Avanza's Preventive Maintenance
Already made an appointment at Toyota Manila Bay for my Avanza's preventive maintenance. Edgar already brought the car there last night. They will just have it serviced once we were there in our appointment and gave our "go" signal to proceed.
Since I am really running late, this is the first time that they have it serviced even if we were not there yet. Larry, the service advisor, sent an SMS to me to call him. I said "go". LOL
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| Toyota Manila Bay |
Went there, gave my Christmas gift to Larry, and paid for the service so that Edgar will just have to pick-up the car when it is ready.
Since we are already in the area, I wanted to buy the ensaymada which they say is truly delicious. Edgar informed me that my niece, Pamela, gave him an ensaymada which she bought from SM Mall of Asia (MOA). Edgar's son said that the ensaymada is very delicious. Curious, I asked my niece yesterday what is the store of said ensaymada. She also stated it is much more delicious than Mary Grace's. She also said it is best to reserve via Viber because it easily gets out of stock. We will see.
So off to MOA.
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| SM Mall of Asia |
Went to
MOA Food Hall to look for
Segovia's Cakes and Recipes. I have to go around to find it. It is a stall.
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| Segovia's Cakes and Recipes |
I wanted to buy a (real) gold Miraculous Medal pendant. Since I am already in MOA, I went to all the jewelry stores in the mall to look for one. There are Miraculous Medals, but they do not have the correct design:
- The prayer "O Mary conceived without original sin, pray for us who have recourse to you". They usually have the prayer in the litany, that is, "Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us."
- 1830 written on the globe.
- Mama Mary's foot stepping on the snake.
- Rays coming from Mama Mary's hands symbolizing graces. Often, this is missing.
- Symbols at the back of the medal. Some do not have this.
- The six stars at each side of the cross that is on top of the letter M. No star should be on top of the cross.
- The symbol of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (heart with the sword) should be at the right with the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the left. Some have these two reversed.
I wasn't able to find one.
So, off to Ayala Center to continue with our Saturday grocery. I won't be able to attend the Saturday Mass since we are still en route when the rosary before the Mass has already started.
Did our groceries at The Landmark Supermarket. After, got the chocolates I would be giving away at the mall from the car and left for lunch. I was thinking of trying the different restaurants at One Ayala.
For the first restaurant, it would be Nene Chicken. I ordered the Nene Dosirak (which according to the lady at the counter is their best seller), which consists of two pieces of chicken, Korean rice and two sides. I have the option to choose the flavor. So I chose the Bulgogi flavor with kimchi and Korean corn for the sides. It is good.
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| Nene Chicken |
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| Nene Dosirak |
And of course, I would not skip my frappuccino fix. Went to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I also gave them my Christmas chocolate gift. 😀 This is where I started the blog.
After, went to my usual restroom (LOL) to give my Christmas chocolate gifts to the one in the reception as well as those cleaning up the lavatories. Also passed by Aquaflask to give my gifts to the salespersons.
I went to the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel in The Landmark to pray my Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet devotion.
Remembered that I am supposed to buy a long neck pliers to replace my defective one. Went to True Value for this. Did not find what I liked.
Proceeded to Mary Grace at Glorietta 4’s Food Choices to give my gift to the lady manning the stall. That completes my gift giving.
Went to the hardware section of The Landmark Department Store to buy the long-necked pliers.
Now, it is time to go the Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. Was early that I was able to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary as part of the community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ruben. The homily is about the meeting of God and man. To note about this meeting is:
- The encounter. We must bring God to the lives of people we meet.
- The hospitality. Hospitality allows peace, security, acceptance.
Mama Mary and Elizabeth both have the stigma of social standards. Mama Mary for being pregnant without being married, which at that time are being stoned to death. Elizabeth who has not have a child, until her old age.
Per Fr. Ruben, Pope Francis mentioned about culture of encounter--we must stop segregation as we meet other people.
During the start of Mass, I remembered that I did not give alms to a beggar who approached me. I am uncomfortable giving money because of the knowledge of the existence of syndicate abusing beggars. By the end of the Mass, a thought popped up--why not food?
Was about to leave when I met a friend from my previous company. Learned that one of our previous officemates died recently due to aneurism. 🙏
Then, proceeded to the Landmark Supermarket to buy individually packed Doowee donut.
Went to BPI to withdraw from their ATM before proceeding home.
