He was installed into office in a stretcher. The man who was elevated to the Grand Oriental Chair in 1961 proved, through his exploits, the Disraeli-authored truism, “Success is the child of audacity.” Born of parents of modest means in Malolos, Bulacan on February 8, 1891, the young Juan S. Alano learned to be daring. Irrepressible, even before finishing his grade-school studies, he left his hometown for the Big City. A strong hope of getting life’s better deal in Manila must have sprung in his young breast! That hope was partly made into a reality because, although he did odd jobs in the City, he was able to finish a licentiate in commerce at the Ateneo de Manila and to graduate from the University of Santo Tomas with an A.B. degree. Now more confident owing to his work experience and his studies and at the same time impelled by the desire to travel, he trained his resolute sight on the promise of Southern Philippines. Alano sailed for Iloilo, where he got employed as a clerk in an American law office. Exposed to the legal profession, he developed an interest in, and therefore dedicated himself to a self-study of Law. His efforts did pay him dividends, for he passed the Bar examinations given in 1914. It was during his Iloilo adventure that he met a public school teacher from Bago, Negros Oriental, the former Ramona Torres, with whom he had two sons and two daughters. The audacity of the couple to sail to Mindanao changed the course of their life together, for Alano acquired three large coconut plantations in Basilan City, as well as the Pagadian Light and Power Company, the Basilan General Hospital, the Basilan Lines, and the Basilan Rural Bank. Professionally successful, Alano decided to run for the House of Representatives. Again, representing Mindanao and Sulu, he was not to be denied. Indeed, he was a member of the House of Representatives for many years. It was also in Southern Philippines that his Masonic life began. In 1919, he was initiated, passed and raised in Mount Apo Lodge No.45 in Zamboanga; and Master of his Lodge, he became, in 1924, and again in 1934. He also helped in the organization of Basilan Lodge No.127 and served as its first Master. In 1958 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, in 1959 Senior Grand Warden, and Deputy Grand Master in 1960. By tradition everyone expected him to be elevated by the suffrage of his Brethren to the Grand Oriental Chair in 1961. Unexpectedly disaster struck. Barely a few weeks before the Annual Communication he suffered a heart attack that reduced him to a living vegetable, unable to use his limbs. His face was twisted and he lost the power of speech. Providentially, the then Senior Grand Warden William H. Quasha met Mr Laurence Hammond of Chicago, a prayer healer, whom he immediately brought to the sick bed of Alano. Hammond prayed for Alano’s speedy recovery. It was simple, but electrifying and spellbinding. Hammond placed his hands on the forehead of Alano and in a low tone of voice just above his breath pronounced his prayer.. Miraculously and almost instantaneously, in full view of those gathered around the sick bed, the twisted face of Alano brightened up and he started to speak. His first words were about the Fraternity. He expressed a willingness to serve if elected Grand Master. The delegates to the Annual Communication elected him in absentia and on installation day he was brought by an ambulance to the Grand Lodge in a stretcher. During the first months of his term, Alano was too weak to discharge all his duties so he had to rely on Deputy Grand Master Quasha and the other officers. By mid-term, however, he was strong enough to discharge all his duties to the full measure of his responsibilities. The following year Alano repaid his debt of gratitude to Grand Master Quasha. He accompanied Quasha in his visitations and even picked up the tab. Alano joined the Scottish Rite in 1948. He became a KCCH in 1954 and a 33° IGH the following year. In 1956, he was crowned Active-Member. Five years after his election as Grand Master – on July 23, 1966, to be precise - Juan S. Alano, 75 years old, met his creator in his home in Basilan City.