1. society
2. crime
3. sexual offence
4. rape

March 2015
www.macajalarlodge.org
What’s Inside
Executive Committee
Meeting
Birthdays
Anniversaries
In the Lights Corner
Masonic Etiquette
Plans and Programs
Worshipful Master’s Cup
Mindanao Masonic
Convention
Financial Report
Schedule of Activities
VISION
We envision to maintain the premier reputation of the Masonic Lodge of unwaveringly making better men of its
members; ensuring that they are persons of integrity whose exemplary conduct create positive influences in their respective
communities and the lives of their fellowmen.
MISSION
We shall create and open and dynamic environment among our mystic circle that offers excellent opportunities for
moral and spiritual growth, strengthens character and encourages every living soul to explore and develop his full potentials.
We shall at all times demonstrate genuine concern for the general well-being of our brethren as well as those on the
lowest spoke of fortune’s wheel.
We shall conduct our dealings based on mutual and beneficial relationship and with the highest degree of awareness
of our social and civic responsibilities.
We shall hold sacred our Masonic Laws, Rules and Regulations, Constitution and By Laws, Edicts, Ancient Landmarks,
Ancient customs and Usages which were preserved by the lives of our forebears, by immersing ourselves in the imperishable
principles of the Craft.
The Trowel
Executive Committee Meeting
The Macajalar Lodge No. 184 held its monthly Executive Committee Meeting
at the Ramen Tei, Lim Ket Kai Center last March 3, 2015. The Execom meeting is
held once a month in preparation for the monthly stated meetings of the Lodge.
The meeting started at 6:00 pm and ended at 10:00pm and was attended by 20
brethrens.
Most importantly, we shall ever remember that we are mere Earthly Custodians of the Great Architect of the Universe
upon whom we implore in fulfilling our mission and plead that the fruits of our labours will bring forth more honor and glory
to His Most Holy Name. (Adopted from the Grand Lodge.)
GOALS
1. Lodge Governance and Management
2. Membership Growth and Development
3. Community and Environment Involvement
4. Youth Involvement
5. Nationalism
Schedule of Activities
Activities
Timeline
Venue
Chairman
Masonic Publication and Website
-Trowel (first issue; monthly publication)
- Website Launching
Feb 6, 2015
May 18, 2015
Bro. Colbert Rabaya
Bro. Colbert Rabaya
Masonic Education
Monthly
VW Edwin Amene
Reportorial and Information Management
(“Lapsation”)
Sports and Competition
Anniversary Celebration (Honoring the Ladies and
the Past Masters and Family Get-together)
Attendance to ANCOM and
Escapades to Bicol Region
Tree Planting and Growing
Coral Reef Rehabilitation
and Scuba Diving Lessons
All year round
March 7, 2015 (Launching)- Dec 2015; games
every Saturday
July 17, 2015
April 21-27, 2015
Sept 20, 2015
Aug 21-22, 2015
Computer Literacy for Barangay Officials
May 18, 2015
Feeding Program for DepEd Elementary Students
Oct 16, 2015
Adopt-A-School Project
Support to Masonic Youth
(Rainbow for Girls and DeMolays)
Lodge of Instruction
Nov 20, 2015
Rainbow June 7;
DeMolays - As needed
As needed
2
WB Sec. Fer Simon
MUST Gym
Legazpi, Albay
Alubijid,
Misamis Oriental
Misamis Occidental
MUST Theatre
The Three Lights with brethrens during the Macajalar Lodge No. 184 Execom
Meeting last March 3, 2015 at Ramen Tei, Lim Ket Kai Center
Bro. Asst. Sec. Albert
Nuñez
Bro. Rizaldy Pajo and
Bro. John Aaron Del
Bando
VW Oscar Musni
Bro. Ariel Amene
Bro. Bryan Lucky
Noble
Bro. Nelson Uy
Bro. Clyde D. Talampas
Bro. Ronald Victor
Alinas
WB Erlquin Lim
WB Alphon Lagamon
WM Ric Rotoras and officers and members of Macajalar Lodge No. 184 during
the Execom Meeting
11
Masonic Etiquette
Lecturer’s
Column
The Trowel
The Trowel
The following items are not Masonic offenses, They are simply a lack of Masonic Etiquette…or in
other words, considered to be “bad form” or bad manners.
1. TALKING:
“Side” talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners.
Why? The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are
working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple.
Just as it is impolite to talk in a church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is improper to distract
the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate.
Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social
conversation within the lodge room. It is for worship and learning the lesson of the day which is
being taught.
Unless you have requested of the Master to speak, silence is the rule. This also means no whispering.