As if on cue, while at the traffic stop, a girl came by the car begging. Gave one Dowee donut to her. She must have informed her friend because another girl came by the car begging. Also gave her a Dowee donut.
N.B. Every Christmas season, we notice beggars increase in numbers--some even come from the South which we call Badjaos. And the ensaymada? I cannot say that Segovia's ensaymada is more delicious than Mary Grace. Frankly, they actually taste the same as well as the softness of the dough. The difference I can find is that Mary Grace has more cheese on top of the ensaymada.
Labels: car, Chromebook, food, frappuccino, grocery, mall
HR-V's Rustproofing
Second of the three Saturdays for my cars' maintenance. I have already scheduled my Honda HR-V for its rustproofing and internal detailing at Ziebart.
Edgar already brought the car at Ziebart for its 8 AM appointment. Cathy of Ziebart SMSed me to get my confirmation of the services to be availed, which I gave a go signal.
Past 9 AM, I left the condo to go to Ziebart to pay for the services. This way, Edgar would just have to pick up the car on Tuesday when it is already available. I think I did not even spend 15 minutes to do my business there, left, and proceeded to Glorietta.
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| At Ziebart |
My plan for today is to buy the rest of my Christmas gifts, I was not thinking I would be able to attend the Saturday Mass. I guess He has other plans... but, thank You!
First stop is at Kamiseta for Lyn's gift.
Next stop is at Bench for Edgar's, Bing's, and Sintaro's gifts.
That was fast! LOL. Thanks to the staff who assisted me on said stores.
So proceeded to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the Saturday Mass. Was able to pray the Rosary and the Precious Blood chaplet before the Mass.
The Mass presider is Fr. Hans. According to him, this (Christmas) season is bringing out the good in people (after he asked us to tell our seatmates that they look good).
The birth of Jesus brought the biggest change in the world. Only Jesus can bring change to us and to others. Let everyday be Jesus' birth by allowing Him to change us.
The greatest gift of Advent is change.
After the Mass, I went to BPI to withdraw from the ATM. Note to self: withdraw from my brother and I's joint Metrobank account for the Christmas ham we would be giving away to our relatives.
I went to Fiery Style at Glorietta 4's Food Choices for my late lunch of Steak Frites where I started this blog.
Then, I went to the House of Silvanas to order my next set of Christmas food gifts. I would pick it up on Wednesday so I can give it to the office on Thursday.
On to my frappuccino fix at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf but remembered it is double stamp day today at their SM Store branch. That is the only time I learned that they have a branch there on the 5th floor. There were lots of people!!! So, back to my usual branch near the Glorietta Activity Center.
On the way to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass, stopped at The Landmark to buy a gift for my god daughter. Hope she will like the leather wallet (for women).
The Mass presider is Fr. Jerome. The 3rd candle of the Advent wreath, which symbolizes joy, was lit.
Advent is waiting for the coming of Jesus as we experience all the sufferings, pains, etc. with the hope that He will answer us... in His time. (My ad lib: And rejoice on His coming). I am just wondering why Fr. Jerome is talking about hope (the meaning of the 1st candle of the Advent wreath) when we are already on the 3rd Sunday of Advent for joy.
I was thinking of having a quilted backpack to carry my Chromebook on weekends. I use a quilted tote bag but the strap keeps on sliding off my shoulder. Was able to buy one at The Landmark. Then, went to The Landmark Supermarket to buy imported chocolates which I will give to the security guards in our office building, whoever I meet, on Wednesday.
Picked up the items I purchased this morning which I left at The Landmark's package counter then proceeded home.
Have to leave early as I would be attending the Advent recollection via Zoom arranged by the Punto Por Punto Supporters Group. The guest speaker is Doc Ditching. I will have to set-up my Chromebook so I can cast the talk on TV so the ones at home can also attend, not just me.
Labels: car, Chromebook, food, frappuccino, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Claimed!
I only need one (1) more stamp to claim another Christmas item promo from the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. So, I bought one in their branch here at our office. Claimed the travelling tumbler.
After office, I needed to pick-up the food I ordered as my Christmas gift. Also would buy a Christmas gift for my niece and nephew.
