History
The Evolution of Escudo Club and Garde du Corps DAC NO. 11
The Garde du Corps Commandery started as early as 1985. The alumni commandery of Bacolod City was organized even before the formation of DAAP. Now, it is called Garde du Corps DAC No. 11.
We have already hosted two Alumni National Conventions including the first DANCON in 1997 and the last one was in 2004.
On the other hand, the annex club of Serafin V. Aguilar Chapter was called Escudo Club of Manila. Later, it became Escudo DAC No. 4 and now, there’s Escudo Lodge No. 371 instituted in 2007.
In the mid 70’s, a group of DeMolays studying in Metro Manila with its Chapter Advisor organized a Manila-based extension arm of the Serafin V. Aguilar Chapter. The purpose of the organization was to continue in Manila, the camaraderie and fellowship established in their Mother Chapter. The group was named ” Escudo Group”.
Escudo which means “shield”, is an extension of a Knights Templar’s armament. It is recalled that Knights Templar were the elite group of warriors during the time of the Crusader. It was here that the
Order of DeMolay was named after the last Grand Master of Sovereign Order of the Knights Templar, Jacques DeMolay.
Thus, relevant to its mission, the group adopted the word Escudo, signifying that the group would be an extension arm of the S.V. Aguilar Chapter, and it vowed to protect or shield the interest of the Order and its members.
Ten years later, in March 13, 1985, on the occasion of the Charter Day of the National Supreme Council of DeMolay, a group of Senior DeMolays from Region VI based in Metro Manila were reunited. Moved and inspired by the historic event, the group agreed to rejoin together and form the “ESCUDO CLUB”.
During the Annual Meeting of the Club held in Makati Skyline in October 29, 1991, two major resolutions were approved by the members:
1. To open the club membership to all Senior DeMolays
who are willing to be active members of the Club.
2.To seek affiliation with the DeMolay Alumni Association
of the Philippines (DAAP).
It is within the historic perspective that the ESCUDO DeMolay Alumni Chapter No. 4, NCR was born and instituted on December 14, 1991.