THE MAKING OF A FORMIDABLE ALLIANCE OF BROTHERHOOD

(A Brief History of the Philippine Masonic Association in America, Inc.)
They say to me, “You must choose between the pleasures of this world and the peace of the next world.” And I say to them, “I have chosen both delights of this world and the peace of the next. For I know the supreme Poet (of the Universe) wrote but one poem, and it scans perfectly, and it also rhymes perfectly.”
— Kahlil Gibran

INTRODUCTION
History has acknowledged that from the dawn of time, man is equipped with abundant mechanisms to survive. For one, it is the formation of groups or alliances in a society that gives him the strength and upper hand to achieve the unachievable, and to reach the unreachable. It can be used as a destructive force to cripple mankind, and to unleash suffering and misery throughout humanity. It can passionately heal the wounded and nurse a broken-down society to make it a blissful place to live. Experiences enhance memory, boost intellect, and provoke one’s mind continuously, compelling us to undertake new positions in life and in the society. It is for these reasons; the elegance and beauty of the latter, which brought the Masons together to become a dynamic contributor for the growth of our existence. It is the underlying discipline stilled in their consciousness that molded them to seek nobler rationales. These are the moral imperatives that joined them as one. It is an eloquent declaration of conviction; a powerful vision not to give it a destiny.

THE BEGINNING
From 1978 to 1984, as was recorded in the annals of PMAAI, exploratory visits and communications were exchanged among the existing social groups of Filipino Masons in America and Canada. The founder and most imminent leader of the Philippine Masonic Association of America, New York Chapter, led by Brothers Ricardo Talusan and Augusto Forbes, diligently searched and designated representatives in California and Illinois to represent their states. The Hiram Club of Tidewater Virginia hosted a meeting which was attended by delegates from the States and Canada. Meanwhile, the Travelers from South Carolina sent an envoy to look into the glow of this promising organization. They found a delightful, new spirit of rejuvenating light coming from the East.

But, can this gargantuan undertaking be done? Is it feasible? One may wonder. Only few but rare confront the unknown and make persistent efforts to explore the uncharted walkways of life. And when it happens, humanity becomes the beneficiaries of their success. It is through their tenacious determination, borne out with sheer willpower reached the magnificence of splendor, when it finally found its footings.

It was in 1984 when the covenant was put into effect to unite several Masonic Organizations from various parts of the States and Canada at national level. It was named, The Philippine Masonic Association of America, Inc. RW Ricardo Talusan was elected President; Bro. Arthur de Guzman as 1st Vice President and Bro. Rogelio Balut as 2nd Vice President; Bro. Crisanto Jorda as Secretary, Bro. Reynaldo Ibanez as Treasurer, Bro. Conrado Bersamina as Public Relation Officer and Bro. Adolfo Banguilan as Auditor. Elected Trustees were RW Manuel O. Obligacion, Bro. Joe Caymol and Bro. Magdaleno Morga. RW Manuel O. Obligacion was appointed as the National Adviser at the same time.
The following year was a significant year in the annals of PMAAI. It was an unusually cool summer, when darkness started to crept early into the evening sky. The soft wind gently blew into the eager faces of Brethren, pleading to calm down. For all its significance, this day would be the beginning of a new era in Philippine Masonry in the States. It was the 1st Annual National Convention held in New York on August 31 to September 2, 1985 that brought thunder to the occasion. The congregation of Brethren who came, described it as, “… a bright glow from a vision that led to a virtuous start…. akin to a tender bud breaking loose from its case, seeking a new life. As the light wafted into the firmament, it spread generously its warm sentiments to Brethren across the land intensifying its brightness to saturate Brothers seeking luminosity with its radiance…” That was an extravagant, collective feeling; a wild crescendo of jubilation enthused by Brethren that day, when the floodgates of new chapters and members started to grow.
It was a modest beginning perhaps, but a powerful beginning nevertheless. As the moment of ecstasy slipped away into the stillness of the hour, that realization could never be described in words. Human language has not advanced its vocabulary to capture the sublime grandeur of the moment. It was electrifying.

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION
The PMAAI is not a Lodge; It is a social organization composed of Masons and their families. Nonetheless, it relies on the invaluable teachings of Masonry in conducting its business. It is recognized as a Masonic Organization in several Grand Lodges in the country, like the Grand Lodge of New York, Grand Lodge of Illinois, Grand Lodge of Nevada, Grand Lodge of Florida, and the Grand Lodge of Tennessee to name a few.
But like many Filipino American Organizations in America, it has experienced myopic inadequacies; it has caught perplexing phenomenon of fragmentation. It has suffered its ups and downs, disappointments and challenges. In the late 90s to early 2000s, for instance, the organization had more than 20 chapters across America and Canada. But due to untold setbacks that happened in several chapters, membership was on the decline. Notwithstanding these impediments, PMAAI persevered to fend off its deep slide into oblivion by dutifully implementing its institutionalized outreach projects by helping the community it serves devotedly and compliantly. Rather than flounder into obscurity, it spreads its wings in assisting Brothers and Sisters wanting to actively take part in the works and activities of their Lodges, the perpetuation of Filipino ideals, traditions, customs and cultures that exemplifies Masonic principals, along with the establishment of an open communication among Filipino Masons in the United States and Canada to promote the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.
Instead of dwindling into nothingness, it extends generous and timely relief to victims of natural disasters at home and abroad. It was well noted that in the 1994 Manila Convention, PMAAI donated medical equipment and supplies to The Children’s Hospital in Quezon City and clothing, shoes and toys were also distributed in some areas in Metro Manila. More significantly, the commitment to its annual scholarship program never wavered nor faltered supporting the needs of deserving scholars.

COMMENDATIONS AND RECOGNITION
During the 8th Annual Convention in Houston in 1992, MWGM Jerome Paul Vogel, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas, led the charge to establish Solidarity Lodge No. 1457, majority of the members of which are Filipino Brothers. It was recognition of the exemplary deed done by Brothers for the betterment of
the Craft. It was a well-deserved commendation; the second of its kind, the first being Jose Rizal Lodge No. 1172 which was duly constituted in New York in 1984.
Only recently, the chartering of Pilipinas Lodge No. 1180, last October 9, 2015 with 59 charter members under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Lodge of Illinois, having its Charter led by Worshipful Master RW Mac Jun Ramos, 33°, received impressive commendations in the communities of Brethren in the States and abroad for his indefatigable endeavor furthering the cause of Masonry.
These are a few declarations; an impressive testament Masons engendered themselves as praiseworthy assemblage of honorable men. They have blossomed into pillars of the community, flowered as valuable partners of goodwill and benevolence in places where they lived.

FORETHOUGHT
PMAAI will continue to strive hard and defy the odds. They will never submit to ignominious capitulation. The incredible tasks before them are so daunting and yet, each affiliate is confident to see a promising future that will audaciously provide them the courage and vigor to promote the great Principle Tenets of Freemasonry at the global scale. They will continue to inspire and be inspired by their vision to a higher degree of consciousness. There is no greater strength than one’s own character and discipline. By elevating oneself to an honorable endeavor, they will reach the unbearable adversary with success. If one can only understand the rudimentary traits of ones minds, regardless of religious persuasion, economic divisions and political differences, until then, truth will be realized. There is no fallacy of hope, but hope in fallacy all must believe in, and must bear forever in their bosoms. These solemn pledges are the markings of a formidable Brotherhood that will carry them beyond horizon of this year as they endure to grow and share their unbiased devotion and belief into glorious grandeur to their fellowmen and Brothers in Alliance.
This is indeed, their Destiny.