Funeral
Took a leave today to attend the funeral of my first cousin's wife. She will be buried at Manila Memorial Park.
Supposed to leave around 7:30 AM to be able to attend the 9 AM Mass prior to the burial. Left at 8 AM instead. Since we took the Skyway, it took us about 20 to 30 minutes. Met my goal.
Shed a tear when my cousin made his speech.
In order to maximize my leave, planned to already apply for the Makatizen card. But first, we had lunch at The Landmark's Food Center. Went to the condo's Administration to get a residency certificate, a requirement to get the Barangay residency certificate. Since we arrived during their lunch break, went back to the condo to change to a more comfortable clothes and shoes.
At 1 PM, went to the Administration to request for the certification. I have to wait for the Administrator, who is out checking the building, to sign the certificate. At around 1:30 PM, on our way to the Barangay Hall.
I was not able to get the Barangay residency certificate since no one is manning their office because they are in team building session. Hmmm... Just when the election would be in one or two weeks away.
The Barangay residency certificate is a requirement for the Makatizen card. Another is the voter's certificate. I can get that one just with an ID. So, went to the Makati Office of the Commission of Elections (COMELEC) for it. I was able to get one.
Before proceeding home, we passed by Glorietta to buy some food/ snack. Saw a kiosk at Food Choices that sells caramelized fruits. Decided to try it It is Ms. Tanghulu. The fruits I chose are strawberries, orange, green grapes, red grapes and apple. I bought cheesecake at Mary Grace, and frappuccino at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Oh! My Lofree mouse has arrived. Now my set is complete. Started with the Lofree keyboard. Then, Lofree calculator. Thus, I must have the Lofree mouse. LOL
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| Lofree keyboard, calculator and mouse |
Labels: food, frappuccino, mall
Divine Mercy Sunday
Praying for the grace on the promise of Divine Mercy Sunday. Thus, planned to do confession and communion today. Saw also the website showing what to do during Divine Mercy Sunday (which I think is the advise during the pandemic and lockdowns).
To quote: (https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/what-do-divine-mercy-sunday)
Do these three things on Divine Mercy Sunday with the intention to turn away from sin in your life:
1. Make an Act of Contrition
Since you are unable to get to Confession, make an Act of Contrition, instead. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Among the penitent's acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is 'sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again'" (1451).
You thereby will be completely forgiven of all sins, even “mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (Catechism, 1452).
2. Make a Spiritual Communion
Since churches are closed and you cannot receive Holy Communion, make a Spiritual Communion instead, asking God to come into your heart as if you received Him sacramentally — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. For instance, you can say this:
Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things and I desire You in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
As though You were already there,
I embrace You and unite myself to You;
permit not that I should ever be separated from You.
Amen.
Again, do this act of trust with the intent to return to the sacrament of Holy Communion as soon as possible.
3. Say a prayer like this:
Lord Jesus Christ, You promised St. Faustina that the soul that has been to Confession [I’m unable, but I made an Act of Contrition] and the soul that receives Holy Communion [I’m unable, but I made a Spiritual Communion] will receive the complete forgiveness of all sins and punishment. Please, Lord Jesus Christ, give me this grace.
Finally, please remember that this extraordinary promise of Divine Mercy Sunday is for everyone. Tell your non-Catholic friends about it. Everyone can ask Jesus to forgive their sins. Everyone can make a Spiritual Communion. And everyone can ask for this grace to completely wipe their slate clean of not only all sin, but all punishment due to sin. Normally, the punishment is not remitted unless one has absolute perfect contrition. And unlike a plenary indulgence, there is no requirement of having perfect detachment from sin. In other words, as long as we have a desire for this grace and intention to amend our lives, we can be completely cleansed with grace similar to our original Baptism. It is a way to really start over in our spiritual life!
After the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, I will do #3 in front of the Divine Mercy image followed by praying the Creed and pray for the Pope's intentions.
I was supposed to leave around 7:15 AM hoping to be among the first in the queue for the confession at the Sto. Nino de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Left around 7:30 AM. When I arrived, the 7:15 AM Mass is mid-way (I intend to participate in the 9 AM Mass). I am the fifth (5th) in the queue.
