Nanbantei of Tokyo
Grocery day. This time, I left the condo really late and I am not sure if I would be able to attend the Saturday Mass. Left with my Timex Waterbury Traditional GMT on my left wrist (to match may maroon jogging pants) and my Apple watch on my right.
We were still able to park near the supermarket as the car we are following changed his/ her mind to park in the slot. I guess it is ours for the taking. Hehehe!
Doing the groceries at The Landmark Supermarket is a breeze. I left Edgar, the driver, to bring our purchases to the car. He still has to wait for me as I'll be buying cheddar sausage at Big City at Glorietta 1. Not sure if something is stopping me from attending the Mass but when I gave the sausages to Edgar to bring home, I have to go the restroom.
After, I walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. The rosary is finished. But at least, I will be able to attend the Mass.
The Mass presider is Fr. Hans.
Fr. Hans started that he believes everyone in Metro Manila is praying about Typhoon Opong. We were spared but we still have to continue praying for our brothers who were affected by the Typhoon.
Then he shared about the church in Masbate that was not spared. Everything, except for the image of Saint Teresa of Calcutta remains standing.
In the end, charity, love and kindness will remain.
Poverty is not being less in material things. The greatest poverty is being unloved, being unaccepted.
Remain focused. Pay attention. We are in this world but we are not for this world.
He shared his experience when he was a seminarian. Once a week, they are allowed half a day to go out and buy their necessities. They cross the overpass to go to the mall on the other side. For ten (10) years for him to become a priest, he does that, seeing an old woman and grand daughter begging at the overpass. Now, he has reflected, for that ten years, how many times did he stop to help the old woman and her grand daughter? Was he so focused on becoming a priest that he forgot to become a good Christian?
For my taste test, it would be Nanbantei of Tokyo at Greenbelt 3. Odd. How come most of the restaurants at Greenbelt Japanese?
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| Nanbantei of Tokyo |
They have the Japanese bowls. I wanted to try their
Katsudon (PhP275.00). I asked the server and she recommended the
Salmon Belly Teriyaki (PhP285.00). Thus, salmon it is.
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| Salmon Belly Teriyaki |
I forgot that I just had salmon yesterday at
Conti's. Anyway, it is good. I think I can go back here to try their other dishes. Besides, the staff is very friendly and courteous.
After, I walked around the 3rd floor of
Greenbelt 3 to see what other restaurants I could try. There are two more, both Japanese. Noted that
Gerry's Grill (restaurant) is no longer at Greenbelt.
And of course, I went to
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I had a
Spanish Latte while I started this blog.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Last week's reading is the warning of
prophet Amos on the rich abusing the poor.
For this week, prophet Amos said those in abundance but are not taking care of the poor will be the first to go in exile. There will be swift justice in the end.
The Gospel is the parable of the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus. In the Bible, if the person is named, that person is important. Lazarus means "God is my help".
The rich man did not go to heaven because he is rich. Nor Lazarus went to heaven because he is poor. Being uncharitable, it can be a reason for us not to obtain heaven. Lazarus, in his poverty, is generous and did not do any bad action against the rich man.
God is the owner of everything. We are the stewards.
After the Mass, went to Aquaflask where I bought two (2) tumblers. I will give it to the one who is delivering my ordered food for lunch. My retirement is near and I would no longer be ordering food from them.
Then, went home.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, Spiritual Warfare
Hoshino Coffee
I have a 10 AM appointment with my lady dentist. Left the condominium around 9 AM with my Omega Speedmaster 38mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch (recently updated) on my right. Was at the Catipon Dental Clinic before 10 AM.
I still have time, I have Edgar, the driver, to drop me off at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass. I was able to finish my morning prayers, the Precious Blood Chaplet, and join the community to pray the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
Fr. Paolo started by asking when was the last time you wholeheartedly listened to God? When was the last time you listened to others?
Listening is hard. Sometimes you are already preparing your reply without listening. Speak once, think twice, hear thrice.
We are all called to die... to die to our selfishness, to die to our greed.
We can hear several voices:
- Voice of lies and conspiracy. The author is this is Satan.
- Voice of truth and courage. This is from among principled leaders. But truth is often being ridiculed, being severely opposed to. Stand firm.
