He cultivates pearls and manages shipping companies… “When I was young, my father periodically took the family to Kutang Bato Lodge to attend Masonic social functions. He was so faithful in attending Lodge gatherings and so active in helping the disabled and the deprived that I developed an interest in the Fraternity. Even before I came of age, I was ready to knock at the door of Freemasonry.” Thus Pablo C. Ko, Jr., reveals the lasting impression implanted upon his young mind by the Masonic labors of a father he loves. Born in Cotabato City, the “Stone Fort City” of the South, on December 11, 1945, the tall, energetic Past Grand Master now resides in Cebu City. His elementary and higher studies were, however, obtained in the city of his birth. It was also there where he launched his business career. Macoy, as friends and relatives fondly call him, saw the light of Masonry in Kutang Bato Lodge No. 110. Initiated on November 8, 1973 and passed on March 21,1974, he became a Master Mason on May 3, 1974. And so, the son, to the delight of his father, became a Brother. Macoy’s energy and zeal has resulted in impressive business achievements. He is currently the President of Uni-Orient Pearl Ventures, Inc., 1st Vice-President/General Manager of PKS Shipping Co., Inc. and 2nd Vice-President/Asst. General Manager of Belmar Corporation. But despite the heavy toll that his corporate responsibility takes on him, never has Macoy’s commitment to the Brotherhood waned. In Cotabato City, Macoy was also a Jaycee, Rotarian, a Lion and an active member of the Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry. When the peace and order situation in Cotabato City deteriorated, Macoy had to make a difficult and sad decision. He relocated to Cebu City with his family. Not long after he affiliated with Cebu Lodge No. 128, F. & A.M. He ascended the ladder of success in his newfound Lodge in whirlwind fashion. Appointed Senior Steward in 1977, he was elected Treasurer the following year, becoming Junior Warden a year thereafter, Senior Warden in 1980 and in 1981, Worshipful Master. The end of his term as Worshipful Master of his Lodge did not slow down his active participation in Masonic endeavors. The Grand Lodge hierarchy, seeing his leadership traits, tapped his service thus: - Grand Lodge Inspector, 1982-83 and 1983-84; - District Grand Lecturer, District No. 16, 1984-85 and 1986-87; - District Deputy Grand Master, District No. 16, 1986-87 and 1990-91; - Junior Grand Lecturer for the Visayas; - Chairman/member of various committees. In recognition of his leadership he was elected as Junior Grand Warden, 1991-92; Senior Grand Warden, 1992-93; Deputy Grand Master, 1993-94, and Grand Master, 1994-95. When he stepped down from the Grand Oriental Chair his successors appointed him to membership in the Board for General Purposes. Macoy has been active as well in allied and appendant bodies as could be gleaned from his Masonic resume, to wit: - Cebu Bodies, A&ASR - Conferred Master of the Royal Secret, 1976; - Elected Master of Kadosh, Lapu-lapu Consistory; - Elected Venerable Master, Cebu Lodge of Perfection, 1986; - Invested Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, 1986 - Coroneted Inspector General Honorary, 1993. - Supervisor, Valley of Cebu City, 1996-97 - Deputy, Valley of Cebu City, 1998 to the present Aloha Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine - Initiated, April 16, 1982; - Appointed Assistant Temple Director, 1984; - Appointed Ambassador to Cebu, 1985-90; - Ambassador Emeritus, 1999; - Assistant Temple Director, 2000 Filipinas Shrine Association - Charter Member, 1982; - Secretary, 1983; - Cebu Charter President - Saigon Shrine Oasis – Honorary Member - Maginoo Shrine Oasis- Honorary Member Maria Clara Chapter, OES - Initiate – 1977 - Marshal- 1978 - Warden- 1979 - Worthy Patron-1980 and 1981; Bethel No. 11, International Order of Jobs Daughters - Associate Bethel Guardian Order of DeMolay - Executive Officer, Region VII-A, 1998 to present - Honorary Legion of Honor, 1999. Macoy has been, likewise, a trustee of the Filipinas Shrine Foundation, Inc., a member of the Temple Builders Club and honorary member of seven lodges. He is also an Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of China. “My current aspiration,” Macoy states, “is to share the Masonic light not only with less informed brethren but also with the community or general public. There are a number of undertakings which we can involve ourselves in, so that by our precepts, the Craft will be placed in its proper perspective. We can attract potential members only if they know about the Fraternity and the values we uphold.” The leadership of the Grand Lodge is not for weak men. It is a job for men of resolve and perseverance. Whoever stands at the helm of our Fraternity needs all the support. Fortunately, Macoy was not lacking in this when he wore the Purple of the Fraternity. Starting with his wife, Elizabeth Hua Cua, who has always stood by his side in all his struggles, and his children, Anne Madelaine, Osmund and Oliver, Pablo Ko, Jr., was able to count on his legions of admirers and supporters within and out of the Craft. Small wonder he had a very successful year as Grand Master.