My niece has a business at Ayala Center that she joined going to the mall. Me to the salon, etc. She will have her luggage repaired, do groceries and pick-up her office's Christmas gift to their staff.
Left wearing my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
From the salon, passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, bought A4 at Office Warehouse for the documents needed for the Japan Visa, bought my Christmas gift for Lorenz, my service advisor for my Honda HR-V at The Landmark Supermarket.
Learned that my niece is still at the mall. Thus, coordinated our activities so that we will be going home at the same time.
I went to Greenwich Pizza for pizza-to-go, Shakey's for bottled iced tea, Baguio Country Club for the apple cinnamon raisin bread.
It was the Christmas Party of the Family Corporations' staff and I was invited. It will be held at Max's Restaurant at Sucat, Paranaque. It is supposed to start at 11 AM; thus, have to leave the condo around 10 AM. But my tenant sent a message that she would be paying her past due rent as agreed with our payment schedule that we have to leave earlier by 30 minutes to go to the tenant and receive her payment.
Left with my Omega Speedmaster 38 mm (my favorite) on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
We were first in the venue.
The party games started around 11 AM. Buffet lunch at 12 noon. Raffle after eating. The reservation is up to 2 PM; but the party ended earlier.
I asked that I be dropped-off at Glorietta since there's still time to spare before the anticipated Mass.
Glorietta Big Christmas Tree
My feet brought me to Tudor. This shop is weird. Even with my reservation, I was not informed that it is already available. So... I bought it.
Then, proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. I prayed the Precious Blood Chaplet and joined the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary.
The (anticipated) Mass presider is Fr. Ruben.
It is the start of Advent. Preparation of Advent is the preparation of waiting and watching--for the peace in the land, for transformation.
Jerusalem means peace.
As we enter the season of Advent, we long for the coming of the Lord. Are we ready?
Be watchful and be prepared. Watch your words; watch your actions; watch your thoughts; watch your character; watch your heart.
Passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee Churches. I hoped to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer it for the souls in purgatory who sinned through lust.
And for our to-go food, bought <menu items> at Du Hisao Yueh.
Still, I was not able to apply for a retirement benefit claim. At the start of this month, I encountered an error that I am not able to proceed. Relayed this to the office and was advised to try again around the last week of November. I did it yesterday but still I encountered the same error. Since it is hard to reach out via phone, I sent an email. Finally, she reached out to SSS and was advised that I have to submit my application in the SSS office, instead of online. Great!
So, first thing today, I went to SSS. I left around 8 AM with my Chopard Happy Sport on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. The SSS office opens at 8 AM.
What is nice about going early, there will still be a few people around and I can be served immediately. They accepted my documents. Learned that the reason the system is rejecting my application is because there contributions made in my account even before I started work.
Approval usually takes three weeks. If it got rejected, I have to go back and request to update my record to remove the contributions made to my account before I started work. Unfortunately, this update usually takes three (3) months. Great!
After, I asked Edgar, the driver, to drop me off at Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to finish my morning prayer, the Precious Blood chaplet, the St. Gertrude chaplet, and join the community pray the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Marthy. I am not sure but I think he is an exorcist priest.
We reflect on the apocalyptic literature. It is about the end times; but something we should not be afraid of. We are to focus on what matters most.
Apocalyptic means "to unveil".
Focus on the last things--things that last: death, judgment, heaven, and hell.
When we die, our soul will bear the consequences on the choices we made when we were alive.
Amidst all the chaos, God intervenes. God has the last say.
We trust. We believe. We hope. Deep within you, you are seeking the Lord.
After, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. It is one of the Jubilee churches. I hope to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer it for the souls in purgatory who were called to greater holiness but refused.
And for my lunch, went to Bacolod Chicken Inasal. I like their non-meat items here being a Friday. Ordered Bangus Sisig (PhPj287.00), Plain Rice (PhP45.50), Adobong Kangkong with no meat (PhP137.00), and Lecheflanilla (PhP145.00) for dessert.
The TSH result was obtained last Friday. It is below the 28 (minimum) or 30 (recommended) value. When Lyn called the doctor's clinic, she was advised to visit the clinic at ManilaMed.
The doctor noticed that Lyn's TSH is slow in increasing but she said we can already do the procedure. The available date (for the room and the medicine) is on December 15, Monday. This means, she will be discharged from the hospital by December 19. Will have to book her to a budget hotel starting on said date up to December 26 (it was supposed to be December 25, just wanted to be sure her radiation is minimal if not non-existent).