The confessor is Fr. Ike. When I saw him enter the confessional, he looks kind. When I was talking to him, his voice is very calming. I tried the "nature and number" when confessing. This also included my previous confessions because I did not say the "number" then. Luv Fr. Ike's guiding message.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Divine Mercy Sunday reminds us that we have a God who is a merciful God. Divine mercy does not only mean forgiveness of sin but also of salvation.
When we confess, do not seek only for forgiveness but also seek for salvation. This is the meaning of "peace be with you" message of Jesus in the Gospel.
"To see is to believe" versus "If you want to see, you must first believe."
When Thomas said, "My Lord and my God", he changed from doubting Thomas to doubtless Thomas.
"Blessed are those who have not seen but believed" (this is us) is the authentic faith.
After the Mass, proceeded to The Landmark to go to the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel. It is closed. It would open at 10:30 AM. So, went to BPI at Glorietta to withdraw from their ATM.
Back to the chapel, since it is one of the Jubilee churches, offered the plenary indulgence, with God's grace I would be gaining, for Pope Francis.
Since I would also be buying a Mass card, I have to wait for 11 AM since that is the time the office of the chapel will open.
Next, went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to buy frappuccino to-go.
Going home, passed by Goldilocks to buy pastries I would be bringing with me later when I attend my cousin's wife's wake.
As soon as Lyn arrived after attending the Mass, left around 7:30 PM to go to Manila Memorial Park. There are so many people that I do not know half of them. Good thing may aunt and two of my cousins (with their kids) is there. Talked with them while staying there a for a few minutes. I wanted to lead a rosary but that is a very noisy wake. Left, too, when my aunt and cousins left.
Before proceeding home, passed by icebergs at Santana Grove for dinner. I don't think this restaurant has a branch in Makati.
Labels: frappuccino, Mass
Tenya Tempura Tendon
Grocery day.
I was really late as we should have left around 9 AM. Instead, I left around 10 AM. Good thing, we were able to find a parking slot immediately. We were also able to do our groceries quickly. Left Edgar, the driver, to bring our purchases home.
Walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I still have enough time to pray Day 9 of the Divine Mercy Novena and read in advance the readings for today. Noticed that there is already a number of people lining up for confession. I plan to do it (confession) tomorrow, receive communion, pray the Creed and the Our Father, pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, and asking for the grace promised for the Divine Mercy Sunday. Confession starts at 8 AM.
Prayed again the Divine Mercy chaplet and Day 9 novena and the Rosary as a community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Alemar. He is also the confessor earlier.
To rebuke means to express sharp criticism because of a behavior or action.
Jesus rebuked the disciples because of their hardness of heart and unbelief even when people are telling them He has risen.
Sometimes in life, we have to be rebuked.
The three (3) essence of rebuke:
- STOP. To stop in holding to our belief, our principles, which is no longer in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
- BE SILENT.
- SIMMER DOWN.
Stop. Be silent. Simmer down. In order to absorb the message of the Lord.
Fr. Alemar also mentioned the funeral of Pope Francis will be held later at 4 PM today and asked us to pray for his soul.
After the Mass, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel, one of the Jubilee churches, in order to gain a plenary indulgence and offered it for my Uncle Ben.
And for my taste test? It would be at Tenya Tempura Tendon at Glorietta. I think I have already tried all the restaurants at One Ayala.
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| Tenya Tempura Tendon |
I was planning to try the Angus Beef Gyudon but was advised it is not available. Thus have to make do with the Sakura Ebi & Crab Noodle Set (PhP475.00). It is OK. Although, I did not finish the noodle soup.
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| Sakura Ebi & Crab Noodle Set |
Since I would be attending Mass tomorrow, decided to skip the 4:30 PM anticipated Mass. I'll watch online Pope Francis' funeral. So, I informed Edgar to pick me up around 3 PM.
Went to Mercury Drug at The Landmark to buy Lyn's Fern-C. Then, proceeded to Healthy Options at Glorietta for my Calcium Citrate. And, of course, would not miss going to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Instead of my usual frappuccino, I will try their Dry Double Chocolate Americana, which will only be available for a limited time.
Then, I proceeded home.
While watching Pope Francis' funeral, I received a message from a cousin that one of my cousins-in-law has moved on. Yesterday, they were still looking for blood donors. I assume it is needed because she would be undergoing operation. Will wait for the announcement of her husband, my cousin. Eternal rest grant unto her soul, O Lord. And let Your perpetual Light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.
