Our Story of Service and Solidarity
We're a worldwide service-oriented brotherhood and sisterhood dedicated to the principle of universal fraternity promoting the belief that all men and women, regardless of nationality, race, social status, religion, rank, and station, are brothers and sisters.
The Founders of the Odd Fellows of Luzon in the Philippines
The mission to restore the establishment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) in Luzon began in the year 2012. All the founders were initiated within this year. The members of the Samahang Watchdog Lodge No.1 spearheaded by Brod. Atty. Louie Sarmiento from Dumaguete conducted the initiation in Laguna. Brod. Floro "Kenji" Escuyos, Jr. was the brain behind the formation of Kapatirang Marilag Lodge No.5 in Laguna and Kapatirang Manila Lodge No.8 in Manila, the Mother Lodge of Luzon. These two lodges would not have been built without the help, support and sacrifice of Sis. Maria Celeste "Genie" Guimong, Brod. Glenn Dimayuga, Brod. Kelvin Acebron and Brod. Apollo Neil Monroy.
Floro "Kenji" Escuyos, Jr
(2015-2017).
Served as first and founding Noble Grand of the Kapatirang Manila Lodge No.8 (2015-2017).
Brod. Glenn Dimayuga
Served as first and Past Grand of Kapatirang Marilag Lodge No.5 in Laguna and first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines-Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Brod. Neil Monroy
Served as Past Grand of Kapatirang Marilag Lodge No.5 in Laguna and Past Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, Independent Order of Odd Fellows for the term 2019-2021.
Sis. Maria Celeste "Genie" Guimong
(2015-2017).
Served as Past Grand of Marilag Lodge No.5 in Laguna and first Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines
She is considered as one of the "Founding Mothers" of Odd Fellows Philippines during the revival period.
Brod. Kelvin Acebron
Served as Past Grand of Kapatirang Marilag Lodge No.5 in Laguna and first Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. He was sent to Europe as representative of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines-Independent Order of Odd Fellows during the International Meeting in the United Kingdom.
Brother Neil has been a humble and selfless member of the Order for over 9 years. He was there during the early revival of Odd Fellowship and the institution of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. His term had been one of the most challenging because of this global pandemic and its negative psychological effects towards the membership. But he stayed his ground and tried his best to make good decisions and decisions that may be unpopular but were necessary based on his knowledge and wisdom. As the Grand Sire, he tried his best to attend almost all new lodge institutions and installation of officers during his term. He placed his duties in Odd Fellowship as one of his priorities. He held no excuses why he cannot attend because he tried to be there almost every time or sent his District Deputy when unable to do so. All as his labor of love for our humble Order.
What are the general purposes and mission of Odd Fellowship?
Ethical
To help improve and elevate the character of humankind by teaching and promoting the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth, as exemplified in the degrees of initiation, and practiced in real life.
Humanitarian
To help make the world a better place to live by aiding each other in times of need, and by organizing and supporting charitable projects and activities that would benefit the less fortunate, the children, the youth, the elderly, the community and the environment in every way possible, guided by our ancient command: “to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan”.
Fraternal
To help promote global peace and understanding among people and nations through the principle of universal fraternity, holding the belief that all men and women regardless of race, nationality, religion, social status, gender, rank and station are brothers and sisters.
The Four Ancient Commands of Odd Fellowship
To visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan. These commands guide their charitable and fraternal activities.
Historically, these commands reflected the needs of communities before widespread social services existed. Odd Fellows lodges would actively provide services like:
Visiting the sick
Offering comfort and support to those who were ill.
Relieving the distressed
Providing aid to those facing hardship and misfortune.
Burying the dead
Ensuring proper burials for those who had passed away.
Educating the orphan
Providing care and education for orphaned children.