An outstanding fund raiser… John L. Choa was born in Manila on August 2, 1943. Orphaned at seven, he lived and grew up in “The Children’s Garden,” an orphanage in Taytay, Rizal, which was founded by Charles Mosebrook, a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, and Mrs. Asuncion Perez, the Secretary of the Social Welfare Administration during President Elpidio Quirino’s term. It was at the orphanage that Choa first heard of and saw the good works of Freemasons for this was an orphanage where the Freemasons showered their love, kindness, concern and affection. He was so impressed that he resolved that someday he would join the Mason­ic Fraternity. The young Choa was obsessed with the ambition of obtaining a higher education. After finish­ing his second year high school, he left the orphanage and supported himself doing odd-jobs in Manila – such as shining shoes, selling sweepstakes tickets, vending sampaguita lilies and comic magazines – until he finished high school. While in College he worked in a printing plant. It was hard work, but he was determined. In time, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degrees at the Far Eastern University. Some years later Choa returned as a member of the Board of Trustees of the orphanage, which instilled sterling civic and spiritual values in him. So far he is its only “graduate” to become a trustee. The portrait of Choa would not be complete if we do not give a bird’s-eye view of his activities as a Mason, as a businessman, and as a professional. ACTIVITIES – Masonic: Grand Master – Grand Lodge of the Philippines 1990-1991 It was during his term as Grand Master that the new Plaridel Masonic Temple was completed and dedicated on December 19,1990. Choa was able to raise 50% of the cost of the Temple. President – Temple Builders Club Grand Representative – United Grand Lodge of England Trustee – Masonic Charities for Crippled Children Trustee – Capitol Masonic Corporation President – Grand Guild of Past Masters of the Philippines Past High Sheriff – Bamboo Shrine Oasis Member – Royal Order of Scotland Member – Lodge Perla del Oriente No.1034 S.C. Member – Sampaguita Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star Ambassador – Member – Nile Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.Member – Paul Chater Lodge of Installed Master No. 5399, E. C. Chairman – Scottish Rite Luncheon Forum 1981-82 Honorary Member of 15 Lodges AWARDS & HONORS – Masonic Most Outstanding Mason – 1998-1999. Most Outstanding District Deputy Grand Master 1984 – 85 Coroneted – Inspector General Honorary’ 33°, 1984 Most Outstanding Member Award – Manila Bodies A.&A.S.R. – 1980 Distinguished Masonic Service awards – MW Grand Lodge of F.&A.M. of the Philippines – 1981, 1982 and 1986 Plaque of Recognition – MW Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the Philippines – 1983 and 1986 Plaque of Honor for Distinguished Service – MW Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of China OTHER CIVIC AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS Founder, Organizer and Charter President – Square and Compass Toastmasters Club No. 4749-75 Area Governor – Area IV, Toastmasters International - Philippine District 1985 – 1986 District Governor – Y’s Men’s International – Metro Manila District, 1982 International Council Member – Y’s Men International, Switzerland, 2000-03. President – Manila Downtown Y’s Men’s Club – 1979 Most Outstanding President – Y’s Men’s International – Philippine Region, 1979 Honorary Member – Young Men’s Christian Association of Manila, Inc. Member – Quezon City Capitol Jaycees Trustee – Children’s Garden, Inc. (Orphanage) Trustee – Deaf Evangelical Alliance Foundation, BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES Principal Partner – Choa, Montilla, Albeza and Associates Law Office Founder and President – Stanley Printing Company Founder and President – Inter Continental Resources and Investment Corporation Founder and President – Printers Merchandizing Corporation President- Printing Industries Association of the Philippines, Inc GOVERNMENT SERVICE Governor – National Book Development Board, Office of the President In spite of his heavy schedule Choa sees to it that his family is never neglected. He is happily married to Lily D. Choa and they are blessed with four children – 3 boys and a girl, named: John Russell, Jr., Stanley Philip, Mark Robert, and Jannie Grace.