The Remarkable Journey of Bantayang Bato Masonic Lodge No. 447
                                                                                                         By: VW Felipe C. Del Rosario III, PGLI, PDGL, PJGL, DDGM

Bantayang Bato Masonic Lodge No. 447 was instituted on October 10, 2018, to become the official masonic lodge in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna. The lodge was formally constituted into a regular masonic lodge with the number 447 on May 29, 2019, at the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

The journey to establish this lodge was not without its challenges. As masons will say, it went through rough and rugged roads.

Several attempts were made over the years to form a Masonic Lodge in Sta. Rosa City, but these efforts faced numerous hurdles, including logistical issues and the need to rally a consistent group of dedicated Masons. Also, to include, are the issues with acceptability of the name from masonic elders. With all good intentions, from “Dimasalang” to “Citadel of Rose” to “Bantayog” and to the famed “Bantayang Bato” of what the lodge is now known to be.

After about a 3-year hiatus, the re-establishment was rekindled through the relentless efforts of four gentlemen, namely Kuyangs Roy Rebanal, Mellord Ivan Zarraga, Rod Fernandez, and to include Kuyang Milo Crisostomo, who is taking pride in being one of the sons raised in one of those lodge-forming attempts. These efforts paved the way in organizing a series of meetings to discuss re-establishment. This initiative was supported by more than forty Past Masters and Master Masons residing and working in the City of Santa Rosa. Finally, on June 6, 2018, an assembly was called to formalize the conceptualization and the formation of Bantayang Bato Masonic Lodge, UD.

With the support of VW Armando G. Cazzola then the District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic District Region IV – Laguna, the Bantayang Bato Masonic Lodge, UD located in the City of Sant Rosa, Laguna was officially sponsored during its Stated Meeting by the San Pedro Masonic Lodge No. 292, on August 4, 2018. And thereon recommended VW Rodrigo S. Fernandez, Jr. to be the Charter Worshipful Master, VW Felipe C. Del Rosario III to be the Charter Senior Warden, and VW Jesus Miguel V. Bunyi to be the Charter Junior Warden for the said applied for lodge.

Suffice it to say, it was through the unwavering determination and commitments of its founding members that the lodge was finally constituted into a regular Masonic Lodge with the number 447. The establishment of this lodge was driven by a vision to foster brotherly love within the City of Santa Rosa, uniting Masons who reside or practice their professions in the area.

The Lodge was conceptualized with a mission to embody the Masonic principles of charity and character building. True to the Masonic identity that, in every country and in every clime, there are Masons to be found, Bantayang Bato Masonic Lodge No. 447 aims to bring together Masons from various walks of life. The Lodge is committed to engaging in social events and forming esteemed civic partnerships with the local LGU of the City, thereby contributing positively to the community and those around it.

The name “Bantayang Bato” is derived from the Archway of Sant Rosa, or the Santa Rosa Arch, a primary landmark of the city. This monument, which also features prominently in the City seal of Santa Rosa, symbolizes the gateway to the City. Bantayang Bato Masonic Lodge No. 447 has embraced this symbolism, identifying with the spirit and significance that the arch holds for the residents of Santa Rosa.

We are history in the making.