I have already informed Norly and Manong that I would be visiting them to give them my Christmas gift. Unlike before wherein we visit Norly first before Manong, this time, it would be Manong first at Sun Valley followed by Norly in Taguig.
But first, went through McDonald's drive through at Greenbelt to buy food-to-go for Manong and for Edgar and for me(?).
It was a good decision to visit Manong first as the traffic is light going to his place. They already transferred residency because their house was placed as collateral. Instead of it being taken by the bank, they sold it and was able to buy a smaller place also in Sun Valley. It is very near the Sun Valley National High School.
Next stop is Norly. She is already waiting for us at the sari-sari store. LOL. She is so excited that she keeps on calling Lyn--when I was still sleeping, while I am having my breakfast, while taking a shower before leaving.
Since we will be passing Bonifacio Global City on the way to Ayala Center, decided to check if the brown duffle bag, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Christmas promo, is available in their branches in the area. It is no longer available at their Glorietta Activity Center branch, at BDO Tower branch, at Four Seasons Salcedo branch, nor at Ayala North Exchange branch.
First stop is at SM Aura Premier. It has been a very, very long time since I came to this mall. It has improved a lot. Since I am not familiar with the place, I have to ask for directions. The mall is already decorated with Christmas decor. Even saw a robot--I think it is cleaning(?).
SM Aura Premier
Robot cleaner
The brown duffle bag is no longer available in this branch.
Next stop is at Serendra. Again, the item is no longer available.
Back to the original plan, we will be going to their branch at The Residences in Greenbelt. I have a very good feeling I would be able to get one here as there is not much foot traffic in this area.
And my hunch is right. Yes!!! Also bought two (2) drinks-to-go to avail of the two "stamps" per order. The double stamp promo is from November 29 to December 1. If I am able to complete the stamp card, I can choose again another item in their Christmas promo.
Proceeded to Glorietta where Edgar dropped me off. He is going to pick me up after the anticipated Mass. I had my lunch at Mamak Kopitiam in Glorietta 4's Food Choices.
Went to Glorietta's Customer Lounge where I started today's blog.
Went to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. I still have time to put the Miraculous Medals (which I changed the single ring with a double loop split ring and tied a brown waxed cord to make a necklace) on the table which the priest can bless after the Mass. I plan to give them away on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Miraculous Medals
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny. His homily is about death. Death can be due to age, to sickness, etc. Are we ready to die? We should be looking forward to seeing Jesus or His second coming.
Picked-up the Miraculous Medals after it has been blessed by Fr. Benny. Saw a friend waiting for her turn to confess. Since she still does not have a Miraculous Medal, gave her one.
For my food-to-go, I decided to try Peri-Peri. The food I ordered included a Supercard. The waitress advised that I register the Supercard already so that I can avail of the 20% discount. Gave her a Miraculous Medal (since she is a Catholic). 😉
Next stop is The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to buy three (3) frappuccino to-go. Since it is double stamp day, I earned six (6) stamps. Then, the customer next to me is not collecting stamps. She agreed to give me her stamps. Thank you.
I am working from home. But took a half-day sick leave to go for a check-up with my gastroenterologist. I was assuming if my cardiologist (who is my gastroenterologist's husband) is on leave, she is also on leave. LOL. My cardiologist has a Viber group with his patients to announce his clinic schedule and other relevant health-related information. Thus, I took this time to show her the result of my endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Already made a 10AM appointment at Coco Grace Salon. I brought along my Chromebook to while away the time while I am being serviced.
After, I went to The Landmark to buy an additional Christmas gift for Manong and for Norly. Proceeded to Greenwich Pizza to buy food-to-go. While waiting for my order to be prepared, I went to Healthy Options to buy my Vitamin D3 and my Calcium Citrate, bought a mini-cake at Mary Grace on my way back to Greenwich Pizza to pick-up my food.
Supposed to leave the condo by 9AM to do groceries, attend the Saturday and the anticipated Masses. Was only able to leave by 10AM and I am afraid I would not be able to attend the Saturday Mass.
But as soon as we arrived at the mall's parking lot, we immediately found an available slot. 🙏
Doing the groceries is also a breeze. There are not many people at the cashier that I would be able to attend the Saturday Mass. And... I was able to pray one of my devotions, the 15 prayers of St. Bridget, before the (community) rosary and the Mass. 🙏
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave. His homily is about marriage. The purpose of marriage is pro-creation. But you will not be judged by the number of children you have but on your faithfulness.
You don't have to physically do it for it to become a sin, it can already be a sin by just thinking about it. That is, if you are married and thinking lustfully about another person, you are already committing adultery.
