Waterloo
Diet. Exercise. My waterloo.
The sickening feeling I have in my stomach for the past few days is brought about by "bad" foods. The problem is, the "bad" has its own "attraction". (And it not only goes for food...)
So, the foods I have to avoid are:
- Chocolate (Waaahhhh! The number 1 culprit!)
- Fatty meals
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Onions
- Peppermint and spearmint
- Tomato-based products
- Beans
Aside from that, I have to...
- Eat small, more frequent meals rather than large meals.
- Lose weight, if over weight.
- Don't exercise immediately after eating.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially after meal.
- Don't eat within two to three hours of going to bed.
- Avoid late night snacks altogether, since lying down soon after eating will almost always worsen the problem.
- Elevate the head of my bed four to six inches.
I should have tried harder; but, when I "reported" to my doctor during my follow-up check-up of what happened Sunday early morning because of my food binge last Saturday, she must have realized I am not comfortable her suggesting that I undergo endoscopy. (Of course!) So, she advised that if I keep "burping", have frequent "gas" attacks and stomach ache, I must see her again. And I think, this time, I'll no longer have an excuse... (hu! hu! hu!)
Guess, I have to improve my gastro-lifestyle. That means, the hearty meal I had for lunch at Teriyaki Boy in Glorietta (a birthday treat) would be my last food binge... for now. c",)
P.S. I was in Cloud 9 last night. I learned that some of the pictures I took was posted in ClickTheCity's City Shots.
Fabulous Chili Robots
The two-day hiatus with nowhere to go in observance of the Lenten season must have taken its toll. (hehehe!) With my niece, we did a movie marathon. Would have watched three movies if only
The Pacifier is being shown in the theaters. Guess, we just have to settle with the two in our list:
Robots and
Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous. With these two, it is enough for us to enjoy our afternoon. Both was able to inject their own style of humor. Both showed the importance of friendship (and family). Both put emphasis on believing in yourself, of attaining your dream. Both are separate films/movies. (LOL)
We were joined by my friends in the last leg of our movie marathon.
Classic Nachos at Chili's. (26Mar2005) 
To top the day, we had dinner at
Chili's--a birthday treat by one of my friends. The crew is friendly and the place is nice. We had the classic nachos for starters, crispy chicken salad, mushroom jack fajitas, corn on the cob and a free pecan mousse for dessert. The dessert is free because we are an Ayala Discount Plus member. The food is delicious, and the serving, big! Even if we wanted to, we can't finish the food that was served to us, we have to bring home a "doggy bag". (Burp!) Excuse me...
Street Passion Play
Everyone in the neighborhood is waiting for it to pass by. Expect people to peep thru their windows or step out of their homes once they hear running feet--a sign that the street
senakulo is nearby.
The street
senakulo is another form of penance as the people involved in this play has to endure the heat, wearing heavy costumes and acting out their "role" as they walk through the streets. The people from the neighborhood, who also wait for them to pass by, have their own share of sacrifice, what with the heat and the waiting. (hehehe!)
Before 3pm, the street
senakulo must reach its destination for the portrayal of the crucifixion.
It is also during Good Friday that penitents walk the streets, flagellating themselves as their form of penance. This practice is not condoned by the Church; but still, some people practice this form of
penitensya.
Sidelights:The Passion of the Christ. Bought a VCD of
The Passion of the Christ the previous week with the intention of watching it during Good Friday. I have already watched the movie when it was first shown in the theaters; but it has such impact that I wanted to have my own copy of the movie.
Some details presented in the movie is contrary to what I think happened. For one, when Jesus is being nailed to the cross, one of the Roman soldiers pulled His right arm (you can hear the sound of the bone leaving its socket) so that the palm of the hand will reach the hole where the nail should be. From what I understand, during those times, the dove or lamb being offered by the Jews to God must not have any broken bones. Jesus, as the sacrificial Lamb, is an offering to God so that our sins will be forgiven.
Another is where the nail is pierced. In the movie, it is in Jesus' palm. Without any support, the flesh will tear and Jesus would fall from the cross. From what I remember when The Shroud of Turin was displayed at the
Manila Cathedral, the nail pierced Jesus' wrists. The wrists' bones would prevent dropping from the cross.
Inspite of these details, the movie effectively brought its message across. One can't help but wonder... do we deserve the love He gave us and the sacrifice He endured for us?
The Bible Code. Studio 23 aired
The Bible Code. A documentary film discussing the secret codes from the Bible, with its own set of critics and supporters. The concept is quite fascinating; thus, I am going to watch the Part 2 tomorrow night. c",)
Last Week of Lent
Lent: A forty day period for readying ourselves for the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection.