Since we finished around lunch time, decided to have our lunch at El Pollo Loco in Glorietta.
Bought a wedding card (where I will put my gift for the couple and have a friend give it to them as I would not be able to attend their wedding) and DQ's Blizzrd to-go.
At home, I updated my nieces about Lyn's status. Set a date with one of my nieces to help me arrange for the budget hotel. It would be on December 1, Monday.
Left around 10 AM with my Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
What is funny, we are already near the parking lot of the mall that I remembered I forgot to bring my booklet for a Senior Citizen discount on my groceries. So, back we went to pick it up. That is PhP2,500.00 maximum savings for me.
We were able to park immediately and doing the grocery is a breeze. And yes, I was able to get the max allotment for this week. There are specific basic necessities that are included in the Senior Citizen discount for groceries and I was able to use it all! LOL
Left Edgar, the driver, to bring home our purchases as I walk to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass.
I was able to finish my Precious Blood Chaplet devotion, joined the community to pray the Rosary.
Fr. Benny is the Mass presider.
The end of the Church Liturgical Year, which is tomorrow, is when we proclaim Christ is the King of the Universe.
The hypothetical question asked by the Sadducees to Jesus showed us (through Jesus' response) that life on earth is different in the next life. There is no marriage. The only relationship is the relationship with God, which we all aspire for.
Today is the rekindling of our faith in the resurrection; we profess our belief in the resurrection. Actually, the belief in the resurrection also affects how we live.
After the Mass, I noticed one church goer. I do believe she looks like one of our tenants... the one we are planning to evict but was given another chance. Hmm...
For lunch, decided to go again to Single Origin to eat the food I enjoyed then. Ordered the Pork Belly BBQ (PhP495.00) and tried their Pumpkin and Cinnamon Soup (PhP290.00). Oddly, I really liked the food when I tried it here for the first time. What happened...?
Pork Belly BBQ
Pumpkin and Cinnamon Soup
Went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee Churches. I hope to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer it to the souls in purgatory who have sinned against the Eucharist. Uh-oh!
The food was served really late that I don't think I would be going to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Decided to start this blog at the food court of The Landmark instead. 😉
Fr. Ruben is the (anticipated) Mass presider.
The end of the Church Liturgical Year we celebrate Jesus as King of the Universe.
Who or what are the things that you give importance to? Those are your kings. Human kings are flawed.
In Jesus is life.
Is Jesus directing my life today? To whom am I using my energy and time? Where your heart is, there is your treasure.
After the Mass, I passed by BPI to withdraw money from the ATM. This would be my last withdrawal for Lyn's RAI therapy. Bought cream puffs at Beard Papa's and Blizzard at Dairy Queen.
On the way home, passed first at Storage Mart to store the cases of my Swiss watches.
I would be attending the Friday noon Mass at Greenbelt Chapel. Left around 10 AM with my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
I was able to finish my morning prayer, Precious Blood Chaplet, and started the St. Gertrude Chaplet while waiting for the Mass to start. I was able to join the community to pray the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Godwin.
The presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is in the Protoevangelium of James. Mary was brought by her parents to the temple to be presented to God, to be dedicated to God.
Mary is the most beautiful temple, the dwelling place of God. Beautiful because of her purity.
Three (3) things to reflect on the the presentation:
(G)race of God. Everything happens because of God's grace. The hand of God is working the life of Mary. It is for us to remember that God is always journeying with us. Do not underestimate what God can do to our lives.
(G)uidance from her family, specially by her parents. Saints Joachim and Anne are faithful in leading Mary closer to God.
(G)enerosity of Mary. God respects human freedom. Mary is generous in giving her "yes" to God. God was able to accomplish many things through Mary because of her openness and obedience to God.
After the Mass, proceeded to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches. I hope to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer it for the souls in purgatory who willfully rejected Christ's divinity.
And for lunch, I decided to try Bacolod Chicken Inasal as they have fish in their menu. Unfortunately, I cannot compare it with the restaurant I tried yesterday as I would not be eating meat (chicken) today.
Bacolod Chicken Inasal
I ordered their Sinigang Salmon Belly (PhP337.00), plain rice (PhP45.50), and Black Sambo (PhP145.00) for dessert. Not bad. I was not able to finish the viand that I have to bring a doggy bag.
Sinigang Salmon Belly
Black Sambo
Proceeded to BPI to withdraw again from the ATM for Lyn's RAI therapy. Last withdrawal would be tomorrow.
Then, home.
N.B. Edgar would be picking up the result of Lyn's TSH test. It is 25. 😔 I pray that this increases to 30 so that the therapy can begin.
