History of Philippine DeMolay

The first Chapter in the Philippines, and for that matter the whole of Far East is Jose Abad Santos Chapter, sponsored by the Philippine Bodies, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite.

The first known exemplification of the DeMolay Ritual  and DeMolay Initiation was by the US Asiatic Fleet Chapter at the Plaridel Masonic Temple on February 15, 1930. The first Philippine DeMolay Initated on that occasion was Bro Anthony Vincent Peck.

However it was not until February 1946 on the Stated Meeting of the Philippine Bodies, A&ASR agreed to sponsor the first Chapter of DeMolay to be named Jose Abad Santos Chapter, in honor and in memory of the second world war martyr, Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice and a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

The Acting Deputy of DeMolay in the Philippine Jurisdiction was Dad Michael Goldenberg, 33rd Degree; while Dad Andrew Gruber, 32nd Degree, was made in-charge of the work.

The first Chapter member class was Initiated on March 23, 1946 at the then Grand Lodge Hall located at the corner of Arleqgui and [138] Gunao Streets, Quiapo, Manila. responding to the call were 23 young men, most of whom were sons of Masons. At the first stated meeting of the new Chapter they elected and installed Bro Jesus S Vergara as Master Councilor and Dad Teofilo Ragodon, 32nd Degree, was appointed Chapter Advisor.

Some of the first and oldest Philippine DeMolay Chapters are:

Jose Abad Santos Chapter - 1946 Manila
Catalino G. Aurelio Chapter - 1947 Bacolod City
Emmanuel Baja Chapter - 1947 Cavite City
Loyalty Chapter - 1949 Manila

Whilst Teodoro R Yangco Chapter, in Olongapo City has its first Master Councilor in 1953, it was formally instituted on April 25, 1962 and is one of the longest continuous Chapter in the Philippines.

As part of the International Order of DeMolay, Dad Jolly R Bugarin, Dad Manuel C Inigo [JASC PMC], Dad Artemio B Bayas [JASC Past Master Councilor] and Dad Macario 'Mac' Ramos, among others were some of it's ardent supporters and served as Excutive Officers.

In the early days, the Philippines was one jurisdiction and later on, in the mid 1970's when DeMolay became so widely popular across the archipelago it was subdivided into three regional jurisdictions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, with its own Executive Officers and Jurisdictional Master Councilors.

In November 1976, at the Luzon Conclave held at the Union Theological Seminary in Dasmarinas, Cavite, Bro Mario C. Baylon, Jr (RD, PMC-MSA, Chev) was elected as the first Luzon Jurisdictional Master Councilor, with sister Rainbow Mitzi Pickard as the Jurisdictional Sweetheart. In April 17-19, 1977, Bro Baylon's term culminated in his attendance in the 57th International DeMolay Congress held at Dearborn, Michigan USA, representing the Luzon Jurisdiction for the first time.

In the early 1980's, DeMolay Philippines created the Philippine Supreme Council independent from the International Supreme Council. In 1984, Bro. Dag B. Bawagan was elected as the First National Master Councilor of the Philippines during the first National DeMolay Congress held at Tropical Palace Resorts in BF, Paranaque.

March 2019, in recent history is the centenary and 100th Anniversary of the Order.

DeMolay Conclave: 20-22 May

The Philippine Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay and National Congress Officers had organized the Jurisdictional Conclave to be held in Tuguegarao City [Col Tirso H Gador Chapter] on May 20 – 22, 2011.

Teodoro R Yangco Chapter will be one of the bidders for the National Conclave and will also compete in the ritual competition, we are planning to send 20 or more delegates who will compete in different ritualistic work of DeMolay and we will send you also a video footage of our entry to bid the National Conclave Congress and Olympics dubbed as “SUBIC BAY 2012”.

Any financial support to defray the costs of sending the delegates will be highly appreciated.