- Voice of hopelessness. Hope is not something pious. It is something prophetic. (me from research) The prophetic hope depicted in Isaiah's writings looks to a future "new heavens and a new earth" where there is no more sorrow or destruction.
- Voice of compromise and silence. This is when we tend to look away, when we don't want to engage. To quote: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
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| Hoshino Coffee (exterior) |
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| Hoshino Coffee (interior) |
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| Beef Stew Omu Rice |
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| Homemade Sparkling Lemonade |
Thumbs up 👍 for their lemonade. The beef stew is OK but comparing it with
Single Origin, I prefer the version of the latter.
And again, instead of going to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, decided to start this blog at The Landmark Food Center.
Back to the Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass, I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
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| Padre Pio relic |
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny. At the start of the Mass, he asked to listen intently to the readings and the Gospel.
In the first reading, the Lord will never forget the evil done to the poor.
In the Gospel, the steward made ways for the people who owe his master to have a sense of obligation (utang na loob) to him. Jesus is praising the steward's being astute/ prudent to ensure his future (He is not praising his dishonesty). The evil are using all their resources to achieve their goal. Jesus wants the good people to be serious in doing good.
In the second reading, although they are evil people, we do not wish for their harm. Pray for their conversion.
After the Mass, I went to
Mangan to buy food-to-go. I ordered their Sisig ni Mely (PhP358.00), Hipon sa Aligue (PhP358.00), and Calderetang Baka (PhP498.00).
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| Mangan |
I was supposed to buy Theo's food at Pet Express in SM Makati but it is not available. Edgar already went there and asked their saleslady to reserve dog food in their other branch. So, before proceeding home, passed by Pet Express at SM Hypermart along South Super Highway, to buy the food.
N.B. Tasted the viand I ordered from Mangan. All three have their distinct taste. Happy tummy! BTW if I compare their sisig with Gerry's Grill, I like Gerry's better, even their Bangus ala Pobre.
Labels: Chromebook, computer, dentist, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Consultation
I would be taking a half-day leave for my doctor's appointment in the afternoon. Left for office with my Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
I left the office around 1 PM to go to my doctor at Makati Medical Center. When I arrived there, the door to her clinic was closed as there is an ongoing briefing. Using my chronograph watch, timed how long before I finished my visit. 😆 Started the timer as soon as the door opened. It took an hour and fifteen minutes.
Instead of going straight home, decided to go first at Glorietta. I went to the Seiko Boutique to tell them to remove my name for the Seiko SPB513. Did the same at @Tokyo in SM Makati. Had a merienda at Auntie Anne's (looking for a snack with no meat in it). Dropped by Tudor to ask if the Black Bay 58 diver watch is already available. Not.
When I arrived at the parking lot, Edgar, the driver, is still not there. He must still be having his merienda. Thus, went to The Landmark Food Center. Found him in one of the food court's tables eating Jollibee. Walked slowly at the food court looking for food to eat. Bought chicharon to-go.
Then, home.
Labels: clinic, doctor, food, mall, shopping
MS Edge Landing Page
Never liked the landing page of Microsoft Edge. Why? Because of MSN, a very biased mainstream media (MSM). The usual (propaganda) trick of manipulating the headline of an article, which is effective for people who just read the headline. Anyway, even reading MSN's article shows their bias. Wear your critical thinking hat in order not to be swayed.
So, have been searching how to remove this. Found out how. Click the gear at the upper right and turn-off the "Show content".
MAiSEN, again
Grocery day. Left the condo really late thinking I might not be able to attend the Saturday Mass. But then again, there will just be a few items I would be purchasing. Left with my (black) Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38 mm on my left wrist and an Apple watch on my right.
We were able to find a slot immediately and buying groceries at The Landmark Supermarket is a breeze. Left Edgar, the driver, to bring home our purchases as I walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass.
I was able to pray my Precious Blood Chaplet devotion and join the community to pray The Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
Fr. Paolo started the homily with questions: Are you successful in all aspects of your life? Are you fruitful?
You may be successful but not fruitful. At the same time, you can be fruitful but not successful.
What makes success? All these four should exist for it to be considered successful. (a) Happiness, (b) Achievement, (c) Significance, and (d) Legacy.
