Hair Day
I scheduled an appointment at the salon for my hair pampering day.
I was a few minutes late for my 10 AM appointment at the Coco Grace Salon.
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| Coco Grace Salon |
I finished around 1 PM. And my usual is to buy food to-go before going home. Thus, my merienda and my late lunch is one and the same.
Passed by BPI to withdraw from an ATM.
Proceeded to Greenwich Pizza to buy food to-go. It would take them about twenty to twenty-two minutes to prepare my order.
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| Greenwich Pizza |
So, I went to Shakey's Pizza to buy their bottle of iced tea. Then to 10 Yen King for a box of Trio. This one really takes some time but in time for my pick-up time at Greenwich Pizza.
With all my food purchases, I proceeded home, eating Trios in the car.
Not sure but an idea just came to mind: Check all the articles I posted in my blog and update it with the following if it is related to superstition, crystals, Feng Shui, etc.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Superstition is a sin for it violates the First Commandment. One has to confess this; then reject, renounce and rebuke it.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, salon
Anticipated Mass
Since it is not my grocery day, I would be leaving the condominium in the afternoon to attend the anticipated Mass. Timed it so I would be able to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary as a community.
The Mass presider at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel is Fr. Benny. He shared that today's Gospel convinced him more to be in Catholic church whose faith teaches to love your enemies.
He shared verses: Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. We have a merciful God.
God's mercy may be felt through forgiveness, compassion.
He also shared four stories about mercy and compassion.
- The story of Saul and David. Saul became jealous of David that he ordered that he (David) be killed. In the cave where David is hiding with his men, Saul and his men also went inside the cave. It is an opportunity for David to kill Saul; but he did not.
- Pope John Paul II assassination attempt. JP2 visited Ali Agca in jail.
- Philippine's celebrity Cherry Pie Picache who visited the killer of her mother in jail to forgive him. This is restorative justice. She does not want him to die without dignity.
- The parable of the good Samaritan. God's mercy in the form of compassion--doing something for the person. Empathy is a feeling for others.
Mercy is not only empathizing but also doing something for the other person.
After the Mass, I have my rosary blessed. Proceeded to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, a Jubilee Church. My intention is for my Uncle Nes, this time.
For my food-to-go, I bought food at Fatfook and cake at Mary Grace. Left my purchases to Edgar since I plan to buy additional food. Bought bagels at Booya Bagels. Since one of my orders will take some time to prepare, I went to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for my Frappuccino fix.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, Mass, rosary
Doctors Consultation
Took a leave today. I hope the three doctors I intend to visit is available.
The first is the OB Gyne. She started her clinic at 9 AM. I was really early (before 8 AM as it is her normal clinic hours). It is really best to go once the clinic opens for there are only a few patients. Before, I went there around 10 AM or 11 AM, there were many patients and I waited long for my turn.
I prayed the St. Joseph rosary while waiting at her clinic.
The second is the cardiologist. He is supposed to have three operations but one cancelled. His secretary is not sure if he would hold a clinic. So while waiting, prayed my Precious Blood chaplet devotion.
Nearing 12 noon, the secretary informed us there is no chance my doctor will be holding a clinic. The first operation started at 7 AM and it is still ongoing. The operation must be complicated. Since my gastroenterologist already interpreted the results of my blood tests and adjusted some of my medications, I think I am OK. I’ll have my laboratory results interpreted by my cardiologist after the next set of laboratory tests requested by my endocrinologist. That will be on June 2025.
I had lunch at the
Floating Island Restaurant. There is an improvement with their service. It is faster compared to when I was there last time. I ordered
Paksiw Na Bangus Belly (PhP480.00), plain rice, and Ripe Mango Shake (PhP180.00).
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| Paksiw Na Bangus Belly with Ripe Mango Shake |
My third doctor is a nephrologist. In the
Makati Medical Center website, his clinic is supposedly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM with Monday by appointment, and first come, first served on Wednesday and Friday. I just learned that his clinic is every Monday and Thursday, same hours, and both days are by appointment. I would be seeing him on March 3.
Instead of Edgar, the driver, picking me up at the hospital, I decided to walk to Ayala Center via the elevated walkway. My outdoor walk has been recorded by my Apple Watch. Prayed the rosary on the way.
I bought toothpaste at
The Landmark supermarket. And as a treat for walking for 30 minutes, had a
Frappuccino at the
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
I was picked-up at Glorietta on my way home.