Fraternally,

Joshua U. Picache
Senior Councilor
Chairman, Fund Raising Committee

Attested by:

Dad Raymond E Pineda
Chapter Dad

Kapatiran Meeting: 6 March

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

After the holiday hiatus, we are finally going to have our first Kapatiran committee meeting to be held Sunday, March 6, 2011 under the leadership of our very first woman Chairperson, Sister May Abad Ocubillo.

It is going to be held at the Ocubillo's residence. It is going to be a potluck and commence at 12Noon. Please contact May Abad Ocubillo for her address, either by phone or via her email address.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at this meeting. Please respond to this email if you plan to attend to get a headcount. Thanking you for your prompt reply.

Sisterly,

Carol

Roster of Past Master Councilors: T R Yangco Chapter

1953-1954                 CONRADO TIU

1954-1956    RODOLFO DELA CRUZ

1960 ROBERTO KILLION    FRANCISCO GREGORIO

1961 RICHARD REYNOLD                   DAVID GRIERE

1962 RONALD PERRY             WILLIAM DE LEON **

1963 EDWIN BISHOP                       ROBERT DONOR

1964 FELIX SANTOS              ARTURO DE GUZMAN

1965 LOREN STEENSON              HOMER BRAVO**

1966 AQUILINO ARQUERO           OSCAR MORENO

1967 ANTONIETO MENESES**      ROMEO RAMOS

1968 JOSE DE LEON JR.           EMMANUEL RAMOS

1969 JIMMY CORPUZ**                  ANTONIO RAMOS

1970 SAMUEL DEL ROSARIO      RENATO GARCIA

1971 RAMON SANTOS                         FIDEL REYES

1972 ALFREDO DE LEON           RODRIGO GARCIA

1973 DANTE RAMOS         DAVE ALLAN Z. BRAVO

1974 VIRGILIO PENA            NESTOR R. DOMINGO

1975 MARIO C. BAYLON JR. CONRADO B.VELASCO JR.**

1976 SYDNEY JAMES ALBANO       MAXIMO GREGORIO

1977 WILFREDO TAN**          MABINI FRANCISCO

1978 EXEQUIEL BAUTISTA      CONSTANTINO CONSTANTINO

1979 JOSELITO ESTRELLA          JULIUS ESGUERRA

1980 FREDDIE BALTAZAR

1981 RAUL REYNALDO MINA

1982 ENRIQUE DEL ROSARIO           TOMAS VEGA

1983 ROLDAN MINA               ARISTOTLE CABIGAO

1984 ARIEL ORTIGUERRA            ROBERT FERRER

1985 JOHN QUEVEDO            MICHAEL JOHNSON

1986 JERRY SUAREZ                    JOAN VILLALINO

1987 GIL ANTHONY FABRIGAS     ANTHONY GALANG

1988 ARISTOTLE CABIGAO

1989 RICARDO NABOR                         JOHN AGO

1990 JEFFREY QUEVEDO           ANGELO ALANO

1991 ANTHONY DE LEON         GILBERT MILLAN

1992 ROBERT RECEDE

1993 ANDREW LINIS                   ARIS BANIQUED

1994 ARIS BANIQUED           MICHAEL VINLUAN

1995 ALBERT DELA CRUZ               DANTE FRIAS

1996 ADRIAN MINGA                  DENNIS IBANEZ

1998 ELIEZER GUTIERREZ      BRIAN DELA VEGA

1999 RONALD ALLAN GALO       MARK ANTHONY SALEM

2000 AURELIO DE GUZMAN     MARLON ASANO

2001 RICHARD SILVESTRE        ROBERTO LOPEZ

2002 MARK IBANEZ                     ROBIN RAMIREZ

2003 JOHN EMMANUEL GIGANTE   DAN LESTER SAMPANG

2004 STEVEN HOOVER          RICHARD CHRISTIAN TOLENTINO

2005 GLENN ERICKSON GARCIA    ADRYAN JOSEF MAREPOSQUE

2006 IVAN GESTER LEE      WILFREDO MARAYA

2007 VINER MILAN          MATTHEW RAFAEL HOOVER

2008 EFRAIM HERNANDEZ

2009 RONALD PATRICK REYES       MIGUEL ALEJANDRO SERENO

            2010 GLENN ANDREW HOOVER          

**Deceased
 
Note: PMCs on right hand side served 2nd Term [six months] of the year. If none, the MC served two terms or the full year as Master Councilor.

