Asprey World Of Straps
Hair pampering day. Left the condominium around 9:30 AM with Timex Waterbury Traditional GMT on my left wrist and an Apple watch on my right.
I have a 10 AM appointment. What is funny, they were surprised I was there. LOL. I sent an SMS for appointment earlier; but what was written is September 1, Sunday. š
Finally, here, I was able to finish reading my book "An Exorcist explains the Demonic: The antics of Satan and his army of fallen angels" by Fr. Gabriele Amorth with Stefano Stimamiglio.
After went to Greenwich Pizza to buy food-to-go. Since it would take 25 minutes to prepare, walked around the mall. That's when I saw the Asprey World of Straps. Bought a NATO strap. Back to Greenwich to pick up my food.
Home.
Labels: food, mall, salon
Pound X Flatterie
Grocery day. Left the condominium around 10 AM with a Seiko SSK033 on my left wrist, and an Apple watch on my right.
Even late, we were able to find a parking slot. There must be a few people in the mall this morning.
Buying groceries at The Landmark Supermarket is a breeze. After paying, left Edgar, the driver, with our purchases for him to bring it home. Then, proceeded to Sto. NiƱo de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass.
I was able to join the community to pray the Rosary. Unfortunately, when the Mass is about to start, I received a message from the seller regarding the item I returned which I purchased via Lazada. This got me very distracted from the Mass. Thus, I decided not to partake the Holy Eucharist, even if I wanted to very much.
Here's the story about the returned item. I wanted to buy the Blancpain and Swatch collaboration Ocean of Storms. I can't find it being sold in any of the LazMall; thus, I expanded my search. Ordered it. As I was waiting for it to be delivered, something was nagging me. I cannot find online the price of the watch locally. I found it in foreign currency. Converting it to PhP makes me more dubious.
I asked the seller if the item is (a) original, (b) imitation with brand logo, or (c) imitation with no logo. If the seller replies with a (b), I will cancel the order before it was delivered (it is a sin doing business with them). The reply is "Thank you for your question! The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection Watches we offer are original products, not imitations. They come with full set packaging and include a 3-year international seller warranty, ensuring authenticity and quality. This warranty is a strong indication that the product is genuine and supported by reliable after-sales service. If you have any more questions or need further details about the watch or its features, please feel free to ask!" So, the order stays.
When it arrived, the box is Arctic Ocean, the watch is Pacific Ocean, I ordered the Ocean of Storms. The font for the number 45 on the bezel is flawed. The letter "t" of the Swatch brand at the side of the watch is a bit pointed at the bottom versus the original. They market it as automatic (SISTEM51). If you see the back of the watch, you cannot see any of the gears moving, there is no rotor--it is quartz!!! Of course I provided my comments about my order and have it returned.
Now the message at the start of the Mass (me thinks the devil has a hand at this) is this: "We're sorry that you're not satisfied with your purchase. Please remove your negative review so we can issue you a refund." I removed the comments but the rating stays. The seller asked again: "Can't modify the rating?" The seller even wanted to remove the video and photos I posted. If you are a watch enthusiast, the video and the photos tell their stories, I don't have to highlight it in my comments. The video and photos stay. I even asked, "Do you want me to escalate this to Lazada?"
Now, back to the Saturday Mass. The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
He started by asking: Are you talented person?
We share equal dignity and value; but not giftedness. There are those with many talents. There are those who have a few but they work hard, persevere, and flourish in life.
It is not how much we have but how faithfully we use these talents for the service of the Kingdom of God. All these talents can only flourish if we use these talents for the greater glory of God.
A talent can be a blessing. It can also be a burden. It depends on who is using the talent.
For reflection:
- We are called to be grateful. Everything is a gift; everything is grace. Someone said: Talent is God-given, be humble. Fame is man-given, be grateful. Conceit is self-given, be watchful.
- We are called to practice charity, a commitment to practice these talents. Discover and develop our talents.
As a parting word, Fr. Paolo asked: Do you use your talent as a source of blessing, or a curse/ burden for other people?
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| Pound x Flatterie |
I asked the waitress what she would recommend among the rice meals. She suggested the
Roast Beef (PhP280.00) and
Burger Steak (PhP200.00). I chose the Roast Beef. On an afterthought, maybe I should have ordered the Burger Steak as they are known for their burgers.
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| Roast Beef Rice Meal |
It may not look exciting; but I think the taste is OK, not something I will go back for. I think it is slightly salty.
I passed by
BPI to withdraw from their ATM on my way to
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog. After finishing my
Spanish Latte and keeping track of time to be able to attend the anticipated Mass, walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospel teaches us humility. Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking yourself less.
The parable is how to conduct yourself in a banquet. For the
Pharisees, it is important to be in the best place of the banquet.
When Jesus is preaching using a parable, it is not an actual situation. Banquet here talks about the Kingdom of God. All are equal. If we are placed in a high place, it is not because of our achievement--God placed us there.
Humility is related to Christian truth. Lessening yourself from the truth is false humility.
