Last October 8th, the Plaridel Lodge 1893 installed Brother Warren Ribates, as Worshipful Master. The event was special as Worshipful Master Ribates is the third master to be elected to lead the lodge members for the next 12 months, along with the lodge officers. Immediate Past Master WBro. Archie Alvarez had a successful year, working closely with the foundation Worshipful Master Bro. Greg Todio, even through the pandemic.
Freemasonry played a huge part in Philippine history. The Plaridel Lodge 1893 is unique as it embraces the traditions of the Grand Lodge of Victoria and the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. The festivities continued through the night with a traditional Filipino feast. Coincidently another Freemason Lodge, The Earl of Dunmore Lodge, who follows the Scottish tradition, also had their installation in the adjoining room. The aroma of Filipino dishes and the sound of the traditional bagpipes encouraged opening the partition walls and having a joint celebration. As one member pointed out, the symbolism of opening the dividing walls and joining the celebration is similar to the breaking down of the Berlin Wall that united East and West Germany. There were no restrictions, and both parties were able to celebrate and experience each other’s traditions simultaneously.
The Earl of Dunmore Lodge displayed traditional Scottish dancing and explained to the audience the significance of the tradition. It was an evening of cultural exchange and camaraderie that the Plaridel members shared by singing some party favourites. There was also the promise that there would soon be a display of Filipino culture. This display of Universal Brotherhood couldn’t have happened without the help and effort of the Lodge members, their partners and family.
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