Today, we are scheduled to go to the doctor referred by the doctor of the Adventist Medical Center which was referred to by the general doctor of Lyn. Left around 9 AM with my Rado Centrix Automatic Diamonds on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
We were supposed to leave by 8:30 AM considering the traffic to ManilaMed. I was late. Yet still, we were fourth in the queue.
The doctor explained what will happen:
Lyn should first take a TSH blood test. If result is 30 or more, Lyn is ready to perform the procedure. The doctor said she had a patient who cannot reach the 30 TSH result that she has to give a medicine to do so. This medicine costs more than the RAI itself. But, this is rare.
Doing the procedure in ManilaMed, instead of Manila Doctors, where she also has a clinic allows her to offer us a package (which I prefer).
Last meal should be four (4) hours before the procedure. She can only eat four (4) hours after the procedure. One week before the procedure, Lyn should not be taking food with iodine (seafood, seaweed, dairy products, eggs, bread, fortified foods, iodized salt.
She will be staying in the hospital for four (4) days. The first eight (8) hours are the highest radiation. She shouldn't take a bath for the first 24 hours. After that, she will be taking a lot of baths. Everyday someone will come in to check her radiation level.
When the radiation level is acceptable (often on the fourth day), a full body scan will be performed to check that only the thyroid has been affected and that the cancer has not spread. This usually ends at 8PM so that the patient can travel faster home or next accommodation with less traffic.
Radiation is half-life, which means, every day, it decreases by 50%.
The American Medical Society released that for Lyn's situation, RAI is not needed. But it was observed that for Americans, recurrence is very low, unlike Asians. Americans would also give a low radiation, but not for Asians.
I asked where TSH blood test can be performed, the doctor suggested Hi-Precision which offer a low price. I asked where she can recommend to stay for the 5th to 14th day. She shared what she hears from her other patients.
After, we went to Hi-Precision Diagnostics at Ayala North Exchange which is near our place so it would be easier to get the results. After arranging for Lyn's test, left her to proceed to Glorietta. Edgar will be back to her after dropping me off.
Decided to eat at Food Choices in Glorietta 4. Found a new restaurant beside Eataewon--Chicken Bacolod.
They have meals with unlimited rice (which I am not into). They also have ala-carte. The choice of rice is ordered separately. I ordered Paa (PhP205.00), Garlic Rice (PhP63.00), and Turon with Ice Cream (PhP115.00)
Paa with Garlic Rice
Turon
I think I prefer this over Bacolod Chicken.
Then, I went to BPI to withdraw via ATM I will do this several times to prepare the money needed for Lyn's RAI therapy.
We have a meeting with our other tenant at 3 PM in our Pasay property. Left around 2:30 PM with my (black) Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
With me in the meeting is my nephew and his wife. I thought it would just be a quick meeting. It took about three (3) hours. My nephew and the tenant would be talking about another business; thus, left them.
Since the tenant's mother would have her birthday tomorrow, decided to give her a Keto cake. Went first to Glorietta to buy the cake before proceeding home.
Edgar, the driver, will give the cake to her tomorrow.
I would be accompanying Lyn to the doctor regarding the radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy being recommended for her. Left around 9:30 AM with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
Last Friday, she already went to her doctor to show him the laboratory result of the specimen removed from her last operation. Her doctor recommended a doctor to go to (very good) instead of us going from one hospital to another starting at San Juan De Dios Hospital (which the surgeon recommended) to consult about the RAI therapy.
Dr. Hernandez of Adventist Medical Center Manila reviewed the result and said it was Stage 1B. There were new instructions that RAI is not needed in the case of Lyn because it is low risk. But for him, personally, if he has a family member who is in the same state as Lyn, he would recommend that they undergo the RAI therapy.
Since we still wish to proceed, he recommended a doctor who has clinics at ManilaMed and at Manila Doctors Hospital. Chose going to ManilaMed because she has more clinic hours in this hospital. Based on the hospital's website, her clinic is every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturday in the morning. Thinking we would be able to be there before 4PM, decided to go there.
But first, we stopped at The Aristocrat for our very late lunch.
When we arrived, her clinic was closed. Saw that there is a list outside clinic where you would write the pateint's name. And the time indicated is 10AM to 1PM. Hmmm.... TXTed the number written in the notice. There is a clinic on Thursday from 10AM to 1PM on a first-come first-served basis. Will just be back on Thursday.
Before proceeding home, we passed by Cash & Carry Mall to buy eye drops at Mercury Drug. Also bought lechon to-go, and ice cream from Dairy Queen.
