A REPORT ON THE ORIENTATION LECTURE FOR FELLOWCRAFTS OF HIRAM LODGE NO. 88

Continuing what it started last year, Hiram Lodge No. 88 kicked off the second year of its implementation of the Lodge System of Masonic Education with an orientation lecture for the Fellowcrafts of the lodge held on February 19, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Masonic Education Center at the 2nd Floor of the New Plaridel Masonic Temple. Snacks, courtesy of Bros. Michael Vincent See and Joseph Dator, both FCMs, were served prior to the lecture.

Aside from the following FCMs of the lodge: Bros. Royce Randell Reyes, Charleson Tan, Joseph Dator and Michael Vincent See, also present were three other FCMs from St. John’s Corregidor Lodge No. 3, namely, Bros. Archie Villanueva, Rex Edward Deza and Melvin dela Cruz. They were invited by VW Manuel (Kuya Nol) Pineda who is a regular speaker in our orientation lectures and also comes from the same lodge. In addition, the following Hiramites were also in attendance: WM Julito Sioson, WB Reynato Puno, Jr., VW Julio Cabali, VW Fernando Pascua, Jr., Bros. Edsel Miguel, Victor Tribiana, Eugenio Dalican, Esteban Dalican, Ricardo Lumbre, Jr., George Andy Pantanosas, Jose Capco, Elmer Chua, Jose Ramos and this writer. All in all, 18 Hiramites were there.

The orientation lecture consisted of the following topics: (1) “Meaning of ‘Fellowcraft’” given by Bro. George Andy Pantanosas; (2) “Interpretation of the Ritual of the Second Degree” given by VW Fernando Pascua, Jr.; (3) “Symbols and Allegories of the Second Degree” given by WB Reynato Puno, Jr.; (4) “Duties and Privileges of a Fellowcraft” given by Bro. Ricardo Lumbre, Jr.; and (5) “Teachings of Masonry” given by VW Manuel Pineda. Each topic was followed by an open forum.  Not too many questions were asked, though. This was attributed by VW Pineda to either of two things: either the FCMs understood everything or none at all. It is hoped, however, that the FCMs who attended the lecture gained added knowledge about the Craft.

Despite the fact that WB Puno had just finished his term as Master of the lodge and presumably wanted to “rest” a bit, he willingly responded in the affirmative when asked to be one the lecturers. Likewise unselfishly answering the call of duty were Bros. Pantanosas and Lumbre. The three of them also served as lecturers last year. Of course, ever reliable were VW Pascua and VW Pineda of the IMES who have, thus far, not failed in helping the lodge in this activity of ours. To all of them, the lodge expresses its sincerest gratitude.

The activity ended with closing remarks by WM Julito Sioson and the giving of Certificates of Attendance to Bro. Reyes, Tan, Dator and See. The Certificates were prepared by Bro. Esteban Dalican. Fellowship followed at the President’s Restaurant at Ongpin, Binondo courtesy of Bro. Eugenio Dalican who celebrated his birthday the day before, February 18, 2010.

Prepared and submitted by:

Bro. Plutarco B. Bawagan, Jr.

Junior Warden

February 28, 2010