After the Mass, picking up my backpack, it dropped down again with a thud. Uh-oh! There goes my
Chromebook. At least it fell only at a low height. If it fell while it is behind my back, I do believe my Chromebook will be broken. My
iPad and my
iPhone is also in my backpack. Carried precariously my backpack.
Went to
Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at
The Landmark, one of the
Jubilee churches, hoping to gain a plenary indulgence. Remembered I have an eco-bag with me, so put my broken backpack inside. Bought underwear in the department store, and a new
Cose backpack to replace my broken backpack.
With my purchases, went to the car. Asked Edgar to buy merienda-to-go at The Landmark Food Center before going home. Also asked Edgar to find someone to fix my broken backpack.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Laboratory Tests
Took a leave from the office to take my laboratory tests. Already made an appointment for 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:00 PM for my three procedures. My fourth procedure does not need to have an appointment but requires fasting; thus, should be at Makati Medical Center by 9:00 AM for the extraction. On my left hand is my (black) Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical watch, and on my right is my Apple watch.
First stop is at the Nuclear Medicine. Four vials have to be filled-up. Unfortunately, on the fourth vial, blood is no longer flowing. My arm looks like it has been bitten by a vampire...
The result of my 11:00 AM procedure is available a few minutes after the procedure. I am worried of the result. I hope it can be reversed by a lifestyle change.
My 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM result would be available on Friday.
Before proceeding home, passed by Glorietta to buy food-to-go at Mann Hann.
Was able to get the result online for blood test. Thyroid is OK. It is the blood sugar I am worried. Praying I still do not have diabetes. š
Friday, August 29, 2025
It is BIRADS 3. Thank You, God!
Labels: food, medical laboratory test
Rado and Mann Hann, Again
Not a grocery day. Thus, will leave home after lunch to attend the anticipated Mass. I will be wearing my Rado Centrix Diamonds on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right wrist.
Left around 3PM and arrived early at the Sto. NiƱo de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The message of the Gospel is: When the time comes, will He recognize us?
God created us. He sustains us. Our destiny is to be with God. But will we?
In the first reading, the question is "How will we be saved?". The response is in the second reading: Discipline. The Gospel says, "strive to enter the narrow gate".
God is merciful and kind. He is also just.
Hell is the absence of love. Hell is the absence of God. Hell is being in sin.
After the Mass, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. It is one of the Jubilee churches. I am hoping to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer it for my Uncle Bebeng. He was our doctor that we often go to if we are sick when were children.
Then, I went to Rado at Glorietta. I have been eyeing two watches from Rado.
First is the Captain Cook Over-Pole Limited Edition. It is handwiding--I am partial to manual winding. This is my version of a GMT watch. Basically, it has the same purpose as GMT.
The second is the Captain Cook Automatic, which is my diver's watch... even if I don't dive. LOL
I already have a dress watch with my Centrix Automatic Diamonds.
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| Rado watches |
Happy with my purchases (since it is available in the store, it must really be for me š) I went to Mann Hann to buy food-to-go. Bought Tausi Fish Fillet (PhP505.00), Garlic Kangkong (PhP295.00), and (half) Roast Chicken (PhP505.00).
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| Mann Hann |
Dropped my purchases to Edgar, the driver, to check
Swatch and to
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for my
frappuccino fix.
I actually bought the
Ocean of Storms in
Lazada at a very low price. I asked the seller if it is (a) original, (b) imitation with the original's logo, or (c) imitation with no logo. If the answer is (b), I would not be buying it. But the response is "The products we sell are all
Swiss made Swatches, original and authentic." So....?
The watch is not readily available in the store at Glorietta but they have a sample. I wonder why...?
Then, I went to CBTL to buy frappuccino-to-go.
And, home.
ember
Grocery day.
Supposed to leave at 9AM. Left around 10AM. This is becoming a habit in spite of double-wristing. š I'll be wearing my (black) Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical watch on my left, and my Apple watch on my right.
Doing the grocery at The Landmark Supermarket is a breeze. I asked Edgar, the driver, to stay for a bit as I would be buying a Keto cake for the mom of our tenant at Dolores who has been a great help with my rental concern. I will also be sending them over the receipt. I bought a Chrisha's Kitchen Keto moist chocolate cake for her, and gave it to Edgar to bring it to her.
Then, I walked my way to Sto. NiƱo de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass. I was able to join the community to pray the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave.
Going to church is a discipline. Behaving in church is a discipline.
In the First Reading, the people were asked to decide who to follow. After deciding, they were told that if they commit transgression, they will not be forgiven. Will they still follow?
A person goes to church because we were disciplined to while where children.
Discipline is not child abuse. If you spare your children with discipline, the child will be doomed.
In school you learn skills; but at home, you learn values.
Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is embracing certain habits for us to be able to live a life of excellence and distinction.
After the Mass, I decided my taste test would be at ember, a Bistro Group member.
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| ember |
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| Pork, Raisin, Carrot Large Plate |
Chose their large Plate of Pork, Raisin, Carrot (PhP1,250.00). The server advised me that it would be two pieces of pork chop. So I asked that one will be for to-go, while the other I would eat at the restaurant. I did not know there is no rice!!! Pork chop cooked like a steak. Nice.