With the demise of my sibling and me having retired from work, I have more time monitoring our tenants. Based on what my nieces, my nephew, and I agreed , we will "reset" how we will manage our apartments. Thus, set a meeting today at 9AM with them. With my Omega Speedmaster 38mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right, left around 8:30 AM for the meeting.
On the way, one tenant TXTed me that she will be late as she has an appointment with the doctor around the same time. Duh?! In spite of me advising them two weeks before about this meeting, she still set another appointment. Told her to have someone represent her as I do not want to repeat myself--especially she is one of the delinquents.
When I arrived, another delinquent is not there. There is no answer when I tried calling his mobile phone. I was informed that he was supposed to TXT me telling me he would not be able to join the meeting. I have not received the SMS. Whether he TXTed me or not, this angered me. Good thing he was actually there because I saw the light in his apartment turn on then off. Hmmm... And during the meeting, I am not sure if he is listening as he is just looking at his mobile phone. 😡
This is the first time I would be using my portable printer. I wanted to give them a hard copy of the Minutes as soon as we finish, have them sign that they received the Minutes, and talk to them on the arrangement as to when they would pay their past due rent.
There is also a tenant we already plan to evict, and I told her so. Actually, I did not prepare a past due rent payment agreement for her, unlike the others. She requested if she can leave by end of December. I told her this further increases her debt. I bluffed her that if she can pay half by end of November, we can talk. She called the bluff. There would be two possible outcomes for this: (a) She will observe the agreement, (b) She won't be paying half by end of November for it is just her way to extend and give her time to pack-up and leave.
Anyway, talked to her on a payment scheme. If she misses one of them, she has to leave the premises, which she concurs. Right then and there, I prepared a Past Due Rent Payment Agreement, have it printed and signed. I think this is the third agreement with her. The difference? She knows I am serious that we plan to evict her if she defaults.
Two of the tenants cannot be on site, thus, they joined via Zoom call.
The one who joined the Zoom call is in their office, which is near the apartment. So, passed by her office, gave her a copy of the Minutes and the payment scheme for them to sign.
Now, I still have time to attend the Saturday Mass. I asked Edgar, the driver, to drop me off at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
He started by asking if all our prayers been answered by God. God answers yes, no or not yet.
God's yes is not according to what we want but according to His wisdom and ways. It reveals His providence, His provisions. No is for our protection or redirection. Not yet prepares our hearts, God purifies our desires.
Providence. Protection. Purification. There is another "P"--perspective.
Pointers for reflection for the challenge of prayer, faith. We need a lot of patience--patience with God, patience with people, patience with ourselves. Patience, perseverance, persistence. Real prayer is praise. Prayer is process, path, pilgrimage.
Prayer is ACTS. (A)doration, (C)ontrition, (T)hanksgiving, (S)upplication. The highest form of prayer is praise because it is God-centered.
Every time we sin, we forget. Every time we pray, we remember.
After, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. It is one of the Jubilee Churches. I hope to gain a plenary indulgence and offer it for the clergy who failed to properly teach the faith.
For lunch, I decided to eat at The Landmark's food court. I wanted to eat quickly and start updating my blog.
Of course, plan to update my blog at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Because the have double stamp day for their promo, there were a lot of people in the queue. Their tables are also almost full. Have to skip this place and went to Glorietta's Food Choices. Tried Pickup Coffee's Kape Kastila.
By 3:30 PM, I walked my way back to Greenbelt Chapel 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.
Fr. Benny started by reading the pastoral letter of Cardinal Advincula.
The Gospel is about the end times.Persevere in our faith. When that time comes, we are qualified to go to heaven.
I decided to apply for my Yellow Card. Requirements include the filled-up form, copy of the White Card (Senior Citizen Card), copy of the PhilHealth MDR (whose records I have recently updated to reflect my current address and for Senior Citizen), and latest Voter Certificate.
Since COMELEC is just across the Makati City Hall, it would be easy to get the latest Voter Certificate. Nope! They are in satellite offices, I can only get my Voter Certificate next week. I have one but it is not recent. Anyway, have it xeroxed. I hope that my application will be accepted. And they did. They said to expect the Makati Action Center (MAC) visit next week.
Then, I asked that I be dropped off at Glorietta. Will deposit a check at BPI. Unfortunately, the branch opens at 11 AM and I do not want to be late in attending the Friday Mass. Will just pass by later.
I walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to join the community to pray the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Norman.
He started by asking: Do you love yourself? How? Do you take care of yourself?
