Almost a year ago...

... our bro Netoy sent us pictures of his Xmas 2007 in Gapo. This particular photo show (from left) his blood brother and DeMolay brod Gerry Domingo; and brods Jojo Adamos, Bado Jordan and Butch Gregorio.

I spoke to Bro Netoy over the phone just the other week; when Sis Annie was here in Oz to visit her brother, another Senior DeMolay, Bro Ireneo "Mario" Francisco. Bro Netoy said that he will be back this year to fetch Bro Gerry and family to the US. At long last!

Also note bro Butch sporting a Kapatiran 2007 shirt, which reminds me the Grand Kapatiran 2010 reunion in Gapo being planned by the brods and sis in California. This is tentatively slated for summer 2010. Hope this materializes...

Bro and Dad Manuel "Ba" Gregorio Drops Working Tools

In an email by Bro Netoy Domingo, he informs us that Bro Senior DeMolay and Dad Mason Manuel "Ba" Gregorio recently passed away.

Dad Manuel Gregorio is also the father of our Senior DeMolay, Bro Butch Gregorio.

While we don't have too much details, we request that you pray for and offer your condolences to Mom Gregorio and the whole Gregorio clan for the passing away of Dad Gregorio.

Email received from Mr Jose Farrales of SRF_Tiger:

"Manuel Macaraeg Gregorio (71) formerly with Shop 51 passed away on 30 June 2008 in Olongapo City. He was survived by his wife Nenita Angeles Gregorio, children Maximo (Butch) & Tessie, Marcelina (Marcy) & Eduardo Pitquen, and Manuel (Jun) Gregorio Jr., his grandchildren & greatgrandchildren. His body now lies in Lincoln Lodge #34 and funeral on Saturday, 5 July 2008."

Also continue to pray for the recovery of Bro Dave Allan Bravo's daughter, Maxine. According to Sis Joy (nee Bravo), sister of Bro Dave Allan, auntie to Maxine and Sis Joby: Maxine is back home and on the way to recovery. Really good news!

DeMolay Ritual Translated in Filipino

Photo shows JoDeM get-together in San Diego 18 Oct 2005, left to right: Seated front Sis Brenda Rivera-Pena and Sis Ana Kim Abad-Dimalanta. Back row: Bros Nestor Domingo, Sydney Albano, Goya Gloria, Butch Escota, Egay Lorenzana, Joel Delos Santos, Dave Allan Bravo, Ver Pena, Leo Martinez and Tino Constantino.

As I was researching Philippine DeMolay history on the internet, I managed to come across the following answer to a question in the DeMolay International forum website.

It is by our own Bro Dave Allan Z Bravo, better known for his use of his initials: DAZB, sounds and much like a name for a radio station. He is one of our very popular and active PMCs, a Chevalier and a Representative DeMolay.

This reminded me of the time when TRY translated the then International Order of DeMolay English ritual in the vernacular, specifically in Pilipino (now it's spelt: Filipino to denote both the people and the language).

Here is Bro DAZB spiel re the translated ritual:

"For your information the Teodoro R. Yangco Chapter, Olongapo City, Philippines translated the whole ritual in Filipino language and was presented during the conclave in the city. There are three remaining original copies including one of which is in my possession. Looking forward to turn over it to the Supreme Council of the Philippines, for future printing and use. The reason for translating the ritual in our language is to promote our sense of nationalism and love for our the motherland, the Philippines. The translation of the ritual took a year by dedicated officers and members of T.R.Y. Chapter. Mabuhay ang ritual Pilipino."

Because it was in my time (in the 1970's) as a DeMolay, I remember participating in one of the first exemplification of the Filipino Ritual, together with Bro DAZB, and Brothers Nestor R Domingo, Conrado B Velasco and others whose faces I can clearly remember but whose names escapes me at the moment.

This achievement highlights another "feather in our cap" in Philippine DeMolay history. Unfortunately I am still in need of our Chapter history. Also I am dissapointed that even the history of Philippine DeMolay is not updated in the Philippine Supreme Council website. The history of both our chapter and Philippine DeMolay movement would definitely add the much needed Filipino identity and pride, especially for our younger Filipino DeMolays.

I will persevere and hoping that one of our readers will help me in this regard.