Part 1 - Philippine Masonry History Tidbits: Gran Oriente Español & Silanganan Lodge No 19

Fraternal Greetings!

I was lucky enough to have a communication with the representative of Gran Español (Gran Oriente Español) in Spain, RW Ramon Soler - Asistente Gran Maestro DGM. It was a pity that I failed to meet him during his visit here last year. Kuya Harry Gonzales was a key for that breakthrough.

Before I made a communication with RW Ramon, I asked MW Jimmy Gonzales for advise to be sure. As usual, MW Jimmy was prompt and kind to assist and said that we indeed have a Masonic relationship with them.

RW Ramon is really looking for their long lost lodges here. Spain's Masonic History is literally painted in blood. Almost all of their records were confiscated and burned! MMs (Master Masons) wew arrested and some were killed. In effect, what they have of Philippine lodges are just in memory.

The reason I was looking for them was due to the the 100th year Anniversary of Silanganan 19 August this year (2008), of which I was the WM last year. I felt as if I found a long lost mother! We were one of the original members of Gran España (Gran Oriente Español) here.

I hope that we can rekindle our roots in Philippine Masonry and have peace and harmony with other lodges. May God bless us all.

(Via email by WB Jose Jonathan Ramires Atienza Roasario, Pasig, PM Silanganan 19, Dapitan 21 ML).

For a brief history of the Grand Lodge of Spain, please click main title or here.