January 26, 2011

A brotherhood of heroes

Many of the leaders of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 were members of one of the oldest fraternities in the world: Freemasonry. This Centennial Memorial Clock was a project of various lodges and individual members of the Philippine masons during the hundredth anniversary of the country's independence from Spain and stands across the shrine of the most renowned Filipino mason and our National Hero, Jose Rizal.

Centennial Memorial Clock in Rizal Park

15 comments:

Dennis said...

Brings back a lot of wonderful memories of this old gringo... I would love to take my sweet Filipina asawa to visit but alas things are never the same.

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

We are so glad you're back. I can relate to work responsibilities and not enough time in the day.

Lowell said...

A very beautiful shrine. And thanks for the history. I find it fascinating, though, that masonry was so big in the Philippines...the Catholic Church has always denounced masonry and I know there is a large Catholic population in the Philippines...very interesting...

George said...

What a beautiful monument. I also was unaware of the connection between the Freemasons and the Philippines.

SRQ said...

Welcome back! I like the angle you selected for this.

Leif Hagen said...

A great and important memorial for some great and important people! I'm smiling to see your daily photos again!

Olivier said...

il est surprenant comme memorial, j'aime cela change. Et puis c'est un bel hommage

Hilda said...

Jacob & George:
I was surprised too, when I first learned about it. I guess I shouldn't have because there's a lodge quite near where we live. I don't think its members find anything contradictory about being a Freemason and being a Catholic because I recognized the names of some of the current members and I know they are practicing Catholics. But now you've got me curious; I should find someone to interview.

brattcat said...

the memorial has a simple elegance to it.

bertN said...

Glad you're back!

Marco said...

The bulova clock,the then president Joseph Estrada, unveiled this monument during the celebration of the Philippine independence.
I have seen many photos of the monument but yours are unique.
Please, if you guys have time check out my blog and you are most welcome to leave comments.
http://marcotowers.blogspot.com/
Thank You!

Halcyon said...

I like this memorial. The shape is really interesting.

I'm not sure about the Freemasons though. Not so keen on "secret" socities.

Unknown said...

Welcome back, Hilda! :-)
I think this is such an original memorial!

Tamera said...

So happy to see you blogging again Hilda! Yay! And what a cool picture this is :o)

Dina said...

Freemasons. The word pushes many people's buttons, and I never quite understand exactly why. I have more to learn.
Thanks for this post.