Labels: Americana, food, grocery, Mass, rosary
Easter 2025
I would be attending the 8:30 AM Easter Sunday Mass at the Holy Family Parish, a walking distance from the condominium. Lyn reminded me to bring a candle (this was announced in last week's Mass where she attended). I have prepared two candles yesterday, one for me and one for Lyn, to have a paper cup that would catch the melted wax to avoid it falling on the church's floor.
I was supposed to leave around 8:00 AM; but I was to late to leave. I arrived at the church when the announcement of prayer intentions were being announced.
The Mass is in Tagalog. Mass presider is Fr. Danilo.
The empty tomb gives us two (2) perspectives: vision of Hope, and vision of Love.
Instead of saying the Apostle's Creed for the profession of faith, it would be the renewal of baptismal promises. From one big candle, the light is passed from candle to candle. I think only less than ten (10) people actually brought candles. 😔 The baptismal promises have been renewed and the priest (with the lay ministers) blessed the congregation with holy water. The priest happens to pass the aisle where I am seated; thus, he is the one who blessed me with the holy water. 🙏
Walked back home, passing by Pet Express in hopes to buy a "burger" for Theo the dog since it is Easter. Too bad, it is not available.
Labels: Holy Week, Mass
Visita Iglesia 2025
We always do the Visita Iglesia every Maundy Thursday. Since it is a Jubilee year, I wanted that most of the churches we will be visiting are identified as Jubilee churches. This in hopes that we would be gaining a plenary indulgence as long as we observed certain conditions. Thus, last night, planned our route thanks to the list of Jubilee churches and Google map.
I will leave the condo around 6:30 AM. Left late by 15 minutes. With me is Edgar, the driver, Lyn, and Theo the dog.
First stop is at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Manila Cathedral. The Chrism Mass is also being held there; thus, all priest of the Archdiocese of Manila are there. The Stations of the Cross were placed in front of the church. This is where we prayed the 1st Station of the Cross.
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| The Manila Cathedral |
The church very near the Cathedral is the San Agustin Parish Church. This church is not a Jubilee church. But we walked our way to it to pray the 2nd Station of the Cross.
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| San Agustin Church |
Of course, Theo the dog should have a picture in the historic Intramuros. LOL.
For our 3rd and 4th Stations of the Cross is at the
National Shrine of Saint Michael & the Archangels at San Miguel, Manila. We followed Waze but there are requirements to enter the gated area. The guard (actually a soldier, I think) pointed us to go to another way. We did but it was a very small street that when we left the place, our car is driving backward instead. I am not sure, but I think this is the Church where I got baptized and confirmed.
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| National Shrine of Saint Michael & the Archangels |
National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus at San Miguel, Manila. Waze still led us to the same guard on duty. But this time, he let us pass with Edgar leaving his driver's license. Hmm... Maybe next time, we should tell him we are going to Saint Jude so we can enter. Then after Saint Jude, we will proceed to Saint Michael.
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| National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus |
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| Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz |
Back to our regular programming, the next three churches are the churches usually included in our itinerary.
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| Archdiocese Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia |
11th and 12th Stations of the Cross at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. Accidentally met a former staff of my brother, Johanson, who is also doing his (her?) Visita Iglesia.
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| Our Lady of Sorrows Parish |
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| Saint John Bosco Parish |
Thank You, Jesus! 🙏
Since Lyn and Theo the dog seems tired already (especially because of the heat), I decided to drop them home after passing by
McDonald's drive thru. It will also give me a bit energy while waiting for the food-to-go that I would be ordering at
The Aristocrat.
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| The Aristocrat |
There is really a lot of customers in the restaurant. There are people waiting in line outside for them to be seated. I think these people came from the walking distance Malate Church in their Visita Iglesia, too, to stop to eat.
There is also a queue of regular customers and delivery drivers at the Take Home counter. When the one who received my order said the estimated time is 30 to 45 minutes, I did not believe her. Because ever since I was ordering food-to-go from this restaurant during the yearly Visita Iglesia, it is really a long waiting time that I had hunger pangs because I let hunger go by (in Tagalog, nalipasan ng gutom). Thus, the McDonald's I ate while in the car is a welcome treat. Even before the 30 minutes was up, my number was called.
The food I ordered: Chicken Honey, and Pork Spareribs. Then, Shrimp Chopseuy, Crab Foo Yeung, and Sweet & Sour Fish Fillet. No meat and only one meal on Good Friday.