Since it is the 23rd, in relation to Padre Pio who is known to give healing with his intercession, Fr. Dave also talked about sickness. Sickness can be caused by sin, by health issues, by age, etc. But this sickness can be used by God to purify your heart and your mind.
As parting words of Fr. Dave to men: do not make a woman a mother if you cannot make her a wife.
Afterwards, I went to Glorietta to have lunch at Fiery Style. This is where I started this blog post.
Then, my usual frappuccino fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I continued with my blog. I am also saving "stamps" for every drink I order so I can get a free bag.
Finishing my drink, went to Aquaflask to buy my Christmas gifts for Tita Josie, Tita Norma, Manong, and Norly. I have their names engraved on the tumbler. I will pick them up after the anticipated Mass.
The Mass presider of the anticipated Mass is Fr. Ronaldo. The Solemnity of the Christ the King is being celebrated.
The kingdom of God is not a specific place, not a territory. He welcomes us to His Kingdom but we must be obedient to Him.
He also mentioned that every time a priest celebrates the Mass at Greenbelt Chapel, they are reminded of God's Kingdom. Right in front of the altar is the 11th Station of the Cross which says, "Jesus promises His kingdom to the good thief."
Fr. Ronaldo also mentioned about Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez, a Mexican priest. He was martyred during the time that the Church was being persecuted. Thinking he will renounce his faith, the Mexican President allowed the media during the priest's execution. Instead, with a cross on his right hand and the rosary on his left hand, he shouted "Viva Cristo Rey!" (translation: Long live Christ the King!).
After the Mass, I went to BPI to withdraw from their ATM, back to Aquaflask to pick up my purchase. Lo! There is a stainless 18 oz tumbler. Bought one for me and have my name engraved. I went to National Bookstore to buy Didache (in English) and Gabay (in Tagalog) as my gift, too.
Then, I proceeded home, praying my other devotion on the way.
Our team has been planning to do this activity and finally it pushed through. We will be doing it after office.
We have already made a reservation at Mystery Manila at Century City Mall for a 7PM time slot. We chose the Sinister Sensorium.
That was fun! We did not even notice that 50 minutes had passed. We were not able to solve the last puzzle but we enjoyed it much that we were still talking about it upon leaving the place.
We ate our dinner first at Pepper Lunch before parting ways.
I should have taken the vaccine last August. But because of the needed tests and doctors' clearances for my endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), I eventually forgot about it. Anyway, the test being asked by my doctor (rheumatologist) is included in the medical tests requested by my endocrinologist. Because of the result, my endocrinologist asked that I take the medicines prescribed by my rheumatologist once a day instead of twice.
Good thing that even I was late on my targeted time to leave the condo, I was the second patient.
Informed my doctor about the prescription of my endocrinologist. The vaccine was injected to me.
After, walked to Ayala North Exchange to buy food-to-go from Italliani's and from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Decided to go back to St. Paul's since I was advised when I was there before that new stocks from Italy will be arriving by November, maybe including the Miraculous Medal. I wanted to buy one, make a necklace with it as a pendant, have it blessed, and give them away on December 8 during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
So left early as usual to go to St. Paul's first before going to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. There were new stocks but not what I wanted. I wanted the design exactly as was described and designed by Mama Mary during the apparition with St. Catherine Laboure--the prayer "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you" at the edge of the medal, rays of light from Mama Mary's hand, her right foot can be seen stepping on the snake, the year 1830 on the globe or earth Mama Mary is stepping on, among others.
The person at St. Paul's suggested that I try the store in front of Adamson University. The patron saint of Adamson University is St. Vincent de Paul. St. Vincent de Paul is the old priest in the dream of St. Catherine Laboure.
From our condo unit to St. Paul's to the Greenbelt chapel, praying my devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus. I arrived early at Greenbelt chapel that I was able to pray my other devotion, the 15 prayers of St. Bridget. Thus, was able to join the community prayer of Divine Mercy chaplet and the rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Godwin. His opening is how do we feel about the message of Jesus, that is, "In those days after that tribulations the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory." With all the chaos, Jesus will come with great power to fix the chaos.
He also pointed out the power of words. Our words can build and can destroy. Thus, we must be careful on what we say.
After, passed by BPI to withdraw money as payment to the vaccine I take every 6 months. Will be going to the doctor on Monday to take the vaccine. Bought food-to-go at Fat Fook Kitchen. Paid for my purchase, will pick it up later. Went to National Bookstore to buy a greeting card for wedding. Found nothing. Picked up my food, passed a stationery store where I was able to buy the greeting card, and went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for my drink-to-go.
