Herald Vol 2 No 6:

HERALD KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS PHILIPPINES

Official Newsletter of the Knights of Pythias Philippines

Volume 2 No 6

Charity is at the Heart of Pythian Knights

In this issue of the Herald, we pay tribute and salute the endless efforts of the Knights of Pythias in doing charity works in their respective community.

Let our charitable activities speak for our fraternity and of the true essence of our Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence.

So far from the start of the year in January 2023, we have managed to deliver no less than 13-charitable activities towards our local community. These charitable activities are all fully funded, coordinated and delivered by the brother knights without any external support. Their efforts are truly from within their desire to help the less fortunate when they can.

Welcome to our new Pages

The mid-year F2F meeting concluded with the initiation of five (5) candidates to the Rank of Page. These candidates completed all the requirements for consideration to the Rank of Page and were a part of the early applicants.

The Knights of Pythias Philippines has been overwhelmed with numerous applicants since its inception last year. However, as the Knights of Pythias is not your ordinary run-ofthe-mill fraternity, we value quality members. All applicants undergo a thorough vetting

and background check and we also test their patience, perseverance, commitment and dedication.

After nearly a year or more of waiting and trials, these applicants were initiated into the Pythian Order according to ancient customs and traditions.

Welcome Brother Pages and this is just the beginning.

Advocacy Book Project: TALIPAPA

The brother Knights of the Central Luzon Province sponsored the facilitation of a workshop and the eventual publishing of the book “TALIPAPA”.

A joint advocacy project of various educational and community oriented organizations in prommoting knowledge, creativity and literacy through a creative writer’s workshop for the students of Talipapa Elementary school. The project aims to increase the student’s learning and writing skills and to eventually consolidate the creative produce of the students into a book that will be used as a framework for different learning centers and student usage.

Rene Boy Abiva, Lead Editor and Author says, “On behalf of the Manuel V. Gallego Foundation Colleges, I would like to express our utmost gratitude for your exceptional sponsorship of our project. Your support and contribution have greatly impacted the success of our initiative, and we could not have achieved such remarkable results without your generosity. Your organization’s commitment to supporting community projects and initiatives is truly admirable, and we are honored to have collaborated with you on this project. Your partnership has enabled us to reach more people and deliver better results.

Your organization’s sponsorship has not only helped us achieve our goals but has also inspired us to continue our mission to provide quality education and community extension services to the people in our adopted barangay. We look forward to the possibility of working together again in the future, and we assure you that your support has a significant impact on the community we serve.

Once again, thank you for your remarkable sponsorship, and we hope that you continue to be a beacon of support for community initiatives like ours.”

San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Aged Receives Basic Commodities

Amidst the challenges of various personal circumstances, the Knights of Pythias still try to make community charity a part of our daily lives.

On May 30, 2023, the Knights of Pythias led by BK Butch Guevara (and his ever-supportive wife Dr. Zorai), delivered basic commodities such as food and hygiene kits to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly in Manila.

San Lorenzo Ruiz is managed by the Little Sisters

Cont: San Lorenzo Ruiz Home

of the Poor, an International Religious Congregation with the only mission of caring for the elderly poor in the spirit of humble service as exemplified by the foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan,

The San Lorenzo Ruiz Home was opened on December 2007 and was inagurated and blessed by Archbishop of Manila, Rev. Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

After a long-standing planning and coordination, BK Butch finally sorted the charity event. As time was constrained and at such a short notice, an announcement was made to the members of the Castle Lodge. In a show of Brotherhood and Benevolence, the brother knights of WMcK#1 all contributed generously their time, effort, and finances to provide such needs to this truly touching charity service. While most were not able to attend the event as it was early in the morning, brother Butch and wife sister Zorai personally shopped for the basic commodities and delivered it at the Home for the Aged. The basic goods were thankfully received by the Sisters of the Poor.

Lupus Education Seminar

The Knights of Pythias applicants conducted a half-day Lupus Education Seminar Workshop in Zamboanga City on January 21, 2023.

The Annual Lupus Forum was organized by Mateo Marquis a.k.a. Cyrus Alfaro and Melvin Mari and the annual Lupus Forum was conducted by Dr. Melchor Alan Siriban and was attended by no less than 41-Lupus patients and their families.

Applicants Cyrus and Melvin sponsored the meal for almost 60-people and partnered with the Lupus Forum Society.

Indeed, a true display of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence from both. Keep it up and We hope to see more of your activities for the community.

Pinoy ka ba na nasa DUBAI, QATAR or kalapit lugar? If you are interested in helping the less fortunate sectors of society with like minded people and while also developing a strong bond of friendship and camaraderie.... have a look at the Knights of Pythias and see for yourself.

