Our History
A legacy of leadership, service and brotherhood that began in Bacolod in 1947 and continues through generations of DeMolays.
Generations of DeMolay
The story of DeMolay Bacolod is a story of young men, advisers, families and community leaders who helped build a tradition that continues to this day.
The Beginning
Catalino G. Aurelio Chapter
The chapter was formally organized as the Catalino G. Aurelio Chapter.
The First Era
Catalino G. Aurelio Chapter formally surrendered its charter in the summer of 1953.
The Chapter Returns
Kanlaon Lodge No. 64 F&AM agreed to sponsor the formation of a DeMolay chapter once again. Dad Serafin V. Aguilar was designated as acting Chairman of the Advisory Council.
Frank S. Land Memorial
Frank S. Land Memorial Chapter was officially instituted by Dad Manuel M. Crudo, Grand Master of Masons on December 21, 1969. The installation of its chartered officers was done on the same date by the Installing Team from the Leon Kilat Chapter of Dumaguete City.
Dad Serafin V. Aguilar
Dad Serafin V. Aguilar died of heart failure on January 1973.
A New Name
The International Supreme Council (ISC) in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, approved the petition to change the name of the Chapter from Frank S. Land Memorial to Serafin V. Aguilar
Service to Nauway Island
The chapter began its DeMolay Community Assistance Project by adopting Nauway Island in Guimaras as its summer
protectorate. Medical assistance, an artesian well and tree planting were among the projects undertaken.
Leadership Training
Serafin V. Aguilar Chapter hosted the first Visayas Leadership Training Camp at Mambucal Mountain Resort.
Ten Years of Legacy
Serafin V. Aguilar Chapter celebrated its 10th anniversary with a series of activities honoring its history, leaders, partners, and community service.
The celebration included a church service at Bacolod Evangelical Church and the planting of seven symbolic eucalyptus trees representing the seven cardinal virtues at the site of the new Kanlaon Lodge No. 64.
A testimonial luncheon was held at Sea Breeze Hotel in honor of Kanlaon Lodge No. 64, including the presentation of a Diploma of Appreciation.
VW Manuel V. Ko, Grand Lodge Deputy for Masonic District No. 27, and WB Manuel M. Avello Jr., incumbent Master of Kanlaon Lodge No. 64, were among those recognized during the celebration.
Special Service Medals and 10-year Diplomas of Distinction were also presented to chapter leaders and members who contributed to the chapter’s first decade.
Expanding the DeMolay Family
The chapter served as the Installing Team for the institution and first installation of officers of Eugenio A. Antonio, Jr. Chapter in San Carlos City.
Ely Buendia Fundraiser
The chapter held a fundraising event featuring DeMolay brother and Eraserheads lead vocalist Ely Buendia at the St. La
Salle Coliseum.
13th DeMolay National Conclave & Congress
Serafin V. Aguilar Chapter hosted the 13th DeMolay National Conclave and Congress at L’Fisher Hotel, along with the DeMolay Olympics at Panaad Park and Stadium.
DALAGAN
More than 650 runners supported DALAGAN, a fun run organized to support the scholars of the chapter.
50 Years of Legacy
Serafin V. Aguilar Chapter No. 10 celebrated 50 years of its modern chapter history.
Catalino G. Aurelio Chapter
The first DeMolay chapter in Bacolod was named in honor of Catalino G. Aurelio, a Past Master of Kanlaon Lodge No. 64 who was killed by the enemy while helping the guerillas at Hinigaran, Negros Occidental during the first year of Japanese occupation.
The chapter’s first officers were installed at the Freemason’s Hall on Luzariaga Street on May 28, 1947.
Moments That Shaped Us
Historical moments preserved through photographs and memories of the chapter.
The Chapter Returns
The beginning of the modern chapter era in Bacolod.
Service & Leadership
A generation of DeMolays serving their community.
50th Anniversary
Celebrating five decades of the chapter’s modern legacy.
People Who Shaped Our History
The chapter’s history was built by generations of DeMolays and adults who gave their time, leadership and service.
Dad Serafin V. Aguilar
Chapter leader and namesake of the present chapter.
Dad Ernesto S. Salas
First Chairman of the Advisory Council.
Bro. Rafael M. Salas
Chartered Master Councilor of the first chapter.
Dad Alipio “Chap” C. Ykalina II
Charter Advisory Council member and longtime mentor.
The Legacy Continues
1947
A group of young men began the DeMolay tradition in Bacolod City.
2026
A continuing tradition of leadership, service and brotherhood.
The Complete Historical Record
The detailed historical record of DeMolay Bacolod is preserved below.
Read the complete 1947 historical record
The first Chairman of the Advisory Council was the late Dad Ernesto S. Salas, and the chartered Master Councilor was his son, the late Bro. Rafael M. Salas.
The first Filipino to have a seat in the United Nations was Bro. Rafael M. Salas, who later became Undersecretary of the United Nations.
The officers installed in 1947 included Rafael Salas, Master Councilor; Arturo H. Villanueva Jr., Senior Councilor; Edward Matti, Junior Councilor; Angel A. Salas Jr., Treasurer; Roberto W. Medel, Scribe; and the other chartered officers of the chapter.
In his inaugural speech, Master Councilor Rafael Salas described DeMolay as an organization intended to cultivate the virtues needed by young men and to prepare them to assume the responsibilities of life.
The chapter’s historical record also documents its early community service, leadership training, outdoor degrees, sports activities and later chapter milestones.
The Legacy Continues
From the first DeMolays of 1947 to the generations that followed, the story of DeMolay Bacolod continues to be written by its members, advisers, alumni and supporters.