Labels: food, Holy Week, pilgrimage, Stations of the Cross, Visita Iglesia
Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go
Grocery day.
It seems every week, I am leaving the condo later than before. Left at around 10 AM. Because of the coming Holy Week, I suspect many will be taking a three (3) day vacation leave, enjoying nine (9) straight days of vacation, with Holy Thursday and Good Friday being a holiday.
I was right. As soon as we arrived at the Glorietta parking, we were able to get a slot. Buying groceries is a breeze. Left Edgar, the driver, to bring home the groceries after paying for them.
I walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass. Oddly, on the way, I saw a man sticking his tongue out. My wild imagination thought of demons as depicted in pictures/ paintings whose tongues are similar to snakes.
I was early, enough time to pray the Precious Blood chaplet and the Rosary. There is no prayer leader. When I noticed by 11:30 AM that no one would be leading the rosary, prayed on my own.
The Mass presider is Fr. Hans.
The start of Holy Week is tomorrow, Palm Sunday. Today, Saturday, is Mama Mary's day. Yesterday is Viernes de Dolores, the commemoration of Mary's experience at the foot of the cross.
Look at the heart of Mary. Journey with Mary, feel for her, feel her. She will bring us closer, bring us back to Jesus. Her message during the wedding at Cana: "Do whatever He tells you."
The greatest thing a mother can give to her children is bring her family, her children to God.
During this Holy Week, look back on how many times He saved us (you). Not only a contrite heart but also a grateful heart.
After the Mass, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches. Hoping to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer it to the soul of my Uncle Terry, husband of Mommy Cora.
And for my taste test, it would be at Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go at One Ayala.
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| Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go |
I thought there are set pasta in the menu. You're actually the one deciding the pasta, the sauce, and the toppings. LOL.
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| Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go menu |
I chose Fettuccine for my pasta, Amatriciana for my sauce (this is the Chef's favorite) and toppings of Bread, Seasoned Chicken, and Mozzarella Cheese. The Carbonara sauce is "marked" as Chef's choice.
The sauce is not the usual taste--it is actually very good. I did not know that the serving was so big that I had to bring home a doggy bag.
Proceeded to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for my Frappuccino fix and to start the blog.
After, I went to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. Was able to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary as a community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Bernie. The blessing of the palms will be done before the start of the Mass. It was done outside the chapel. There was a procession to the chapel, blessing the palms on the way.
According to Fr. Bernie, there are two versions for the Gospel: the short and the long version. He chose the long version because it is read only once every three (3) years, and it is from the Gospel of Luke.
The Tagalog of Holy Week is Mahal na Araw. Mahal = close to our hearts. It is more important than Christmas. We must fruitfully reflect on the life of Christ.
- What Christ did to us as God is to be one like us. He emptied himself--a sign of humility.
- Have a tongue that is well off speaking. Communication out of love, out of compassion. The mission is not to eradicate but to win us all.
- At Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done." With this prayer, all the time throughout His passion, Jesus is trusting His Father.
- One of Jesus' last words: "Why have You forsaken me?". This is a quote from Psalm 22. Because of the sins of man, they felt God left them. This was said in Jesus' humanity although He knows this is not true. We have forsaken God but God has not forsaken us.
After the Mass, I went to BPI to withdraw from their ATM, bought mini chocolate cake at Mary Grace and Theo's dog food at Pet Express.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary
Rockstar
Not sure why there was a plan to go to a Karaoke/ Videoke after office.
It would be a treat for our team. He would be shouldering PhP10K. Anything over will be shared by the rest. A deposit half the amount was already paid. Unfortunately, the one treating us cannot join (he went to the ER yesterday). Unfortunate, too, our reservation cannot be rescheduled--the deposit will be forfeited if we did not push thru tonight. Rescheduling should be done at least three days before the reservation.
So, off we went to Rockstar at Glorietta.
We are always in a spiritual warfare--did not know that there is a song titled "Demons" by Imagine Dragons, and "Zombie" by The Cranberries. Praying silently the prayer in the Benedictine Medal while the songs were being played.
I was one of the first to leave. LOL.
