Banal na Kopita

The discovery gave Jeremiah a new appreciation for his family’s past. It also sparked his curiosity about the principles and ideals that influenced men who sought to contribute to the betterment of society.

His path toward the fraternity took a more personal turn during a gathering with his high school friends, Benigno Urquico and Andre Gestuvo. As they reminisced and discussed self-improvement, Jeremiah brought up the photograph and his family’s connection to Rizal. He was surprised to learn that both friends were Freemasons.

Recognizing his interest, Benigno and Andre introduced him to the fraternity and asked whether he would consider becoming a Mason. What began as an ordinary conversation among old friends became the beginning of a meaningful new chapter.

For Jeremiah, these two paths—his family’s history and his desire to become a better man—converged in Freemasonry. What had once been a distant connection to the past became an opportunity to put principles such as brotherhood, integrity, charity, and self-discipline into practice in his own life.

The Meaning of Trust and Fellowship

Jeremiah was raised to the degree of Master Mason in October 2021. Among the experiences he remembers most vividly is the moment he was hoodwinked during his Masonic journey.

At the time, he was still unfamiliar with many of the fraternity’s rituals and traditions. Being guided through an experience he could not fully anticipate required him to place his trust in his brethren. Looking back, he sees the experience as a reminder of humility: the willingness to acknowledge what one does not know and to trust those who are there to provide guidance.

Yet the experience did not end with the ceremony. What followed—the fellowship and conversations among the brethren—became just as meaningful to him.

As the brothers shared their reflections, Jeremiah discovered that the same experience could carry different meanings for different men. Each brother brought his own history, understanding, and perspective to the discussion. Listening to these interpretations helped him recognize that there is often more to learn when people share their experiences openly and respectfully.

For Jeremiah, this is one of the enduring values of Freemasonry. Ritual provides an experience, but fellowship creates an opportunity to reflect upon it. Through the stories and insights of his brethren, he continues to learn about the Craft, about others, and about himself.

Freemasonry has also helped clarify his priorities. He believes that a Mason must put God first, family second, and brotherhood thereafter. Supporting one’s brethren should never mean neglecting one’s family, because the home is where values are formed and passed on to the next generation.

In his view, the true measure of Masonry lies not merely in the bonds formed within the Lodge, but also in the lives touched and the values carried beyond it.

Serving Bathala Lodge No. 1

One of Jeremiah’s proudest Masonic contributions was serving as Secretary of Bathala Lodge No. 1 during a significant period of renewal for the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippine Archipelago.

As the jurisdiction worked to reestablish itself after a prolonged hiatus, Bathala was among the lodges contributing to that continuing effort. Jeremiah was initially hesitant to accept the position of Secretary because he felt that the role called for greater Masonic experience. Nevertheless, he accepted the responsibility shortly after becoming a Master Mason.

He brought to the office the organizational skills and professional experience he had developed throughout his career. His work included helping establish reliable administrative processes, maintaining records, and supporting the Lodge’s continued development.

Much of a Secretary’s work takes place behind the scenes, but Jeremiah came to appreciate how essential sound administration is to a Lodge’s stability and continuity. Accurate records, dependable processes, and consistent support help preserve the work of the brethren and provide a foundation for those who follow.

He takes pride in having used his professional abilities in service to Bathala. For him, the value of the experience was not simply holding an office, but accepting a responsibility and doing his part during an important chapter in the Lodge’s life.

A Legacy Beyond Disagreements

When asked what he hopes future generations of Freemasons will remember, Jeremiah returns to a concern that reaches beyond any single Lodge or jurisdiction: politics, struggles for power, and personal differences must never overshadow the true purpose of the fraternity.

He recognizes that disagreements are inevitable in any brotherhood. Differences may arise over leadership, decisions, or even disputes concerning the temple itself. But he believes that such conflicts must never become more important than the relationships and shared values that brought the brethren together in the first place.

He draws a distinction between the physical place where Masons gather and the brotherhood that gives that place its meaning. A temple provides a home for meetings, but it is the people within it—their fellowship, conduct, and commitment to one another—who give it life.

Positions eventually change, and disagreements will pass. The friendships built, the lives touched, and the values passed from one generation to another can endure far longer.

Jeremiah’s hope is that future Masons will judge their predecessors not by the disputes they endured over a building or a position, but by the brotherhood they preserved despite their differences.

His story reflects a journey shaped by family history, personal adversity, professional change, and a continuing desire to serve. From the photograph that first awakened his curiosity to his work as Secretary of Bathala Lodge No. 1, Jeremiah Alejandrino has found in Freemasonry an opportunity to connect the lessons of the past with the responsibilities of the present.

His message to those who will follow is simple but enduring: protect the fellowship, respect the values that unite the brethren, and never allow temporary disagreements to destroy what generations have worked to build.

Preserving Our Brethren, Our History, Our Legacy.