GLP is 109 Years Old Pays Tribute to Departed PGMs

by VW Vic V. Vizcocho, Jr., GSc/TCT EiC

Grand Master MW Rolen C. Paulino, MW Abraham “Bambol” N. Tolentino, PGM, RW Ariel T. Cayanan, Junior Grand Warden, and MW John L. Choa, PGM, join the rest of the brethren for a souvenir photo during the commemoration of the GLP’s 109th anniversary at the GLP Headquarters in Ermita, Manila.

Despite prevailing COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions, the brethren successfully commemorated the 109th Anniversary of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP) on December 17, 2021.

“We have come a long way and we have not wavered in our resolve to foster the tenets of Harmony, Charity and Relief,” Most Worshipful Rolen C. Paulino, Grand Master, remarked in leading the festivities of the important activity.

Six (6) Past Grand Masters attended the celebrations, two (2) physically and four (4) virtually via the internet.

Physically present at the GLP Headquarters in Ermita, Manila was MW Abraham Tolentino (GM 2017), and MW John L. Choa (GM 1990), while MW Pacifico B. Aniag (GM 2008), MW Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr. (GM 2012), MW Juanito G. Espino (GM 2013, and MW Voltaire T. Gazmin (GM 2016). Also physically present was RW Ariel T. Cayanan, Junior Grand Warden.

As part of the observance of the GLP’s anniversary, a fitting tribute was given to several Past Grand Masters who have already passed, namely, MW Rudyardo V. Bunda (GM 1982), MW Rosendo C. Herrera (GM 1983), MW Oscar V. Bunyi (GM 2000), GM Eugenio S. Labitoria (GM 2002), and MW Jaime Y. Gonzales (GM 2007).

At 48 years old in 1982, MW Rudyardo V. Bunda was the 65th Grand Master of the GLP, but also served as the Grand Treasurer from 1985 to 1990, and again in 2005 to 2017. He was also Grand Secretary from 1991 to 1993.

Born on November 4, 1934 in Noveleta, Cavite, MW Bunda was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Banker, Financier and Church & Civic Leader. He was Initiated, Passed and Raised on June 12, 1965, June 26, 1965 and July 10, 1965, respectively. MW Bunda was Worshipful Master of Bagong-Ilaw masonic Lodge for two (2) years, in 1971 and 1972.

MW Bunda is known to be a loving husband to Sister Celia Bunda, and a caring father to Ephraim and Reuel. Sister Celia was a special guest in the tribute given in honor of her husband.

Born on March 1, 1939 in Naic, Cavite, MW Rosendo C. Herrera was the 66th Grand Master of the GLP at 44 years old in 1983. A businessman and Ship Captain, he is recognized as the “most traveled Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the Philippines.” ber14, 1970 and Raised on November 21, 1970, MW Herrera served as Worshipful Master of Cosmos Lodge in 1977, and again in 1979, Grand Secretary in 1990, and Grand Treasurer in 1995 and 1996.

He was also Grand Master of the Supreme Council of Demolay of the Republic of the Philippines and coroneted, in 1992, a 33 Sovereign Grand Inspector General Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of the Philippines.

On May 5, 2021, MW Herrera was bestowed recognition for being a faithful member of the craft for 50 years.

He was a loving husband to Sister Esperanza S. Herrera and caring father to Cynthia, Ramon, Agnes and Antonio.

Initiated, Passed and Raised on March 17, 1982, May 19, 1982 and June 16, 1982, respectively, MW Oscar V. Bunyi was Past Master of Saigon and Tayabas Masonic Lodges.

A District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) in 1995, he went on to become the 83rd Grand Master of the GLP at age 53 in year 2000.

MW Bunyi was in the military service but later went into business in the field of pharmaceuticals, putting up his own company in 1978.

Known as a loving husband to Sister Ester O. Bunyi, he was also a caring father to Oliver, Ella Cecilia, Evita, Enrico, Kristian, Oscar Jr., Monina and Eugene.

An awardee as one of the Most Outstanding Master Masons of the Philippines in 2001, MW Eugenio S. Labitoria was the 85th Grand Master of the GLP in 2002 at age 66 in 2002.

A Past Master of Magat Masonic Lodge no. 68, MW Labitoria was Initiated on March 9, 1968, passed on July 6, 1968, and Raised as a Master Mason on February 8, 1969.

He was a Justice of the Court of Appeals (CA) where he retired without a pending case whatsoever on his, a rare feat in the profession. MW Labitoria served the government for 34 years after graduating from the Lyceum of the Philippines for his Associate of Arts Degree, then San Beda College of Law where he earned his Bachelor of Law Degree. MW Labitoria also served as a Professor of Law at Far Eastern University (FEU) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila from 1995 to 2010.

He was a loving husband to Sister Dra. Juliet Falguera-Labitoria, and only daughter Janet.

Grand Master MW Rolen C. Paulino (2nd from R) with MW Abraham “Bambol” N. Tolentino, PGM, (left), RW Ariel T. Cayanan, Junior Grand Warden, and MW John L. Choa at the commemoration of the GLP’s 109th Anniversary.

MW Jaime Y. Gonzales was 59 years old when he became the 90th Grand Master of the GLP in 2007.

Initiated on February 6, 1980, Passed on February 20, 1980 and raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on March 7, 1980, MW Gonzales was Worshipful Master of Dapitan Lodge no. 21.

Born on May 5, 1948, he earned a Bachelor of Science, Major in Accounting Degree from De La Salle University, a Masters Degree in Business Administration in the same university, and took a Doctorate Degree Program in Business Administration at Kennedy Western University in Idaho, Ohio.

A banker, he provided well and was a loving Sister Lylwynn Tusalem-Gonzales and caring father to his daughters, Camilla, Katrina, Rea, and Lisa. (VW Victorio V. Vizcocho, Jr., GSc/