Posthumous Investiture – Legion of Honor

By Bro. Noel T. Patelo (273) / Head News Correspondent

In an unprecedented event in the history of Talavera Masonic Lodge No. 273 and the Order of DeMolay Kapatiran Chapter, the Legion of Honor - the highest recognition amongst the Brethren of DeMolay, was invested posthumously upon Bro. Marvin Galman Martinez on Saturday 13 March 2021. Held at the Masonic Temple of our beloved Talavera Masonic Lodge No. 273 the ceremony was fittingly observed on the eve of the first anniversary of his death.

Ateng Nerivi Santos - Martinez, the Honorable Municipal Mayor of Talavera, Nueva Ecija received the award on behalf of her dearly beloved husband, Kuyang Marvin as witnessed by the immediate family and relatives in a very solemn ceremony invested by the members of the Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay (SCOD), led by the following Brethren:

• Commander in the East: Leg Joselito Bulawin, Misamis Chapter No. 20 • Commander in the West: Leg Rowan Labro, Douglas MacArthur Chapter No. 12 • Commander in the South: Leg Julius Barles, Jose Abad Santos Chapter No. 1

Grand Marshall, Leg Arthur Allan Ponce, Quezon City Chapter, ISC Kansas City, led the solemnities in the presence of brothers DeMolay and Masons from different Chapters under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines. He prepared the conferral ceremony, based on the regular LOH ceremony, specifically for the occasion. SCOD, would have been part of a group of designates to be exalted on 8 March 2020, "to the highest honor within the gift of the Order of DeMolay" - the Legion of Honor. But he was already gravely ill at that time and was unable to travel to Manila. A week after, he dropped his working tools forever.” Said VW Ato Ponce. “Incidentally, the Commanders in the East, West, and South are three of his Legionnaire batchmates.” He added.

Bro. Alfred Leonard Domingo, Worshipful Master, also a DeMolay Centennial Grand Knight, gave a heartfelt welcome address to all visiting Brethren and guests, withersoever dispersed. The seven Preceptors were all Senior DeMolays mostly from Kapatiran Chapter. One of the Preceptors was his second son, Sebastian Martinez, a Past Master Councilor of Ambrosio Flores Chapter No. 45. Back in August 2018, in a rare occurrence in the DeMolay fraternity, Kuya Marvin installed his son Sebastian as Master Councilor of the Chapter, the first and only instance in the history of the Chapter.

In a heartwarming response at the Masonic

Sixteen days after Bro. Noel Patelo submitted this article, he succumb to injuries from a vehicular accident on May 10, 2021. He was one of the most productive members of the Cable Tow Team.

Temple fellowship area was aptly named MGM HALL, last December 2020 in memory of Kuya Marvin Galman Martinez, a fitting tribute during the Hall’s Dedication.

In her talk during the fellowship, Ateng Nerivi thanked the SCOD for completing Kuya Marvin's DeMolay journey as it was his fervent dream to be conferred the red cordon and chivalric medallion of a Legionnaire. And while death prevented him from personally receiving the patent and token, the ceremony has allowed him to receive it in spirit. “Alam ko nakangiti sya ngayon” the emotional widow adds. After expressing her family’s appreciation to all brothers and DeMolays especially those who traveled all the way from Metro Manila to honor the memory of her beloved spouse, she allowed her son Basti to deliver the responsorial message on behalf of their family. She was overwhelmed by the occasion.

Bro Marvin Galman Martinez served as Junior and Senior Warden of Talavera Masonic Lodge No. 273 in 2018 and 2019 respectively. In March of 2019, after the regular stated meeting, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and visited Australia and Japan for medical attention. The Lodge Anniversary in June that year was held in his residence. A month later, during Ateng’s Birthday Celebration everyone was ecstatic of his robust condition and usual jolly demeanor. He continued his lodge attendance in September and by December was elected Worshipful Master. Declining the position, he gave way to Senior Warden - elect Alfred Leonard Domingo. With the Junior Warden now voted to the East; Bro Nerito Santos, Jr. - younger brother of Ateng Mayor Nerivi, was elected Senior Warden from the Floor; while Bro Steve Domingo, younger brother of the Master Elect became the new Junior Warden.

He graced the Installation of Officers in January 2020, staying all night long with brethren and guests numbering more than 500 and even hosted the Lodge Valentine’s Affair at the Wave's Bar and Grille by Nery's Resort in February. In March, before Luzon was placed in Enhanced Community Quarantine – Kuyang Marvin stayed at the UST Hospital due to complications of his medical condition until his demise on March 14, 2020. He was 46 Years Old.

Fittingly, Kuyang Marvin’s memory as a Master Mason and a DeMolay, will be forever kept “in the repository of the faithful breast” of the members of Talavera Masonic Lodge No. 273 and the Order of DeMolay. Till we meet again Brother Sir, “to that undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns”. Rest in Peace.