HOW? If you have something of interest to say, raise your hand. When the Master recognizes you,
you must stand up, and be recognized by the Master to speak. To address the brethren, you should
say:
“Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren”.
If the Most Worshipful Master is in attendance, you should say:
“Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren.
2. SPEAKING:
If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for discussion, advise the Master beforehand.
Why? Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a
matter for discussion is an important courtesy.
You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own
for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted
time frame.
As a courtesy to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately,
beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves “face” for both of
you.
You will not publicly be refused and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal
of your motion.
Source: Masonic Lodge of Education
The Trowel
In the Lights Corner
Greetings Brethren!
The Worshipful Master would like to extend his gratitude to
the Junior Warden, Bro. Amado Noble, for taking leadership
role in the absence of the Worshipful Master and the Senior
Warden during the former’s visit to the U.S. and latter’s trip
to Japan. The Junior Warden successfully facilitated the
delegation of Macajalar Lodge No. 184 during the Mindanao
Masonic Convention held last February 7, 2015 in General
Santos City.
Lastly, the Worshipful Master would also like to remind the
brethren of the much awaited Worshipful Master’s Cup this
coming March 7, 2015. The said event will be participated by
9 teams coming from the 15 Masonic Lodges of Cagayan de
Oro City. The sports tournament will foster and strengthen
further the spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie among
brother masons from the two Masonic Districts of Cagayan
de Oro City. The Opening Ceremony will be held on March 7,
2015, 1:30 pm at the MUST Gymnasium and will be formally
opened by dignitaries from the two Masonic Districts, DDGM
Cesar A. Merlas and DDGM Alan E. Fernan.
Fraternally,
WM Ricardo E. Rotoras
BRO. LIONCIO U. LIM LO SUY
Senior Warden
Birthdays &
Wedding Anniversaries
BIRTHDAYS (MARCH 2015)
March 2 Bro. ARIEL A. AMENE
March 22 Bro. RUPERTO I. GUANGCO, Jr.
March 27 VW LICERIO T. PERDIDO
Bro. EDGARDO K. SYTIONGSA
Bro. RUPERTO C. COLLANTES
March 29 Bro. CARLO MAGNO Y. RAAGAS
March 31 Bro. VICENTE Y. EMANO
VW EDWARDO C. CHAN
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES (MARCH 2015)
March 4 Bro. JEREMY & KAREN TALAMPAS
March 7 Bro. REYNALDO & CARIDAD ABEJO
March 8 Bro. STEVE K & RACHEL KHO HUI
Bro. EDGARDO & AILEEN SYTIONGSA
10
WM RICARDO E. ROTORAS
Worshipful Master 2015
3
BRO. AMADO Z. NOBLE, Jr.
Junior Warden
Stated Meeting
Lecturer’s
Column
The Trowel
The Trowel
March 6, 2015, 5:30 PM
Macajalar Masonic Temple, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro
AGENDA:
1. Opening of the Lodge
2. Reception of Dignitaries
3. Reception of the Flag, Singing of National Anthem & Grand Lodge Hymn
4. Reading and approval of the Minutes of the Previous Stated Meeting
5. Financial Report
a. Secretary’s Financial Report
b. Treasurer’s Financial Report with Almoner’s report
6. Committee’s Report
7. Reading of Grand Lodge Edicts & Circulars
8. Almoner’s Duty
9. Other Matters
10. WM, GLI, DGL & DDGM’s Time
11. Retirement of the Flag
12 Closing of the Lodge
Worshipful Master’s Cup 2015
Witness the opening on March 7, 2015, 1:30 PM at the
MUST Gymnasium to be participated by the following
basketball teams:
1. Macajalar Lodge No. 184 and Tolomeo C. Gallarita
Memorial Lodge No. 242 - Combined
2. Maguindanao Lodge No. 40 and Seven Cardinal
Virtues No. 390 - Combined
3. Kagay-an Lodge No. 385 - solo
4. Carmen Valley Lodge No. 298 - solo
5. Cagayan de Oro Lodge No. 298 - solo
6. Makahambus Lodge No. 315 - solo
4
Macajalar Lodge Temple
The Trowel
Temple Building Committee Report
Cash Flow as of February 28, 2015
Beginning Balance as of January 31, 2015
416,505.21
Add: Collections
Total:
123,586.64
Less: Disbursement
Total:
18,475.09
Total Accountability521,616.76
R.T.5,000.00
Library Fund44,990.67
Cash in Bank571,607.43
As of February 28, 2015
Recap:
A. Macajalar Lodge No. 184 Fund: Total
B. Pledges Collected: Total
C. Space Rentals
1,602,271.56
11,391,603.47
1,916,265.24
Less: Building Expenses 14,388,523.51
Total Funds
Total Building Funds Available
14,910,140.27
521,616.76
Submitted by: (Sgd.) VW Edwin P. Amene, Committee Treasurer
Noted by: VW Francis S. Celis, Committee Vice-Chairman
Audited by: WM Ricardo E. Rotoras, Committee Auditor
Approved by: VW Henry Ching Tiu, Committee Chairman
Temple Library Funds
As of March 3, 2015
Total Pledges178,000.00
Pledges Collected142,000.00
Pledges Collectible 36,000.00
Cash Collected142,000.00
Less: Disbursement82,170.00
Cash Balance59,830.00
Submitted by: (Sgd.)VW Edwin P. Amene, PDDGM
Approved by: WB Alphon R. Lagamon, PM
For comments and suggestions, kindly send it to the publication
committee chair, Bro. Colbert G. Rabaya at [email protected].
