The Demosthenes of Philippine Masonry. The 36th Grand Master, Mauro O. Baradi, is easily one of the most outstanding Masons to have occupied the Grand Oriental Chair, for he excelled in many other fields than Masonic, namely: diplomacy, lawyering, writing and research, oratory, and lawmaking. As a Diplomat - In 1973, Baradi was chosen one of the Ten Top and Illustrious Ilocano awardees in recognition of his accomplishments in the diplomatic field. The citation engraved in two beautiful plaques – one in Ilocano and the other in English – reads: In recognition of his long and dedicated work in the diplomatic service of the country first as assistant in the Office of the Philippine Resident Commissioner in Washington, D.C., during the American regime and Commonwealth period and later since the establishment of the Republic. More specifically, for his work as Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to a number of the newly independent countries of Africa, in projecting the image of the Philippines among the people of the Third World and in strengthening our relations with them; and also for his efforts, as special envoy on specific diplomatic missions, toward the encouragement of international understanding and brotherhood. Baradi began his diplomatic career in 1929 as private Secretary and Legal Adviser of Dr. Camilla Osias, Resident Commissioner to the United States (1929-1935). For five years, he spoke and lectured extensively before clubs, organizations, colleges, and universities and other institutions throughout the United States on Philippine independence and related subjects, and was recognized as the “Unofficial Third Resident Commissioner of the Philippines.” In 1956, President Ramon Magsaysay designated him as a representative of the Republic of the Philippines, with the rank of Minister, to the United Nations Advisory Council for Italian Somaliland, with headquarters in Mogadiscio, the capital where he resided until July 1960. As such Representative and Chairman of the Advisory Council, he had a leading role in preparing the Somali people for independence. In recognition of his outstanding services in diplomacy and international relations, Baradi was appointed Member of the Philippine Delegation to the United Nations; First Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Liberia. He was known in Africa as “Mr. Uhuru” - Uhuru means “freedom” in the African language – because of his lifelong struggle for freedom and his defense of African peoples in their common struggle for equality and justice in their respective homelands. As a lawyer - Baradi was Consultant to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. He held membership in the American Academy of Political and Social Science; Philippine Constitution Association; Philippine Society of International Law; and World Peace Through Law Center. He was admitted to the Bars of the United States Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit; Supreme Court of the District of Columbia; and United States Court of Customs and Patent Appeals. He was admitted to practice, too, before the Interstate Commerce Commission. He was, in addition, the first Honorary Life Member, St. George Association, Chapter 75 (Judiciary System), New York City, as well as a member of the American Bar Association. Baradi was a law partner of Wolfson, Barrion & Baradi, Baradi & Vergara, and Baradi & Gallardo. He was also an International Law Consultant Member, with offices in more than 25 countries throughout the world. . On July 14, 1966, Baradi was voted the highest honor by the Eloy Alfaro Foundation of the Republic of Panama, and he was awarded the Foundation’s Grand Cross and Diploma, cited to be “a lawyer, diplomat, statesman, freedom advocate, humanitarian, author, educator, orator and scholar.” As a Mason - Baradi’s achievements in Freemasonry are just as varied and impressive. He was raised as a Master Mason in “High Twelve” Lodge No.82, F & A.M., Manila in 1936. In 1948, he served as the Worshipful Master of this Lodge. In the Grand Lodge, he was Grand Orator (1948-50); Junior Grand Warden (1950), Senior Grand Warden (1951), Deputy Grand Master (1952), and Grand Master (1953). He was elected Grand Secretary in 1955 and in 1956. He held membership in Capitular, Cryptic, and Chivalric Masonry and he was elected to membership in Asoka Conclave No. 30, Red Cross of Constantine. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star as well as of the Order of the Amaranth. He was an Active Member of the International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay. He was, in the Scottish Rite, Inspector General Honorary, 33°. Baradi was elected to membership in International Research Societies, among which are: Missouri Lodge of Research; Research Lodge of Oregon No.198, A.F. & A.M., the Philalethes Society, Los Angeles, California; Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No.281, Seattle, Washington; American Lodge of Research, F. & A.M., New York City; Canadian Masonic Research Association, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quatour Coronati Lodge, London, No. 2076; and Masonic Lodge of Research, A. F & A.M., State of Connecticut. He was also a fellow of other learned organizations, including those in the United States, Canada, England, Holland, Belgium, Panama, and Africa. He is the author of books, pamphlets, and articles on Masonry. From 1956 to 1969, Baradi spent most of his time serving the Philippines in foreign lands. While in the United States, he was often invited to address American Grand Lodges and conferences of Grand Masters of Masons. The Empire State Mason (January 1962), official organ of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, chose him as one of the “Masons In The Limelight,” describing him as “the most sought after speaker in the United States.” The following are among the Medals awarded him for distinguished service to Freemasonry: Consecration Medal, from the Grand Lodge of China; the Pierpont Eduard’s Medal, from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut; and another Medal for distinguished Masonic Service, from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Furthermore, he was a member not only of the Royal Order of Scotland but also of the Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay. As Con-Con Delegate - After many years in his country’s service abroad, Baradi returned to the Philippines. Shortly thereafter, he was elected to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. He took his oath of office at the Masonic altar on April 27, 1971 before Past Grand Master Antonio Gonzalez, a lawyer and Notary Public, and in the presence of several other Past Grand Masters. Baradi was Member of the Preparatory Committee of the 1971 Constitutional Convention and Chairman of five (5) Sub-Committees. He authored 127 Constitutional proposals, some of which are embodied in the 1973 Constitution. Besides being the principal invocator of the Convention, he was among the few delegates with 100% attendance at the Convention. He was President of the Timpuyog Association, a sizeable group of all-Ilocano delegates, and member of the 7-Man Council of Elders of the Convention. Baradi had seven (7) academic degrees, including the degree of Doctor of Juridical Science and five doctorate degrees, honoris causa, obtained at home and abroad. The boy born in Bani, Pangasinan on August 22, 1899 grew up to marry a former Marikina beauty queen, Eden Guevara, whose grandfather pioneered in shoemaking in Rizal province. With her, he had four children.