Looking Back, Moving Forward: Celebrating Maynilad Lodge No. 1521’s 10th Anniversary

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

CELEBRATING MAYNILAD LODGE NO. 1521’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Bayani E. Pioquinto, PM Secretary, Maynilad Lodge No. 1521

Some things are just meant to happen for a reason in a season. Most are not even planned nor thought of. Whether by just sheer coincidence, or perhaps, a chance meeting, such occurrences can usher in new beginnings. Such was the case when two Master Masons – MWB Kwame Acquaah, then the Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia in 2009, and WB Generoso Calonge, then the Consul General of the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC - met at Lodge for the very first time in D.C. sometime in July of 2009. It was here the foundation of Maynilad Lodge was formed. The revelation from their conversation was that there were a significant number of Filipino-American Masons residing the Metro Washington, D.C. area. This kindled MWB Acquaah’s vision of further promoting the diversity of Freemasonry in the nation’s capital and led him to ask WB Calonge if there might be interest in establishing a Filipino-American Lodge within the District of Columbia, embracing their Filipino culture but in conformity to the rules and rituals of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia. The prospect of having such a Lodge in Washington, DC, the ‘melting pot’ of social and cultural diversity, could not have come at a better time. Understandably, the mere thought of it filled WB Calonge with a lot of enthusiasm. Fired with motivation and energized by the prospect of being part of something historic, WB Gene Calonge wasted no time in organizing a list of Freemasons who expressed a desire to build a Filipino Lodge. With a top-down mandate, WB Theodore ‘Ted’ Villapando (who was known and familiar to many Filipino Masons) and WB Kenneth Gibala were commissioned by MWB Acquaah to assist WB Calonge in clearing the hurdles to establish a Filipino Lodge. Several Q & A meetings with as many Filipino Masons in the area took place. But as can be expected in any organizational undertakings, the process met some roadblocks in the form of negativism and hesitancy by some Master Masons who had their own personal agendas and ideas. Despite these minor setbacks, however, the desire of many to see a Filipino Lodge established in the heart of the nation’s capital proved stronger, and the unwavering support of many members proved their critics wrong. After some deliberation on what to name the new Lodge, the newly-formed group unanimously decided to name it Maynilad Lodge, after the plant called “Nilad” (scientific name: Scyphiphora- a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family) that then grew in abundance along Manila Bay and the banks of the Pasig River in Manila. As to the Lodge number, No. 1521 was chosen

mainly for its historical significance— referencing the year of discovery of the Philippine Islands by Magellan. Being a DC Mason and knowledgeable with the Codes and Rituals of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, WB Villapando was tasked with preparing the dispensation that would allow the Lodge “Leadership is having a compelling vision, to be formed. Granted a dispensation under the sponsorship of Allianza Fraternal Americana Lodge No. 92, in November a comprehensive 2009, Maynilad U.D. (or Under plan, relentless implementation, Dispensation) held its first installation of officers on a cold and snowy day, Saturday, December 5, 2009. The three Pillar Officers and talented people installed were: WB Theodore Villapando working together.” of Washington-Daylight Lodge No. 14 as Worshipful Master, WB Generoso Calonge, – Allan Mullaly also of Washington-Daylight Lodge No. 14 as Senior Warden, and WB Edward Usita of Naomi Lodge No. 87 under the Grand Lodge of Virginia as Junior Warden. The other appointed officers were also installed by the late RWB Merriman Parker and RWB Christopher ‘Chip’ Mahaney. The newly installed Officers and assembled Brethren of Maynilad UD wasted no time in learning the GLDC works and rituals under the tutelage and guidance of the Grand Lecturer, RWB Mahaney. Soon thereafter, the first candidates were initiated as Entered Apprentices. And in short order,

2019 Grand Visitation to Maynilad Lodge No. 1521.

they were passed and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. At the same time, they visited the other Lodges around the Jurisdiction to learn more about how those Lodges were governed, as well as to know and familiarize themselves with the other members of the Fraternity in the Grand Lodge.