Holy Week: The last week of Lent. It is the time to reflect Christ's passion.
For some, the long weekend during the Holy Week, is a good time for a much-needed vacation. Thus, most people in the city are packing their bags to go to their provinces or to beach resorts or travel outside the country. This "exodus" is bringing with them traffic on their way. In the end, it is better to stay put in the city for it is one of the few times in the year that the city is minus its hustle-and-bustle.
Bottom line, I would be spending my Lenten break at home. (hehehe!)
This Holy Wednesday, a procession passed by our house. Preceding each image in the procession is a band playing praise songs. Prayers and songs are heard from the congregation who participated in this activity.
This (procession) is just one of the practices during Holy Week. Other activities include the
pasyon (retelling in verse or song the life and suffering of Jesus),
senakulo (Passion play) and
penitensya. The common denominator of these activities is that each reflect Christ's life and suffering... reminding us of His passion and love for us.
Note: The issue on the practice of penitensya is another matter.
A Set of Yin-Yang
I thought the day would start auspiciously since it is one of the rare moments I am not late for work. I should have known... since it is not one of those (late) days, guess the reverse of what I hoped for will occur.
Of all the (office) e-mails I received, I have to open the first e-mail that would make me see "red". (An exaggeration, really, but it does sound dramatic. hehehe!) I would have loved to reply to it tartly, but I have an early morning meeting. Guess, I have to put it aside for awhile.
So off I went to the meeting. The available seat is beside someone I always have an e-mail-
novela with. All those copy furnished by our exchange of e-mails is waiting how one would react to the e-mail of the other. I know... because I set my e-mail to return an e-mail notice if it has been read by any of the recipients. Everytime I press the "send" button, a few seconds later, I receive a return receipt one by one. (Should have posted advertisements in my e-mails and earn a few "bucks" on the side. hehehe!) Anyway, in order to be discreet, upon taking the available seat, I immediately sent an SMS message to an officemate to check on the contract and other related documents which I can use as a reply to the e-mail I read that morning. Then, I brought my attention on the ongoing discussion. (Wheee!)
Back to my desk, my e-mail-
novela, with new protagonists/antagonists, is now in the works. Am not sure if I write incoherently or my "antagonist" is slow in the taking, for she should have noticed that my three replies in our exchange of e-mails have the same content but different presentation. I do believe that even a five-year old would have understood what I am saying... hehehehe! The e-mail-
novela took the whole day, until we have to elevate our issues to our bosses. My advantage? Her boss is on leave that day and I have already "beat her to the punch".
...YINTo cap the day off, I met my friend from Canada (with our other friends) after office. Strolled around Glorietta, picked a few odds and ends at Goldcrest, a late
merienda at Sugarhouse... all the time updating each other of little news about ourselves.
Hmmm... I guess, the day just turned out to be promising.
...YANG
EK! EK! Birthday
The birthday falls on a Good Friday. Thus, it was decided to celebrate her 11th birthday earlier... at
Enchanted Kingdom (
EK). c",)
With eight of her friends, my niece, the birthday girl, spent a day of adventure at the country's theme park. Of course, in order to ensure that they wouldn't be lost or get into some mischief, they have a "shadow" that keeps following them... and it's not me! (hehehe!)
This gave me an excuse to enjoy the rides, too!
Tagging along my other niece, the birthday girl's older sister, we tried the Dodgem, Roller Skater, Swan Lake, Wheel of Fate, 4D Discovery Theater, Rio Grande Rapids and Flying Fiesta. I almost lost my watch at Dodgem. Good thing,
EK's staff was able to find it and already brought my missing item at their Public Relations Office.
And, of course, I must try a ride that I have not yet tried ever since I started going to
EK. And that is... the Kart Trak! Oh boy, was I slow during my first two laps around the track. My niece was even able to overtake me twice!!! If that's not slow, it only means she is driving too fast... LOL.
A dare... (19Mar2005)
So that I will not be the only one to have an adventure, I dared my niece to try something she has not tried before. This time, it is wall climbing. She took the dare; but this time, she was the slow one! hehehe!
Added to that, I was also able to get my "revenge" for passing me twice at the Kart Trak... my niece's muscles ached because of the climb! c",)
Yin-Yang
It has been a
yin-yang day. (Hmmm... I wonder if I used the word correctly).
