John Lester Bigornia Maglonzo was born in Manila and lives in Caloocan City. He is a BS Psychology student, choir master and church volunteer.

Description and symbolism:

The forked cross is a Y-shaped cross popularized by mystics in the late 13th or early 14th century. It alludes to the Tree of Life, and the sacrifice of the Lord on the cross for the salvation of humanity. It also resembles the Greek letter Ψ, a common symbol of psychology, the Armiger’s field of study.

The fleur de lis is a traditional symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The fleur de lis is crowned, evoking her title as the Help of Christians. Its position to the right of the forked cross is in keeping with her placement on the left side of the cross in several depictions of the crucifixion.

The eagle is commonly associated with St. John the Evangelist, patron saint and namesake of the Armiger. Its position to the left of the forked cross is in keeping with his placement on the right side of the cross in several depictions of the crucifixion.

Gold is commonly associated with nobility and alludes to the family name of the bearer “Maglonzo”, possibly derived from “Alonzo”, which in turn is derived from a Germanic name meaning “noble”. Red is the favorite color of the bearer and alludes to his willingness to die for faith.

The field is divided to resemble a castle wall or fortification. This connects to the bearer’s second given name “Lester”, a derivative of “Leicester”, derived from an Old English folk name “Legore” which means “the dwellers by the river Legor” and “ceaster” meaning “a Roman city fortification”.

Blazon: Shield: Per fess embattled Or and Gules overall a pall formy joined in chief with a pale formy, all counterchanged, in base dexter a crowned fleur de lys and sinister an eagle displayed, all Or.

Motto: Vivamus, moriendum est (“Live, for we shall die”)

Assumed/granting authority: Assumed, August 6, 2023. Registered, Philippine Armorial, August 9, 2023.

Image and information submitted by the Armiger.