MASONIC PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
Chairperson, Bro. Colbert G. Rabaya
9
Financial Column
Report
Lecturer’s
The Trowel
The Trowel
TheTrowel
Trowel
The
Mindanao Masonic Convention
For the Month of February 2015
Secretary’s Collection
Secretary’s Collection
TOTAL CASH ON HAND AS PER REPORT DATED FEBRUARY 5, 2015
O.OO
A. Annual DuesP40,000.00
B. Other Sources
Almoners Collection
P1,080.00
Total AccountabilityP41,080.00
TOTAL AMOUNT TRANSFERRED TO TREASURER
BALANCE ON HAND WITH THE SECRETARY
P41,080.00
O.OO
Treasurer’s Report
BEGINNING BALANCE AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2015
P496,402.38
Cash in Bank:
PLANTERS BANKP10.00
ROBINSONS BANKP505,203.63
ADD: TURNOVER COLLECTION
A. ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDP36,000.00
B. BROTHERLY LOVE ASSISTANCE FUND
P4,000.00
C. ALMONERS FUNDP1,080.00
TOTAL COLLECTIONP41,080.00
LESS DISBURSEMENTP19,273.00
NET COLLECTION FOR THE PERIOD
P21,807.00
SUMMARY OF FUNDS
ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDP50,666.23
BROTHERLY LOVE ASSISTANCE FUND (100K LENDED TO LBC)
P369,862.15
ALMONERS FUNDP63,171.00
OTHER FUNDSP34,500.00
PLANTERS BANKP10.00
TOTAL BALANCE AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2015
8
Members of the Macajalar
Lodge No. 184 attended the 59th
Mindanao Masonic Convention held
at General Santos City on February 7,
2015. The highlights of the Convention
were the Presentation of Platforms
of Governance by thirteen nominees
from Mindanao and the Introduction
of the Grand Master, the Most
Worshipful Alan LM Purisima. The
event was capped with the Evening
Fellowship having the theme “Grand
Master’s Night – Gen. Santos City
Banquet”.
P518,209.38
5
The Trowel
The Trowel
Plans
and Programs
Lecturer’s
Column
Synopsis of
Plans and Programs
The Trowel
Lecturer’s Column
the Plans and Programs for M.Y. 2015
In 2013, Macajalar Lodge No. 184 identified and adopted five (5) development goals for the lodge to pursue in the next five years, M.Y 2013-2017. These goals are as follows: i) Lodge Governance
and Management; ii) Membership and Development; iii) Community and Environment Involvement; iv) Youth Involvement; v) Nationalism.
The matrix below contains the proposed programs, projects or activities for Masonic year 2015 based on the aforementioned goals. In pursuing these proposed projects, the lodge is guided by the
principle that the ultimate measure of success is to see how these programs further strengthened the spirit of brotherhood among the Macajalar brethren. These projects, therefore, serve merely as tools
for fortifying the bond of friendship among us brothers. We are thankful to the brethren for kindly consenting to chair the various committees.
Programs and Projects
January
February March April
May
June
July
August
September
October November
December
/
1. Public Installation
/
2. Attendance to Multi-District
3. First publication of Trowel in 2015 (monthly)
4. Opening of Basketball tournament
5. Escapades to the North
/
/
/
/
6. Attendance to ANCOM and escapades
7. Computer Literacy for Barangay Officials
8. Launching of Macajalar Website
9. Procurement of Desktop Comp & Printer
10. Rainbow for Girls
11. Anniversary Celebration (Family Get-Together)
12. Attendance to National Heroes Celeb
13. Coral Reef Rehabilitation and Scuba
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
14. Tree Planting and Growing
15. Feeding Program (DepEd School)
/
/
16. Adopt-A-School
17. Review of Strategic Plan
/
/
18. Bonifacio Day
/
19. Rizal Day
20. Christmas Party
/
/
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