Jan- Mar 2025 : simplebooklet.com

Investments Committee Victor Reyes - 2028 Chairman MembersBro. Cris Nacasabog / Bro. Ryan TondaresCHAIRMAN COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTSExecutive:WB Philip John Pablo Sandy Bernas Jojo De LeonBenjie AbarcaManuel Noli, PMAudit:Manuel Manalo, PMRobert Alvarez, PMNonato Palomar, PMRetention:WB Edmund LevisteArmando YanezCris NacasabogCharity:Philip John PabloSandy BernasBenjie AbarcaCandidates Coache:Gaza PantanosasOfficers Coach:Ray Balbin, PM Welcome:Hans UyBenjie AbarcaMasonic Service BureauDerrick Dela FuenteLorenzo PereyraEumir ArceoBudget & Finance:Manuel Ona, PMJojo De LeonEdgar Santos PMYouth:Ryan TondaresPatrick ReyesCommunications: Manuel Ona, PMEdgar Santos. PMSocial Media:Ray Balbin, PMDerrick Dela FuenteHIRAM AWARD RECIPIENTS1990 Anton G. Kahn PM*1993 James D. Woolley, PM*1997 Warren W. Hastings*2000 Merrill D. Scott, PM*2003 Nonato M. Palomar2007 Charles P. Cross, PM2008 Ygnacio M. Alva, PM2010 Arthur B. May, PM*2011 Raymond Rosenbaum, PM*2012 Carlos Muela, PM2013 Carlos R. Antonio Jr., PM2014 Robert Alvarez, PM2015 Edmund Leviste, PM2016 Victor Salcedo2019 Ray Yan, PM1974 John Chackerian, PM*1974 William Kludjian, PM*1974 Nathaniel Stanley, PM*1975 Basil Greenbaum*1975 David W. Litsinger, PM*1980 Ralph Anderson, PM*1980 Lester Spivak, PM*1981 Claude Potts*1983 Edward A. Steigely PM*1983 Monta W. Shirley PM*1986 Robert M. Hackert PM*1988 Louis F. Smith, PM* 1989 Lorin E. Barnum*1990 Robert M. HamiltonPM* www.metropolitanlodge352.com

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www.metropolitanlodge352.com Worshipful Master pj pabloFrom The EastHello Brethren,I hope everyone is doing great. First and foremost, i would like to congratulate al newly installedofficers of Metropolitan Lodge #352 for 2025 Masonic year. I would also like to thank all thosewho helped and supported in the preparation of our installation night. Being the Master for thefirst time, I am grateful and thankful to all the brothers for trusting me to lead this lodge. Ipromise to you my brothers that i will not fail you and will do my best to make this year asuccessful one.We have so many activities lined up for this year and I’m proud to say that we had a great startthis year with a very successful First Responders event spearheaded by Bro Armando Yanez andThe Sweethearts Night and Widows Night was also a success. Congratulations to Bro. BenjieAbarca and Bro. Derrick Dela fuente for doing an awesome job as a co- chairman of the event.Also, would like to congratulate Bro. Erwin Magpantay on his 2 degree, Brothers Sean Pacunoand Joey Plaza for their 2 Degree long form proficiency. I’m Very excited and confident thatmoving forward we will have more degrees and successful events. As long as we work as aTEAM. Team Meaning we should have TRUST, EMPOWER each other, right ATTITUDE and MNDSET,we can accomplish all things.ndndMay brotherly love prevail among us always.Fraternally,WB PJ PabloWorshipful Master 2025