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.
And Catholics are required to abstain from meat or some other food on all Fridays of the year, unless a solemnity falls on that day. I fast and abstain every Friday.
After attending the Friday Mass arranged by our office, I went to The Old Spaghetti House to buy food to go (this would be my only meal for today) as I have a meeting. The packaging is a simple brown bag except for the nice drawing with the name of the meal written on it. 😃
Woke up late; thus, I would finish my grocery shopping later than usual. Just when my niece would be using Edgar, the driver, to bring her to the airport for a quick vacation.
Bought the groceries at The Landmark Supermarket. After paying for my purchases, I asked Edgar to wait as I would be buying something at Healthy Options. This way, he would already be bringing it home with the groceries.
Talking of Healthy Options, I just found out I am now a Gold Member. Yes! I get a discount on my purchases in their store moving forward.
Thinking that I won't have much time before the rosary and the Mass to pray my devotions, I prayed the Precious Blood Chaplet from The Landmark to Healthy Options, and from Healthy Options to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel.
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave. He is the chaplain of the Greenbelt Chapel. Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. According to Fr. Dave, it was called Lateran because it is the Lateran family who donated the land where the Basilica is now standing. Do not confuse it with St. John of Lateran.
The message of his homily is "Seek Jesus while you still can." This is best explained with the story Fr. Dave shared. There is a dead man whose wake has been going on for three (3) weeks. It was learned that he gave instructions that he should be blessed by a priest before he is buried. When Fr. Dave went to the wake to bless him, no one is responding to his prayers. The people try to avoid him as if he has a contagious disease. Back to the church, that is when he learned that the dead man belongs to another religious sect. What is the benefit of the blessing if he is already dead? It would have been best if he converted to the church established by Jesus while he was still alive.
For my late lunch, I went to Mamak Kopitiam at the Food Choices in Glorietta 4. This is the first time I saw all their tables taken. Maybe because of this, my meal was served late.
Not to miss my The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ice-blended fix. This is where I stayed a bit to start my blog.
Mocha Ice-Blended with Whipped Cream
On the way back to the Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass, prayed my one-year devotion of 15 Prayers of St Bridget. Started at Glorietta through The Landmark through the Greenbelt walkway ending at the Greenbelt Chapel.
Before the anticipated Mass, prayed as a community the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny. We still celebrated the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. According to Fr. Benny, we have already observed our Sunday obligation by attending this Mass.
My takeaways:
Dedication means assigning a place permanently for people to gather for religious activities (like the sacraments).
The Lateran Basilica is the parish church of Rome. Many conventions were held there. It also has many popes entombed there.
If you are in Rome, although there are many churches there, these are the churches one must visit: Lateran Basilica, St. Paul's Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, and Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
In St. Paul's letters, the church is not just the structure but the people practicing their faith in the church. We are Jesus' temple as Christ dwells in us.
The church must have three (3) things: the lectern (where the Word is read), the altar + tabernacle (for the Eucharist), and the priest's chair (representative of Jesus).
After the Mass, I passed through Beard Papa's to buy a box of cream puffs (buy 5 you get 1 free).
Then proceeded home--finishing my blog while in the car.
I should be working from home; but, I need to attend a face-to-face meeting in the morning. So off to the office I go.
The meeting finished earlier than expected (supposedly it should end by 1PM), thus, my stomach need not grumble. Went first to Glorietta to have lunch at El Pollo Loco and to-go ice-blended coffee from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf before proceeding home.
It is the first Saturday of November 2024 and it also happens to be the All Souls Day.
I would be observing the following for the first Saturday devotion:
Act of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Confession
Receive the Holy Eucharist
Pray the rosary
15 minutes of meditation of one of the mysteries of the rosary
For the All Souls Day:
Confession eight (8) days before or after today
Receive the Holy Eucharist
Visit the cemetery and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father
Some overlapped... 😇
Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel
After my confession, I meditated on the first Glorious Mystery. While waiting for the (public) rosary and the Mass, I prayed my devotions: Precious Blood Chaplet, and 15 Prayers of St. Bridget.
The Mass presider is Fr. Alemar. He is also my confessor for today. It seems the priest who is supposed to be the confessor after his schedule is late that he extended. Then, I think the priest that should be presiding the Mass is also unable to come that he covered for him. Bless you, Fr. Alemar! 🙏
Since the Saturday Mass is for the commemoration of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Fr. Alemar's homily centered around this. There is the Triumphant Church (saints in heaven), Suffering Church (souls in purgatory), and the Militant Church (people who are alive). For the suffering church, we should not focus on the "suffering" but consider it as God's great mercy. The souls in purgatory are sure to get to heaven, they are just being cleansed. Their sins have been forgiven but there should be a reparation for these sins. The suffering church cannot pray for themselves; thus, it is us, the militant church, that should be praying for them so that they can be released soon to heaven. The souls in hell have no hope to be released from their bondage.
