California Freemason: You’ve been a very generous donor to the California Masonic Foundation. What inspires you to give back?
Allan Nubla: It’s a great feeling when you give from the heart. I didn’t have a lot when I first came to the United States. After becoming a father, I wanted to devote myself to not just my children, but the next generation, too. We need to ensure our youth are ready for the future ahead. So besides being a Grand Master Circle donor, I also give to St. Jude, the children’s research hospital. And my lodge, San Leandro № 113, is also involved in Masons4Mitts.
CFM: How did you get involved in Freemasonry?
AN: My late brother, who lived in the Philippines, introduced me. About 10 years after I immigrated to the U.S., I visited my brother, who was an Entered Apprentice at the time. He shared a lot with me about the craft and what Masons do. In 2006, I was introduced to San Leandro № 113 and was raised a year later. I remember showing a picture to my brother and he was so proud. Unfortunately, he passed before he could become a Master Mason himself, and so I dedicate and owe my whole Masonic journey to him, in his honor. It’s changed my world and has indeed made me a better man.
CFM: Can you tell me more about your career?
AN: I was a longshoreman for 40 years at the Port of Oakland. Similar to how Masonry taught me to be a better man, my work on the waterfront taught me to be more responsible, especially to others. It’s a dangerous job operating heavy machinery—cranes lifting tons overhead—all while ensuring everyone is safe. There’s this saying, “Everything that falls on your head is silent.”
CFM: You must have seen a lot of ships and people come and go. Did you ever come across other Masons?
AN: There was one night shift. I was with my foreman, who is a Prince Hall Mason, and we looked up at a ship and saw someone making the grand-hailing sign of a Master Mason. We ran up on the ship and asked if he was OK. He told us he needed help and that he heard a lot of Masons worked at the waterfront. It worked, all right! I was just amazed.
Photograph by:
Cayce Clifford
