Phillippines

Spanish colonial authorities suppressed Freemasons in the Philippines, executing Dr. Jose Rizal in Manila on December 30, 1896, followed by eleven other brethren in January 1897 amidst torture and executions across the islands 1. Following Admiral Dewey's arrival in Manila Bay in May 1898, older lodges reopened and Emilio Aguinaldo extended official recognition to the Craft 1.

Masonic activity expanded during the American period, starting with a military field lodge established by a North Dakota regiment in August 1898 1. The Grand Lodge of California chartered Manila Lodge No. 342 in October 1901, followed by Cavite Lodge No. 350 and Corregidor Lodge No. 386, while the Grand Lodge of Scotland chartered Lodge Perla del Oriente No. 1043 in Manila as well as a lodge at Cebu 1. On December 19, 1912, the lodges holding California charters organized the sovereign Grand Lodge, which was subsequently joined by other bodies 1.

In the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction bodies were established in Manila beginning with the Mount Arayat Lodge of Perfection in 1910—following a lyceum established in 1908—and expanding in 1911 with a chapter, council, and consistory 1.

Today, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines is recognized as a regular Grand Lodge by the United Grand Lodge of England, and its historical roll includes General Douglas MacArthur, who was a member of Manila Lodge No. 1, as the United Grand Lodge of England records.