At AquaFlask in Glorietta, bought a 32 oz tumbler and have their names engraved. Since it is taking some time, left to pick-up my order at The House of Silvanas and at Mary Grace. Left the items to Edgar. Went back to AquaFlask hoping the engraving is completed. 😀
Labels: food, frappuccino, mall
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
December 8 fell on a Sunday. The celebration of the Second Sunday of Advent is prioritized; thus, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated today, instead.
Already took a leave from work to attend the Mass (although, our company arranged for a Mass to be celebrated in our office) since I also arranged for an early Christmas lunch with Titas Josie and Norma.
When I arrived at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, the rosary already started. So, left my rosaries at the table for it to be blessed after the Mass.
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| Catholic Woodworker Rosaries |
I prayed the Precious Blood chaplet instead. Will use one of the rosaries which I will have blessed today when I pray the rosary alone.
The Mass presider is Fr. Godwin. What we are celebrating today is not Mary, but her Son, Jesus. Jesus and Mary is the second Adam and Eve. Mary would be the vessel of God the Son; thus, she was conceived without any sin.
Mary reminds us...
- The call to be holy. Sin makes us believe we can live away from God. She chose to remain in God.
- Our need to receive the grace of God--remain as His children. God's grace makes us humble.
- To be hospitable before the Lord. Mary being the handmaid of the Lord, she remains hospitable--not only in her womb but also in her heart.
For his closing, God favors Mary because of her heart. She has a loving heart. She has a lowly heart. She has a listening heart.
On the way to Olive Garden where we would be having our early Christmas lunch, I was giving a blessed Miraculous Medal to security guards, salespeople, etc. But first, I have to ask if they are Catholic because the medals are already sacramentals, and I don't want it thrown away by people from different religious sects.
The Miraculous Medal which I made into a necklace with it as the pendant, is "taped" to a card with the words:
The Virgin Mary said to St. Catherine Laboure:
“Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Those who repeat this prayer with devotion will be, in a special manner, under the protection of the Mother of God. Graces will be abundantly bestowed upon those who have confidence.”
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
The last statement is "Pray the rosary daily". This (praying the rosary) has nothing to do with the apparition on the miraculous medal; but, it is recommended to pray the short prayer of the medal after the Fatima prayer at the end of each decade of the rosary. Besides, praying the rosary create miracles.
I was the first to arrive. Followed by Tita Norma. And finally, Tita Josie.
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| Olive Garden |
Every entree ordered comes with a never-ending first course of soup, salad and bread sticks (not to be shared). So, we decided to order three entrees, namely: Shrimp Alfredo, Chicken Parmigiana, and Roasted Herb Chicken.
We took our picture by the big Christmas tree of the mall before parting ways. Tita Norma went to Greenbelt chapel to do confession. Accompanied Tita Josie to withdraw from an ATM and seen her off at the taxi stand--she has a 3PM party in her neighborhood to attend to.
Passed by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a double chocolate ice-blended and earn a stamp. I just need one more stamp to claim another of their Christmas promo item. While sipping my frappuccino, looking for the branches of Conti's Bakeshop and Restaurant. They no longer have a branch at Greenbelt 2 as the building has been torn down to build a new one. Good thing I checked before One Ayala, a new mall, wherein I saw a Conti's branch but I think they only sell cakes and pastries there. Decided to still go to this branch wherein I was able to meet their manager handling Makati and Taguig branches. She said she can take my pre-order but would have to deposit payment to said branch's account. To avoid the hassle, I decided to go to their Century City Mall branch.
I was able to place my pre-order, paid for it so that I just need to pick up the food on the 24th of December around 10 AM.
First Saturday Of December
My Honda HR-V is scheduled for its preventive maintenance. Have an 8AM appointment. Edgar, the driver, already brought the car at Honda Makati. Lorenz, my service advisor, already reached out and I approved the quotation in order to proceed with the servicing. Thus, even if I arrived late from my scheduled appointment, I will not lose my slot and the car is already being serviced.
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| Honda Makati |
I arrived at Honda around 9AM, an hour late for the things I have scheduled for today. Since I am observing the Saturday devotion (confession, Mass, 30 minute meditation on one of the mysteries of the rosary (The Ascension), and the rosary) in reparation for the blasphemies to the Immaculate Heart of Mama Mary, I wanted to start early because I still have to buy groceries after my business at Honda.
As soon as I arrived, Lorenz was able to assist us, I paid the bill and left.