Visit www.pythiasphilippines.com or follow us at fb.com/pythiasphilippines

www.pythiasphilippines.com

Once again, the Knights of Pythias Philippines William McKinley Lodge #1 has made a mark.

Knights of William McKinley Castle Lodge #1 turned over 8 play pens and 3 cribs to the kids of Grace to Be Born Shelter on 25-March 2023. Coordinated by BK Nino Kanapi, the Knights led by CC Embong Paloma gathered the Knights to take part in this lasting charity event. Grace to be Born shelter (Pasig City) is a temporary shelter for unwed pregnant mothers and an orphanage for the children born there. With no questions asked, no deposit required for board and lodging, and no social standing asked, Grace to Be Born has become a haven for the young ones to be born in, and a place where their mothers have a chance for emotional and spiritual rebirth.

CHILD Haus benefits from Collective Fraternal Assistance

The KOPP William McKinley Castle Lodge No. 1 Brethren from Cavite along side with other fraternal organizations visited the CHILD Haus Manila located at Agoncillo St. Malate, Manila last February 26, 2023 Sunday, to meet and interact with the children, see what the foundation is all about and support them.

CHILD (Center for Health Improvement & Life Development) Haus is a temporary shelter for indigent patients from different provinces who have cancer or other dreaded diseases and have no place to stay in Metro Manila while undergoing medical eval- uation or treatment. It provides free room and board to its residents. CHILD Haus is run along the principles of hospice care and promotes the concept of holistic healing through its various programs, services and activities. The Pythian Cavite Brother Knights headed by the Master of Works, BK Gil Z. Soria together with BK John Paul Soriano, BK Joseph Dominic La Madrid, BK Niño Kanapi, BK Arthur O. Sudoy Jr., BK Frederick Simbulan and some KOPP retainers (Kendrick Nuñez & Adrian Ocava) donated educational materials, stuffed toys, hygiene kits (Diapers, soap, shampoo, tooth paste and tooth brushes) food items, vitamins and supplements to help support and sustain the daily needs of the beneficiaries/patients of the foundation.

School Benefits from a Donation

Clarice Angels School in Pangasinan received a large industrial fan and a monetary donation from Juno Ziganay last February 13, 2023.

As part of the school’s founding anniversary, the school’s Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), the Elementary and HS Principals of the school received a donation of a large industrial fan for use in the school’s gymnasium.

Knight of Pythias Page (applicant at the time of the charity) Juno Ziganay (fourth from left, beige jacket) spearheaded the simple donation and also at the same time gave the school additional financial money donation to help complete the building of the unfinished gymnasium. Like all other applicants (and members of the KOP Philippines), Pythians are highly encouraged to do some form of charity work to show their commitment and dedication to the helping others. Truly inspiring and commendable. Well done to Mr. Ziganay.

School Feeding

In yet another charitable service in the Name of KOP, together with other Fraternal groups, a feeding program was organized by Page (applicant at the time) Juno Ziganay for Clarice Angels School in Pangasinan. Under his stewardship, he managed to organize and feed more than 100-students from the local school in Pangasinan. If you notice, KOPP has two large banners compared to the singles.

We put into action our values and principles. We want to see members who are committed and dedicated in Friendship, Charity and Benevolence. All applicants (and members) are committed to exemplify the highest of all human values - Charity in thier own practicable and most possible way. Truly, KOPP is more prominent and a cut above the rest. Keep our Charitable activities active. KOPP - we help people.

www.pythiasphilippines.com

Charity is at the Heart of every True Pythian

Applicants must proved themselves worthy of being a Pythian Knight. Words and actions go together and are forever bound by commitment, dedication and an obligation to do so.

Here are some of the charity works undertaken by well-meaning applicants who wanted to show their commitment and dedication to becoming a member of the Knights of Pythias. While some of these are collaborative projects with other organizations, the most important thing is the charity we have been able to share.

Feeding and Gift Giving at Gawad Kalinga, Brgy San Jose, Talisay, Camarines Norte in collaboration with the Talisay PNP and TFOEPE (BCNR).

Recipients are: 100 childrens ages ranging from 5 to 10 years old (100 pcs Jolibee Spaghetti, Burger and Zesto Tetra Pack) and (50 pcs food packs intended for 50 selected households). This was organized by applicant Conrado De Vera Jr (now a Rank of Page).

A simple snacks for the children at Ambuetel Elementary school, Ambuetel, Calasiao, Pangasinan.

This was organized and delivered by applicant (now a Rank of Page) David Benigno.

