tacloban City on 24 April 1997, VW Mariano Sih received the Outstanding Lodge Secretary Award from Grand Master MW Jose Percival Adiong. He has consistently and regularly submitted all reports of the Lodge on time: Minutes of Stated and Special Meetings, monthly financial statement, monthly Mencius Bulletin and other requirements of the District and the Grand Lodge. He also promptly remitted the membership dues. He efficiently and effectively sent notices to the members of the lodge. He regularly attended meetings and actively participated in all the activities and projects of the lodge District and Grand Lodge.

WM Michael Lim Chee We initiated the acquisition of a permanent office for the lodge. He successfully launched the fund raising for the renovation of the office space at the mezzanine near the entrance of the Scottish Rite Temple. The brethren contributed a total amount of P122,100.00. Other brethren donated office furniture and equipment as well as appliances. A Plague of Acknowledgement at the new office shows the names of the generous donors to this project. The office was inaugurated at 4 PM on 1 Oct 1997. This was the first time for the lodge to have an office of its own.

On the same evening, Ms. Teresita Ang See (the Founding President of the Kaisa Para Sa

Kaunlaran, Inc.) was the guest speaker during the meeting. She talked about the Chinese participation in the Philippine revolution, the Chinese influence on the Philippine history, and the Chinese contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

During the Charter Day on 24 June 1997 at Taipan Seafood Restaurant, WM Mike Lim gave due recognition to the Past Masters who brought honors to the lodge and those who has served the as Grand Lodge officers. VW Benito C. Ang received the award for being the first member of the lodge to became the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District I-A. For having served as Assistant Grand Treasurer, VW Cristino Lim was awarded a Plaque of Recognition. VW Andy Lim was presented the award for serving as Grand Lodge lecturer. For outstanding service to the lodge, senior Past Masters WB Benjamin Gotamco, Sr. and Angeles Limguat were also presented Plague of Recognition. In recognition of his distinguished and outstanding service to the lodge as secretary, Mike awarded VW Mariano Sih a Plague of Recognition. WBs Peter Phoa and Ed Ramos were also duly recognized. The former won the Most Outstanding Lodge and Most Outstanding Worshipful Master in District I-A. The later earned 2 honors from the Grand Lodge: the Outstanding Lodge and the Outstanding Worshipful Master.

As a token of appreciation, WM Mike distributed to the brethren and visitors a miniature of Plague with an inscription that reads: "In Harmony, We Unite." The theme is translated in Chinese. The logo of Freemasonry, name of the lodge, year 1997, and Mike Lim also appear on the plate.

WM Mike Lim also successfully led the lodge in the conduct of free Medical and Dental Civic Action at Bgy. 192, Barrio Obrero, Tondo, Manila on 20 July 1997. The charity project was undertaken jointly with the Chinatown Charity Foundation, Inc. and the 4th NCR Battalion, 131·t Infantry Division, Philippine Army. It benefited 1,295 indigent residents of this depressed area of the community.

On 27 July 1997, Mike led a group of brethren and visited a widow and senior members of the lodge: Sis. Ursulina Esteban (widow), WB Federico Chusuey (75 years old, Past Master, 1963), Bro. Chua Bon Kue (81 years old), and Bro. Tommy Uyliapco.

To foster closer family relationship, Mike led the brethren and their family to an excursion at Splash Island, Southwoods, Ecocentrum, Biñan, Laguna on 18 May 1997. In addition, he also held the celebration of Moon Cake Festival on 14 Sept 1997 at Tang Dynasty Restaurant. Christmas Party was scheduled for the members and their family on 22 Dec 1997 at the Masonic Heroes.Hall of the Scottish Rite Temple.

On the evening of 21 January 1998, WM Mike Lim awarded the first Hiram Award to WM Angeles Limguat. He is the oldest Past Master of the Lodge who despite his old age is still very active in attending lodge meetings. He is always at the lodge before it starts the meeting. He cheerfully fills up the position of an absent officer. He coordinated the medical and dental civic action conducted last July in the depressed area of Barrio Obrero, Tondo, Manila. This charity project benefited 1,295 indigent patients.

In the souvenir program of his movie premier, WM Alejandro Tan aptly stated: " ... Mencius Lodge No. 93 will be celebrating its 75th year Diamond Jubilee Anniversary on June 28. 1999. To mark this historic milestone. the Diamond Jubilee Committee started its plans and begun working as early this year to raise funds to be able to perform an enduring project worthy to commemorate the 75th year existence of our lodge."

On 20 June 1998, a movie premiere on the "GODZILLA" was held at SM Mega Mall Cinema 9. The fund-raising project was a resounding success as it was able to raise a gross income of about P808,360.00. He donated P50,000.00 of the proceeds to the Filipinas Shrine Foundation. After deducting the costs and expenses incurred in connection with the movie premiere, the lodge was able to raise a net income of P570,000.00. This fund will be earmarked for the celebration of its 75th foundation day next year.

