Freemasonry is an intellectual movement that existed in England as early as 1717 and spread across Europe on the basis of nationalism.

The following century, in the 19th century, the rise of Freemasonry began in the Philippines as a civic movement that promoted brotherhood and good works.

Freemasonry is a voluntary association for self-improvement that teaches moral, intellectual and spiritual lessons.

“Initially, it was my curiosity that led me to Masonry,” says Martin Ozaeta, who, before joining Masonry, ran a poultry farm that supplied eggs to major supermarkets, fast food chains, manufacturing plants and bakeries.

“I discovered Free Masonry through a good friend of mine, Kuyang Placi. We had a conversation about this fraternity that he is a part of and out of my curiosity I asked him more about it.”

Ozaeta’s curiosity turned into an interest and from then on he didn’t expect that simple curiosity would be something he would grow to love.

“A simple curiosity made me find myself dedicated and committed to the pursuit of being part of a brotherhood that led me to learn more about myself,” Ozaeta shared. “That led me to learn more about myself and led me to recognize the true value of humility, unity, openness and other great values ​​that a man should possess.

He began attending orientation in February 2008 and was elevated to the sublime degree of Master Mason on June 5, 2010.

“It made me recognize the true value of humility, unity, openness and other great values ​​that a man should possess. As our conversation progressed and I asked him questions, he invited me to visit the Mabini-Kalaw Lodge to observe and get my bearings. .

“My observation was that the feeling of overwhelm was fleeting, but when I stayed there at the lodge, I felt inspired because the people I was surrounded by were humble professionals who have achieved many milestones and different types of success in their lives .”

Ozaeta added, “My interest in the fraternity grew even more when I realized how reputable and respectable an organization Free Mason is. My excitement to be a part of it didn’t come from wanting to be a part of something big out of a sense of pride. , but because I realized how much I can grow as a person on this journey and how much I can learn from the successful people in the fraternity.”

Ozaeta’s aspiration was not focused on obtaining benefits or a title, but was driven by personal growth through learning more from those in the fraternity.

“Following my curiosity and becoming part of Freemasonry, I realized that it was not just chance that I discovered about Freemasonry, but it was fate that really led me to the organization. Then my journey began and I became As a petitioner, my true self was tested, but here I learned to appreciate my self-awareness and the things I should learn to promote self-improvement.

“During this journey, I realized what true humility is and what maintaining harmony and camaraderie with others is. During this journey, I have had so much self-improvement and development, which inspired me even more to become a true Mason.”

Ozaeta’s wife, Emmar, has been his strength and anchor, helping him along with the other women in the organization’s special projects.

His son, Maro, is also a Freemason. All the children support Martin’s leadership and have been his strongest allies.

As Ozaeta learned and unraveled the purpose of the brotherhood, he became even more inspired.

“I learned how Freemasonry values ​​unity and genuine brotherhood, how they come up with various charities and activities because they value helping others and communities to benefit society and make it a better place for all, how they value continued growth and knowledge and how they value making better men with knowledge for the community, their families, for God and the faith.

“I was inspired to become a Freemason because there was so much more to the organization than just building a superficial base of men. Unlike other organizations, Freemasonry builds a firm and deep foundation to build better men who succumb to self-improvement, harmony, unity and being better for society.

“I was inspired to become a Freemason because I saw its potential for self-improvement as an individual, as a brother, as a husband and father, as a member of society and as a man of God.”

Martin realized that he would not have the intuition to become interested in the organization or commit to its journey if Freemasonry was not destined to become a part of his life and growth as a person.

“I am confident that God Almighty was destined to lead me to the organization because He knew how valuable this could be in my life and how much it would lead me to become a better man for His glory.” Ozaeta’s inspiration pushed him towards his journey that proved the possibilities he was looking forward to as it indeed made him a better person. “As our saying goes in Freemasonry, ‘Good men get better.’

“My inspirations and ambitions to become a Freemason were not only driven by the greatness of the brotherhood, but were driven and continue to be driven by the continued self-improvement I receive from the brotherhood.

“With this brotherhood, I have learned more about myself. I have learned how to always grow from different people and experiences. I have learned how to improve my old ways. I have learned how to always strive for knowledge and I have learned how I understand the great values ​​that a human being must possess for continued self-improvement and to benefit others, even in small and simple ways.

“Most importantly, I have learned how to become a better man of God, which drives me to be better in everything I do and for all the people in my life that I encounter on a regular basis.”