Makiling Lodge No. 72, F&AM

26/05/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺.

And Kuyang, most of us just... walk around it.

Every lodge has one. That one topic nobody wants to bring up during stated meeting. That one brother whose behavior everyone notices but nobody addresses. That one tradition that stopped making sense years ago but we keep doing anyway because "yan ang dati."

RW Cliff Jacobs gave it a name, "The Elephant in the Lodge," and honestly, it hit different.

Because the truth is, the strength of a lodge is not measured by how many members it has or how grand its installations are. It is measured by how honestly the brethren can talk to each other.

And that is hard, Kuyang. Especially for us Filipinos.

We are raised to be polite. To keep the peace. To smile and nod even when something feels off. "Huwag nang gulo." "Baka masaktan." "Bahala na."

But here is what the Craft teaches us...

Silence is not always harmony. Sometimes silence is just fear wearing a barong.

A lodge that cannot have honest conversations is a lodge that is slowly drifting. Not dramatically. Not all at once. Just... quietly, meeting by meeting, year by year.

The elephant does not stomp. It just takes up space until there is no room left for real brotherhood.

So what do you do?

🐘 You name it. Gently, but clearly. Not in the parking lot after the meeting. In the lodge, where it belongs.

🐘 You separate the brother from the behavior. You can love a man and still tell him the truth. That is actually what brothers are for.

🐘 You make it safe to disagree. A lodge where everyone always agrees is not a lodge of thinkers. It is a lodge of people who stopped caring.

RW Jacobs reminded us that diverse perspectives inside the lodge are not a problem to manage. They are the whole point.

We are not supposed to be the same. We are supposed to be united despite our differences. And that unity only happens when we are brave enough to have the uncomfortable conversations.

So Kuyang, what is the elephant in your lodge right now?

You do not have to answer that here. But think about it. And maybe, just maybe, be the brother who finally speaks up.

The lodge needs that brother. It might need you.

­

Kuyang Chico
Batasan Masonic Lodge #381

Batasan... Hustisya!

24/05/2026

May 2026 Stated Meeting

Installation of VWI Erwin A. Dalisay Grand Lodge Inspector Makiling Lodge No. 72 F&AM

2nd °Conferral of Bro. James Apilado and RaIsing to the Sublime Degree of Bro. Ohmz Zen

23/05/2026

Congratulations to VWI Erwin A. Dalisay our newly installed Grand Lodge Inspector for ensuing year 2026-2027.

16/05/2026

Makiling Lodge No. 72 , F&AM celebrating its 104th Anniversary with a Mason's Cup Tennis Doubles Tournament

10/05/2026

On Mother’s Day and Freemasonry

Your Mother Lodge is where you first received Light, forged lifelong fraternal bonds, and began your journey in Freemasonry. Much like a mother, it nurtured your growth, guided your first steps, and helped shape the man and Mason you are today. It deserves more than occasional remembrance—it deserves your active presence now, not only in retirement.

As we reflect on Mother’s Day, we are reminded of the quiet sacrifices, unwavering support, and unconditional care that mothers give without asking for recognition. In many ways, our Mother Lodge serves in the same spirit: patiently teaching, guiding, correcting, and encouraging us throughout our Masonic journey.

One of the greatest lessons we learn from our mothers is the importance of showing love and gratitude while there is still time. Too often, appreciation is delayed until opportunities are gone. The same lesson applies to our lodges. Freemasonry thrives when brethren choose to serve while they still have the strength, energy, and opportunity to do so. Make time.

Waiting for the “golden years” often leaves the labor to only a faithful few, leading to fatigue and weakening the vitality of the lodge. Every Mason’s participation matters.

By making time for your Mother Lodge today, you help:

* Preserve its traditions, spirit, and legacy for future generations.
* Support the brethren who continue to labor faithfully.
* Strengthen the bonds of brotherhood formed when you first received Light.
* Mentor younger Masons seeking wisdom, fellowship, and guidance.
* Ensure that the Light entrusted to you continues to shine for others.

Service does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes it simply means being present—attending meetings, mentoring new brethren, participating in lodge activities, or offering your time and talents where they are needed most.

This Mother’s Day, let us remember two important truths: honor those who nurtured us, and never wait too long to give back to those who helped shape our lives.

Your mother gave you life. Your Mother Lodge helped shape your Masonic life. Both deserve your gratitude, your presence, and your service—while you still can.

Happy Mother’s Day to our Mother Lodge, to our mothers and the mothers of our children whithersoever dispersed!

09/05/2026

MDRIV Laguna East District Turn-over and First District Meeting

02/05/2026