Lodge No. 1 · Est. December 2024
Independent Ancient Order of Free Gardeners — Philippines
The premier Free Gardeners Lodge of the Philippines, seated in Taguig City, Metro Manila, and chartered under the Independent Ancient Order of Free Gardeners — a fraternal tradition rooted in Scotland since 1676.
Royale Ancient Fleur De Lys Gardener Lodge No. 1 holds the singular distinction of being the first IAOFG Lodge constituted in the Republic of the Philippines. Formally established in December 2024 in Taguig City, Metro Manila, the Lodge was brought into being through the vision and determination of Grand Master Rupert Corpuz and three Worthy Brothers: Ferdinand Tablac, Ryan Ramos, and Manuel Rodriguez — together recognised as its founding members.
The Lodge's origins trace to an initial institution by the Ancient Fleur De Lys Lodge No. 4 of Scotland, operating under the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners Scotland. Demonstrating the enduring spirit of self-governance that has characterised the Order since its earliest days, the founding brethren pursued an independent path, ultimately forming their own Sovereign Grand Lodge under the Independent Ancient Order of Free Gardeners.
The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners traces its earliest documented record to 16 August 1676, when the lodge at Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, committed its first minutes to paper — establishing rules for a fraternity of gardeners dedicated to mutual aid, horticultural knowledge, and the betterment of their communities. The Lodge's name honours the Fleur De Lys, a heraldic symbol long associated with purity, nobility, and the cultivated garden — a fitting emblem for a society dedicated to the art and philosophy of horticulture.
As Lodge No. 1, the Royale Ancient Fleur De Lys Gardener Lodge occupies a foundational position within the Independent Ancient Order of Free Gardeners in the Philippines. It operates in direct fellowship with the International Confederation of Free Gardeners, a broader alliance of lodges spanning Germany, North America, East Africa, and Hong Kong — a testament to the universal appeal of the Order's values.
This Lodge served as the catalyst for the establishment of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the Philippines, and continues to act as a guiding light for sister lodges constituted in its wake.
"A fraternal society rooted in Scottish gardening traditions since 1676 — now cultivating brotherhood and community in the heart of Metro Manila."
Taguig City — a dynamic, rapidly growing city within Metro Manila — provides the Lodge with a rich community in which to pursue its mission of mutual aid, charitable service, and fraternal fellowship. The Lodge bridges the rich traditions of Scottish fraternal culture with the warmth and community spirit characteristic of Filipino society.
Upon consecration, the Lodge was formally constituted with its first complement of officers, each entrusted with upholding the dignity, administration, and fraternal traditions of the Order.
The presiding Grand Master of the Lodge, responsible for opening and closing proceedings, conferring degrees, and upholding the dignity of the Order.
Assists the Grand Master in the governance of the Lodge and assumes the duties of the Grand Master in his absence.
A founding officer of the Lodge, entrusted with upholding the traditions and fraternal principles of the Order.
A founding officer contributing to the fellowship, governance, and community service mission of Lodge No. 1.
A founding officer of the Lodge, serving the brethren and upholding the values of the Free Gardeners.
Responsible for the management of Lodge funds, financial reporting, and the administration of charitable contributions.
A founding officer of the Lodge, dedicated to the fraternal mission and charitable works of the Order.
A founding officer serving the brethren and contributing to the traditions and values of Lodge No. 1.
A founding officer of the Lodge, committed to the principles of brotherhood, mutual aid, and horticultural heritage.
Guards the inner door of the Lodge room, ensuring that all present are duly qualified to attend stated meetings.
Guards the outer approaches to the Lodge room and ensures the orderly and secure conduct of all meetings.
A founding officer of the Lodge, upholding the fraternal bonds and community spirit of the Free Gardeners.
Leads the Lodge in prayer and reflection, and provides pastoral care to the brethren and their families.
Photographs from the Consecration of Royale Ancient Fleur De Lys Gardener Lodge No. 1 — Taguig City, December 2024.