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www.metropolitanlodge352.comLooking from the WestFraternal Greetings, As the year 2025 begins, I look forward to seeing what morewe can accomplish as a Lodge this year.Happiest new year to All!Almighty Father thank you for the good health and blessingsthat you have bestowed upon all of us and our families. Iwould like to congratulate our lodge for a successful andmemorable 122nd Annual Installation of officers. Congratulations to Worshipful Master Philip John Pablo, toour new secretary Worshipful Manuel “Noli” Ona (PM), newtreasurer Bro. Jonathan De Leon, and to all the installedofficers of Metropolitan lodge no. 352. Sincere thanks mybrothers for electing me as your Senior Warden of our lodge.I’m humbled to serve my best and show support to theprograms and activities of our mother lodge. To our pastmaster WB Val Villena, thank you and congratulations for ajob well done last year in 2024.Moving forward for another great masonic year andfellowships, let us endeavor and show our support to ourlodge programs and events this year with unity and harmony.To the event committees of our first responder's month,“Kudos” for the fantastic job, it was greatly done, and veryuplifting to see you my brothers serving the fire departmentin Pacific Palisade Station #69. Our sweetheart'sappreciation night was an elegant celebration, thanks toBro. Derrick Dela Fuente and Bro. Benjamin Abarca whomade this event a very special one in recognizing and givingthanks to our Love one’s specially our spouses who supportedus in our service in Freemasonry. Now we are turning our attention to the degree work.Congratulations to our entered apprentice Brothers NorielVitug and James Crow. Also, to the brothers who passed tothe degree of fellowcraft, Bro. Paul Joey Plaza, Bro. NicoleSean Pacuno, Bro. Rey Pax Pacuno, and Bro. ErwinMagpantay. Your hard work and dedication in performingyour proficiencies are truly valued and honored. I am eagerto see you all in your raising. Brethren hope you join us toshow support to our brothers moving up to become a MasterMason.Once again, thank you, I am grateful and humbled for thisopportunity to serve our great fraternity.Sincerely on the Level,Bro. Sandy BernasSenior WardenFrom The WardensGreetings Brethren,First of all, I would like to congratulate our now Past MasterWorshipful Val Villena for a very successful term in 2024.Secondly, I would like to congratulate our current ElectedMaster of Metropolitan Lodge 352 Worshipful Master PhilipJohn Pablo and all the elected and appointed officers for theensuing Masonic year. We’ve already successfully completed a number of activitiesfor the 1st quarter of 2025. I am excited as we all journeytogether in one direction. For the 2nd quarter, our focus is oncommunity - public schools, public awareness of Masonry,the Masonic Homes and Veterans. From my experience,participating in these events has allowed me to have agreater understanding of our goals. It has allowed me to getto know my brothers more in a different setting. Participatingin these events has greatly impacted my Masonic journey.There are different reasons “why” we wanted to become aMason. Whatever the reason - True friendship, brotherly love,personal development, community service, fellowship, yourpresence and participation is always appreciated. For everyone's information…Stated meetings are always every 2nd Monday of themonth. All other events, conferrals, and practices will always beannounced in our different communication platforms withspecific details. Be proactive in finding the time to be present, attendmeetings, and learn the craft. Use the resources developed for you. Download theimember 2.0 and sign up. Browse Freemason.org andlearn new and exciting stuff both in and out the lodge. As we go forth in 2025, let us be reminded of our WorshipfulMaster PJ Pablo’s theme for this year: Brother’s by Choice. We choose to do great things. We choose our own roads butwe have one destination. Imagine how much faster we canreach our destination by travelling the same road, in thesame direction. We may have different opinions, but at theend of the day, a common goal. Let’s all do great thingstogether! Travel light, brethren!Benj AbarcaJunior WardenLooking from the South

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From The Desk of the SecretaryQuill & KeysFrom The Desk of the Treasurerwww.metropolitanlodge352.comAnother Masonic year has ended, and a new one juststarted. I congratulate all the elected and appointedofficers of Metropolitan Lodge 352 under the leadershipof WM PJ Pablo.This year is a very interesting experience for me being aMason. I’ve been in the medical field in my entire career,but this year is a challenge for me being elected as theLodge Secretary. My main goal is to make it easier notonly for our Master but to the rest of the members of theLodge to reach out, communicate and be well inform ofall the events and activities of the Lodge. To facilitate a meeting that is interesting and meaningfulfor everyone involved and also for those who are not beable to attend personally. Always practice transparency and patience. Ourobligations are my tool in performing my responsibilities.May the Great Architect of the Universe always guideMetropolitan Lodge 352 this Masonic year and that thetenets of our Fraternity will be our compass for everyMasonic journey.Fraternally,Manuel NOLI Ona PMSecretary 2025Greetings, Brethren!As we launch the first trestle board of the year, I amhonored and grateful for the opportunity toserve as your Treasurer. I sincerely appreciate the trust youhave placed in me, and I look forward to fulfilling thisresponsibility with dedication and transparency.I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoingTreasurer and Secretary, WB Edgar Santos and WB EdmundLeviste, for their invaluable support during this transition.Your guidance and wisdom have been instrumental, and Itruly appreciate your time and effort in ensuring a smoothhandover. As we step into this new year together, let us continue touphold the principles of unity, growth, and brotherhoodthat define our lodge. I am excited about this year’sjourney “BROTHERS BY CHOICE” ahead and the manyopportunities we will have to strengthen our bonds andbuild upon our shared commitments.Thank you once again for allowing me to serve. I lookforward to working with each of you inthe spirit of camaraderie and service.Fraternally,Jonathan T. de LeonTreasurer – 2025