Installation of Officers: 11 July

The TR Yangco Chapter, Order of DeMolay Public Installation of Officers will be on July 11, 2010 at 4 pm at Lincoln Lodge No 34 Temple; then followed by the investiture of the Degree of Chevalier to Dad & Brother Jerry Azurin, Dad & Brother Rodrick Bustamante and Brother Ronald  Patrick Reyes, PMC.

The Incoming Officers to be installed are as follows:

Master Councilor - Glenn Andrew A. Hoover

Senior Councilor - Royce Albert C. Esteban

Junior Councilor - Joshua U. Picache

Treasurer - Dean Ramsey Chavez

Scribe - Jahaziel Villanueva

Chaplain - Jordan Nathaniel Dizon

Marshall - Gian Carlo Martinez

Senior Deacon - Raven P. Lucas

Junior Deacon - Clements Rex Dingil

Senior Steward - Erik John Alipis

Junior Steward - Nikki Vince Yorro

Almoner - Christopher Jay Wiseman

Orator - Renzo Paul H. Reyes

Standard Bearer - Kristian Charles Stamatelaky

Sentinel - Darren Ruffy Padua

First Preceptor - Aries Jay Fabian

Second Preceptor - Ruther James Ortega

Third Preceptor - Gian Stefano Lim Gangue

Fourth Preceptor - Johan Ferrer Azores

Fifth Preceptor - Eran Jose

Sixth Preceptor - Alvin P. Baltazar

Seventh Preceptor - Alwin P. Baltazar

Then on the 18th of this month [July] is the Public Installation of Ricardo P. Galvez Chapter, Order of DeMolay in Iba, Zambales; the installing team is from TRY.

According to Dad & Brother Ricardo 'Boy' Nabor, LOH "this is the chapter we helped create way back in 2007. We are supporting said chapter for now, hence we focus & support by attending all Sunday meetings. We have meetings 1st and 3rd in Iba  and 2nd and last Sundays in Olongapo City."

Our congratulations to all incoming officers of the Chapter and the brethren who will be invested with the Degree of Chevalier.

Dad Fernando Bautista Passed Away: 24 June 2010

VW FERNANDO BAUTISTA DROPPED HIS WORKING TOOLS


Thu Jun 24, 2010 10:13 pm (PDT)

Brethren,

One of the Pillars and foundation of Lincoln Lodge No. 34 and Worthy Bro. VW Bro Fernando Bautista dropped his working tools this morning, past 3:00 am. He is now on that undiscovered country and in the care of the GAOTU, where travelers never return. May he rest in peace.

VW Domzie Lorenzo, PDGL
Secretary 2009
Pinatubo Lodge No.. 52, San Narciso, Zambales
ML Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 17 Cavite City

------------------------------------

Received this email from VW Bro Domzie Lorenzo. As you know, Dad Fernando 'Nanding' Bautista is one of the many Dad Advisors of Teodoro R Yangco Chapter as well as an avid supporter of Bethel No 1, Job's Daughters.

Our condolences and prayers to the our brother DeMolays and Sis Jobies and all the family & friends of our Dad Nanding. May he rest in peace.

WBRo Jose D. Macaraeg Sr Drops Working Tools: 4 May 2010

Our condolences to the family of WBro Jose D Macaraeg Sr on his passing last 4 May at 6:15 PM as per our T R Yangco Chapter Senior DeMolay & WBro Aureo 'Auring' Macaraeg.