Brethren of Lodge No. 1 at the Consecration Ceremony, Taguig City, December 2024
Officers of Lodge No. 1 in full ceremonial regalia — aprons and sashes of the Free Gardeners
Brethren assembled in the Lodge room bearing the sashes and insignia of the Order
Men of good character, aged 20 and above, from all races and religious backgrounds are welcomed as brethren.
Members progress through the Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Gardener degrees, each conferring deeper insight.
Lodge No. 1 carries forward a fraternal tradition that spans nearly 350 years of Scottish and international heritage.
The Lodge currently comprises its founding brethren and a growing body of initiated members drawn from the Taguig City community and the wider Metro Manila area. Membership is open to men of good repute, aged twenty years and above, who seek brotherhood, self-improvement, and the opportunity to serve their community through the traditions of the Free Gardeners.
Joining the Lodge begins with a straightforward and welcoming process. A representative will contact prospective members, provide a membership form, and guide them through the initiation rites — a series of degree conferral ceremonies that mark the beginning of a brother's journey within the Order.
From its earliest days, Lodge No. 1 has been committed to serving the Taguig City community through charitable works, mutual assistance, and the promotion of horticultural and environmental stewardship values. The Lodge actively participates in local community events and seeks to build meaningful partnerships with community organisations across Metro Manila.
The Lodge upholds the founding mission of the Free Gardeners: to provide support to members, their families, and the broader community — echoing the mutual aid societies that gave the Order its enduring purpose since the seventeenth century.
Lodge No. 1 brings together the ancient traditions of the Free Gardeners with an active programme of community service, fellowship, and ceremony befitting the Order's long heritage.
Regular Stated Meetings are held monthly, providing brethren with the opportunity for fraternal discourse, Lodge business, and the conferral of degrees upon candidates.
In the tradition of the original Free Gardeners, the Lodge undertakes community service initiatives in Taguig City, offering support to the vulnerable and contributing to local welfare programmes.
The Lodge conducts formal degree rites based on the ancient symbolism of the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, and the court of King Solomon — marking each brother's journey from Apprentice through to Master Gardener.
Honouring the Order's origins, the Lodge promotes horticultural knowledge, sustainable gardening practices, and environmental stewardship within the Metro Manila community.
Each year, the Lodge holds a formal Installation ceremony to appoint and invest its incoming officers, conducted with the full ceremonial dignity that the traditions of the Order demand.
Following the centuries-old mission of the Free Gardeners, the Lodge provides material and fraternal support to brethren in need and their families, as well as to charitable causes within the wider community.
All brethren and prospective members are warmly welcomed to attend the Stated Meetings of Lodge No. 1. Visitors are asked to present their Lodge credentials to the Inner Guard upon arrival. Formal attire is required for special and degree meetings; semi-formal attire is appropriate for regular gatherings.
A specific meeting venue will be confirmed upon contact with the Lodge Secretary. Prospective visitors are encouraged to contact the Lodge in advance of attending.
For the most current meeting schedule and venue details, please contact the Lodge directly via the details provided below.
For enquiries regarding membership, Lodge visits, or the activities of the IAOFG Free Gardeners Lodge in Taguig City, please do not hesitate to reach out through any of the following channels.
W∴M∴ Ian Bolinao
Worthy Master — Royale Ancient Fleur De Lys Lodge No. 1For enquiries, membership applications, or to arrange a visit to the Lodge, Worthy Master Bolinao welcomes all communication from brethren and prospective members alike. No question is too small — the doors of Lodge No. 1 are open to all men of good will.
The Independent Ancient Order of Free Gardeners is growing across the Philippines and internationally. Explore the wider family of IAOFG Free Gardeners Lodges and find the one nearest to you.
The Royale Ancient Fleur De Lys Gardener Lodge No. 1 extends a fraternal welcome to all men of good character who seek brotherhood, self-improvement, and meaningful community service. Take the first step and reach out today.