Back to Greenbelt Chapel, I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
He quoted
Pope Leo XIII: "
Jesus does not denounce in order to humiliate; He tells the truth because He wants to save."
He came to put the world on fire. Fire is destructive. Fire can also create (cooking, etc.) and purify. Jesus' words are the fire that would purify us.
We can disagree but still be friends and be peaceful.
There's no reason to compromise peace in replacement of sin. We must be peaceful and not sinful.
After, I went to BPI to withdraw from their ATM (for HR-V annual registration),
10 Yen King for their Cheese Trio,
Mary Grace for their mini-chocolate cake, and
Tiger Sugar for their Brown Sugar Boba Cream Mousse.
Ravioli, etc.
Not grocery day; thus, left the condominium after lunch to attend the anticipated Mass.
I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospel zeroed in on faith.
Faith is, in the context of, our relationship with God. Faith is a necessity for our salvation. If we are to be worthy of the coming of the Kingdom, we must have faith.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites manifested their faith in God when they placed blood on their doors to save their first-born sons. Thus, the Passover.
Faith is the realization of what we hope for. It is not the hope of wishful thinking. It is the hope of the resurrection, the hope us belonging to the Kingdom.
One must be prepared. Tomorrow is not promised to everyone (live everyday as His gift).
Faith is that life does not end here on earth but there is life everlasting. Our life on earth is a journey, in preparation for the next life.
After the anticipated Mass at Sto. NiƱo de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches, in hope to gain a plenary indulgence.
Then, bought toiletries at its department store, scotch tape at Office Warehouse, withdraw from the ATM of BPI, food-to-go at Bistro Ravioli, and proceeded to Pet Express to buy Theo's dog food. I asked Edgar, the driver, to meet me there to carry our purchases.
I had my frappuccino-fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, bought cake at Chrisha's Kitchen, and proceeded home.
Labels: food, frappuccino, Mass, rosary, shopping
Chuck's Steak & Chops
First Saturday of August and grocery day.
Should have left around 8:30AM. Left a little past 9AM. While doing the grocery, I received a call. This further delayed me from going for confession. But this information must be made known to me especially with what is going on. Thanks to my "angel".
Oddly, I am not worried that I would not be able to finish all the things I have to do in my observance of the first Saturday. Mama Mary never fails as I once again asked her for help. Before the Saturday Mass, I was able to finish my confession, rosary with the community, and a 15-minute meditation of the fifth Joyful Mystery "The Finding in the Temple", in spite of my lateness.
While waiting my turn at the confession, I received a call for the item I purchased online. I did say that I'll stop buying watches after I bought the Chopard Happy Sports watch. But I can't resist the mechanical hand-wound watch of Timex, which happens to be on sale.
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| Timex' Expedition North Field Mechanical Hand Wound 38mm |
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
Herod can see John the Baptist (whom he has beheaded) in Jesus who is growing in popularity.
Truth may be silenced or suppressed for a while but it can never be buried..
God is not only a God of mercy but also a God of justice.
Thank the Lord for the gift of conscience. It is our responsibility to form our conscience lest it be calloused. The best pillow to sleep on is a clear conscience.
After, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. It is one of the Jubilee churches. I hope to earn a plenary indulgence and I offer it for Auntie Mary, wife of Uncle Celso who is my Tatay's brother.
My lunch is not a taste test because I usually eat here if I am short of time. I ordered Pork Chop with Egg (PhP120.00) at Chuck's Steak & Chops inside The Landmark Food Center.
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| Chuck's Steak & Chops |
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| Pork Chop with Egg |
I was planning on giving a Timex watch as a Christmas gift to my two "angels" and a nephew. There is no digital watch in Swatch; thus, opted that of Timex's for my nephew.
Then, I went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. It is double-stamp day today. Ordered the Cafe Latte to earn two stamps. Will buy to-go later to complete my stamp card and claim the free tote bag.
At the Sto. NiƱo de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
In the Philippines, we have the saying "Kapag tayo ay mamatay, wala tayong madadala." (Translation: When we die, we cannot bring anything with us.)
Greed is the unbridled desire to have more and more. If we can only get rid of greed, there will be a big change in society.
There are several types of greed:
- Keeps on saving without spending for oneself.
- LOI, which according to Fr. Benny, Lives On Interest. Keeps on saving, using only the interest of his/ her savings to live on.
- Hoarding in order to secure your future. Not unlike the parable in today's Gospel.
Tomorrow is never promised to everyone. Store treasures in heaven.
After the Mass, asked Edgar to go to the shoe section of The Landmark. I will buy him and Lyn footwear to wear during the flood (in Tagalog, "bota"). Nothing is available in Edgar's size. Thus, went to SM Makati to check if available and buy it.
Passed by BPI to withdraw (amount including the replacement of the four tires of my Avanza), and Sarah's for their burnt cheesecake.
Still, Edgar's size is not available. Bought one for Lyn. Told Edgar to bring the purchases to the car while I go to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to buy frappuccino-to-go and claim the olive green tote bag. Will give it to Edgar's son, Monay. According to Edgar, Monay likes green as most of his school things are colored green.
Then, home.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, frappuccino, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