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Calendar of EventsJanuary 1/18 122nd Installation of Officers Marchwww.metropolitanlodge352.comFebruary1/27 First Responders Night 2/21 Sweethearts & Widows Night 1/6 2nd Degree Conferral 1/13 Last Stated Meeting of WM Val Villena2/10 1st Stated Meeting of 2025 WM Elect PJ Pablo2/3 2nd Degree Conferral01/18 JohnValdez 01/06 Manglicmot Ramos 01/21 Sandy Bernas 01/28 Jaime Dela Cruz 01/13 Joey Escobar 01/05 William Hielmstrom 01/01 Tony Khalaf 01/24 Sampaga Magno 01/29 Ernesto Rangel 01/17 Prado Untalan 01/11 Derrick Edward Dela fuenteJanuary2/17 2nd Degree Conferral3/10 Stated Meeting3/22 Youth OrdersFebruary March2/27 Noriel Vitug 2/20 Joey Plaza 2/13 Harry Beck 2/05 Alberto Gallardo 2/15 Isidro Orozco 2/01 Victor Reyes 2/12 Argulles Sabarre 2/18 Rey Santa Ana-Dent 2/13 M. Tuazon 2/22 Peralta Velasquez 3/17 Ramon Burce 3/27 Bryan Castanares 3/16 Louis Gross 3/19 Robert Holguin 3/21 Patrick Horner 3/13 Byron Mercado 3/10 Phu Nguyen 3/28 PJ Pablo 3/06 Giovanni Reyes 3/25 Carlos Antonio Jr.happy birthdayAprilWe support and serve the whole familyLearn more about Masonic Family Outreach 888.466.3642masonichome.org3/24 1st Degree Conferral3/17 Degree Practice3/31 2 Degree Conferral TBDnd 4/4 to 4/6 - Retreat – Anaheim CA 4/7-OSI/Executive meeting/Degree Practice/Masonic Education 4/14 - Stated Meeting 4/21 - Public School Month4/28- Blood drive

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Why is it called “Motherlodge” Instead ofFather Lodge ?www.metropolitanlodge352.com The Term Mother Lodge in Freemasonry is not intendedto imply a gender related distinction but rather ittraditional and symbolic designation. The use Mother lodge is rooted in the historical andMetaphorical understanding of the lodge as a nurturingsource or origin for subsequent lodges. The term is notmeant to be interpretedin in a gendered sense, butrather conveys a sense of origin, guidance andfoundation. The concept of a mother lodge is tied tothe idea that it is original or founding lodge from whichothers have eliminated. It is considered as a parentlodge and the term mother lodge is used to emphasizethe role of a founding lodge in giving rise andsupporting the growth of other lodges. The use of such terms is deeply embedded in masonictradition old symbolism, and it reflects the symboliclanguage and rituals that have developed overcenturies within the fraternity while the term motherlodge might seem to suggest a gendered connotationin modern language within the context of freemasonry.

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Masonic Youth OrganizationsDeMolay International is a youth leadership organization for young men inCalifornia ages 12 to 21 yrs old The organization's mission is to help young mendevelop into leaders of character. Job’s Daughters International ages 10 to 20yrs old are allowed to join where shygirls turn into confident young women. Our members grow alongside their peersand find their voice in a safe and supportive environment. The girls leadthemselves and plan their own activities, learning teamwork and problem solvingalong the wayhe International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a Masonic youth serviceorganization that teaches leadership training through community service. Youngwomen learn about the value of charity and service through their work andinvolvement with their annual local and Grand service projects. www.metropolitanlodge352.comwww.mason4youth.org