We Should Be On The Level By WBro Leo Tan

Brother Agapito Hinlo, circa 1924. See story behind the picture below.

This editorial first appeared in The Filmasons, the official Newsletter of the Filipino Freemasons Club (now Association) of New South Wales, Inc (Australia), on its frontpage September 1997 issue.

"Freemasonry is universal.

Rituals vary here and there. But it is all the same - "Brotherhood of men under the Fatherhood of God".

However, from time to time we hear some of our brethren comparing the Australian brand of the fraternity and that of the Philippines. Unwittingly, some Masons raised in the Philippines thought they are more committed to the ancient institution than his fellow brother who is raised a Mason here in Australia. Why?

Is it because those from the Philippines are veterans of the rough and rugged road? Does this experience make them better Freemasons? How many times were they admonished by the elders of the Lodge that such practice should not be tolerated. That the rituals should be emphasized on the words and the lessons of the Tragedy.

As we mature in Masonry, we may realize that to subject a Fellowcraft to such physical exercise is wrong. As Master Masons working on this sublime degree, we may be doing a disservice to the fraternity. We have not grown up!

What is important is the commitment of the individual Mason wherever he was raised. How many Filipino Freemasons do we know are true and dedicated to the Fraternity and its teachings. How many have drifted away and lost the plot? There is no distinction whether one is made a Mason back home or here in Australia, we have them both ways.

A committed and dedicated Mason is not made in the rough and rugged road but in one's heart.

It is therefore not healthy to compare; in this instance, Freemasonry from different constitutions. For there is nothing to compare in the first place with regards to commitment and dedication. No particular group of Masons can claim a monopoly of such.

We should learn to respect and treat a brother Mason without any label of Made in the Philippines or Made in Australia. We are all on the same path "seeking for that which was lost."

We are all on the level!"

Bro Agapito Hinlo: The Story Behind the Picture

The picture above is courtesy of WBro Vince Flores (Lodge Alpha, Blacktown NSW). It was given to him as a memento by Bro Hinlo's daughter, Clarita Hinlo Neroma. a Sydney resident. WBro Vince, in turn donated the picture to the Filipino Freemasons Club of NSW, Inc. as part of our growing Masonic Library. Most likely the picture was taken in 1924. The inscription on the picture reads:

"Agapito Hinlo
Fue Hecho Mazon Julio 9, 1921
Exaltado al Grado 14 Mayo 27, 1922
Exaltado al Grado 32 Abril 9, 1924"

While my Spanish is not the best (I managed to pass 12 units in College! I don't know how?). I believe it says: "Made a Mason in July 9, 1921", "Exalted 14th Degree May 27, 1922" and lastly, "Exalted 32nd Degree April 9, 1924." That is the reason I assumed the picture was taken sometime in April 1924 or thereabouts. That is after he was conferred the 32nd Degree, most likely in the Scottish Rites.

Based from what WBro Vince told me, the Hinlo's are from Negros Occidental and are landed and well-off. I hope we can get more detailed information regarding this Brother.