Labels: doctor, food, frappuccino, iPad, mall, rosary
Khao-Khai Thai Chicken House
Grocery day!
But I am really late leaving the condominium that I thought I would not be able to attend the Saturday Mass. As soon as we arrived at the
Glorietta parking, we were able to find a slot. One hurdle down. Our grocery shopping at
The Landmark supermarket is also a breeze. But, I have to buy some items at the Glorietta mall that I thought it would be okay to miss the rosary before the Mass as long as I can attend the latter. I guess Jesus really has a sense of humor. 😇
So, I went to the
Healthy Options at Glorietta 2 to buy (bottles of) cranberry juice. Proceeded to
Big City to buy packs of cheddar sausage. Brought these purchases to Edgar so he can bring it home along with our groceries.
I walked my way to
Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. The one who normally leads the rosary is late that the staff of the chapel has to do it. It means, they would start late in praying the rosary. 😌 Joined the rosary as a community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paulo.
He started by saying that the COVID-19 pandemic started in the Philippines last January 2020. This pandemic is not only a health crisis but also a hunger crisis because of lost jobs, etc. But Filipinos being resilient, came up with the community pantry which started in Quezon City. From there, several community pantries cropped up in every city. The community pantry is reflective of God's provision.
Hunger is a parent of any crime or revolution. Mother Teresa said, "If we cannot feed one hundred people, feed one."
God knows our deep hunger for unconditional love.
Things to reflect:
- There is a God who loves to feed us. God became food for us in the Eucharist.
- God knows our deep hunger--insatiable desire for something more. Only God can satisfy.
- We become what we eat. But also, we become what eats us alive.
After the Mass, proceeded to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel, one of the Jubilee churches, hoping to gain plenary indulgence. This time, I offer it for my Nana. My previous visits to this chapel are for my Tatay and then for my Nanay.
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| Khao-Khai Thai Chicken House |
The waitress recommended the Som Tam (PhP85.00). For the chicken meal, Gai Tod (ranges from PhP149.00 to PhP369.00) or Fried Chicken Krapao (PhP249.00). Opted for the Gai Tod. And for the tea, the Thai Milk Tea (PhP109.00), Thai Iced Tea (PhP99.00) or Thai Fruit Tea (PhP 129.00). Although she highly recommended the Thai Fruit Tea so I just have to try it.
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| Som Tam |
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| Gai Tod |
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| Thai Fruit Tea |
The chicken is very crispy. I also like the side salad. But as for the tea, if you really have a sweet tooth, you would like it. It is just not my "glass" of tea (plagiarism of pun intended).
And of course, my
frappuccino fix at the
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
I walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. I was able to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary as a community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Joel.
We are blessed because we are God's children. Those who trusts in the Lord, who hopes in the Lord is blessed.
Trust is expecting with confidence. Hope is an optimistic and positive expectation. Trust and hope in relation to God, should be centered to God--that something good, something greater in our lives.
In connection with Jesus' resurrection, it authenticates what Jesus said and what He did is true.
When reading the Beatitudes, it should be in the context of Jesus. It is the Gospel within the Gospel.
After the Mass, I bought a small cake at
The Manila Baker. Will try their Salted Chocolate Caramel Cake (PhP750.00).
Then I proceeded home.
N.B. Bought fish balls near our condominium. Suddenly missed eating fish balls. LOL
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, mall, Mass, rosary
Laboratory Tests
Already have set a schedule for the two laboratory tests requested by my OB-Gyne. One at 11 AM, the other at 2 PM.
For my first test, I was there 30 minutes before the procedure (which is a requirement). It is actually a breeze. Received the result a few minutes after the procedure.
Since I have a lot of time for my next laboratory test, went to the Floating Island Restaurant for lunch where I ordered the inihaw na liempo (PhP480.00) which will take some time to prepare, plain rice, and chicken sotanghon soup (which is not in the menu). The service is rather slow, which is OK since I am in no rush and I am waiting for my niece to finish her doctor's check-up. I was able to finish my meal when my niece arrived.
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| Floating Island Restaurant |
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| Chicken Sotanghon Soup |
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| Inihaw na Liempo with plain rice |
My niece and I parted ways, bringing with her our "doggy bag" so that Edgar can bring it back to the condo. She would finish her business first than I would.