Having fully satisfied the requirements of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, the Lodge received its Charter, signed by then MWB Jessie Villareal, Grand Master of Masons, on May 11, 2011. Maynilad Lodge U.D. was now officially Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 and ready to proceed to work.

Currently, Grand Lodge records show Maynilad’s membership at 163 Master Masons. Just like any other Lodges, Maynilad, too, has its share of deaths, dimits, and suspensions due to nonpayment of dues, but there is no doubt that membership is continuing to rise in the Lodge. Although most of its members are in the metro D.C. area, the Lodge also has active members in such places as Australia, Canada (Manitoba), California, Delaware, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia (especially the Tidewater Area), and of course, the Philippines. Additionally, it also has sister Lodges in Chicago, Illinois; Toronto, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the Philippines.

Over the years, Maynilad has come to be known as a ‘go to’ Lodge when it comes to helping out in various Grand Lodge activities and functions, as well as in supporting other Lodges in their degree work. For example, except during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, Maynilad has supported the National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue each year. This year, it helped out in the July 4th Parade at the Palisades. Always showing up in large numbers, Maynilad has also supported annual visitations to the Veterans Administration Hospital (again, except last year and this year).

Similarly, members of Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 strongly support charity—whether individually, or collectively. Year after year, the Lodge donates to the Grand Master’s chosen charity, Rainbow for Girls, The International Order of Job’s Daughters, and The International Order of Demolays, just to name a few. Outside of the U.S., the Lodge and most of its members also support The Doer and Naturally Caring Foundation, Inc., run by WB Dominador Carreon. This excellent foundation conducts an annual community outreach program in the Philippines to provide livelihood opportunities to disadvantaged families, and scholarships for deserving indigent students to help fulfill their dreams for a better tomorrow. And when needed, the Lodge also extends financial support in times of calamities to other local organizations in the Philippines.

But it is not just all work and no play for the Brethren of Maynilad and their families. Aside from their traditional Christmas parties and anniversary celebrations, they also have their regular and annual fellowship outings, like in Virginia Beach each August where they meet, greet, and share fellowship with the ever-growing number of Maynilad members in that area. The members love to travel, and most often in groups with their banner always in front, either domestically or internationally (such as attending the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines

Maynilad Community Outreach Program: giving gifts to underprivileged children of Padre Garcia, Batangas, Philippines in 2018.

and meeting with members based there; Winnipeg, Manitoba; San Francisco and the Bay Area in California; Dover, Delaware; Las Vegas, Nevada; and New York City). The next travel destinations to hit before this year is over have already been penciled in and plans for the next 3 years are already on the Lodge’s travel calendar.

Although there is still much work to do and Lodge meetings to attend regularly (including visiting other Lodges in this jurisdiction or outside), the fun and brotherly camaraderie among the Maynilad members is a testament of “what best work and best agree.” In fact, before anyone realized, the Lodge already passed the 5-year and 10-year milestones. Thus, on May 15, 2021, Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 celebrated its 10th Anniversary in a simple celebration. Had it not been for the pandemic, it would have been a grand celebration.

With 10-years of experience now under its belt, the next 5 years or so is a challenge Maynilad Lodge looks forward to meeting with enthusiasm and a strong sense of commitment. Lodge education, mentoring programs, efficient governance and leadership, and communication will continue to remain high priorities on the Lodge’s to-do list. In this spirit of great expectations, we, therefore, turn to President Woodrow Wilson for inspiration:

“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand,” Deo volente.

Mabuhay and Maynilad Lodge No. 1521!!!

Maynilad Brethren attending the 2019 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines - April 2019 Courtesy call and fellowship with the Philippines’ Secretary of National Defense, Bro Delfin Lorenzana, a Maynilad member, at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines - 2018

The three “Bayani” Past Masters of Maynilad Lodge No. 1521 - WB Bayani ‘B3’ Pioquinto, WB Bayani ‘B2’ Nelvis, and WB Bayani ‘B1’ Casonava. With West Coast Brethren of Maynilad at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield/Suisun City, CA - August 2017