Labels: mall, Spiritual Warfare
stuff'd
It is the first Saturday of April. I was supposed to leave around 8:30 AM hoping to be the first in line for the confession. Again, I was late. But this time, it is an hour late. 😞 No excuses. I just have to share to Lyn what I learned last night. According to the mystic, Luz de Maria, the anti-Christ is already among us and he is already talking with the world elites. And his name is Alex but he will be known by another name when he reveals himself. Soros? Asked by the interviewer in the video I saw. Sorry, no last name was given. She was the one who prophesied about the virus (COVID-19) but she said there is a second one much worse--it is being made in the laboratories. She also mentioned about having a single currency, being marked (or chipped?) else you would not be able to buy or sell without it. Praying that they will be stopped. 🙏
I was dropped off at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. No one is in the queue. As soon as I arrived, I rested for a bit and entered the confessional. Fr. Alemar is the confessor.
After my penance, meditated for at least 15 minutes on The Annunciation, prayed the Act of Reparation for the first five Saturdays of the month, prayed the Rosary as a community and joined in celebrating the Mass (Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist).
Then, I noticed that a queue is starting to build at the confessional. 🙏
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave.
Regardless of who you are, regardless how strong you are, regardless how successful you are, everyone has a breaking point.
If there are trials and sacrifices to be successful, how much more if you want to be holy?
It will question your principle, your foundation, your love. If your conviction is clear, you will raise the difficulties ahead of you.
For his parting words, Fr. Dave said, "Your love for God will not spare you from sufferings. Instead, embrace sufferings with the reality that each one of us has a breaking point."
After the Mass, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches, in hope of gaining a plenary indulgence. This time, I offer it to one of my aunts whom we fondly call Mommy Cora.
And for my taste test this week, it is stuff'd at One Ayala.
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| stuff'd |
There are instructions on how to "make" your order.
I opted for the Grain Bowl (PhP285.00). I think this is too "heavy" for me because of the rice. Although I liked it when I tasted the portion with the vegetables. Maybe I should have mixed the bowl when I ate it? Next time, it would be the Daily Bowl (PhP335.00).
Default it comes with lettuce and tomato salsa. You have the option not to include them. 1st step: Chose quinoa rice and Mexican rice. 2nd step: Chose Mayo Cucumber sauce and Sweet Thai Sauce. 3rd step: Buttered Corn instead of Adobo Black Beans. 4th step: Chicken for my mains.
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| Grain Bowl |
And for my Frappuccino fix, went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
I walked my way back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. I was able to pray as a community the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ronaldo.
During Lent, we contemplate and meditate on the passion and death of Jesus.
In the Old Testament, the glory of God left the temple because of corruption.
In the Gospel, Jesus arrived in the temple area. We can see it as glory is back to the temple.
The story about the woman is the story of misery and mercy. The Pharisees and scribes are not concerned with the woman but more to trap Jesus. They are using others (sinfulness of other people) to cover for their sin. They even tried crowd sourcing. Jesus did not fall into their trap--He did not want to be part of the mob.
Instead, when He said "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her," the focus was being directed to the accusers.
Do not dwell on misery; but, focus on the Divine Mercy.
Reflection: What are my miserable situations, and where is the mercy of God during these situations?
After the Mass, I went to BPI to withdraw from their ATM, bought food-to-go at Fatfook, bought hair clip at On.Cat, and a mini cake at Mary Grace.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, Mass, rosary
April Fools
A holiday. Already planned to go to the PLDT-Smart Business Center at Cash & Carry to enroll my replacement credit card in my mobile phone's automatic payment.
Yesterday, although I am working from home, I still advised I'll start work late for an hour (and extend) as I would be going to pick-up my replacement card. I was at the Bank while still closed. It opens at 9 AM. Got the card, had it activated, dropped Theo, the dog, at Pet Express for his grooming, and back home with a few minutes to spare.
Since the mall would open at 10 AM, left the condo a few minutes before 10 AM, and was the only client of the PLDT-Smart Business Center. It was a quick business for I only have to give my mobile numbers, have my credit card and ID scanned, and sign-up the forms. The last time I enrolled my credit card, it took a lot of time as I had to fill-up all the information.
I went to Mercury Drug to buy medicine and the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion (noticed yesterday that my hands are dry and peeling). They don't have the Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Will look for one during my weekly gallivanting at the mall.
Strolled around the mall before leaving. With me are Auntie Anne's cheese pretzel dog and cheese stix, 1/4 kg Lydia's Lechon, and four pieces of fried Bao.
Labels: food, mall