I remembered that there is a chapel at the
Makati Medical Center. I have been going to this hospital for years without visiting the chapel. It is on the 9th floor of Tower 1. When they do have Masses, they do it at the Ledesma Hall which can accommodate a lot of people Prayed my Precious Blood chaplet devotion there.
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| MMC Chapel |
By 1:15 PM, on my way to the Breast Clinic. Again, I am supposed to be 30 minutes earlier than my scheduled appointment. Prayed my rosary while waiting for my turn. I was able to finish around 3 PM.
Instead of asking Edgar, the driver, to pick me up at the hospital, I decided to walk my way from there to
The Landmark. It actually took me about 25 minutes (praying the Divine Mercy chaplet on the way). Not bad. Bought some coin purses which I will use to put my rosaries (individually). Had a large ice blended double chocolate with whipped cream (
Frappuccino) at the
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf before I asked Edgar to pick me up at
Glorietta.
N.B. Both the results of my laboratory tests are good news (based on my interpretation). LOL. Thank You! 🙏
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, mall, medical laboratory test, rosary
Manduca Taberna
I took a leave from work today hoping I would be able to consult two (2) of my doctors. The cardiologist is not available; my gastroenterologist is. Her clinic supposedly starts at 2 PM; but she would be starting early, around 11 AM.
I was at her clinic at Makati Medical Center about 30 minutes earlier. She interpreted the results of my lab test, adjusted some medications, added fish oil as a supplement.
I am not sure I would be able to attend the Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel; but, I have rosaries I'll ask the priest to bless. So after my consultation, I went to the Greenbelt Chapel. Aside from being able to attend the Mass, I prayed the rosary as a part of the community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The ministry of Jesus is preaching and healing. At Jesus' time, sicknesses then are considered manifestations of sins. Thus, curing sickness is curing the body and the soul.
Not everyone who approached or touched the Lord is healed. Touch is more than physical, it is about faith. Connecting with faith, we are rewarded by Jesus with grace.
After the Mass, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Mission Station--Landmark Chapel in hope to gain a plenary indulgence.
I then decided to buy all my medicines before taking my late lunch. Went to Mercury Drug at The Landmark. Then to Healthy Options at Glorietta.
Was thinking of trying the Paul Le Cafe at One Ayala. Learned that this branch does not offer meal, only pastries and coffee.
So, its Manduca Taberna instead.
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| Manduca Taberna |
The waitress suggested paella, steak or sandwiches. Opted for the paella (but this will take 35 minutes preparation). Their popular paella are Black Paella, Seafood Paella, and Pork and Chorizo Paella. Chose the Pork and Chorizo Paella.
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| Pork and Chorizo Paella |
Initially, there is nothing special about it. But the more you eat (slowly), it grows on you.
On my way back to the car, I decided to try the 10 Yen King. Every weekend, there is a queue in the stall. Today, I am second in line. 😅 Their popular item is the Trio.
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| 10 Yen King |
Labels: Chromebook, doctor, food, Mass, rosary
Jubilee Churches Pilgrimage
I have scheduled today to go on a pilgrimage with our very small number of pilgrims (me, Lyn, Edgar and Theo the dog). According to Monsignor Matt Garcia, we should visit at least five (5) Jubilee Churches. The plan is as follows:
- Attend the 6 AM Mass at the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish
- Eat breakfast at McDonald's beside the church
- Visit the San Ildefonso Parish
- Visit Saint John Bosco Parish
- Visit the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart
- Go to the office to check if I left my Handmade Wooden Rosary--Queen of Martyrs there
- Visit the Mary Mother of Hope Mission Station-Landmark Chapel
Left the condo around 5 AM. We all prayed by the car to protect us on our pilgrimage. We were able to reach the
Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (for Prisoners and their families) around 5:30 AM. We were the first there. Edgar was able to park within the church compound; thus, he and Theo were also able to enter the church. So proud of Theo because he is quiet all throughout the Mass--he stands when it is time to stand, he sits when it is time to sit.
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| Theo at the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish |
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| Our Lady of Sorrows Parish |
The Mass presider is the parish priest, Fr. Cris Robert.
Hope does not disappoint. Pope Francis opened the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Hope is something tangible which was proven by Jesus Christ because He loved us first.
We are so busy that we tend to gloss over things--taking things for granted. With hope, we need to stop, to rest, to slow down, by being patient. Thus, we would appreciate God amidst us.
We should be thankful for the simple joys. Everything is grace, except for sin.
The highest form of rest and highest form of thanking God is when we do good.