Our prayers and thoughts goes to his family & friends.

WBro Jose Sr was raised in Lincoln Lodge No 34 in 1963 at Olongapo City. A Past Master of Silverdale Lodge No 311 and a charter member of LuzViMinda Lodge No 317, both in Washington State [USA]. He is the current Senior Warden in the first [and new] Filipino American lodge in the state of Washington.

Sincerely & fraternally,

Bro Mario Baylon Jr

3rd Kapatiran Grand Reunion: 28-29 Aug 2010

To all Brothers and Sisters:

The Kapatiran 2010 Grand Reunion Organizing Committee would like to invite you all to the 3rd Grand Reunion Dinner-Dance on August 28, 2010 at the Admiral Kidd Club located at the Naval Base - Point Loma in San Diego, California; followed by a picnic on August 29, 2010 at the Admiral Baker Picnic Area located at Friars Road in San Diego, California. This will be a joint reunion with many other chapters such as the Loyalty Chapter in Manila , Jose Abad Santos Chapter in Malate, Emmanuel Baja Chapter in Cavite City , Leon Kilat Chapter with their corresponding affiliated Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls.

We are now sending out tickets for the two-day event with a total cost of $65 per person, which includes the dinner-dance and picnic venues, all food, raffle prizes, decorations, DJ, and all other incidental expenses. We would like to know if you can make it to the reunion, how many tickets you are going to need, and the address where the tickets will be mailed to; deadline for payments will be July 18, 2010. We are also in the process of collecting ads for our Souvenir Program with a deadline for submittal of July 31, 2010.

Please respond to this request as soon as you can. Don’t forget also to sign-up and join our new “KapatiranOC” Yahoo Group so you can get all the latest news and information. You can also post any messages or photos you wish to share with the whole group.

Fraternally yours,

Tonee Ramos
Kapatiran 2010 Chairman

Kapatiran 2010 - 3rd Grand Reunion Dinner Dance: 28 Aug

TRY to Attend 11th DeMolay Congress: Davao City 27-30 May 2010

The 11th DeMolay National Conclave, Congress and Olympics will be hosted by Feliciano Iñigo Chapter, Davao City, this May 27 - 30, 2010.

As always, the members of T R Yangco Chapter are preparing to attend and compete in this annual congress and conclave, as emailed by PMC, Bro Ronald Patrick Reyes and Dad & Bro Bhoy Nabor.

According to last year's MC, Bro Patrick, the brethren are raising funds: "In regards with [their] fundraising campaign they are selling printed and embroidered t-shirts, a plate with embossed text "A DeMOLAY LIVES HERE" and a DeMolay emblem plus space for the address is available." This, plus another Php14,000.00 at the now defunct Accord Bank [and which they are working to get the fund from PDIC].

The active DeMolays are again seeking your [Senior DeMolays & Dad Masons] support so they can  sent delegates to this year's Congress.

According to former Master Councilor, Bro Patrick Reyes, last year TRY is the only DeMolay Chapter with a complete ritual team, hence the Opening & Closing Competition was cancelled due to lack of competitors.

In the Degree Ritual Competition, TRY was the only complete team with all members belonging to TRY. Completing the top three Chapters were Mabini and Kalikasan Chapters. Our Junior Inquisitor [JI] won the best JIs of all.

In the Olympics section, our Bro Remuel took the silver in the chess competition, while our basketball team took the championship and silver at swimming. With not enough time, other sports competitions were also cancelled. Best overall Chapter went to T R Yangco!

T R Yangco Chapter Memorial Service Team

Photo shows the Memorial Service Team 2009 of T R Yangco Chapter, both consisting of senior DeMolays as well their junior counterparts.

While all smiles for this photo, we know they are devastated with the untimely death of our Bro Junjun Lorenzana. It is another opportunity; albeit sad, to get together and have fellowship. In times like these that we are all proud to be TRY DeMolays!

