Headquarters Letter
Issued by the National President
April 2008
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Visayas Mindanao Regional Conference
The 2008 Visayas Mindanao Regional Theosophical Conference was held last April 18-20 at the Benedictine Monastery in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Mindanao. It was hosted by Luz Garcia, with the support of the officers of the Federation. The theme was "Living Without Boundaries," which touched on levels of consciousness that transcend the normally divisive mind. The first day was devoted to a recollection. The group also attended the prayer and chanting periods of the Benedictine monks in the place.
The group agreed that the next Convention will be held in Cebu City. While Bacolod will host the next national convention.
Here is a photo of some of the delegates while touring around Malaybalay.
Luzon Federation Conference
The newly formed Luzon Federation will hold its first convention in Legazpi City, under the sponsorship of Katoninongan Study Group, headed by Jose "Ping" Peralta. The theme is "Theosophy as a Way of Life." The venue will be the monastery of the Redemptorist. The cost will be P700 per day, including board and lodging, but does not include transport to and from Legaspi. The contact persons are Ping Peralta and Marlyn Peralta, +639186570394.
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Mayon Volcano forms a beautiful backdrop to the city of Legaspi, where the first Luzon Federation Convention will be held on May 17-18, 2008.
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Presidential Elections
On June, 2008, the whole theosophical world will be electing the International President of the Theosophical Society. This time there are two candidates: Radha Burnier, the current President, and John Algeo, the international Vice President.
The national headquarters of the TS in the Philippines have sent by mail the voting slip for all members who are updated in their membership in 2007, and who have been a member for at least two consecutive years.
Members are requested to inform the national headquarters if they did not receive their voting slip but have been updated in their membership dues. They should also notify the headquarters if they have changed their address.
Bro. Romy Velarde Passes Away
Romy Velarde, who is known to practically all members of the TS in the Philippines, passed away at the Manila Doctors Hospital last February 2, 2008 (Saturday). Romy was still very active in the work of the Theosophical Society. That Saturday, he told his son that he would be going to the TS headquarters because there was going to be a meeting.
Romy had devoted the last decade of his life to the Theosophical Society, living at the headquarters and managing the affairs of the headquarters throughout the year. He was also in charge of Lodge Development and thus constantly traveled to practically all the lodges and study groups in the country. He had attended two world congresses, Brazil and Australia, and had been to Adyar, the international headquarters, several times.
Romy was well-loved for his humor and his dedication to living the higher life. He has conducted seminars and given lectures in many parts of the country. He had served as an executive of one of the largest life insurance companies in the Philippines (Filipinas Life, now Ayala Life). Upon his retirement, he decided to devote his life to the work of the Masters.
Brother Romy, our work remains unfinished. Till we get together again.
Wednesday Meditation Sessions
The headquarters now conducts a weekly meditation session under the guidance of Virgil Antonio. The sessions start at 6:30p.m. every Wednesday evening and ends at 8:30p.m. It starts with a 30-minute meditation, and then followed by a lecture, and then an open forum.
Virgil had been a Tibetan monk and had given numerous seminars and retreats on the spiritual life. He had also served as a consultant and trainer for multinational companies. On May 31-June 1, 2008, he will be conducting a two-day seminar on the stages of meditation. It is open to the public. Interested persons should register with Mona Brocoy (741-5740) since meal arrangements have to be made prior to the seminar. |
