To all interested, as an introduction and for your information, here is an excerpt taken from the FAQ section of the website of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines:

Who can join?

Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organization. It has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There are similar Masonic organisations for women.

How does one become a Freemason?

Usually by asking another Freemason. It is a general rule, in the Philippines as well as in any part of the world, that a Freemason will not solicit men for membership. There are occasions when a member of the family, a close personal friend, will be asked but this is a matter for the individual Freemason concerned.

What are the requirements for membership?

The doors of Freemasonry are open to all men who seek harmony with their fellow creatures, who feel the need for self-improvement, and wish to participate in the adventure of making this world a more congenial place in which to live.

The prescribed requirements for membership are being a man at least 21 years of age, having a belief in a Supreme Being and in the immortality of the soul, being capable of reading and writing, being of good moral character, having been a resident of the county in which he resides for at least one year preceding the presentation of his petition, and being recommended by two Master Mason members of the Lodge to which he desires to apply.

How much does it cost to be a Freemason?

It varies from lodge to lodge. It is entirely up to the individual member what he gives to Charity, but it should always be without detriment to his other responsibilities. Similarly, he may join as many lodges as his time and pocket can allow as long as it does not adversely affect his family life and responsibilities. Annual dues are paid normally at the start of the fiscal year and donation to Charity can be paid anytime. 

What is the joining process?

If you live in or around the town area, and are interested in joining, we suggest you approach one of our Lodge members that you know. If everything seems to be in order you will be invited down to one of our Fellowship events and meet some of the members. If there is a social on at this time, you will be invited along with your wife, where appropriate. This is to ensure that you are comfortable with the members of the Lodge and the Lodge members are comfortable with you. After this you will be asked to attend an interview with senior members of the Lodge and your name will be read out in the Lodges in the districts in which you live and work, and in the area, to verify you are a man of good repute.

When people join they are asked to make the following declarations on their membership forms:

   1. My application is entirely voluntary.
   2. I do not expect, anticipate or seek any pecuniary benefit as a consequence of my being a member of Freemasonry.
   3. I have never been convicted by a Court of any offence. *
   4. I have never been the subject of a finding of dishonest or disgraceful conduct.
   5. I have never been disciplined by any professional, trade or other tribunal.
   6. I am not awaiting the outcome of proceedings against me before a criminal court or a professional, trade or other tribunal.
   7. I am not, to the best of my knowledge, the subject of any criminal, professional, trade or other investigation.

What can be considered as a minor traffic offence or a "youthful indiscretion" do not normally count against an application to join.

When the reports come back favourably you will be proposed into the Lodge and balloted for by the members. The whole process can take from three to six months, assuming there is no waiting list. If at any time you have any misgivings or reservations you should discuss these with your Proposer or Seconder and you may withdraw your application at any point in the process. It is natural to have doubts about joining Freemasonry because you do not know the nature of the ceremony, though it is better for everyone if an application is withdrawn than if somebody feels they are joining out of a sense of responsibilty. Please note that "blackballing" or denying a candidate is extremely rare as we take a lot of care to ensure that any problems are taken care of at an earlier time.

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Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No.305 F.& A.M. holds its Stated Meeting every fourth Friday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Scottish Rite Temple, Taft Ave., Manila. A Fellowship among the Brethren, visitors and friends follows immediately after every Stated Meetings.