Bro Junjun Lorenzana - 3 Nov 2009

T R Yangco Chapter Senior DeMolays Memorial Service for Bro Junjun Lorenzena: Bro MC Julius Esguerra, Bro SC Butch Gregorio, Bro JC Pechie Fontillas, Bro Scribe Deng Musa, Bro Chaplain Jojo Adamos, Bro Orator Edwin Bernardino and Bro SD Alex Azurin. Lincoln Lodge No 34 Temple, 11 Nov 2009.

According to an email by Bro Rogelio "Boy" Jordan:

It is with sadness that to 'inform you that Bro Junjun Lorenzana passed away this afternoon at 3:30 pm due to stroke according to Bro Butch Gregorio."

Bro Allan Dave Bravo emailed us to let us know that Bro "Jun Lorenzana is now in ICU at James Gordon Hospital in Olongapo; and to include him and his family on your prayers. Egay is going home in Olongapo as soon he get his air ticket."

While Bro Nestor "Netoy" Domingo has this to say:

"I have been in constant contact with Egay [Bro Edgar Lorenzana] after hearing what happened. From what I had gathered, Jun suffered a stroke - an aneurysm lodged in his brain and he was operated on. Being that it happened Sunday, All Saints' Day, it took hours for the surgeon to arrive from Manila. He is currently on a ventilator.

"Egay said that there's conflicting reports from the physicians and he is waiting to talk to the surgeon directly. One MD said that Jun is already brain dead. Another MD asked for the priest to be called to administer the last rites yet vaguely inferred that there's still hope. It was my understanding that they tried to take him off the ventilator and he was able to sustain it for a few seconds and the MD decided to put him back on.

"Jun's wife is asking Egay for his decision as there was a talk about taking the support off (that's why Egay called me to ask for guidance).

"This stresses the importance of the Living Will or the Advanced Directive for Healthcare. We are not getting any younger. I highly suggest that you guys execute one - don't be unfair to your kids and leave them that painful decision should you be in this position.

"Allan is right - let us all pool our prayers for Bro. Jun" and his family.

----------------------------
May our Bro Junjun Lorenzana rest in peace and our condolences and prayers are with his family and friends.

Unfortunately we don't have any further details as to viewing or funeral schedules.

Ill. Earl Walker, 33°, GC, Receives Hall of Fame Honor

Ill. Earl Walker, 33°, GC, Receives Hall of Fame Honor from Missouri DeMolay at the recent Annual Missouri DeMolay State Conclave in Jefferson City, the DeMolay of Missouri honored "Dad" Earl E. Walker with one of their highest honors: induction into the Missouri DeMolay Hall of Fame.

State Master Councilor, Ryan Cockerham, and his father, Grand Master of DeMolay International, Robert Cockerham, 33°, SGIG in Missouri, presided over the festivities in Jefferson City with over 500 DeMolays and guests from across the state.

Ill. Earl E. Walker, 33°, Grand Cross, has a long-standing commitment to serve youth and Masonic bodies. Bro. Walker is founder and Chairman of the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders, which serves over 1,000 children with communication disorders annually in the greater St. Louis area, as well as many local and national children´s service initiatives.

Dad Walker is also a strong supporter of DeMolay in Missouri-through scholarships, with the Missouri DeMolay fundraising efforts for the children of Missouri RiteCare®, and as a major contributor to the annual Missouri DeMolay Leadership Training Conference. Bro. Earl truly embodies the seven cardinal virtues of DeMolay and strongly supports the DeMolay goals for Teamwork, Leadership, and the future of Freemasonry.

Ill. Cockerham noted that, "The Order of DeMolay and the Scottish Rite are blessed to have you, Dad Walker, as a genuine leader and hero to champion these worthwhile and needed causes for children."

