Later in February, 2014

On February 18, Tuesday, Illustrious Sir Rick Holberg, Potentate/CEO of Khartum Shriners presided over this year's Divan's first Meeting. The 2013 financial statements were discussed and later presented at the Executive Meeting with the Past Potentates. The 2014 budget was also discussed and adjustments were made for Membership expenses.

On Feb 19, Wednesday, I joined my first Oriental Band practice after I agreed to play the Derbakki, a beautiful Lebanese drum. However, when I play with them at the parades or circus, I will most probably be in clown makeup and costume.

On February 20, Thursday, a funeral service was held for VWB Roy Chu, who was the Worshipful Master of my Mother Lodge, Capitol City Lodge (CCL) No 174, MW Grand Lodge of the Philippines. VWB Roy was here in Winnipeg in June 2011 with other CCL Brethren for my Installation as Grand Master of Manitoba. At that time, he and his wife lived in New Jersey. Sometime thereafter, he and his wife moved back to the Philippines to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He was recently installed as the Secretary for MY 2014. I just received my 2014 Dues Card and receipt which he mailed. VWB Roy is the 2nd from the right in the picture taken in June 2011.

His siblings (one of who is Bro Marlo Chu from Montreal, QC) and he were together on vacation in one of the islands in the Philippines in early February. I am not sure if that was when he had his fatal heart attack.
It was a shock to hear of his passing away. He was an exemplary Freemason and I am fortunate to have known him and be one of those whose lives he touched. He will be missed but never forgotten.
VWB Roy, it was Happy to Meet. Sorry to Part. And it will be Happy to Meet Again.

On February 22, Saturday, we attended the 7th birthday party of Filarey Angcaya, the lovely daughter of Bro Jayson & Sis Grace Angcaya. It was a wonderful party and celebration. The 7th birthday is one which has a big celebration in the Philippines.

Later that afternoon, we attended the Potluck Dinnerof Queen Winnipeg Chapter No 1, Order of the Eastern Star (OES) at the Manitoba Eastern Star Chalet. The food was great and the fellowship was very warm. I successfully defended my title as the eggplant and grapefruit race champion.

On February 24, Monday, I presided over my first Assembly as the Venerable Master of  Council No 172, Allied Masonic Degrees. It was the Official Visit of Rt Ven Bro Richard Hobbs, the District Deputy Grand Master of District 3 of the Allied Masonic Degrees of Canada. He drove in from Assiniboia, SK, to be with us that very cold evening. However, the reception for him and the fellowship after the Assembly was very warm. We had very tasty pizza prepared by the Junior Warden, Bro Mason Jardine.

Khartum Shriners held a Stated Meeting on February 27, Thursday, the first one presided by Illustirous Sir Rick Holberg, Potentate/CEO. Before the meeting, we had a dinner of sloppy joes, coleslaw salad and dessert. The Nobles generally liked the new meeting format but based on some of the feedback, we will make some adjustments to the arrangements. The 2013 financial statements were presented and the 2014 budget was proposed and approved. At the Meeting, we presented Certificates of Membership to the new Nobles. L to R: Noble Bert Manalang, Captain of the Guard; Noble Rico Villarin; Noble Alan Gomez; Illustrious Sir Rick Holberg, Potentate; Noble Kelvin Carrothers; Noble Efren Ramirez; Noble Lito Culanag; and Noble Chibu Uson, High Priest & Prophet.

On February 28, Fil-Can Cabletow Lodge No 189 held its Meeting. It was the Official Visit of the Grand Master, MWB Doug Webster, to the Lodge that evening. We also had Lodges of the 1st Masonic District, along with their District Deputy Grand Master, RWB Tim McIsaac, who was our Special Guest. Our new FC, Bro Richard Belmonte, impressed everyone in the Lodge with his proficiency in the FC Degree. We then conferred the MM Degree on Bro Richard. Congratulations, Bro Richard, on your Raising to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. We all look forward to Bro Richard's serving the Lodge and his active participation in the various activities of our Lodge.

This ends the report on February. However, there does not seem to be any end to this winter. : (