Illustrious Valentino L. Chua, Past President of the Philippine Masonic Association of America, Inc.- New York Chapter was elected by the nobles of Mecca Temple last January 8, 2001 as their Potentate this year.
Though not the first Filipino Potentate in the world, Ill. Val, is the first Filipino Potentate of Mecca Temple, the first Shrine Temple in the world.
Ill. Val Chua's Masonic career spans 3 decades, raised in 1978 at Kutang Bato Lodge no. 110 in Cotabato City, Philippines, his colorful masonic carrer begun..
He served in numerous positions in Jose Rizal Lodge #1172 (Grand Lodge of NY) before being elected Worshipful Master in 1988. Elected President of PMAA- NY Chapter in 1989, he was re-elected the following year. Ill. Val Chua is also active within the 4th Manhattan District. He has served the Square Club of the district in so many capacities including 2nd Vice-President. Appointed Assistant Grand Lecturer from 1988-1991, he was then appointed Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York on May 24, 1991.
Ill. Val is an engineer by vocation. He graduated cum laude from the University of the East with degrees in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering. He placed 10 in the nationwide Civil Engineering Exam in the Philippines in 1980. He is married to Fatima, a Registered Nurse and has two sons, Michael and Jonathan.
June 3. New York, NY - The day started with a few sprinkles that threatened to dampen the 103rd celebration of the Philippine Independnece. As it turned out, the sun broke through just before the parade started at 12 noon.
This year, the PIDC Committee requested each participating organization to adopt a theme. Since the Masons during the Spanish time were very activer in the fight for freedom, we adopted the theme of Heroes Day. To dramatize this, the Philippine Consulate loaned to us 10 revolutionary flags used in the fight for freedom against Spain.
The Knickerbocker Chapter, Order of Demolay headed by their Master Councilor, Vernon Quijano carried the Revolutionary Flags for the masons. Following the Demolays are the May M Gooderson, Constellation of Junior Stars headed by their Exalted Star, Marie
Thirty masons paraded this year in full regalia. The leaders who joined us this year were RW Tom Buno, Past Grand Steward of the Grand lodge of New Jersey, RW Gaddiel C. Gallardo, Past Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia near the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and RW Ricardo Talusan, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Fourth Manhattan District of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, W.'. Willie Manalang, the PMAAI NAtional President and W.'. Carlito R. Gallardo, New York Chapter President.
Following the Masons are the ladies of Filipino Masons, Inc. headed by their President, Sister Thelma Talusan in their pretty Filipina dresses and waving flags.
Bro. Cris Agbuya as in the previous year prepared the refreshments for the parade participants and their families. Diniguan, goto, pansit, chciken wings and mellon juice was this year's fare.
All had a grand time and are already looking forward to next year.
