The Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain, also known as T2, held its 22nd Induction of Officers on 22 August 2025 at the Golden Tulip Hotel. The ceremony, marked by fellowship and unity, also underscored the club’s enduring commitment to the Filipino community in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The esteemed program opened with a display of international solidarity through the singing of the Bahrain National Anthem, Philippine National Anthem, and the United States National Anthem
An invocation led by Joey Dopeno set a solemn tone, followed by the lively proceedings, which were expertly hosted by Rey Giron and Mark Ferido.
“The highlight of the evening was the formal induction of the newly elected officers who will steer T2 in its upcoming term: Mitch De Guzman as President, Marlon Arlanza as Vice President, Alex Prades as Secretary, and Mark Ferido as Treasurer.
The event was further distinguished by the presence of Philippine diplomatic officials, led by Her Excellency Anne Jalando-on Louis, Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, who was joined by Consul Jess Bryan T. Baguio and Ms. Jiemarie Ladrica Mortel, Cultural Attaché of the Philippine Embassy.
In her message, Ambassador Louis conveyed her sincere appreciation to the Travelers Tribe for their unwavering and invaluable assistance to the Filipino community. “I am grateful for your gesture and generosity in offering your time and resources. My deepest thanks for all your support throughout my tenure here,” she stated, acknowledging T2’s substantial contributions.
The Ambassador also announced the approaching conclusion of her diplomatic mission in Bahrain.
Visiting brethren from Saudi Arabia were warmly welcomed by Past Worshipful Master, Alain Buensuceso.
Outgoing president Archie A. Burdeos, who was unable to attend the ceremony, served as the 21st President of the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain. His prepared speech was read on his behalf by Past Worshipful Master Rob Gardner. The message, delivered with clarity and respect, reflected on a tenure marked by dedication, progress, and unwavering commitment to the Masonic principles.
Mr. Burdeos is a seasoned leader and U.S. Navy veteran with a strong background in business administration and logistics management. In his role, he was instrumental in fostering camaraderie, leadership, and Masonic values within the community. During his tenure, the club saw considerable growth and a rise in activity engagements reinforcing its status as a center for fellowship and service.
Throughout his presidency, Burdeos championed initiatives that strengthened member relationships while also encouraging active participation in community service, with a special focus on assisting those most in need.
During the program, T2 also seized the opportunity to acknowledge individuals and groups that have made noteworthy contributions to the organization. Among those recognized were Alex Prades, the secretary of the club; Mr. Reden Deligero from Saudi Arabia; the Fil-Am Women’s Volleyball Team; Tri-Step Lodge #99 and Ms. Cecil Ancheta, president of the Filipino Writers’ Circle (FilWrite).
Rogin Follantes stepped forward to lead the customary Tyler’s Toast, a concluding Masonic ritual at the end of a festive board or gathering, which can be a short version or a longer poem with the refrain “Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again”. It is a farewell to Brethren, expressing well wishes to absent and distressed Masons.
Follantes’ delivery added a solemn yet heartfelt touch, reinforcing the enduring bonds of brotherhood that define the Travelers Tribe.
Past Worshipful Master Rob Gardner administered the oath in the presence of fellow Past Worshipful Masters Bing Pascua and Alain Buensuceso, the latter also being a former president of T2.
The ceremony then proceeded with the acceptance speech of Mr. Mitch De Guzman, who formally assumed his role as President of the Travelers Tribe Masonic Club of Bahrain for 2025–2026. He formally accepted the mantle of leadership, making a resounding pledge to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to him and to steer the organization toward the next phase of its vision with steadfast commitment and unwavering dedication.
One of the most touching highlights of the gathering was the presence of Bisma, an 8-year-old beneficiary of T2’s compassion, who received support for her prosthetic left leg. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organization and to all those who extended help throughout her journey.
T2 stepped in to provide the crucial support needed to acquire an artificial leg, offering her not just mobility, but renewed independence, dignity, and the promise of a fuller, more active childhood.
Presented during the program by Joselito Sarmiento, the Vice President of the Filipino-American Association of Bahrain (Fil-Am Bahrain) and a long-standing member of T2, Bisma took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the organization that covered a significant portion of the expenses for her prosthetic leg.
During an interview, Bisma’s mother, Nora, 48, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), conveyed her aspiration that her daughter will soon be able to engage in formal education following the acquisition of her prosthetic leg.
“I am grateful to all those who have supported my daughter, particularly T2 and Fil-Am, for their significant assistance.
It is worth recalling that Fil-Am Bahrain, under the leadership of its president Orlando Fontanilla, had earlier organized a fundraising bingo event to support her. Both Fil-Am Bahrain and T2 have been instrumental in extending assistance and ensuring her medical well-being.
The occasion became even more significant due to the presence and support of the families and friends of T2 members, whose involvement contributed warmth and a sense of camaraderie to the festivities.
Organizers conveyed their sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors who contributed valuable items, transforming the raffle into a memorable spotlight of the evening. The fundraising raffle was a remarkable success, greatly aiding the ceremony’s charitable goals. The grand prize, a jewelry set from Evershine, was awarded to Dinah Sta. Ana, President of Pinay Ikaw (PIN).
T2, an organization largely composed of Filipino-American (Fil-Am) members and U.S. Navy personnel, continues to serve as a beacon of charity and service, consistently creating a meaningful impact within the wider community.