In recognition of Dad Walker´s ongoing commitment, the youth of Missouri DeMolay presented him with "heartfelt letters from Leadership Camp" chronicling their impressions and journey to leadership, character, service, and learning. The young men also presented him the official "Teamwork Football" from their camp adventures. Bro. Walker holds these priceless items in high esteem as they exemplify our future leaders´ growth and progress.

As Brother Earl put it, "An investment in our children is an investment in the future." His actions speak louder than words and set the groundwork for the future leaders emerging from Missouri DeMolay.

Submitted by Sherry Mistretta, Executive Director
The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders of St. Louis, Inc.

(Reprinted from the September/October 2009 issue of the Scottish Rite Journal)

10th Demolay Philippines Congress

The newly formed Lope K Santos Chapter, Order of DeMolay, Philippines; sponsored by Ang Tipolo Lodge No 334 will host the 10th Philippine DeMolay Congress, Conclave and Olympics this coming 21 to 24 May 2009 at Club Manila East Hotel and Resort, Km 24 Manila East Road, Brgy. San Juan, Taytay, Rizal.

This year's theme is: “Keeping the Chivalry Alive in DeMolay”.

According to the Philippine Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay in the Philippines:

"All active DeMolays are enjoined to attend and participate in the various activities and seminars for a well-rounded youth development. It is the most interesting occasion to manifest ever again the continuing advancement of our camaraderie and brotherhood. Let us unite and rekindle the DeMolay principles and purposes so that it may inspire and enlighten our young boys into right pathways of life."

Registration fees are as follows: PHP3,000.00 for active DeMolays, PHP2,500.00 for all other guests such as Chapter Sweetheart, Masons, Senior DeMolays, Mother's Club members and Dad advisors. For more information visit the DeMolay Philippines website by clicking here.

According to an email by the current Master Councilor, Bro Ronald Patrick H. Reyes; the TR Yangco Chapter is aiming to sent as many as twenty delegates to compete in the ritual competition as well as in the Olympics.

Bro Patrick is asking for donation to help defray the cost.

Welcome Bro Gerry

Photo above shows [from left] Bro Sydney, Bro Gerry, Bro Dave Allan and Bro Jojo at the welcome party to the US as hosted by Bro Gerry's blood brother and DeMolay Bro Netoy.

Bro Gerry and Sis Marlene arrived last 18 January and on the first Saturday of their arrival [24th Jan], Bro Netoy, Sis Benniely and parents, Dad and Mom Domingo gave them a welcome party.

From the photos shared by Netoy [on Shutterfly, unfortunately I can't download all], the welcome party looks successful.

Welcome to San Diego Bro Gerry and Sis Marlene!

Happy 90th Anniversary!

Order of DeMolay - March 18, 1919 - March 18, 2009

Happy 90th Anniversary to all fellow DeMolays, Senior DeMolays and advisors and friends of the DeMolay movement.

The fact that we have reached this milestone gives us the positive contribution the Order have made. Truly, the Order of DeMolay is the flower garden of Masonry.

We, who are members and senior members of the Order, are lucky enough to be trained by this fraternity and guided by Masons who diligently served as our Dad Advisors. We hope that more Blue Lodges will sponsor a chapter of DeMolays.

Here's to the first 90 years; and on to the 100th year [March 18, 2019] and the next 90 years!

------------------------

A very big "Thank you" [in no particular order] to Dad Solomon Mora, Dad Delio S. Reyes, Dad Max Bravo, Dad Hiram Gregorio, Dad Dr Felino Alcid, Dad Josefino Jose, Dad Benjamin De Guzman, Dad Jesse Mackay, Dad Fernando Bautista, Dad Emil V. Leonor, Dad Frank Malicsi, Dad Armando Limcangco, Dad Rodolfo Malia, Dad Ruperto Bustamante II, Dad Max Trevias, Dad Rodolfo Gloria and the countless Dads and Moms [Mom Mora, Mom Pena, Mom Adamos, Mom Hubbard, Mom Limcangco, Mom Leonor, etc] who guided us and fed us.

