Join a Legacy of Virtue, Valor, and Vigilance
The Royal Order of the White Buffalo (ROWB) officially invites young men in the Philippines (ages 15–18) to join a premier youth movement rooted in the noble traditions of the RAOB.
This is more than a brotherhood; it is a structured pathway toward mentorship, impactful community service, and a lifelong foundation in charity. By joining the ROWB, members gain positive direction and work toward achieving the rank of Primo by their 21st birthday.
Based on the vision of Provincial Grand Primo (PGP) Rupert Corpuz, C.P., I have drafted a history and formation profile for the Royal Order of the White Buffalo (ROWB).
This write-up highlights the social mission of the order and the collaboration with the Grand Lodge of Victoria GLE.
The Formation of the Royal Order of the White Buffalo (ROWB)
A Vision for Transformation
The Royal Order of the White Buffalo (ROWB) was born from a profound commitment to social upliftment and youth development in the Philippines. Recognizing the challenges faced by young men in vulnerable communities, Provincial Grand Primo (PGP) Rupert Corpuz, C.P., envisioned a junior branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) that could serve as a beacon of hope.
The Collaboration
PGP Corpuz proposed this initiative to the Grand Primo of the Grand Lodge of Victoria GLE, Sir Robert Mackay, K.O.M. Together, they established the ROWB as a structured movement specifically designed to reach young men (ages 15–18) from:
- Local Orphanages: Providing a sense of family and belonging.
- Low-Income Schools: Offering resources and mentorship often unavailable in underfunded areas.
The Mission: A Shield Against Adversity
The core objective of the ROWB is to provide a positive “distraction” from the pervasive risks of crime, drugs, and gang life. By instilling the noble traditions of the RAOB at an early age, the order provides:
- Direction: Clear goals and a path toward becoming a Primo by age 21.
- Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior members of the RAOB Philippine Minor lodges.
- Foundation: A lifelong commitment to service, charity, and civic duty.
The Guiding Principle
The formation of the ROWB is summarised by its powerful mandate:
“We provide hope where there is little or none.”
By transforming at-risk youth into men of virtue and valor, the ROWB ensures that the legacy of the “Buffs” continues to strengthen the fabric of Philippine society.
Why Join the ROWB?
- Mentorship: Learn from experienced members of the RAOB Grand Lodge of the Philippines.
- Leadership: Develop soft skills in organisation, public speaking, and community management.
- Service: Participate in meaningful charity work that creates a local impact.
- Tradition: Become part of a global history of “Service Above Self.”
How to Sign Up?
Interested candidates or guardians can contact the city secretary for further details or scan the QR code provided in the official recruitment materials.
Affiliations:
- RAOB Grand Lodge of Victoria GLE
- RAOB Grand Lodge of the Philippines
#ROWB #JoinTheHerd #RAOB #PhilippineYouth #RAOBMentorship #ServiceAboveSelf
What’s the connection of ROWB to RAOB?
Key Connections
- Mentorship Pipeline: The ROWB is designed to prepare young men (ages 15–18) for full membership in the RAOB. Members are mentored by adult “Buffs” to learn the values of the fraternity before they are eligible to join the senior order at age 18.
- The Path to “Primo”: In the RAOB, a “Primo” is a member who has attained the Second Degree. The ROWB specifically markets itself as a foundation that allows a young man to be on track to achieve this status by his 21st birthday.
- Shared Values & Structure: Both organisations share the same core pillars: Justice, Truth, and Philanthropy. They use similar terminology (like “Lodges” and “Grand Lodges”) and emphasize community service and “Service Above Self”.
- Governance: The ROWB in the Philippines operates under the guidance and authority of the RAOB Grand Lodge of the Philippines and the Grand Lodge of Victoria GLE (Grand Lodge of England).
Who sponsored the ROWB chapter?
The Royal Order of the White Buffalo (ROWB), the mother chapter in the Philippines, is primarily sponsored and overseen by the Manila Provincial Grand Lodge of the Philippines & RAOB Grand Lodge of Victoria GLE
Because the ROWB is a youth branch, it requires the direct guidance and legal “dispensation” of a senior governing body. Here are the specific entities responsible for the chapter:
Sponsoring Bodies
- Manila Provincial Grand Lodge of the Philippines: This is the primary regional sponsor and governing entity for the “Buffs” movement within the country.
- Grand Lodge of Victoria GLE (Grand Lodge of England): The Philippine chapter operates under the international jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Victoria. Key leaders like Grand Primo David Mackay and Deputy Grand Primo Robert Mackay were instrumental in the formal establishment of the order’s presence in the Philippines.
What are the advocacies of ROWB?
The advocacies of the Royal Order of the White Buffalo (ROWB) are centred on transforming the lives of at-risk young men through a “shield and ladder” approach, protecting them from social dangers while providing a ladder to success.
Based on the mission established by PGP Rupert Corpuz, C.P., & GP Robert Mackay and the RAOB Philippines & Melbourne Victoria, the core advocacies include:
1. Youth Intervention and Crime Prevention
The ROWB serves as a proactive “distraction” from the negative influences of street life. By providing a structured social circle, the order advocates for:
- Anti-Drug Awareness: Steering youth away from substance abuse.
- Gang Prevention: Offering a “Noble Brotherhood” as a positive alternative to violent gang affiliations.
- Crime Reduction: Encouraging discipline and legal compliance through the RAOB’s values of Truth and Justice.
2. Empowerment of the Underprivileged
The order specifically targets young men from orphanages and low-income schools. Their advocacy here focuses on:
- Social Mobility: Providing networking and mentorship that these young men might not otherwise access.
- Hope as a Resource: Operating under the motto, “We provide hope where there is little or none,” the ROWB advocates for the inherent potential of every child, regardless of their financial background.
3. Character Building and Mentorship
The ROWB advocates for the transition from “boyhood to manhood” via the guidance of experienced “Buffs”. This includes:
- Leadership Development: Preparing members to take on roles of responsibility within the lodge.
- The Path to “Primo”: Advocating for long-term goal setting, with the specific milestone of reaching the Second Degree (Primo) by age 21.
4. Community Service (Philanthropy)
Rooted in the RAOB tradition of “Service Above Self,” the ROWB advocates for active civic engagement, including:
- Feeding Programs: Addressing local hunger and malnutrition.
- Environmental Cleanup: Participating in community-led drives to improve local sanitation.
- Orphanage Support: Members who came from orphanages often return to help those still in the system, creating a cycle of “giving back.”
In conclusion, the Royal Order of the White Buffalo (ROWB) represents a transformative bridge between vulnerable youth and a future of purpose. By extending the hand of brotherhood to those in orphanages and low-income schools, the order does more than just teach tradition; it saves lives.
Under the visionary leadership of PGP Rupert Corpuz, C.P., and the international support of Sir Robert Mackay, K.O.M., the ROWB stands as a vital shield against the modern-day risks of drugs, gangs, and despair. It offers a structured “ladder of success” that guides young men from at-risk backgrounds toward the prestigious rank of Primo, ensuring they enter adulthood as men of integrity and valor.
Ultimately, the ROWB proves that when a community invests in its youth through mentorship and charity, it doesn’t just change an individual’s path—it strengthens the entire nation.