WM Andy Tan led the lodge in the celebration of the 74th Charter Day on 27 June 1998 at the Masonic Heroes Hall of the Scottish Rite Temple. On the same evening, he honored the Past Masters by giving them a book written by VW Mabini G. Hernandez entitled: "Reflections on Masonic Values." The lodge held family excursion on 22 March 1998 at Sunrise Resort, Antipolo, Rizal. The lodge also held a family-get-together affair by celebrating the Moon Cake Festival on the noontime of 18 Oct 1998 at Hwa Yuen Restaurant, Escolta, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

On 25 Oct 1998, the lodge and Masonic District 1, Manila Bodies, and 4th NCR Battalion, 131ST Infantry Division, Philippine Army jointly conducted Medical and Dental Civic Action at the Oro B corner Estrada St., San Andres, Manila. The project benefited 1,119 indigent residents of this depressed area. Besides, it has earned the admiration of the public, government officials, and military officers toward the Fraternity.

This year 1999 is the 75th Diamond Year of Mencius Lodge. To commemorate this year Diamond Jubilee, the lodge under the dynamic leadership of Diamond Worshipful Master Henry Yap has undertaken and participated in the following important and long lasting projects:

1. Centennial Clock at Rizal Park, Manila
2. Commemorative Marble MatXer at Scottish Rite Temple, Manila
3. Donation to Kaisa Heritage Trust Fund
4. 75th Diamond Year Souvenir Program
5. Diamond Jubilee Party at Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel
6. Medical and Dental Civic Action Project

The Centennial Clock

The Centennial Clock at the Rizal Park, Manila has two important purposes. The first purpose is to tell time accurately to all passers-by at the park as the satellite control its movement with precision. The other most important purpose is to remind us that 100 years ago, our forefathers had successfully launched a revolution against the Spaniards to gain our independence from foreign domination.

The Cost of the Project

Mencius Lodge played a key role in the erection of the Centennial Clock at the Rizal Park, Manila. This was the pet project of District 5 DDGM VW Sonny Wang last year. The construction of the structure for the Centennial Clock will cost about one million pesos.

The 3 Bulova round clocks costing about US $54,000.00 was donated by the Swiss Bulova Clock Company. This was solicited through the effort of Dapitan Lodge WM Wilfred Yu. All engineering design and plans, blue print and surveying works costing about P50,000.00 were provided by Bro. Hombono C. Pique free of charge to the Grand Lodge. Pique is a member of Makabugwas Lodge No. 47 and Palanyag Lodge, U.D.

However, the project can not be started for lack of fund. VW Sonny Wang appealed to the different lodges in the National Capital Region for the badly needed financial resources for this project. No lodge came out with a substantial sum of money to start the project. Mencius Lodge decided to donate P400,000.00 to the project so that it can at least take off from the planning board to the actual construction.

Mencius' Donation to the Project

On 29 March 1999 at about 9:30 a.m, WM Henry Yap led a group of Mencius members to the Grand Lodge and presented a check in the amount of P400,000.00 to Grand Master MW Enrique Locsin. The other members of the lodge who witnessed the presentation of the check were VW Ed Ramos (DDGM of Masonic District 1), VW Mariano Sih (Lodge Secretary), WB William Co Dy (Treasurer), WB Michael Lim Chee We, and VW Benito C. Ang. Sis. Susan Locsin and VW Sonny Wang (DDGM of Masonic District 5) also witnessed the donation to the project.

The Unveiling of the Clock

On 15 May 1999 at about 3:30 p.m., Pres. Joseph Ejercito Estrada was represented by Executive Secretary Ronnie Zamora in the unveiling of the Centennial Clock at the Rizal Park. The clock marker stands at the center of the sidewalk in front of the two cement carabaos at the Roxas Blvd. The unveiling ceremony was started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and Grand Lodge Hymn. VW Jaime Gonzales delivered the invocation. VW Samuel Fernandez, the Master of Ceremonies, presented the guests. VW Sonny Wang welcomed the brethren and the guests. Dir. Antonio S. Mercado (Executive Director of National Parks Development Committee) and MW Enrique Locsin (pGM) delivered their respective messages. Executive Secretary Ronnie Zamora read the messages of Pres. Estrada.

Mencius Attends the Unveiling Ceremony

VW Ed Ramos, VW Mariano Sill, VW Benito C. Ang,VW Lucas T. Ty, WM Henry Yap, WB

Alejandro Tan, WB William Co Dy, WB Angeles Limguat, WB Mariano Cleto, WB Michael Lim Chee We, WB Johnson Yu, Nelson Cheng, Paul C. Ibasco, Andres Co Sy, William Que, Benson So, Florencio Sia, Ely Rodriguez, and Henry Ramos witnessed this important historical event.

The Commemorative Marble Marker at the Scottish Rite Temple reminds us the significant role of our brethren in the successful revolution against the Spanish rule in 1896. A century ago, Masonry played a key role in the fight for the independence of our country from foreign domination.

The Inscription on the Marker

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo's famous statement on the manner of the revolution against the Spanish rule was inscribed on the Marker. He declared: "The successful revolution of 1896 was masonically inspired, masonically led and masonically executed and I venture to say that the first Philippine Republic of which I was its humble President was an achievement we owe largely to Masonry and the masons."

