June 5, 1993 when Noble Gani R. Hernandez, Jr. walked through the hot sands of the desert at the Fire Crackers Ceremonial in Riverside. He presented his idea of organizing the Rizal Shrine Club to the Illustrious Nicholas Thomas, Potentate. The illustrious Sir gathered his Divan and shared the whole idea while Noble Gani made his presentation to the whole group at the same instant. They were all very supportive and very encouraging.
The name "Rizal" is in honor of the National Hero of the Philippines who was shot by a firing squad by the Spanish soldiers. Bro. José Protacio Rizal,M.D., a Mason, Physician, Scholar, Writer, & a Genius.
Sept. 9,1993 While the Honored guest was in San Francisco, Noble Gani's Dad, in Dallas, Texas dropped his working tool. Noble Gani went to Dallas for his Dad's last rites while Noble Edward took charge of all plans in his absence that everything must fall into the right places as planned.Noble Ed did a real good job to make everything work. Right after Noble Gani's Dad's interment, he took the 1st available flight to Los Angeles got here a day before the big event to be a part of such an occasion.
He met with the MW Aportadera for a few drinks since they have not seen each other for 23 long years. Incidentally, Dr. Rizal Aportadera is a Physician, a friend and former neighbor of Noble Gani and was the Master of Davao Lodge no. 149 when Gani was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in 1969. Such a short hour for a reunion but was worth it.
September 14,1993 The Illustrious Nick Thomas, confered with Nobles Ed & Gani at 5:00 P.M. in his office. All requirements to obtain dispensation were submitted and El Bekal was informed that there will be a new Shrine Club emerging from Al Malaikah. The Illustrious Ken Boucher, P.P., Recorder processed all the necessary papers and conference ended. The waiting has begun without a decision as yet.
6:30 P.M., Nobles from everywhere and members of different Lodges from Los Angeles to San Diego and Oxnard started arriving at the Temple. Hospitality room opened where everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and good fellowship. The Grand Master's entourage and the dignitaries of our appendant bodies of California had the opportunity to commingle with everyone. This resulted in a real August body for such a History in the Making.
The Recorder was keeping track of the head counts at the door as Nobles and Dignitaries arrived and By 6:45, they came in groups that the Recorder lost track of the count and informed Gani that it was going to be a successful event.
7:00 P.M. everyone was ready and the event begun. To the amazement of the guests and Dignitaries, it was indeed a well attended event, hosted by the Illustrious Nick Thomas. Everyone walked their way from the hospitality room to the dining room. Lavish Dinner was served by the Purveyors Unit of the Temple. Fresh vegetable salad, New York Steak entree, dessert and coffee. When dessert was served, the Master of Ceremonies, Noble Edward Hernandez, Co-Founder started his task. A one minute prayer to the spirit and soul of a departed Brother Gani T. Hernandez, Sr. was made with a silent prayer, and
"Soft and safe to thee, my Brother, be thy resting place! Bright and glorious be thy rising from it! May the earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties o'er thy resting place, and there may the sweetness of the summer's last rose linger longest! Until the Great Architect of the Universe sees to it that we meet again dear Brother, until then my dear brother, until then, farewell !"
At the podium, after honoring the Illustrious Rizal Aportadera Illustrious Nicholas Thomas declared the Rizal Shrine under dispensation. It was then an standing ovation. Hundreds of Nobles including the August body were composed of but not limited to the following Dignitaries from all Masonic Appendant Bodies: Illustrious Douglas Lemons,PGM, SGIG AASR California; Lt. Grand Commdr. AASR, WBro. Frederick Sorsabal ( Represented MW Steven Doan,
M.·.W.·.GM, CA), Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of CA.,, Illustrious Bruce O. Carmitchell, Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, Right Excellent Franklin H. Burris,Grand King Grand Chapter, Knights Templar of CA., Most Illustrious Richard T. Cooper, Grand Commander Knights Templar , CA.
After the Declaration of its Dispensation, Noble Aportadera was made a Life Member of Al Malaikah Shrine temple. Second only in the History for a Foreign Dignitary to receive such an award from Al Malaikah.
RIZAL SHRINE ...received its CHARTER on October 28, 1993.... Members, composed of the Illustrious Nobles, the Divan and members of international origins. TINIKLING became it's official dance. During it's events, the big enjoyment of all Dignitaries and their ladies when they 1st experienced dancing between two striking Bamboo poles. Thus, the TINIKLING MUSIC has been adopted as the official Music of the Rizal Shrine. We say " MABUHAY TO RIZAL SHRINE. "