Goodies give-away at Barangay Lati Orion, Bataan conducted by applicant Donjie Albela (now a Rank of Page), as a part of a wider coordinated effort with other organizations. In his reflection, he says: “My volunteering to charity work experience can be summarized in two words: Life-changing. It is hard to explain the feelings that occur when you involve yourself in selfless acts for your community, such as volunteering. There is a feeling in your heart that you cannot ignore, maybe it is the happiness you feel or the overflow of emotions in helping others. In other words, it is a feeling in which you want to share with others.

Either way, spreading how life-changing volunteering can be is a great start to making a positive change in your community by simply by involving others.”

www.pythiasphilippines.com

As part of their demonstration of committment, dedication and charity, applicants together and under the supervision of brother knights, visited “A Home For The Angels Crisis Home for Abandoned Babies Foundation Inc.” in Manila to donate baby food, vitamins, snakcs, diapers and other basic necessities for the abandoned children in the Home. They also took time to play with the children whilst visiting. The Home is one of the regular beneficiaries of the Knights of Pythias. Those who participated in this charity event were: Manny Laxamana, Raymund Riel Rugay, Arjay Bernales, Henry C. Rojas, Arvie Keyser, and BK Luke Jickain.

International Charity

Lafayette #51 Donates $1,100 To Miller Elementary School!

Last month, Lafayette #51 presented a ceremonial check to Thomas Miller Elementary in the amount of $1,100. This represents the amount of money Lafayette #51 donated to the school through the Coke Point Program. They represents 5 years of work. The school receives quarterly checks from the account.

Travel Assistance

Pythian Knights RJ Menorca III, Patrick Erwin Ponce, and Francis De Guzman at San Jose, Nueva Ecija for the Ligtas SumVac break point in Nueva Ecija.

Above, Principal Erin Phillips receives the check from Jill Unger-Moder, Chancellor Commander.

Left, also in the presentation photo (L-R) are PGC John Hardesty, Lodge Secretary PSR Ken Moderand PC Ken Stanford who is a member of Dayton #828 and a dual member at Lafayette.

A Brother Pythian Knight is always here because WE HELP PEOPLE.

All KOPPh applicants who have applied are kindly requested to contact 09434324430 / 09759649519, Email jubelumabiff@gmail.com A.S.A.P to discuss your progress and other requirements. Thank you for your immediate action.

ATTENTION: ALL KNIGHTS

All brother knights are asked to please complete the ANONYMOUS Performance Review of the Castle Lodge Officers. This is important for the Castle Lodge progress and for our current officers to learn and improve. All answers are ANONYMOUS and your personal details will not be collected so you can be confident all your answers are purely anonymous. Please answer all questions as best as you can. If you are the officer concerned, you can skip your own performance review but complete the rest.

Click below to start the Officers’ Performance Review. https://form.jotform.com/231526344960052

Remembering our Sick

Remembering our sick and unwell. Please keep the following in your thoughts and prayers:

• Cathleen Trueblood, PGC

• Euphema Phillips, PSR

• PGC Joyce Wright

• PSR Angie Woods

• Carl Jones

• Gr. Trustee Lowell Pruett

• PGC

• PGC Denny Adams

Just a friendly reminder to all Knights, Dokeys and Nomads. If you have not paid your 2023 dues yet, you are NOT in good standing with your Lodge.

ALL dues are to be paid by January 1, 2023 by Pythian law. Brother...we have some of the lowest dues in the fraternal world! Why delay?

Please send in your dues today. Thank you!

• Brother Jack Olds (LaGrange Lodge #144)

• Past Chancellor Lynn E. Mortorff, (Ashley Lodge and Hamilton Lodge #51)

• Martha Killey (wife of Knight Glenn Killey and mother of Knight Bo Killey)

• Brother David Guthridge (Lafayette Lodge #51)

• Bettie Jean Cox (wife of Brother Frank Cox, Chancellor Commander of Worthington Lodge #253)

• Brother Ian William Mackenzie (Baden-Powell Lodge #1907)

Upcoming Events and Activities: 2023

• June 12, 2023: Philippine Independence Day Celebration Manila, Philippines

• July 9, 2023, 9:00 a.m.: William McKinley #1 Regular Stated Meeting, UP University hotel, QC Diliman

• July 15, 2023: DOKK Al Hilal#33 Ceremonial Conferral Lafayette, Indiana

• Aug 6, 2023 – Open House/ Meet & Greet for Denny Adams – Anderson Speedway – 2-4 pm

• Aug 22, 2023 – Crescens #33 Picnic at Denny Adams home – 6pm – pitchin – Bring A Dish

www.pythiasphilippines.com