Emilio Aguinaldo Masonic Lodge No. 31

The lodge was originally named Magdalo, a name derived from President Aguinaldo’s Katipunan symbolic name, which was inspired by Kawit, Cavite’s patron saint, Santa Maria Magdalena.

In January 1896, Gen. Aguinaldo and a few others established the Masonic Triangle Magdalo in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite. However, the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution interrupted the lodge’s activities. In 1914, Gen. Aguinaldo, along with thirteen other Masonic members, revived the lodge. On December 21, 1914, Magdalo Lodge No. 371 received its charter, and on June 13, 1915, the lodge was formally constituted with Gen. Aguinaldo installed as its first Master. The event was attended by over 300 guests, including dignitaries from Gran Oriente Español, other Grand Jurisdictions, and Grand Masters.

In February 1917, following the unification of 27 lodges from Gran Oriente Español with the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP), Magdalo Lodge No. 371 was rechartered as Magdalo Lodge No. 31. On February 14, 1917, it was constituted as a subordinate lodge of the GLP. This transition created internal challenges, as many members from Spanish lodges were unfamiliar with the York Rite Ritual practiced by the GLP and struggled with the English language, having originally been initiated under the Scottish Rite Ritual. To accommodate this, both the York and Scottish Rite rituals were temporarily authorized within Magdalo Lodge.

By the 1920s, internal discord arose, and some members returned to the Gran Oriente Español, forming clandestine lodges, including one that adopted the name “Magdalo.” To resolve this conflict, the lodge sought to rename itself. Inspired by Crisostomo Ibarra from Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, the lodge was renamed Ibarra Lodge No. 31. The lodge flourished after the disloyal members were expelled.

In 1937, a commemorative monument featuring Dr. Jose Rizal in Master Mason attire — sculpted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino — was erected in Kawit, Cavite. The site is believed to be where Jose Malcampo y Monge founded Primera Luz Filipina, the first Masonic lodge in the Philippines. The Grand Lodge of the Philippines then designated Ibarra Lodge to continue under its jurisdiction.

During World War II, Ibarra Lodge was forced to cease operations, and many of its members joined the resistance movement. By the early 1920s, due to internal discord, Gen. Aguinaldo had distanced himself from the lodge and was declared a dormant member. However, on January 1, 1955, at the age of 86, Gen. Aguinaldo renewed his Masonic vows, reaffirming his commitment to Masonic values. Initiated, passed and raised in Pilar Lodge, Gen. Aguinaldo remained an active Mason until his passing.

On June 13, 1964, lodge members unanimously requested the Grand Lodge of the Philippines to change the lodge’s name to honor their founder. On July 1, 1964, the Grand Master approved the petition, and the lodge was renamed Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No. 31.

In 2006, the lodge faced yet another challenge when a group formed a Clandestine Grand Lodge, causing the departure of many members.

Despite this setback, the remaining loyal members — with the support of dual members — persevered and maintained the lodge’s operations, ensuring its survival. Despite numerous trials, Emilio Aguinaldo Masonic Lodge No. 31 continues to stand as a beacon of resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to Masonic principles.