December 22, 2018
My husband bought our tickets for December 22 as early as 6 months ago but I found the date too close to Christmas. Since he was worried about the flights’ confirmation and tickets issuance, I decided to buy another round trip tickets and leave on December 15 (actually December 16 due to the delay). When there’s an important event, I like giving ample travel allowance so as not to miss family events. I will just use the round trip tickets my husband bought for me when I come back to the US in May.
I also confirmed my attendance to my brother in law’s installation on December 22 as one of the officers of Mason Brotherhood in San Francisco.
The Mason fraternity organizations trace its origin during the Middle Ages. It began as a guild for stonemasons in medieval Europe but continued as a social and brotherhood organization. In 1717, the very first grand lodge was created in the United Kingdom.
The Mason Brotherhood in the United States was first established in New Jersey in 1730. More than two hundred years later, the organizations still follow the stiff and formal rituals that were practiced during the medieval times.
If I remember it right, Bong was installed as Grand Chancellor. One of his main functions is to formally interact with masons from other Grand Lodges.
3. I noticed that there are more Filipinos in the group. This is such a cool fraternity organization to belong to.
There were about two gentlemen present that night who said they’ve been active members since the 1960’s.
All ladies cheering squad
With no breakfast and no lunch, I grabbed some lechon in the cocktails room before proceeding to the main dining hall where a grand dinner and Christmas party would be held.
When I was still in Manila, my sister told me that the attire was a long gown for ladies. I told her since I will just be sitting down, I’ll just wear a short cocktail dress. I placed a shawl to cover my dress because it was so sparkly. Maagawan ko pa ng pansin yung Christmas tree nila.
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The affair was well attended. The families of the newly installed officers came in full force. Some traveled from the Philippines, some drove for 7 hours to be here. Some flew from other states. Me, I flew and drove.
I haven’t seen actual bills being displayed and raffled off. Traditionally the money is placed inside an envelope. Seeing single dollar bills displayed like this has shock value than handing out one piece of $20 bill. I’d like to win this singles. I had to leave because Oyen and Edmund were already calling from the airport. They have arrived and waiting at door number 2. I left my raffle stub with my niece Kaykay.
Congratulations Bong.
