My Journey with the Grand Master A Testimonial by Bro. GOLOO Menghrajani, Aide-de-Camp to MW Agapito S. Suan, Jr.

lent brothers, to put up the new building. MW Juanito G. Espino himself, then Grand Master, went to Mati in 2013 to help lay its foundation stone. It was in 2014 when construction of the temple was started and was almost finished by 2018. In October 2016, however, at the time when this author was Master of Don Salvador P. Lopez Lodge 276, the two lodges of Davao Oriental (Nos. 190 & 276) relocated to the new yet unfinished house as their old home was already in a progressive state of disrepair.

The dedication and consecration of the Davao Oriental hall was supposed to transpire during the hosting of the 64th Mindanao Convention in Mati in February 2020, the first in Davao Oriental, which was praised by many as the grandest MinCon ever held. Circumstances however, prevented it and eventually COVID-19 set in further postponing the activity.

As the impact of the pandemic was perceived to be dwindling by the end of 2020 and travel restrictions were beginning to loosen up, scheduling of Davao de Oro temple cornerstone laying was seen for its final setting, the District decided also to hold the dedication and consecration of the Davao Oriental hall at the same time with GM Suan to lead the ceremony for both activities in accordance with ancient Masonic traditions. But as COVID-19 cases rapidly resurged to alarming levels, the possibility of the Grand Master being present during the occasion became remote.

At the appointed time, the dedication and consecration of Davao Oriental Masonic Hall had to proceed. In the message of MW Suan read by this DDGM, he congratulated the brethren for “endeavoring to erect such Masonic landmark in the beautiful City of Mati” and inspired the brothers “to live as bearers of light that exudes the tenets of Freemasonry, especially Charity for all mankind.”

For this author, representing MW Agapito S. Suan Jr., Grand Master of Masons in the Philippines, as presiding officer of the twin hallowed ceremonies namely the cornerstonelaying for Davao de Oro Masonic Temple and the dedication of Davao Oriental Masonic Hall, is indeed a great honor and humbling experience. Though the day may be long and activities both cumbersome and exhaustive, the joy and sense of fulfillment of performing these roles is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Being at the helm of both solemn masonic ceremonies is equally overwhelming and unforgettable. In fine, for the brethren of Masonic District RXI - Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Davao de Oro - the 9th of April Anno Lucis 6021, Anno Domini 2021 is indeed a day to keep and reminisce.

We are rarely given the opportunity to be of service to a high ranking officer of an organization, in the case of our Craft, our Grand Master. It was on that morning of February 25, 2017, when I was at home relaxing with my family (it was a holiday), when I received a call from what appeared to be an unknown number. At first I thought it was some call center agent on telemarketing duty, but upon realizing that the number was a personalized cellphone number, I decided to take the call.

The person on the other side goes, “ Si Brod Goloo ni?” (Is this Brod Goloo). So I answer him “ Yes po, kinsa ni palihug?” (Yes, who is this please?). He answers, “ Si Brod Jun ni, Brod Jun Suan ni.” (It’s Brod Jun, Brod Jun Suan here.). I tell him “ Uy Brod, unsay ato?” (Uy Brod, how can I assist?). I then realized it was Right Worshipful Jun Suan whom I was talking to, the Junior Grand Warden that time, I then said “ Ay Right Worshipful Sir sorry po.”

He then asked me if I was busy and if it was okay that he invited me on Monday, February 27, 2017 for a coffee in his resort. So I said okay to the meeting and upon hanging up, Ateng Christine my wife, asked me why is it that I sounded panicking when I answered the phone. I told her it was RW Suan the Junior Grand Warden and he wants to talk to me – now what could have I done that the Junior Grand Warden wants to talk to me?

So Monday came and I went to RW Suan’s resort here in Cagayan de Oro City at 9:00 in the morning. I was really nervous as I did not know what awaits me and why he has asked to see me. Upon seeing him at the restaurant area of his resort, he asked for me to sit as he explained the reason of the appointment. He was looking for someone, specifically a Brother who could possibly assist him in his duties, a Brother who has knowledge about our by-laws and who is a “techie.” I then asked him - why me? He said that I was strongly recommended and properly vouched for. I then accepted this calling to be of service to the then, Junior Grand Warden and now our Immediate Past Grand Master.

The next morning, I get a call at 5:45 am. Seeing it was RW Suan who was calling, I thought it was an emergency as it was really early (I usually wake up around 7:00 am). He asks me if he woke me up, and of course what do you expect me to answer, I said “No RW Sir, I was awake already.”

So he then gave me some instructions on what to do. You know Brethren, our dear MW Bro. Jun never gave me deadlines, he never pressured me, whenever he gave me a task to do, he just let’s me do it and that on my own, I knew the next time he calls me there should be a positive feedback on the task assigned to me, or I would update him from time to time on my progress so he would also have peace of mind.

Then came AnCom 2017 in Tagaytay City, it was a very busy schedule for him and me as well as I had to be by his side to assist him if he ever needed anything.