On the 15th of March in 2023, members of various DeMolay chapters from Mindanao attended the 2nd Public Installation of Officers and Chartering of Celestino Chavez Centennial Chapter No. 99, which was held at the Davao Masonic Center in Davao City, Philippines. This event was a significant one, as it coincided with the 104th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the International Order of DeMolay, and was attended by several distinguished individuals from the DeMolay community.
One of the notable guests present at the event was Hon. Edward Y. Chua, the Grand Master of the Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay, Republic of the Philippines. Also in attendance were Bro. Cooper Kemp Crabtree, the International Master Councilor of the International DeMolay Congress, Bro. Sebastian Rolando Pesquera, the International Congress Secretary of the International DeMolay Congress, Hon. Dad Gregory Kimberling, a Past Grand Master of the DeMolay International, Hon. Dad Jonathan Russell Sellars, the Grand Master of the DeMolay International, and Bro. Vincent Vincent B. Figueroa, the National Master Councilor of the Philippine DeMolay National Congress, along with the rest of the DeMolay National Congress Officers of Term 2022-2024.
The event was also an opportunity to recognize and congratulate several individuals. First, the DeMolay members from Mindanao expressed their sincerest gratitude to PCM Dad Riezel Reyes, who was made an Honorary Member of DeMolay International. Additionally, three new officers were installed in the Celestino Chavez Centennial Chapter No. 99: Bro. Marco Joaquin T. Echeverria as the Master Councilor, Bro. Louis Arnulfo Z. Mapayo as the Senior Councilor, and Bro. Peter Thomas P. Estrada as the Junior Councilor. The rest of the elected and appointed officers for Term-A of 2023 were also congratulated, with the hope that they would serve as exemplary members of their chapter, community, or in their individual endeavors.
During his speech, Bro. Cooper Kemp Crabtree, the International Master Councilor of the International DeMolay Congress, emphasized the importance of being selective in the commitments we make in life. He noted that while the DeMolay organization had succeeded in 34 countries across the world, it was important to say “no” to obligations that did not align with our values or interests. By being selective in this way, he suggested that we open ourselves up to more meaningful opportunities and experiences, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.
Credit to BRO. GIL MIKHAEL S. CAGALAWAN, PMC-MSA, BHK, FMA, CHEV.
Rephrased and Edited by Leg. John Louie Marfil, Chev, LOH
