A Day to Keep & Reminisce in Davao

but to navigate through these dangerous waters, so to speak. There is no map or compass for this. Eto palang si COVID-19 hindi kumikilala ng Grand Master, because on December 29, 2020, I tested positive for the virus and it did not spare my daughter, Mary. We were the only two left here in Manila and we have been stranded now for 13 long months already. Perhaps this time, I can now travel and go back home. I missed my ever supportive most wonderful wife and family, and I long to spend time playing with my grandchildren. Sana tanggapin pa ako ni Ateng. Eh baka, pagpasok ko pa lang sa bahay, salubungin nya ako ng tanong na “ooops Agapito, whence came you? Give me the pass.” But I'm already prepared of the reply, which is COVID-19. Tonight, I am overwhelmed with a great feeling of gratitude and humility. You honor me by bestowing upon me this Past Grand Master’s jewel and ring. Ang ganda – mabigat, pure gold siguro ito. Sometimes I wonder whether I truly deserve such an honor. Sometimes I doubt myself, whether I truly made the right decisions or not during those very difficult moments in office, and if such decisions have somehow diminished my worthiness as a mason and as a Grand Master. But those feelings are now greatly diminished by your appreciation of me tonight. For that, I am truly grateful and relieved. I am proud and at the same time humbled to say that indeed, the man who came from humble beginnings has ascended to our highest calling. In receiving this Past Grand Master’s jewel and ring, there is also a feeling of relief and fulfilment – that my labors as the custodian of our great fraternity for two straight years are finally over, and that I could now move on and focus my efforts to other things that require my attention – perhaps things I may have neglected or disregarded because of my busy Masonic schedules. Finally, my beloved brethren, I return once more back to your fold as your plain and simple brother Mason, carrying the humble title of Past Grand Master, but still one among you. Please know that I am still always available and at your service. Mami-miss ko kayong lahat. I will miss those constant jolly fellowships amongst brethren – those moments of laughter, committee meetings, the tensions, the sports activities in the GLP (pingpong), Masonic adventures throughout the country and abroad, and the warm hospitality of the brethren. Thank you for this once in a lifetime experience. I am truly honored and gratified, and I will forever cherish those wonderful and unforgettable moments, safely deposited in my heart as long as I live. And for the last and final time, from the bottom of my heart, I wish to part by saying that: charity, humility, and gratitude are the virtues and foundations by which great men are made. Good evening, and Mabuhay ang Grand Lodge of the Philippines!

By VW Joel Andante Capalit, DDGM

“As for this temple you are building, if you walk in My statues, carry out My ordinances, and keep all My commandments by walking in them, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David.” - 1 Kings 6:12

There is no place like home. This is always the catchphrase of any individual, organization or family who yearns and values the comforts and security of a home. A home within a house they can call their own — for the brethren of Davao de Oro Masonic Lodge No. 443, building such an edifice is not just a dream, it is a fundamental aim.

The “golden lodge” started its journey when it was instituted in 2018. Several months later, on

15 May 2019, MW Agapito S. Suan Jr. constituted it as a regular lodge in Nabunturan, the capital of Davao de Oro province and became the sixth lodge of MD RXI - Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Davao de Oro, and the first for Davao de Oro. For Charter and incumbent Worshipful Master, VW Joselito B. Caballero, PGA, and the brethren of Lodge No. 443, building the first and monumental Masonic edifice in the province was “topmost of the agenda.”

The fast-burgeoning lodge needs to build its own Masonic temple for several reasons: The lodge regularly congregates and conducts special meetings at Tagum Masonic Temple, a landmark edifice in Tagum City, Davao del Norte jointly constructed and shared by Shangri-La Masonic Lodge No. 196 and Tagum Masonic Lodge No. 204. Being a new lodge named after Davao de Oro province, petitioners from the province and nearby towns prefer to seek membership in the new lodge. More so, the brethren have already acquired a 1,000-square meter lot at New Sibonga, Nabunturan and architectural plans for the temple are already laid down as well. Not to mention the pledges of some generous brethren to help fund the project, it is just a matter of time that the laying of the foundations of its own temple will finally take place. After all, amongst the brethren in the District, Davao de Oro Masonic Lodge No. 443 has earned the moniker “District Lodge.” Meanwhile, a deadly pandemic continues to stalk humankind all over the world. In June last year, unfazed by the situation, Davao de Oro brethren, dared to open the lot site and began its clearing to pave the way for a new building structure. But it was not until their Regular Stated Meeting on 20 February 2021 that the brethren of 443 finally calendared the laying of the cornerstone of the proposed Masonic temple. Originally scheduled on March 26, fast resurging cases of COVID-19 especially in the National Capital Region and nearby areas put everything on hold. At the Grand Lodge, very wary of the persisting health crisis, MW Agapito Suan Jr. decided to assign his representative for the special event in his stead. And as the health hazard further escalated in the country, the Grand Master authorized yours truly being his District Deputy, to be his alter ego in presiding over the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony of Davao de Oro temple.

Thus, at 9:00 in the morning of 9 April - barely two years after its constitution, braving the current pandemic but utterly observing proper health protocol, and unperturbed by the muddy ground because of the heavy downpours the day before and the intense scorching heat of the sun after, the Brethren of Davao de Oro 443, together with other lodges and guests, assembled to witness the masonic ceremony in accordance with the customs and usages of the

Ancient Craft.

On behalf of MW Suan, this DDGM delivered his message highlighting the significance of the Masonic Hall for the province of Davao de Oro, not only as a beautiful landmark of the progressing capital town, but as the seat of good men seeking to become better by imbibing the principal tenets of the Fraternity — Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

After the foundation stone laying ceremony, Charter Master Joselito Caballero quipped with high optimism, that at last, the building of their temple can now commence. A house they can call their own, Davao de Oro Masonic Temple. Amazing as it may be the brethren of 443 excitedly crossed their fingers to complete the epic edifice before this year ends.

A sumptuous lunch followed after the ceremony, but for this DDGM and his entourage a quick munching of the delectable variety of food prepared for the occasion and warm fellowship were enough relief. We bid goodbye and head swiftly straight for yet another event some 100 kilometers away — the dedication of Davao Oriental Masonic Hall.

A one-and-a-half-hour travel from the cornerstone laying, in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental was awaiting dedication - the Davao Oriental Masonic Hall. Joined by the brethren of Mati Aurora Masonic Lodge No. 190 and Don Salvador P. Lopez Masonic Lodge No. 276, led by WM Butch Kevin Rapiz and WM Wilfredo Metucua, respectively. They were at their best preparing for the sacred ceremony which was to commence at 1 pm on that same day.

The construction of this new temple was conceived to replace the old building which was erected from wooden materials in the mid-80’s. Brethren of the two lodges consolidated their resources with the support from some benevo-