ANCOM 2025

15 August 25

A journey of brotherhood

By RW Bro Owen Sandry and W Bro Andrew Garth

The Grand Master MW Bro Khris Albano, accompanied by Deputy Grand Master RW Bro Paul Shultz and Assistant Grand Master RW Bro John Jacobson, together with a strong delegation of Freemasons, travelled to Metro Manila for ANCOM 2025 – the Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP).

The occasion marked the installation of MW Raul E. Canon Jr as the 107th Grand Master of the Philippines. The event was filled with the pomp, pageantry and deep symbolism that define a Grand Installation.

A tribute to a brother and hero

The formal ANCOM 2025 proceedings began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Luneta Park – also known as Rizal Park in the heart of Manila. It was fitting that ANCOM 2025 opened here, as José Rizal – the Philippine national hero and Freemason – holds deep significance not only for the Philippines but for the Craft world-wide. Rizal was a committed mason whose advocacy for liberty, education and equality was deeply shaped by his masonic beliefs. His involvement with lodges in Spain and the Philippines connected him with fellow reformers and gave voice to a movement that would change a nation.

Rizal exemplifies how the ideals of Freemasonry can inspire real social progress.

Lights, brotherhood, and a full house

By 8am the following morning, thousands of masons from across the world had converged at Manila’s World Trade Centre. With temperatures already soaring, every shaded corner and air-conditioned nook quickly filled with Aussies from NSW & ACT and Victoria.

Welcoming the world

Inside, Grand Master MW Ariel T Cayanan called the assembly to order. When it came to the reception of foreign delegations, our entire contingent from the UGL NSW&ACT were invited to join the Grand Master on his entry.

Escorted by the Grand Marshal under the Grand Deacons’ wands, we followed our Grand Master to the centre of the Grand Lodge. With due honours exchanged between our Grand Master and MW Cayanan, we marched together onto the floor, representing our jurisdiction with pride.The business of Grand Lodge continued into the evening, concluding around 6pm.

A Night to Remember

We gathered at the CCP grounds in Manila for the Grand Master’s Night – a celebration on a scale I can only compare to a rock concert. A massive stage dominated the space, set to seat over 6,000 guests.

Catering stations lined up like a culinary army – with whole pigs and cows roasting on spits. Beer and soft drinks chilled in overflowing eskies, and a full bar stood ready at the rear of the grounds. Live music played. Announcements rang out across the grounds, revealing the next ANCOM host and awards for outstanding lodges and brethren during the current masonic year.

A well-earned rest day (sort of)

The following day the brethren continued to conduct the Annual Communication. It was however labelled a ‘rest day’ for visiting brethren – and we needed it. In true masonic fashion, ‘rest’ meant a walking tour of Intramuros – the old walled city of Manila during the almost 400 years of Spanish colonisation. We then retreated to a rooftop pool for well-earned margaritas and a cool swim.

The Grand Installation

The next day we returned to the World Trade Centre for the Grand Installation. Thankfully the venue was cool inside. MW Raul E Canon Jr was installed with solemn dignity in a ceremony that differed in form from ours, but not in meaning. Like our own Grand Master, he announced a theme for his term:

'Bawat Isa Sa Masoneriya Ay Mahalaga' – ‘Each One in Masonry Matters.’

A powerful message that resonated with everyone in attendance.

After the ceremony the photo session with the GLP leadership team began. NSW & ACT Freemasons joined the newly installed Grand Master and his officers for what became one of the most memorable group photos of the entire event.

A Filipino finale

That evening, the banquet began – Filipino style. Buffet lines stretched long. Even the catering staff and venue personnel joined in for dinner, a testament to the spirit of inclusiveness that defined the whole week

The official speeches and traditional exchange of gifts brought the celebrations to a close. Our Grand Master presented MW Canon with an inscribed bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. In return, our Grand Master received a beautifully cast model of a kalesa – a traditional two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, once common in the Philippines and still a proud cultural symbol today.

Reflections and gratitude

The hospitality extended by the Filipino brethren – and the Filipino people more broadly – was second to none. ANCOM 2025 was not just a gathering. It was a celebration of friendship, heritage, and the universal language of Freemasonry.

We left with a full heart, full stomach (the food was so good), and full suitcases loaded with gifts. I know this won’t be my last visit. ANCOM 2026 in Tagaytay? It’s going to be huge.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines and to all our Filipino Brethren: Salamat Po!

Below - MW Raul Canon JR presenting MW Bro Khris Albano with a model kalesa.

📸Photo courtesy of Bro Renan Legaspi