If you want to be happy, make other people happy.
Your success serves the greater community of God (legacy).
Fruitfulness comes from knowing our core, which is God. Faithfulness is important. Fruitfulness and faithfulness come from a life of service, a life for others.
With success, we want to be number 1. We also tend to compare with others.
With fruitfulness, mission comes first. Good seeds sown will continue to bear fruit.
After the Mass, I went to Omega at Greenbelt 5. I have a dress watch, a GMT watch, a diver watch. I don't have a chronograph watch. And I decided that this watch would be the Omega Speedmaster 38. When I arrived at the store, there is one customer inside and they would not let me in. Really?! If I return after my lunch and still was not able to enter the store, the watch is not for me.
So for lunch, it would be MAiSEN. This is my second time here and I said I can go back again to eat. This time, I would be trying their tonkatsu, which I think they are known for. I ordered their Loin Katsu Set (PhP480.00). It is good. Happy with my lunch. 😃
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| Loin Katsu Set |
After, went back to Omega. Left the store wearing the Omega watch, with my Hamilton safely tucked in my bag.
Next, I 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 for Charlie Kirk.
Instead of going to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, went to The Landmark Food Center where I started this blog.
Back to the Greenbelt Chapel, I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
In the first reading, the people were complaining. God then sent snakes. They realize the error of their ways, they went to Moses who prayed for them.
Exaltation is manifestation of God's love.
Before, the cross is a sign of sin, a sign of punishment. Crucifixion is the most painful and humiliating way to die.
Are we sincere in our love for God? Are we serious in maintaining our relationship with God?
After the Mass, bought a suction hook at The Landmark's hardware section; bought Fern-C for Lyn at Mercury Drug inside The Landmark; picked up my item at the package counter; bought calcium citrate with vitamin D3, and vitamin D3 at Healthy Options.
Then, home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Deliverance, Makatizen, Laptop, SIM
Took a leave today from the office primarily to attend the online deliverance of Monsignor Rossetti.
To make full use of my leave, decided to do some tasks after the deliverance. Left with my Hamilton Khaki Scuba Auto 40 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
First stop is at Makati City Hall. I received an email that I can proceed to the next step on my application for the Makatizen. The people there are very friendly accommodating. Since they noticed I'll be nearing to become a senior citizen, they listed what I needed to process to get the benefits.
Next stop is at Glorietta. One of my laptops need to have the battery replaced. The laptop needs to be plugged-in to be able to use it. Left it at Asus. Hopefully, they do not format it.
My next stop should have been at Cash & Carry to go to a Smart Business Center. But remembered that there is a PLDT and Smart Business Center at Glorietta, too. Thus, went there instead. I was unable to use my pocket WiFi last Saturday. I saw the message that 3G on my area has been shut down, and I have to have my SIM replaced with an LTE/5G ready SIM. Left with a new SIM. It will be activated within 24 hours.
Then, proceeded home.
Mama Mary's Birthday
It's Mama Mary's Birthday! 🍰
There is actually a 12:15 Mass at the office which Monsignor Matt will preside. But since I am scheduled to work from home, I will be attending the 7:00 AM Mass at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel.
Left the condo with my (grey) Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ramil.
Started with singing a Happy Birthday to Mama Mary. 😃
The birth of Mama Mary is a sign of hope and God's faithfulness.
Even in the old testament, Mama Mary has already been foretold. Genesis 3:15 already points to Mary. "I will make you and the woman hate each other; her offspring and yours will always be enemies. Her offspring will crush your head, and you will bite her offspring's heel." She (Mary) is the one foretold by the prophet Isaiah.
Her simple fiat allowed the Lord to enter the world.
Do we trust in God's timing and His plan even if we do not see the whole picture?
After, passed by McDonald's drive thru for food-to-go before proceeding home.
I was at home before 9:00 AM in time for work.
Labels: Mass
Mango Tree Cafe
First Saturday of September. Left the condo around 9AM with my Timex North Field Post Mechanical Hand-Wound watch on my left wrist and my Apple watch at the right.
When I arrived at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, there is already a penitent at the confessional. I was the next in line. I forgot the name of the confessor. And he did not give me penance...