After the Mass, we went to McDonald's for our breakfast. You are supposed to fast at least an hour before taking the communion.
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| McDonald's |
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| San Ildefonso Parish |
Our next stop is the
Saint John Bosco Parish (for artists, musical bands, and athletes). When we arrived there, the Mass was ongoing. We entered at the side so as not to disturb the Mass. Did our prayers and stepped out after the priest finished his homily.
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| Saint John Bosco Parish |
Our fourth church is the
National Shrine of the Sacred Heart (for entrepreneurs and business owners).
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| National Shrine of the Sacred Heart |
On our way to my office (I am uneasy until I am sure that I did not lose my rosary) I saw that beside the Shrine is the Masonic Temple! The car was moving so fast that I was not able to pray for the conversion of the people in that temple. Whenever I see a car with their decal, I pray for their conversion that they may find Jesus and follow His ways.
While I am at the office, Lyn, Edgar and Theo the dog is at the Salcedo Park. Thank You for finding my rosary! And also went to the restroom. 😆
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| Salcedo Park |
And finally, our fifth Jubilee Church is the Mary Mother of Hope Mission Station-Landmark Chapel. The mall (and the chapel) opens at 10 AM. The supermarket and the food center open at 8:30 AM. So, we have to wait for the mall to open. Since we cannot go at the same time to the chapel (Theo does not have a diaper which is a requirement when bringing a dog at the mall), someone has to stay behind with Theo. So, Lyn and I would go first. Then when we are finished, Lyn would be staying with Theo while I do some window shopping, and Edgar visits the chapel. They would be leaving me behind for I would be attending the anticipated Mass later.
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| Mary Mother of Hope Mission Station-Landmark Chapel |
Told them to wait for me as I would buy some pastries they would be bringing home. Bought Buttery's Puff (PhP140.00 each) at
Buttery & Co at
One Ayala. Bought the Chocolate Mascarpone Cloud Cake (PhP1,480.00) at
The Manila Baker.
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| Buttery & Co. |
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| The Manila Baker |
And for lunch? Tried
The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery at One Ayala
. I think their popular meal is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Ube Waffles (ranges from PhP360.00 to PhP495.00). But I wanted to try their main courses. The waitress recommended the Fish & Chips (PhP490.00), TFS Signature Porkchop (PhP590.00), and Kimchi Fried Rice with Maple Bacon Slab (PhP360.00). I chose the TFS Signature Porkchop. It is really good. I think this is why they put their brand (TFS) on the name of the meal. There is a choice of rice or quinoa. Quinoa is supposed to be healthier than rice, so decided to try it. Next time, I will order rice. LOL
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| The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery |
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| TFS Signature Porkchop |
Of course, I would not skip my ice blended double chocolate with whipped cream (
Frappuccino) fix at the
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospel affirms those with strong faith, inspires those who are struggling, and encourages those without faith.
Peter was confident that he knows more than Jesus--he has not caught any fish all through the night--when the latter asked him to cast his net because he is a fisherman while Jesus is a carpenter. To humor him, Peter threw the net. This is when Peter's faith in Jesus developed.
Sometimes we claim we know everything about life. And we complain. Our faith is always tested. Often our faith is lost. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.
The Gospel reminds us no matter how good we are, we always need the Lord's grace, and that entails faith.
After the Mass, I went to
Bistro Ravioli to buy food-to-go--Spinach and Feta Cheese Ravioli (PhP405.00) and Seafood Spaghetti (PhP390.00). While waiting for the food to be packed, went to Rustan's
The Marketplace to buy nuts (snacks).
Then, proceeded home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, mall, Mass, pilgrimage, rosary, shopping
Memorial of Saint Blaise
I wanted to attend the Mass today because it is the Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr. He is the patron saint against throat diseases. Often during his memorial, a blessing using two big candles are given for the healing of throat diseases and other illness.
So, I will attend the 7:15 AM Mass at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I left my condominium unit around 6 AM. Arrived there with the chapel still closed. It opens around 6:30 AM.
I was able to pray the rosary with the community.
I was not able to get the name of the Mass presider.
Takeaways from the homily are:
- We are challenged to confront our internal demons--The Gospel explicitly describes a spiritual affliction. In other forms, we are bound by the demons (addiction, paralyzing fear, anger, resentment, etc.)
- We surrender everything to Jesus--The demoniac recognizes Jesus' authority. Recognize that our own strength is not sufficient and we need the Lord to defeat our demons.