Fr. Alemar also asked to teach about purgatory early to the children (which also happened to him, thanks to his lola).
For my late lunch, I had it at The Landmark Food Center. After eating, I started my blog so that I would not forget the learning I had from the homily. Funny, a foreigner suddenly asked what kind of laptop I was using. When I said it was a Chromebook, he was surprised because he knows the Chromebook should be small. Mine's a bit thick but surprisingly very light. LOL
And of course, I wouldn't miss my frappuccino. I went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf near the Glorietta Activity Center where I continued with my blog.
Chilling while waiting for the anticipated Mass, watched a YouTube video from Armor of God: Spiritual Warfare channel.
Proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. Prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary before the Mass.
Fr. Ronaldo is the Mass presider. The Mass is still in commemoration of our dearly departed. Now, I was worried that I would not be observing my Sunday obligation by attending this Mass. As if my mind was read, at the start of the Mass, Fr. Ronaldo stated that attending this anticipated Mass, we would already be observing our Sunday obligation. 🙏
Some people ask what will happen after they die. The correct question is what one should do before you die to get to heaven.
After the Mass, proceeded to The Landmark Supermarket to buy candles and my yoghurt. Would be visiting my dearly departed at Sgt. Mariano Cemetery. This is to earn plenary indulgence in order for one of my dead family or relatives to be released from purgatory and go to heaven. I have to be specific that my actions are for this grace.
Went to Bistro Ravioli to buy food-to-go. Passed by Mary Grace for a mini chocolate cake.
At the Sgt. Mariano Cemetery, the area where the tombs of my dead are is dark (not lighted). Good thing I brought my flashlight. Unfortunately, forgot to bring the keys; thus, will have to slip the lighted candles in between the bars.
Decided to leave the condominium unit 30 minutes earlier than usual because I wanted to be at the Sgt. Mariano Cemetery before 6AM--I offered Mass at the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish for my dearly departed in their 6AM Mass. Will attend the online Mass while I am already at Sgt. Mariano Cemetery where my parents, grandparents, and other relatives are buried.
At 3:30AM, we are already on our way to Manila Memorial Park to visit my aunt and uncles. When my Nanay was still alive, she always visits her sister who is laid to rest there. Now, I have been doing it for her. Aside from my aunt, her husband, and her brother (my mom's brother, too) is buried there. Visited them. Was not able to visit their other brother since I cannot recall where he is buried.
Manila Memorial Park
Prayed two (2) decades of the rosary--one for my aunt and her husband, the other for my uncle.
Next stop is the Sgt. Mariano Cemetery, it is a public cemetery in Pasay.
Sgt. Mariano Cemetery
We are really early that I was able to set-up before the 6AM online Mass started. My iPad mini, Marshall Bluetooth speaker, battery-operated fan and sports stool completed my set-up. I also prayed the last three (3) decades of the rosary--one for my parents, grandparents, and (direct) uncles, another decade for our other relatives buried there, and another decade for our dearly departed we are unable to visit.
Also lit a candle (it is candle in a container where I have written all the names of our dearly departed we are unable to visit) in the cemetery's chapel.
Every dead I have visited, I sprinkle holy and exorcised water on their tombs to give them comfort. Since Sgt. Mariano Cemetery is my last stop for the day, and I still have remaining holy water, I sprinkle it to the tombs that seems no one visits.
For our breakfast, we went to Pancake House at Paseo de Magallanes. Ate our breakfast there and bought food-to-go.
Back home, since I registered for the Halloween Holy Hour by Monsignor Rossetti, I have set-up my Chromebook to project to the TV. Unlike his monthly deliverance using (private) YouTube, we will be using GoTo for the webinar. This why I went to the mall yesterday after office to buy a USB-C to HDMI cable. It worked well.
Using YouTube, I simply cast the screen. But with GoTo, not sure if they intend for the participants to talk. Not sure if simply casting the screen, I would still be able to use the microphone of my Chromebook. To be safe, using the cable for my TV and Chromebook set-up, I am sure that the video and sound will be played on the TV and the microphone is still available in my Chromebook.
Well, they posted the Halloween Holy Hour in YouTube eventually.