The Cost of the Project

On 29 March 1999, WM Henry Yap presented a check in the amount of P39,500.00 to ll1. Alberto C. Reyes for the construction and installation of the Commemorative Marble Marker near the entrance of the Scottish Rite Temple. VW Ed Ramos (District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 1), VW Mariano Sih (Secretary), VW Benito C. Ang, WB William Co Dy (Treasurer), and WB Michael Lim Chee We witnessed the presentation ceremony.

The Completed Project

On 15 May 1999 at about 9:00 AM, the brethren unveiled the centennial marker at the Scottish Rite Temple. WM Henry Yap, VW Ed Ramos (PDDGM), VW Mariano Sih (Secretary), VW Benito C. Ang, WB William Co Dy (Treasurer), WB Michael Lim Chee We, WB Alejandro Tan, WB Angeles Limguat, WB Mariano Cleto, WB Johnson Yu, Nelson Cheng, Paul C. Ibasco, Benson So, Florencio Sia, and Ely Rodriguez were present during the ceremony.

Donation to Kaisa Heritage Trust Fund

Kaisa ... a bridge between Tsinoys and fellow Filipinos. It is a cause-oriented non-government organization aimed at promoting the integration of the Tsinoys into mainstream Philippine society. It helps bring Tsinoys into meaningful participation in national concerns. It aims to enhance the Filipinos' understanding and awareness of the true role of the ethnic Chinese in Philippine life (Tsinoy, 1997: 11).

The Decision to Donate

Mencius believes in this worthwhile endeavor of Kaisa: " ... to document the rich heritage and significant legacy of the Tsinoys in the history of the Filipino nation ... " (Teresita Ang See' Message, 1 Oct 1997) Hence, the lodge decided to donate to the Kaisa Trust Fund.

Tour of the Kaisa Museum

On 15 May 1999 at about 10:30 a.m., WM Henry Yap led a group of brethren from Mencius Lodge and toured the Kaisa Museum at the comer of Anda and Cabildo Sts., Intramuros, Manila. Ms. Teresita Ang See explained to the group the exhibits inside the museum. It holds precious artifacts brought to the Philippines by the early Chinese - from farm implements, weaving loom, cooking ware, goldsmith tools, and other items that had impact on Philippine life; to precious pottery and porcelain and other treasures. Valuable photographs depicting all aspects of Chinese life amongst the Filipinos adorn the walls of the museum.

The exhibits reconstruct the life of the Tsinoys in the millenia in the Philippines starting from the early trading activities in the Parian days to their common struggle to defend Philippine freedom and nationhood and ending with the role and impact on contemporary Philippine society (Tsinoy, 1997: 45).

Mencius Presents its Donation

After the tour, the group proceeded to the office of Kaisa. WM Henry Yap presented the check

worth Pl00,000.00 to Ms. Nancy Herrin, the President of Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. VW Ed Ramos (PDDGM), VW Mariano Sih (Secretary), VW Benito C. Ang, VW Lucas T. Ty, WB William Co Dy (Treasurer), WB Michael Lim Chee We, Alejandro Tan, WB Angeles Limguat, WB Mariano Cleto, WB Johnson Yu, Nelson Cheng, Andres Co Sy, William Que, Paul C. lbasco, Benson So, Florencio Sia, and Ely Rodriguez witnessed the donation to the trust fund

75th Diamond Year Souvenir Program

Mencius published a souvenir program during its 70th Anniversary. It will again publish a souvenir program for this 75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. This was the decision of the Diamond Jubilee Committee. The Chairman of the Committee is WB Danilo Ong. The members are VW Benito C. Ang, VW Mariano Sih, WB William Co Dy, WB Johnson Yu, WB Peter Phoa Yong Chip, WB Wilson Keh, WB Michael Lim Chee We, and WB Alejandro Tan.

VW Ed Ramos was designated as Chairman of the Committee on Publications, while WB Michael Lim Chee We was in charge of the Committee on Ads Solicitation. VW Mariano Sih is the official Photographer.

The Souvenir Program is divided into four parts. First part contains the Messages from the VIPs of the Fraternity and friends of the lodge. Second part lists the names of the Officers, Past Masters, Charter Members, Honorary Members and Regular Members of the Lodge. Third part includes some important articles on the Lodge: "History of Mencius Lodge", "The Oldest Yet Most Active Past Master", "The Youngest Yet Proficient Master Mason", "The Burning Flame of Charity", and "The Outstanding Lodge Secretary". Fourth part depicts some pictorials on the activities of Mencius Lodge. Last part lists the names of friends of the Lodge who supported our worthwhile activities and projects.

Diamond Jubilee Party

On the evening of 28 June 1999, the 75th Founding Anniversary of Mencius Lodge, the members with their wife will hold a Diamond Jubilee Party at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel, Cultural Center Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. Some important guests will be invited to grace this great and happy celebration of the lodge.

Medical/Dental Civic Action Project

To cap this 75th Year Anniversary celebration, Mencius Lodge will undertake a Medical/Dental Civic Action Project for the benefit of the indigent patients in the depressed area of Manila. This is part of the charity program of the lodge. The program also includes Scholarship Program for the financially poor but deserving students.