SCOTTISH RITE VALLEY OF SAN DIEGO

 CELEBRATES PHILIPPINES INDEPENDENCE DAY

and honors the legacy of

Apolinario Mabini: The Sublime Paralytic and Mason of the Revolution

Apolinario Mabini, famously known as the “Brains of the Revolution” and the “Sublime Paralytic,” was a key figure in the Philippine fight for independence from Spanish and American rule. Born on July 23, 1864, in Tanauan, Batangas, Mabini rose from humble beginnings to become a brilliant lawyer, political thinker, and revolutionary leader.

Despite growing up in poverty, Mabini’s academic excellence earned him a law degree from the University of Santo Tomas. His exposure to liberal and nationalist ideas during his studies laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to Philippine independence and reform. In 1896, however, he was struck by polio, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Though confined physically, Mabini’s sharp intellect and powerful voice propelled him to the forefront of the revolution.

Mabini became the chief adviser to General Emilio Aguinaldo and played a central role in shaping the revolutionary government. He authored important political documents such as the True Decalogue and the Constitutional Program of the Philippine Republic, which outlined his vision of a democratic and moral society. He believed that genuine independence required not just freedom from foreign rule, but also the establishment of a government rooted in justice, virtue, and education.

Mabini was also a Freemason, a connection that greatly influenced his ideology. He joined the Masonic lodge Balagtas under the Gran Oriente Español, adopting the symbolic name “Katabay.” Like many Filipino nationalists of his time, including José Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar, Mabini embraced Masonic principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Through Freemasonry, he found a community that supported reform, secular education, and resistance against colonial injustice.

In 1899, Mabini was appointed Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the First Philippine Republic. Despite his disability, he led with strength and integrity, opposing both American colonization and internal political compromises. He was later captured and exiled to Guam for refusing to swear allegiance to the United States. He returned to the Philippines in 1903 but died shortly after from cholera on May 13 of that year.

Mabini’s legacy as a patriot, intellectual, and Freemason remains deeply respected. He showed the nation that physical limitations are no barrier to leadership and that the strength of one’s ideals can move a people toward freedom.

Join us on JUNE 07, 2025, Saturday, 5:00PM Social hour and 6PM dinner for an evening of celebration, camaraderie, and remembrance.

Guest of Honor: THE HONORABLE ROHANEE ZAPANTA, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

Judge Rohanee Zapanta was appointed by California Governor Jerry Brown in December 2018.  She is trained and certified in mental health first aid and restorative justice cognitive behavioral therapy.  Prior to her appointment, she was an attorney for the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, specializing her practice in representing clients with serious mental illness and developmental conditions.  She was also an instructor-facilitator of restorative justice courses at the San Diego South Bay Detention Facility.  Judge Zapanta presided over adult criminal cases in 2019 and juvenile court cases through the pandemic years of 2020 through 2023.  She now presides over mental health cases. 

Judge Zapanta is the Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the California Judges Association Ethics and Wellness Workshops, addressing identity and core values for many first-generation lawyers and law students, children of immigrants.  She is also Managing Editor of The Bench, the official journal of the California Judges Association, serving one of the largest judicial associations in the United States.  She sits on the Alumni Board of Directors for the University of San Diego.

Judge Zapanta works closely with several legal and cultural organizations.  She was selected as Juris of the Year in 2019 by the Filipino-American Business Improvement and Development Board.  In 2023 Judge Zapanta was named as one of the Top Women of Influence in Law by the San Diego Business Journal.  Judge Zapanta received the Pamana Legacy Award by Silayan Filipina at their 2023 Anniversary Gala.  She was recognized as one of the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World for 2023 by the Filipina Women’s Network.  This prestigious global recognition was presented to her in Prague, Czech Republic where she and a U.S. Presidential Commission Appointee on Asian & Pacific Islanders led a session on Race & Intersectionality at the global summit.

Suggested Dinner Donation: $60.00

We accept Cash, Check (payable to California Scottish Rite Foundation), or Credit Card for your convenience.

SCOTTISH RITE CENTER

1561 Camino Del Rio South

San Diego, CA 92108

Tel: 619.293.4888

All net proceeds from this event will benefit the RiteCare Childhood Language Center of San Diego, an organization dedicated to helping children overcome language and communication challenges, ensuring that they have the tools they need to succeed academically and socially. Your participation not only honors a significant moment in history but also supports a worthy cause that impacts the lives of children in our community.