Yin (black) -- dark, passive, downward, cold, contracting, weakYang (white) -- bright, active, upward, hot, expanding, strong
YIN: Tried drinking hot tea for breakfast... my self-medication for feeling queasy in the stomach the previous day. Looks like error in judgment. Did not eat something with the tea. There's a funny feeling in my stomach the whole morning. Can't describe it. The Graham crackers I was able to ask from my officemate helped a little. But not much.
YANG: Took a half-day off from the office. Will meet my friend from Canada (along with our other friends) for lunch. Lots of things to catch up. That was fun!
YIN: Tried going online but my computer displayed an error regarding audio. Can't seem to be at ease until problem has been solved. Tried uninstalling, then installing, then uninstalling, then installing the audio software. That did it! My OS got corrupted. Now, I have to format my PC! (waaahhhhh!!!!)
YANG: Ahhhh.... Ehhhhh... There seems to be no "yang" for my "yin". Isn't that a bit unfair?
Hitched Anytime
It was witty, funny and gives you the goosebumps. The message is centered on faith, hope and love. And the greatest of which is love... (hmmm... I do believe I heard those words before.) That's why, you end up getting
Hitch-ed.
South Border. (12Mar2005)
And then, there was the "gift" of music... a free concert offering by Ayala Management to its patrons: a free
South Border concert held at the Glorietta 4 Park.
To the
Love Of My Life, Wherever You Are, I
Wish You Were Here... And
As You Go, I want you to know, I'll try to be a
Better Man, the
Best That I Can. Just remember,
Kahit Kailan (Anytime), you give the colors of the
Rainbow to my life. (Gets? Gets! hehehe!)
Note: The last song, Rainbow, is my caller ring tone. c",)
Feeling C.S.I.
Yes! Today is the start of Philippine Daily Inquirer's promo
The INQuest Adventure. Readers are tasked to solve a murder mystery--the murder of Jerson Morales. Helping find the murderer can receive a reward of P100,000.00. There are six suspects, namely: Gian (conspiracy), Vivienne (betrayal), Pipo (revenge), Cynthia (deception), Barton (jealousy) and Jeng (intrigue).
For the meantime, I have to attend a seminar at the Makati Shangri-la. I was supposed to be there only until lunch time, but the sessions I am interested in is to be held in the afternoon. Besides, I might win an Apple iPod if I complete it!
It pays to be with the "boss" during the seminar because I was registered as a "VIP". What's the difference of the VIP as against the other delegates? I was able to have my lunch sitting-down. (LOL)
And the Apple iPod? Guess, I am not that lucky. I'll just continue playing The INQuest, I might win it there...
Lenten Pilgrimage and Heritage Tour
The
Greenbelt Chapel organized a Lenten Pilgrimage and Heritage Tour. We decided to join and jump-start one of the practices during Lenten Season--visiting seven churches and praying the Stations of the Cross.
Assembly at the Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City is 6AM, and departure time is 6:30AM. As expected, we left Makati around 6:50AM. (not bad, considering...) There was some drizzle that morning, which I consider some sort of "blessing" from above.
We are a big group as we were able to occupy two (2) big buses. Each bus is accompanied by a priest (our chaplain for the trip) and the organizers of the pilgrimage. Our priest is Fr. Cielo, while Fr. Long leads the other bus. One of the organizers mentioned the "rules". (hehehe! Me thinks it is easier to manage small children on tours than the oldies...) On the way, we prayed the rosary--the Joyful Mysteries.
San Pedro Bautista image at Lakeview Resort (05Mar2005)
We are to have our breakfast at the Lakeview Resort in Los Baños. We had
sinangag, fried eggs,
longganiza,
bangus and banana for dessert.
In the middle of the resort is an image of San Pedro Bautista, a Franciscan missionary who was dragged in chains from Manila to Laguna and was stabbed with two spears on his sides.
Immaculate Concepcion Church (05Mar2005)
From the resort, we walked to our first stop, the Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church in Los Baños. It is here we prayed the first two Stations of the Cross: The Last Supper, and The Agony in Gethsemani.
The Immaculate Concepcion Church is a big stone church that "
was built in 1671 but was destroyed by fire in 1727. Another church of stone was constructed by Fray Domingo Mateo, OFM in 1790. The belfry and sacristy were completed in 1851 but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1863. Fray Manuel Rodriguez and Fray Guillermo Martin rebuild the church shortly after the devastation."
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery (05Mar2005)
We, then, made a side trip to the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. Here, "
in 1851, Fr. Vicente Belloc, a Franciscan missionary who served as Nagcarlan parish priest for twenty years, led the construction of the Underground Cemetery. The only one of its kind in the country, this cemetery was used as burial place for Spanish friars and the town folks. It later served as a secret meeting place of Filipino revolutionaries. The Historic pact of Biak-na-Bato
was first planned by Pedro Paterno and Gen. Severino Taino of the Maluningning
command during their secret meeting in this cemetery in 1897."