------------------------

Media downloads - DeMolay International

Grand Kapatiran Reunion Slated - Aug 2010: San Diego, CA

According to our Kapatiran [JoDem] web site, the next Grand JoDem Kapatiran Reunion is planned for August 2010 in San Diego, California.

According to the same source, "The next meeting will be held in February 21, 2009 at Brother Tikboy Mac’s house in Murrieta (not Mira Mesa).The meeting will start promptly at 2:00 pm and snacks will be provided by the host."

"We are requesting all our inactive brothers and sisters in the San Diego area to please participate in the planning of the next reunion which is why we are holding it in San Diego.

For more information, please visit and become a member [by registering on site, free] by visiting the Kapatiran site [please click here]. Alternatively, please email Bro Tonee Ramos at toneeramos@cox.net, for immediate attention and for more information.

Sis Lydia Ramos Cunanan: 19 Nov 1950 - 09 Jan 2009

Just to share to you another sad news from Bro Allan Bravo:

The wife of Bro Benny Cunanan (T R Yangco Chapter, Lincoln Lodge No 34 member), Sis Lydia Ramos Cunanan (Bethel No 1, IOJD) passed away Friday, 9 January 2009.

Please extend our deep condolences and prayers to our Bro Benny and family.

Unfortunately I do not have further information regarding internment arrangements.

-----------------------
Update:

Lydia Ramos Cunanan

Born on Nov. 19, 1950 Departed on Jan. 9, 2009 and resided in Carson, CA.

Visitation:

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 & Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009

Service:

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009

http://www.lafuneral.com/ You can log on and write your condolences here, if you wish.

------------------------

"Sis Lydia Ramos Cunanan went to be with the Lord on Friday January 9, 2009, in Torrance, CA at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. She passed peacefully and entered the Lord's presence joyfully, surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her husband Benjamin Z. Cunanan, and her daughters Kristine Joyce and Kathleen Rose, along with their husbands, Gerardo Tuazon and Jonathan Seruyange.

Sis Lydia was born on November 19, 1950 to Jose and Vergelina Ramos in Olongapo City, Philippines. After graduating from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Lydia worked as a clinical nurse at St Luke's Medical Center in Manila, Philippines. Later, she worked as a school nurse at Olongapo Wesley School.

Sis Lydia and her husband, Bro Ben were married on December 27, 1975, and enjoyed 33 years of happiness together. Their first daughter, Kristine Joyce was born on October 26, 1976, and four years later, Kathleen Rose was born on July 28, 1980.

In June, 1995, Lydia and her family moved to the United States, eventually settling in Carson, California.

Sis Lydia was passionate about her Lord, and actively served in different ministries. While still in the Philippines, she served at Wesley United Methodist Church in all ministries, especially those related to evangelism, health care, and family ministry. After moving to the United States she remained active wherever she went. Most recently, she was involved in follow up, prayer, counseling, teaching and mentoring ministries at her church, The Word for the World, South Bay. She will be greatly missed by her extended family—the church.

Sis Lydia will be remembered as a loving wife, caring, committed mother, and an encourager to all she met. She was passionate about family life, and loved spending time with her family. Besides singing and playing the piano, she was known to all as a peacemaker, and a faithful and strong woman of God. She consistently lived trusting the promises of the Lord in her favorite verses, Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Services will be held at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 on January 14, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 PM, Pacific Standard Time."

Reprinted from LA Funeral website.

Another happy snap

Above photo shows Egay, Butch, Mario, JazMong and Netoy. Notice JazMong so happy to see Mario...

Look-alike?

I am just kidding.... Jaz and Sydney. But definitely Jazmong is so happy to see Sydney; who dropped by on the way to work to see all of us. Thanks Jaz and Sydney for taking the time to have fellowship with us! See you soon in 2010!