Building Bridges

Gabrielle P. Flores, but you can call me "Gaby" I am a freshman at the University of the Philippines, Diliman and I am taking up BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology I am the MPJD of 2014-2015 and the theme for my term is "Building Bridges" My primary goal for my term is to strengthen the bonds between sisters of different Bethels from all over The Philippines and all over the world because I want to emphasize that Job's Daughters International is a sisterhood and there will always be strength in unity. Feel free to email me at [email protected] and I will attend to your messages as soon as I can. Jobie love! Xxx

[mpjdgaby]

I'd like to thank Brod Drei Beleno for allowing me to use his photos for this post. I was not able to bring a DSLR, and dim lighting + a camera phone = grainy photos! Thankfully, I saw Brod Drei's album on Facebook and he graciously allowed me to use his photos :-)

[mpjdgaby]

72nd Public Installation of Officers of General Douglas MacArthur Chapter, Order of DeMolay 2014

This was the first DeMolay event I have ever attended, and I was definitely impressed with their performance. Throughout the whole installation, I could notice some key similarities in the ways Jobies and Brother DeMolays conduct Installations; this reminded me of the bonds the Masonic Youth has. 

I was invited to this event because Brod Junie Tan, their newly-installed Master Councilor, invited me to be their "Chapter Sweetheart" which is similar to a Chapter's muse. It was the first time I've heard of that title, but I was honored to be chosen and I immediately accepted it. 

Sisters from Bethel 22, Manila and some Rainbow Sisters were there as well to attend the Public Installation (and some of them were also made "inspirations" by our brother DeMolays).

[mpjdgaby]

[mpjdgaby]

98th ANCOM 2014

This year's ANCOM (Annual Communications) was held in Pasay City at the SMX Convention Center. This as a HUGE event for the Freemasons in the Philippines. Master Masons from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and even foreign places like Thailand and USA gather to conduct their AnCom. All these Dad Masons in one place means that it's a great way to promote Job's Daughters International and to invite the Dads to allow their daughters, granddaughters, or nieces to join our lovely order. I had a great time at this event, I met new Sisters from Olongapo, Manila, and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, I met new moms, and new dads. The Grand Master of Washington even invited me to attend his Grand Master's Night in Washington this July (I will be in the States by then for the Supreme Session)!

I will post the photos in a separate post! :)

[mpjdgaby]

Post pageant photos

First photo: With GBHQ Mikee Rulao

Second photo: With MIJD Brianna Hall

Third photo: With the lovely PGBHQ Jackie Tomacmol

Fourth photo: With my family! (L-R) Cousin Ikay (Bethel 14), yours truly, Sister Dench (Bethel 6), and cousin Lea :)

Fifth photo: With the beautiful PHQ Ate Aimee Rentoy (who was also MPJD of 2009-2010)

Sixth photo: With my "trophy"

Seventh photo: With my Bethel 6 sisters! Kata (Inner Guard) and Kate (Junior Custodian)

Eighth photo: With Bethel 36! <3

Ninth photo: With the lovely misses of The Phils. (L-R) Ate Jackie (MPJD 2011-2012), Ate Jeatriz (MPJD 2011-2012), Ate Pepper (MPJD 2013-2014), Me! (MPJD 2014-2015), Ate Mikee (2012-2013), and Ate Aimee (2009-2010)

[mpjdgaby]

MPJD Pageant Night

To say I was nervous would be an understatement. My hands felt cold and clammy and my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest because it was beating so hard. But, when I arrived at the Session Hall that nervousness slowly disappeared because I was so amused with the sisters' cosplay costumes.

That's me with a sister from Bethel 14, Kidapawan City! I loved her costume!!

This is Ikay dressed up as  Katy Perry. She's also from Bethel 14, Kidapawan City.

As much as I had wanted to be a member of the audience, they had to call the participants to assemble backstage and the nervousness started to creep in again.

They called us on the stage and I had to hide that nervousness with a smile and a wave to my home Bethel.

I was contestant number 2

Here I am with the other contestants. Contestant number 5 was still backstage and was yet to be called :) we were introduced and a short bio was read about each of us and just like that, it was Q&A time! Wow!

My question: "What has the story of Job's trials and tribulations taught you?"

I can't really remember my exact answer, but I do remember saying that the story of Job's trials and tribulations has taught me to have faith in God's plans. It has taught me that the obstacles I face everyday were put there for a reason, and God's reasons are always perfect. We need only to do our best, and God will take care of the rest.

It all went by so quickly. After I answered my questions, the rest of the sisters also answered questions and before I knew it, boom, it was time to announce the winners! Our MIJD, Brianna Hall, did the honors of announcing the winners.

They started with the 4th runner up, 3rd runner up, and 2nd runner up until only Sister Pamela of Bethel 22 and I remained. I could tell we were both very jittery, but I tried to tell myself that I would accept whatever happened.

Sister Brianna announcing the winner.... I wasn't sure if I heard it correctly at first but apparently, I won! :O

The look of disbelief. I could already see my grandmother jumping up and down and my home bethel was screaming their heads off

The beautiful sister MIJD Brianna Hall putting on my sash

The MPJD of 2013-2014, Sister Pepper Limpoco turning over the cape and crown.

My first walk as MPJD :)

It was a very fulfilling experience. One that made me, my bethel, and my family proud. I will show you all post-pageant photos in a separate post!

Jobie love,

Gaby, MPJD

[mpjdgaby]

MPJD Term Markers

THEME: "Building Bridges"

MOTTO: "There is Unity in the Midst of Diversity"

MASCOT: Bumblebees

FLOWER: Pink roses

EMBLEM: Hearts

COLOR: Gold, Pink, and Purple

SCRIPTURE/VERSE: "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:12

WATCH WORDS: Passionate, Dedicated, God-fearing

SONG: Make a Wave- Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas "Just a pebble in the water, can set the sea in motion. A simple act of kindness, can stir the widest ocean. If we show a little love, heaven knows what we could change."