San Bartolomew Parish Church (05Mar2005)
The second church we visited is the San Bartolomew Parish Church at Nagcarlan. Here we prayed the third and fourth Stations of the Cross: Jesus is condemned to death, and Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns.
"
This town was only a small barangay
(village) when it was first colonized by Captain Juan de Salcedo (grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi) and his men in 1571. The evangelization of the natives happened shortly after the arrival of the first group of Franciscans in 1589. Fr. Juan de Plasencia and Fr. Diego de Oropresa were its first missionaries. But due to lack of personnel, the town was abandoned for a while. In 1583, however, the town had its first permanent priest, Fr. Tomas de Miranda. It was in this town and in the same year that wheat was first cultivated. The first stone church was built in 1752 under its pastor, Fr. Cristobal Torres. It was destroyed by fire in 1781 but was immediately rebuilt. In 1845, the church was completely renovated under the supervision of Fr. Vicente Velloc."
Franciscan Novitiate House (05Mar2005)
We then proceeded to the Franciscan Novitiate House to celebrate the Holy Mass prior to a buffet lunch at the Batis ng Liliw Resort and Restaurant.
St. John the Baptist Parish Church (05Mar2005)
For our fifth and sixth Stations of the Cross (Jesus carries the cross, and Jesus falls), we visited the St. John the Baptist Parish Church at Liliw.
"
This town was just a small barangay
(village) and part of Nagcarlan when it was first reduced and evangelized by Frs. Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropresa. It had its permanent priest, Fr. Miguel de San Lucas, in 1605. The Church's titular saint si St. John the Baptist. Tradition says that a wooden statue of St. Bonaventure in this church was venerated by the faithful for it had wept and perspired with blood in 1664."
It is also in this area where the group bought souvenirs. Liliw is known for its footwear products and native delicacies.
Sta. Magdalena Church (05Mar2005)
Next stop is St. Magdalene Parish Church at Sta. Magdalena. It is here we prayed the seventh and eighth Stations of the Cross: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross, and Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
"
The town of Magdalena was knows as Ambling, a barangay
of Mahayhay, until it separated from the latter in 1821. Fray Antonio Morena was its first parish priest and initiated the construction of the church. It was finished in 1854."It is also in this church where Emilio Jacinto, known as the
Brains of the Katipunan for he wrote many documents including the
Kartilya ng Katipunan, ran when he was hurt. His blood can still be seen on the
baldozza near the stairs.
Church of St. James the Apostle (05Mar2005)
For our ninth and tenth Stations of the Cross (Jesus is stripped off His garments, and The forgiven thief), we visited the St. James the Apostle Parish Church at Paete. The church's design is baroque. Paete, on the other hand, is famous for its woodcarving products.
"
Paete remained a visita
of Lumban until October 20, 1600 when it was transferred to the jurisdiction of Pakil, where it remained until 1602. The first church was dedicated to San Lazaro. A church and convento
of stone were built in 1646 but were in ruins before 1717, when a stronger stone church and convento
were built under the direction of the Fr. Francisco de la Fuente. In 1840, the convento
was renovated by Fr. Luis de Nambroca and the church repaired. The church was damaged by the earthquake of 1880 and rebuilt by Fr. Pedro Gallano in 1884. The church was damaged by the earthquake of 1937. The church has been undergoing restoration since the 1970s and was declared a National Historical Site in 1981."
Our Lady of Sorrows Church (05Mar2005)
Since it is getting late and by the time we reach our last stop, they may already be celebrating the anticipated Mass, Fr. Long suggested that we pray the eleventh to the fourteenth Stations of the Cross (Mary and the beloved disciple at the foot of the cross, The death of Jesus, Jesus is laid in the tomb, and The resurrection of Jesus) at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (or St. Peter Alcantara Parish Church) at Pakil.
"
Pakil was visita
of Paete until 1676 when Fr. Francisco de Barajas was assigned as permanent minister. Although permission was obtained in 1684 to reserve tribute collected over five years for the construction of the church, the foundations were not dug until 1732, during the incumbency of Fr. Fernando Haro. The complex was burnt in 1739. Work on the complex continued until 1767. An additional story was added to the bell tower in 1777. In 1840, Fr. Joaquin de Coria repaired the church. Because of a fire in 1851 which ravaged most of the town, Fr. Juan de Llanera repaired the church the following year. Fr. Juan de Dios de Villayos repaired the church roof and bell tower after it was damaged by an earthquake in 1881. The church was repaired in 1883 by Fr. Paulino Camba; damaged by the earthquake of 1937, it was repaired yet another time. During World War II, the church suffered damage and was repaired. The latest major repair was from 1980 to 1984, when a story of the bell tower was rebuilt."
