A few good men

Week 6: Attending the grand Fraternity gathering of elite men in society called Freemansonry, got me awestruck and wide-eyed amazed, having a rare peek at their not-your-usual ceremony and rite. The event is the 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention last February 10, 2012 as facilitated by the Lodge of Tagum with its venue, the Atrium inside the new Tagum City Hall in Apokon. The fellowship of these well regarded men put me to thinking as to the extent of their influence in the political and economic landscape of any locality, if not for the country in general. The ceremony is "Strictly Public" as repeatedly announced at the start of its Opening  Program and so are these set of photos taken during the first day of the 2-day Convention.     

INSIDE THE CIRCLE. A Freemason member is captured inside a fluorescent bulb reflection on the flooring of the New City Hall, the venue of the 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention

LAST MINUTE PREPARATION.  Before the start of the formal opening of the 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention, a Freemason tying his Masonic apron. 

THE CEREMONY. All in their uniform, members of the Freemasons gather at Tagum City new City Hall last February 10, 2012 for the 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention with Mayor Rey T. Uy as the honored guest speaker. 

DECORATED APRON. All members of the attending Freemason to the 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention  wear Masonic apron. 

LOOKING UP FOR THE SYMBOL.  At the opening program ceremony of the 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention at Tagum City new City Hall, a freemason member  looked up the Masonic symbol of Square and Compass with the letter G.

LEADERS OF MEN. Donning Masonic aprons, Freeman leaders get last minute instruction for the opening march at 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention at the Tagum  new City Hall.

ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. Paying respect to the Philippine flag, Freemasons  paraded the flag with great pride at the Opening ceremony of the 56th Mindanao Masonic Convention.

ALL THEIR CARS. Parked cars of the Freemansons outside Tagum's new City Hall building.