- Become agents of transformation--The man released from demons, he continued with the proclamation of what the Lord has done for him. After we are liberated, it is our duty and responsibility to be a witness to others.
After the Mass, I walked my way to The Landmark hoping that its food court is open so I can buy breakfast. It is closed. Decided to go home and just asked Edgar, the driver, to buy our breakfast after dropping me off.
Arrived home with enough time to prepare for the start of my work from home.
Labels: Mass
Ikinari Steak
It is the first Saturday of February 2025. I should be leaving the condominium much earlier because I still have to buy groceries before observing my Saturday devotion.
I woke up late. Left the condominium 1 1/2 hours later than I planned. But I am blessed because it was very easy to find a parking slot and there are a few customers at The Landmark Supermarket that we are second in the queue at the checkout counter. 🙏
Paid for our groceries and left Edgar, the driver, to bring the items home. He still has to walk Theo, the dog, for his exercise. LOL
I walked my way to the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. A Chinese (?) family of three is ahead of me in the queue for the confession. The father is already doing his penance, the mother and their son are waiting for the priest to go back to the confessional. Fr. Alemar is the confessor.
After doing my penance, I did my 15 minute meditation of the fourth Glorious Mystery.
The family is actually behind my pew. And I do think they are waiting for me to finish my meditation because as soon as I finished, the father asked me the time of the Mass, the schedule of the anticipated Mass and if it is in English. I answered their queries. Also informed them that the chapel at The Landmark is a Jubilee Church and they can earn a plenary indulgence if they visit it. Told them the schedule of the Mass there. Also shared with them how to gain the plenary indulgence, that is, to be in the state of grace, directly ask the grace to gain the plenary indulgence, have taken the Holy Eucharist, went to confession within 20 days before and after going to the church, prayed the Apostle's Creed and prayed for the intentions of the Holy Father.
They left. I do think they would be attending the anticipated Mass at the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
Prayed my Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet, and prayed the rosary as a community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paulo. He started by talking about the Sleeping St. Joseph. Pope Francis has a devotion to St. Joseph, and he has an image of the Sleeping St. Joseph wherein if he has any petitions, trials, etc. he writes it in a piece of paper and puts it under the image.
Like father, like son, the Gospel gives us an image of the sleeping Jesus. To sleep during a crisis is something else. It is a lesson on faith Deep sleep is a manifestation of deep faith.
Instead of asking "what if...", we should be saying "even if...".
When we sleep, we allow God to be God.
After the Mass, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel, hoping to gain a plenary indulgence.
And for lunch, I would try the Ikinari Steak at One Ayala. I was given a seat. But instead of the waiter getting your order, you should be going to the counter to place your order and pay for it. Also, I was advised it is not allowed to bring home leftovers.
Tried their Wild Combo (PhP777.00). This way, I would be able to try their Wild Steak and the Ikinari Hamburg Steak. Not bad. But next time, I'll just buy the Wild Steak.
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| Ikinari Steak |
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| Wild Combo |
Of course, would not forget my Frappuccino fix for the week. Went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
The Mass presider for the anticipated Mass is Fr. Dave.
Candelaria which is also celebrated every February 2. Candelaria is the light of the candle.
The Feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus is also celebrated. The presentation is:
- To be made present.
- Called to be a present--an offering to God.
- Acknowledge the gift of life
There are three gifts: gift of life, gift of freedom, and gift of family/ community that helps you fulfill your purpose.
You can find Christ in all things. God acknowledges that we can find God in the temple.
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. This is why Simeon acknowledges him.
The first place a child or baby should go is the Church (not the mall). Forty (40) days after birth should be baptized.
There is a time to let go, time to hold on.
While queuing to receive the Holy Eucharist, a friend gave me a candle so I can have it blessed later. Thank you!
After the Mass ended, I did not leave at once since I am curious about the girl beside me. I asked if she was sick. Indeed, she was just discharged from the hospital. I cannot recall what her sickness is exactly but she says she bleeds. Thus, she is often taking blood transfusions. Gave her a bottle of exorcism oil.
Before going home, I passed by
Mercury Drug at The Landmark to buy Fern-C, Lyn's vitamin C supplement. Also bought a 6" solo Original Basque Burnt Cheesecake (PhP750.00) at
The Manila Baker.
As soon as I arrived home, I tried it. I prefer the Chocolate Mascarpone Cloud Cake.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary
