Limoso with Roger Prentis also a ‘Freeman’/Photo courtesy of Rose Eclarinal, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

Col. Aldred Limoso who has served as Philippine’s military attaché to the United Kingdom for the last three years is bestowed the City of London ‘Freeman’ title.

All set and ready to go back to the Philippines and reunite with his military uniform, he received an invitation for the conferment of the symbolic title.
 
“This old rich tradition dates back from 13th century. Before this is a big thing. It is an honor, a privilege to be given this recognition. In modern days it’s different. It becomes symbolic. But for me it’s a great honor to be given this old rich tradition of Great Britain,” said Limoso.

He joins the league of distinguished ‘Freeman’ the likes of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Cherry Blaire and Luciano Pavaroti, among many others.

The Honorary Freedom is the highest honor the City of London can bestow. Some of the honorary freemen are The Queen, Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela, Florence Nightingale, General Eisenhower, Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
 
Limoso is the fourth Filipino to be awarded ‘Freeman.’ The title used to be exclusive to British or Commonwealth Citizens over 21 years old. But in 1996, it was opened to foreigners especially those who have made valuable contributions to the city.

“Because of his work with the Filipino and other communities here in London he is now here for three years, we thought it would be a good opportunity for him to have a memory of the City of London and when he comes back to see us, he has now the pleasure and memory that goes with it,” said Roger Prentis the person behind Limoso’s nomination as “Freeman”.
  
Ancient London tradition
The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest existing traditions in the City of London. According to the Freeman of the City website, ‘the term 'freeman' meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord, but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land.’ 

Funny as it may sound today but the title came with privileges in the ancient time to include the right to avoid being press-ganged, to be married in St. Paul's Cathedral, buried in the City and to be drunk and disorderly without fear of arrest.

Now there are no real privileges attached to it except the prestige that comes with the symbolic title. 

Limoso with Roger Prentis, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau’s Rose Eclarinal and the Clerk of Court

Limoso expressed his excitement during the ceremony and said to ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau that he was honored to bring home a very special memory of the City of London.

The Freedom ceremony for Limoso took place at the Chamberlain's Court at Guildhall and was conducted by the Clerk of the Court. During the ceremony, he was asked to read the Declaration of a Freeman and sign the Freeman’s Declaration book. 

Coming Home
“I have a mixed feeling with my term here coming to end. But I’m also expecting and looking forward to going back to my military career. I missed it for my 3-year stint here especially the excitement of a military officer on field. Here, most of my functions are ceremonial. I am going home but the memories and friendship given to me by the Filipino community and also some British citizens will be in my heart,” he said in an interview with ABS- CBN Europe News Bureau at the farewell party organized by the Filipino community in Hounslow.

Also present during the party was former UK Ambassador Edgardo Espiritu who has recently retired and handed over the UK ambassador seat to Antonio Lagdameo. 

“I would like to say that he is one of the more outstanding colleague who has done a lot of service to the Filipino community here and also in terms of our dealings with the government of the United Kingdom,” he said of Limoso.
 
Limoso has recently left for the Philippines to take on a new assignment as an esteemed military officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.