Unlike for the past first Saturdays where I am short of time, I have a lot of time in my hands while I wait for the Saturday Mass. I was able to finish my morning prayers, pray the Precious Blood Chaplet, pray the chaplet of St. Gertrude (which I was not able to do yesterday), and the requirements for the first Saturday devotion (intention for the reparation for the blasphemies made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, confession, 15-minute meditation on one mystery of the Rosary (The Agony in the Garden), pray a 5-decade Rosary, and the Holy Eucharist.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
Fr. Paolo started with a story of a prostitute who went to the church. But the people inside looked down on her that she went outside. Sad, she met Jesus outside. When asked, she told her what happened. Jesus, then, said to her, not to take it to heart for He, too, wanted to enter the church but was pushed out.
What good is religion if it builds walls instead of doors?
In the Gospel, the religious leaders are condemning Jesus' disciple for breaking the Sabbath law. They are strict in the law, which Jesus commended, but they lack justice, mercy and faith.
For reflection:
- Holiness is grace, a gift of God. We shared this holiness to others.
- Holiness is a journey.
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| Mango Tree Cafe |
They offer meals good for a group; but, also food for solo diners. The waitress recommended the Chicken with Holy Basil or
Gai Pad Grapow (PhP350.00) or Pork with Holy Basil or Moo Pad Grapow (PhP350.00), chose the chicken. Also tried their
Thai iced tea (PhP160.00).
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| Gai Pad Grapow |
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| Thai iced tea |
I am not a fan of the iced tea. Does it have milk? The Gai Pad Gaprow is good but a bit spicy for me. Thanks to the egg and rice, it tamed the spice.
Since I am eyeing a diver watch either a
Tag Heuer or a
Tudor, went to their shops at
Glorietta. The
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date is a sight to behold, especially with the lights focused on them. There are other models that have diamonds on the dial. I like the
Tudor Black Bay 54 but it is not available in the store. I have my name listed as soon as it becomes available. I am being partial to Tudor because the Tudor watch is a Swiss-made mechanical timepiece from a luxury brand founded by
Rolex's Hans Wilsdorf in 1926.
Then, I had a hot tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
Back at the Greenbelt Chapel, I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Joel.
Fr. Joel reminded the messages for the three (3) Sundays: (a) Do not think I have come to bring peace; I bring division. (b) I have come to bring fire into the earth. (c) You must be ready to make a stand.
If anyone comes to me without hating his father, mother, brothers and sisters, you cannot be my disciple. During Jesus' time, even within families there are divisions--faith, beliefs, etc.
Discipleship is costly.
- Christianity is making a stand. If you make a stand in behalf of Jesus, you will have enemies. Revelation 3:20, "Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me."
- Christianity is not only wearing a cross (like a jewelry). It is bearing a cross. In Jesus' time, the Cross is a symbol of death penalty. Follow the hard way of discipleship.
- The family should not stand in the way of God. It should be the way to God. Each family is a domestic church.
After, went to Samsung at Glorietta as Edgar would be buying a mobile phone--it will be an advance for his salary. Will deduct a specific amount semi-monthly until he pays it off.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, tea
Endo and OB Consultation
Took a half-day leave to have the result of my laboratory tests interpreted. Also, already made appointments--one for 6AM, the other for 9AM. Left the condo with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
When I arrived for my endocrinologist appointment at her clinic in Makati Medical Center, I was already fifth in the queue. I am worried about the result of my blood sugar. The medicines are still the same except for Metformin. My doctor says if I eat a lot for dinner, I will have to take two tablets, else just take one tablet. In any case, will have to watch my diet, do the one-minute tiptoed squat and walk (or indoor cycle) around 5 minutes after eating.
The secretary of my OB sent a message that the start of the clinic would have to be moved by 11AM because of an emergency procedure. Decided to still go to her clinic to leave my results and to be first in the queue before having my breakfast.
Left the hospital and crossed the street to have my breakfast at McDonald's.
After, just waited outside her clinic. She arrived around 10AM. I was her first patient.
I was worried about the result of laboratory result most specially the uterus. Good thing she is more into natural healing and does not want to prescribe medicines. Again, a healthy diet I must follow. Lifestyle change?
Then, I was dropped off at my office. Back to reality. LOL
Labels: clinic, doctor, hospital