A parking slot is readily available for us at the Glorietta parking and I am sure I will not miss observing my devotion. Thank You! 🙏
The grocery shopping at The Landmark Supermarket is also a breeze. Paid our groceries and left Edgar to bring our purchases home.
The Saturday Mass presider is Fr. Paolo. For his homily, he opened with "when was the last time you cried?" There are tears of joy, fulfillment, thanksgiving to God, sorrow, helplessness, pain and suffering. There are tears that we shed privately, silently, that we share to our loved ones, tears that do not necessarily flow out of our eyes, and tears that well-up from our heart. From the prayer Salve Regina, the world we live in is a valley of tears.
From the first reading, "He will be gracious to you when you cry out, as soon as he hears he will answer you." This prophesy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ--in His ministry of evangelization.
We also celebrate the memorial of Saint Ambrose of Milan, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He is the reason for the conversion of the original "bad boy" of the Church--Saint Augustine. He is the one who baptized Saint Augustine, and he shared in the tears shed by Saint Monica in bringing up her son.
For reflection:
- There is an appointed thing under the heavens. A time for weeping, a time for rejoicing.
- We are called not to see loneliness and sorrow as an enemy of happiness and joy.
- We are not forever grieving, we are not forever mourning.
Advent season is the season of new beginnings. It is God Himself who would wipe our tears.
For lunch, I went to The Landmark Food Center. Bought Chuck's Steak and Chop's pork chop with egg.
And, of course, will not miss my frappuccino fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started the blog. Copying the big bad wolf to the little red riding hood: The better to remember the homily, my dear. LOL
Passed by Japan Home Centre to buy disposable plastic gloves, and BPI to withdraw from the ATM before proceeding to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ronaldo. The symbol of the second candle of the Advent wreath is "peace" (the first is "hope"). The core of peace is forgiveness. The central location of Advent is the confessional. The sacrament of reconciliation is our way to go back home to God.
After the Mass, I ticked off the rest of my list:
- Cheddar sausage at Big City.
- Advance (Christmas) order at The House of Silvanas. Will pick it up on Wednesday.
- Reservation of mini-chocolate cake at Mary Grace. Will also pick it up on Wednesday.
- Bret's struvite for Theo at Pet Express.
- A 💡 idea for a small gift to our security guards. The last time I was giving Hershey's milk chocolate with almond bar.
Labels: car, Chromebook, food, frappuccino, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary
Friday Mass
Our company used to house the Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel with Monsignor Matt as the chaplain. There is a Mass celebrated everyday from Monday to Friday.
But since the building was demolished to build a newer building, Mass is celebrated every Friday in one of the office spaces owned by the company.
And for today's Mass, the Mass presider is Monsignor Matt. His homily is on faith--the faith of the two blind men opens the grace for their healing. Faith has three pillars: believe in God, trust in God, and obey God.
Monsignor Matt also shared his experience when they went to Medjugorje for a pilgrimage. They arrived there December 2 and ever since, they are hearing witnesses to miracles--the sun, the fire on the cross, etc. The group is becoming disappointed as they are not experiencing any of these miracles. They fasted, they prayed the rosary, etc. Maybe on December 8...? But as Monsignor Matt pointed out to them that if their purpose in going to Medjugorje is for a chance to experience a miracle, it is no different from being a tourist in the place. There should be conversion and an increase in faith.
As they end their pilgrimage, on the bus, suddenly one of the pilgrims noticed the sun--the sun split into two. Thinking that it might be due to the bus' glass mirror, they stopped and stepped out of the bus. There are two suns! June Kiethley, who was with them to do a documentary, asked her cameraman to take videos of the event. Nothing registered in the video! The miracle with June Kiethley? She was on her way to become a member of the Born Again. Because of this miracle, she has actively promoted Mama Mary.
When the group was in Singapore, they are praying the rosary loudly in the park. They did not mind the stares given to them. Back at the hotel, one of the pilgrims asked Monsignor Matt what is the color of the five (5) rosaries he requested Monsignor Matt to buy for him--it is silver with clear crystals. The five rosaries turned to gold, the metal inside the clear crystal beads is still silver. When Monsigor Matt checked his rosary, it, too, turned to gold. He gave this rosary to his mother. Unfortunately, she misplaced it.
Labels: Mass, miracle, pilgrimage
Bloom
Me thinks I can only care for air plants...