In 1788, the image of the Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
or Virgen de Turumba
was enshrined in the church. After the image survived the fire of 1851, devotion to the Virgin increased. The feast of the Virgen de Turumba
is celebrated in September on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Devotees dance throught the streets of Pakil, stumbling, walking, gyrating as they go along in imitation of the sick and maimed. In preparation for the feast, seven novenas called lupi
(nine days of prayer), each honor of the sorrows of the Virgin are celebrated in the church, making this the longest novena in the Philippines. Behind the church is Bukal ng Birhen
(Virgin's spring) said to have medicinal waters."
Stairs at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (05Mar2005)
A view of our bus from a window of Our Lady of Sorrows Church (05Mar2005)
The sun's soft rays is slowly descending on the group as the end of the pilgrimage is nearing. It is this time of day that picturesque scenes are captured, as seen from the photos above that were taken at the Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
Funny thing is, we were not supposed to go to the second floor of the church, but since someone saw me at the foot of the stairs, a small group proceeded to go upstairs... hehehehe!
San Ildefonso Parish Church (05Mar2005)
The last church we visited is the San Ildefonso Parish Church in Tanay, Rizal.
"
Formerly a visita
of Pililla and located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, Tanay became independent from Pililla in 1606. The town was transferred to a site called San Antonio in 1620 and then to the site it presently occupes in 1640; the transfer was probably catalyzed by the Chinese uprising of 1639, when many Chinese sought refuge in the Sierra Madre. In 1680, a church and convento
were built of stone. But by 1773, both were in such a state of deterioration that Fr. Ildefonso Fetanes had the older structures demolished and new ones built. The present church and convento
were built from 1773 to 1783. Both structures were repaired and improved in 1851 by Fr. Antonio Santiago."
It was expected that we would be arriving at the Greenbelt Chapel around 7:30PM. But because of the beauty provided by these churches, we can't help but also be tourists during the pilgrimage. Our Lenten Pilgrimage and Heritage Tour ended around 9PM.
Note: Lest you think I have this photographic memory that can memorize all these dates and events regarding these churches, the organizers have provided us a write-up about them at the start of the tour... hehehehe!
Sidelights:The Tau Cross. At the start of the pilgrimage, Fr. Cielo gave each one of us a Tau Cross, which, according to him is what St. Francis chose as a more ancient symbol of redemption. The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the tau, was transcribed as "T" in Greek. It represents the means by which Jesus Christ reversed the disobedience of the old Adam and became our Savior as the "New Adam".
Wrong bus. Since it was drizzling from time to time, a foreigner (who is part of the pilgrimage) shared his umbrella to one of our senior citizen ladies. Since he happens to ride the other bus, the lady joined him back to his bus after one of our stops. Then, she noticed that she doesn't know anybody in the bus. She immediately stepped down and went to our bus. What made the incident a lot funnier is because her friends in our bus kept on teasing her because she forgot them because of the guy... hehehehe!
The Subscriber Cannot Be Reached...
Being busy these days has become routine; but, not today! I am so busy, I was not able to stay put at my desk nor face my computer.
Busy Tone #1: There are lots of paper on my desk that needs to be tackled and disposed off... partially done. Talked to my officemate on the need to work this weekend... done. Be reminded on the phone of the need to conduct the testing before we do the pilot implementation... done. Clarify from my boss the issue mentioned by the vendor during our phone conversation last night... done. Report at the same time the status of the ongoing big project... done.
Peach Cobbler at Manila Mandarin Hotel. (03Mar2005)
Busy Tone #2: We were required to attend a seminar at the
Manila Mandarin Hotel, which was especially arranged for our company. It already included lunch and
merienda. (Yes!) The sponsor provided ice-breaker (hmmm... am not sure if that is the right word) with the attendees sending SMS message to a specific number to answer questions being prompted from time to time to win a prize. I did not win any... waaahhh!!! Then, received an SMS message from the office to remind me of my "Busy Tone #4".
Busy Tone #3: Our boss called us for a short meeting to discuss an Audit issue.
Busy Tone #4: Met with the vendor with an issue (mentioned in Busy Tone #1). Parry here, parry there... ended up going home at 10PM. Tsk! Tsk!
