A Simple Way to Help Save the Environment

July 12, 2010

Fighting global warming and saving the environment had become one of the major concerns of many organizations of today. Internationally, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows supports this cause through their “Living Legacy Program” which focuses on planting trees and enhancing the environment. This idea was formulated by Past Sovereign Grand Master Wilson D. Berkey in 1989 when he noticed the dead trees in the jurisdictions he visited. Since then, the organization has planted more than 8 million trees worldwide and participated in various volunteer clean-up drives.

In Dumaguete City in the Philippines, members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows contribute to this environmental cause by organizing clean-up drives. On July 11, members of Watchdog lodge no.1 again helped the environment in their small ways through organizing a coastal clean-up at Silliman Beach.

Anatoly Karpov Buss, an environmental advocate, a school teacher and an Odd Fellow member proposed this idea to the organization. He was concerned with the negative effects of improper garbage disposal. This problem does not just destroy our environment but also those species living nearby. This small way of cleaning-up not only provides environmental awareness but puts people into action. For the organization, it gives a feeling of accomplishment and develops teamwork.

“It was a humbling experience since I haven't done this since my elementary years. Picking up trashes and helping our environment. I have to say, job well done...” said Rex Olpoc, current Chairperson of the I.O.O.F in the Philippines.

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A.M.O.S will be in the Philippines Soon

April 21, 2010

Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.A – Bro. Louie Sarmiento, member of the I.O.O.F, Watchdog Lodge no.1, Philippines, was initiated into the degree of Humility by Bahamut Sanctorum No.108 of the Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans or A.M.O.S.

The A.M.O.S is a playground for Odd Fellows. This fun branch was formed sometime in 1924 as a result of merger by various fun groups for Odd Fellows such as the Imperial Order of Muscovites, the Veiled Prophets of Baghdad, Knights of Oriental Splendor, the Ancient Mystical Order of Cabirians, and the Oriental Order of Humility and Perfection. These groups were formed sometime in the 1880’s.

A.M.O.S is involved in various community activities and projects, the proceeds go to charities in the local community. Because of this, the abbreviation A.M.O.S is also translated as “A Mile of Smiles”. As of 1995, there were approximately 3,000 members in the United States and Canada. To be a member, one must be an Odd Fellow in good standing. The female fun group for Odd Fellows and Rebekahs that is similar to A.M.O.S is called L.O.T.O or Ladies of the Orient.

Currently, the members of the I.O.O.F in the Philippines are planning to form two A.M.O.S sanctorum in the country. These sanctorum’s will be under the New England Division of A.M.O.S in Massachusetts, U.S.A, The petitions for charter were already forwarded to Bro. Michael Froimowitz, Past Grand of Hermann-Dexter Lodge No.133 and Bahamut Sanctorum No. 108. He played a big role in communicating to members in the Philippines about A.M.O.S. He also assisted the Odd Fellows Lodge in many aspects towards its betterment. He is currently making arrangements with the Supreme Sanctorum regarding dues, fezzes, etc.

The target date for the conferral of the Degree of Humility will be sometime on August 2010.


For more info: ioofphils@yahoo.com

Odd Fellows Fraternity Revived in the Philippines

November 22, 2009


Philippines – It was approximately 138 years ago when the Odd Fellows first reached the Philippines and about 83 years ago when the Odd Fellows Association of the Philippines ceased to operate when U.S. military men, who were members of the fraternity, returned back to the United States after the war. Since that time, the name Odd Fellows was never heard again in the country.

However, around August of 2009, members of a different fraternal group located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines, known as Watchdog, petitioned to merge with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. This idea was approved by the Sovereign Grand Lodge located in the United States.

On November 20, 2009, officers Paul Cuminale (Sovereign Grand Master), Richard Proulx (Past Sovereign Grand Master) and Terry Barret (Sovereign Grand Secretary) visited the City of Dumaguete. They met with the 21 applicants, discussed and answered questions raised about Odd Fellowship.

The following day, November 21, a new Lodge was instituted and Odd Fellowship was revived in the country. The charter members were Maria Katrina Mercado (Noble Grand), Kahlil Reu Reyes (Vice Grand), Louie Sarmiento (Past Grand), Tiffany Jaramilla (Treasurer), Karmen Amparo Arenas (Recording Secretary), Alexis Jaramilla (Financial Secretary), Rex Boyson Olpoc (Right Supporter to the Noble Grand), Anatoly Karpov Buss (Left Supporter to the Noble Grand), Claribert Lagman (Right Supporter of the Vice Grand), Armel Cabale (Left Supporter of the Vice Grand), Teodorico Parcon III (Right Scene Supporter), Patrocinio Apura III (Left Scene Supporter), Jerzon Caňolas (Warden), Sidrake Arnold Mendez (Chaplain/Honorary Past Grand), Joseph Ian Parreňo (Conductor/Honorary Past Grand), Bernard Oscar Porras (Color Bearer), Shiny Beth Fortugaleza (Inside Guardian), Stanley Brian Fortugaleza (Outside Guardian), Nessan Brylle Carin, Cyril Jaymes Plantilla, Karlenne Enriquez, Jesma Alingal, Joyce Marapao, Pocholo Randy Estimo, Pell Miland Namocatcat and Ryan Vermon Yap.

The occasion was concluded on November 22, charter members and officers of the Sovereign Grand Lodge went to Forest Camp, Valencia, Negros Oriental, Philippines, to celebrate and enjoy the fellowship.

The I.O.O.F Philippines aims to form a genuine brotherhood and sisterhood that focuses on helping those in need. They are widely involved in charity and volunteer works such as mass feeding, donations of clothing, free blood pressure taking and health teaching, clean-up drives, etc. They are also optimistic to spread Odd Fellowship throughout the country.

"The Odd Fellows fraternity started in England sometime in the year 1700's. It was composed of people from various or "odd" trades. Together, they would organize benevolent works to those in need which was an "Odd" thing to do back in the days. The I.O.O.F is a worldwide fraternal organization established on April 26, 1819 by Thomas Wildey and four other associates who were members of the Odd Fellows in England. As of today, the I.O.O.F exists in about 26 countries with about 10,000 lodges (chapters) worldwide. It welcomes men and women not because they are rich or poor; not because they are educated or uneducated, but because they are men and women. Manly, upright, honest, industrious, temperate, thoughtful, considerate people. People who do not wish to waste their time in the worship of wealth, but who will give their hearts, minds and life to the great work of character building — of making men and women better. Men and women who will let the sunlight of their love dispel the darkness of sorrow and doubt; who are ever ready and willing to do an act of kindness; to act more forgivingly toward their fellowman than they would expect to receive themselves."

To join or if you have questions about I.O.O.F contact any of the members you know who are members or email: ioofphils@yahoo.com