Louie Blake Saile Sarmiento, author

January 22, 2011 LAKE BALINSASAYO, NEGROS ORIENTAL, PHILIPPINES - The Silliman University School of Public Affairs and Governance in partnership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kapatirang Watchdog Lodge no.1, and Ang Sandigan organized an environmental activity consisting of lectures about the environment and a tree planting as answer to climate change and degradation of Philippines forests. Brother Anatoly Karpov Buss, a local environmentalist and currently teaching at the School of Public Affairs and Governance, believe that environmentalism such as tree planting and clean-up drives be practiced and promoted. And that, the government, youth and other sectors should work together to mitigate the negative effects of deforestation and climate change. The day was started with three lectures about the natural water systems, causes and the degree of deforestation which was shocking. It was mentioned that more than 90% of the forests are already gone. Therefore, there is...

April 4-9, 2011 BANTAYAN ISLAND, PHILIPPINES - With the financial assistance from Brother David Burns, Grand Master of the Odd Fellows in Michigan, and Odd Fellows Davis Lodge 169 in California, the Odd Fellows Lodge in Dumaguete was able to help provide one box of food supplies for both Team Negros Oriental and Team Silliman University during the one-week 'Kalinga sa Bayan' nation-building event organized by Gawad Kalinga Foundation. Brother John Carlo Buhia, Louie Sarmiento and Sister Maria Katrina Mercado together with brothers Joseph Ceriales and Jun Martinez of Gawad Kalinga Foundation and several others from the province of Negros Oriental also participated in the event which aims to transform Bantayan Island into a paradise. The aim of Gawad Kalinga Foundation is to build viable and sustainable communities by people with faith and patriotism, driven by a culture of caring and sharing and are dedicated to eradicate poverty and restore human dignity. Their mission is t...

November 19, 2010 Sovereign Grand Master George Glover III and Past Sovereign Grand Master Paul Cuminale arrived in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, to turn-over the charter of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kapatirang Mindanaon Lodge no.2. In lieu of their visitation, a gala night was held 6:00 pm at Apple tree Resort Hotel. Brothers George and Paul were warmly welcomed and a presentation of the lodge’s recent projects was shown. Afterwards, the charter was received by Noble Grand Vencent Seth Ofngol and Vice Grand  Jose Mari Regalado . In return, members of Mindanaon Lodge gave a token of appreciation. The event successfully ended at 10:00 pm. For Kapatirang Mindanaon Lodge no.2 members, the event wasn’t just a turn-over of charter, it was a memorable one. The worldwide bond of friendship between Odd Fellows was inculcated in their hearts. They concluded “ We are Odd fellows, we are Mindanaon lodge no.2 !” For more information about the fraternity: http://ioofmindan...

March 26, 2011 DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES – Brothers Rex Olpoc, Cyril Plantilla, Louie Sarmiento and Sister Karmen Arenas of Kapatirang Watchdog Lodge no.1 volunteered to help Gawad Kalinga Dumaguete distribute toys donated by Shell for GK Village Children. Brother Cyril offered his car to be used to transport boxes of toys from one GK village to the other making it possible for the toys to be distributed to three GK villages in one morning. Aside from the toy distribution, the lodge also distributed free lollipops for the kids. “It was a simple way of helping out. After all, this is what we are about” said Sister Karmen. Afterwards, the brothers, sister and friends in GK Dumaguete went to a restaurant together to eat lunch and a simple way of fellowship.

May 7, 2011 MALAUNAY, VALENCIA, PHILIPPINES - Members and candidates for membership of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kapatirang Watchdog Lodge no.1, in Dumaguete City decided to organize a 3-in-1 altruistic activity that would benefit Gawad Kalinga Malaunay Village and its future residents. This event was organized in lieu of the GK village's turn-over sometime this June 2011. Members of the Odd Fellows lodge in Dumaguete City volunteered to help with the landscaping together with volunteers from Teletech, GKAL, SIGA and the soon-to-be residents of village. Because there were lodge members who are nurses and nursing students, the lodge also decided to conduct free Blood Pressure taking and health teaching on the site. Furthermore, the lodge's candidates for membership also sponsored a mass feeding which fed almost everyone in the village. Sister Fionna Chuang ended the day saying to herself, "Did some charity work at the GK site in Valencia. It was a good way t...

February 20, 2011 DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES - The Silliman University School of Public Affairs and Governance in partnership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kapatirang Watchdog Lodge no.1, conducted a post-Christmas Outreach program at Dumaguete City Cathedral. Brother Anatoly Karpov Buss opened the activity with a welcome remark while Brother Pell Namocatcat, who is studying to be a pastor, led the prayer. The two groups distributed packs consisting of canned goods, biscuits, soups, bathing and laundry soap, and shampoos to orphaned children and unfortunate elderly. Used clothings were also donated. About a hundred children and less fortunate elderly were assisted in this event.

December 24, 2011 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PHILIPPINES – In lieu of the Christmas Day Celebration, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kapatirang Mindanaon Lodge no.2, conducted a ‘Noche Buena’ package giving, free snacks and used clothing donation to less fortunate people in the city. Brother  Jose Mari G. Regalado concluded saying "Nince one Team! Everybody had fun and the kids were happy. I know we made them feel very very happy. Thanks to those who participated."  

May 14, 2011 DUMAGUETE CITY, PHILIPPINES - Members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Kapatirang Watchdog Lodge no.1, went to Wuthering Heights Beach Resort in San Jose, Negros Oriental, for a beach outing, team-building activity, conferral of the initiatory degree and awarding ceremony. Nearly 40 brothers and sisters attended and the day was started with fun activities and challenges that aim to teach new members initiative, trust and teamwork. When asked what they have learned from the activities, Sister  Ivana Mae Canlas  said, "No guts, no glory. Work as a team, not individually. Take time to listen. Trust one another. Do things at your best". After the games, pork, chicken and fish barbecue was served for lunch along with 'pancit palabok' and a cake. Then, members played Frisbee, went swimming and diving while some just sat along the shores to relax. By 3:00 PM, about 30 brothers, sisters and candidates proceeded to the function hall for the confer...

DECORAH - The Winneshiek Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 58 will hold an open house in its new quarters Sunday. It is an opportunity for the public to see its new facilities and learn about the fraternal organization, according to Odd Fellows Trustee Duane Vine. The group has moved from its previous location above T-Bocks to 326 Washington St., formerly the Fashion Floor Center, across the street from the Social Security office. The event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. and will include musical entertainment, refreshments and door prizes. "We want people to come see what Odd Fellows is about and visit our new lodge," Vine said. Odd Fellows recently purchased the building, which has three apartments on the second floor. The lodge, which includes a full kitchen, will be available for the public to rent for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions. The history of the Odd Fellows in Winneshiek County goes back to 1854. Today there are about 50 members, according to Vine,...