If you do not take care of yourself, how can you take care of others?
As what Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, when you are humble, neither praise or insult harm you.
I got distracted in Mass that I decided not to take communion. 😔 This also means, I won't be able to gain a plenary indulgence when I visit the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel, one of the Jubilee churches. Still, I went.
For lunch, I went to Mann Hann for they offer rice toppings--it means I can eat solo (not order food for more than one person).
Then, went again to BPI where I was able to deposit the check to my account before proceeding home.
Enchanted Kingdom. This is where I used to bring my nieces and nephews every December 30 as my Christmas gift to them. It is also a way for them to bond.
This time, I would be bringing Joven, Lyn's nephew, to show him around. With us is Luis, Edgar's son, who skipped school today. LOL. We've got discounts. A student ID qualifies for two in our party to have the student discount, and my Senior Citizen discount. This means, a regular day pass for Edgar, the driver.
Luis and Joven was able to take most of the (free) rides except for the kiddie rides (of course), BumpNSplash, Disk-O-Magic, Rio Grande Rapids, and Swan Lake. Tried the (paid) 7D Interactive Motion Theater. It was awesome. Rialto was used to be 3D, now it is 4D.
There were actually new rides since the last I have been here. There's the Twin Spin, Midway Mirror Maze (paid), Kinder Magic (not sure if free or paid), Laser Mission 2.0 (paid), EKlipse, and EKaleidoscope (not sure if free or paid).
The Agila The EKsperience: Saribuhay is already available last time I was here but did not try it. This time, we did.
The opening of the amusement park is at 11 AM. It so happens, there are schools who also scheduled their outing at EK today. I think there would be queue to the rides but not as much as that we experiences on December.
EKstreme Tower Ride
So I decided to take four (4) rides first before having our lunch. And for lunch, we took it at the Amazon Grill as the student promo also gives free drinks in this restaurant. Also, the venue is air-conditioned, a welcome respite from the heat.
Ice Cream Cake
There will be a fireworks display is around 7 PM. After that, we will be going home. Which I think most of the EK guests will also do. We had an early dinner around 5:30 PM as we waited for the fireworks display.
Left the condo really late that I don't think I would be able to attend the Saturday Mass. Left with my Omega Speedmaster 38mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
There were lots of cars already in the parking lot. I think everyone is panic-buying at the supermarket because of the incoming Super Typhoon Uwan.
This would be my first time using my Senior Citizen for my groceries. And I was able to use the allotment for this week! PhP2,500.00. 🙏
I would be having a meeting with our tenants next Saturday. In case my portable printer arrives, I would like to print immediately the minutes of said meeting and give it to them. So bought a pack of short bond paper and pack of legal bond paper at the Office Warehouse inside The Landmark.
I went to Edgar by the parking lot to give him my purchases to bring home but bought him first an Aquaflask tumbler as the one I gave him before (unknown brand) started leaking.
For my taste test, it would be Eataewon.
Eataewon
I asked the server what she would recommend. She said that their bestseller are Bulgogi Over Flowers (PhP329.00) and Pork Knight (PhP329.00). For a small amount, you can have an add-on drink. I chose Bulgogi Over Flowers and add-on of Lemonade Celery.
Bulgogi Over Flowers
Not bad. Learned that the name of the meal was based on a K-novela.
After, I proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Saint John Lateran Basilica was donated by the Lateran Family. It is dignified by four (4) Ecumenical Councils. 28 Popes were buried there. It is the Cathedral in Rome.
Why dedicate a church?
There's a place for everything. Whatever you do in the house, there's a place--bedroom for sleeping, kitchen for cooking, etc. There's a place for praying. The church is dedicated for us to gather and pray.
It is a symbol of the presence of our faith, our Church.
For God's presence not only symbolically. God's presence is (a) in the Scripture, (b) in the congregation, (c) in the priest, and (d) the altar.
God is present through the people.
Then, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee Churches. I hope to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer it for the souls in purgatory who sinned against marriage (fidelity, etc.).
Because of the impending (super) Typhoon, I thought of buying extra food. Thus, I went to the department store's basement where the food court and supermarket is located. Bought empanada-to-go at Red Ribbon.
It is the First Friday of November 2025. When I was still working, I would be attending the noon Mass held at the office. This time, I would be attending the Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Joven, Lyn's nephew, decided to have his first confession; thus, he would be joining me.
Left the condominium around 8:30 AM with my Hamilton Navy Khaki Scuba on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
We were dropped-off at Greenbelt Chapel. Joven was fourth in the queue to the confession. I was praying while waiting for him.
When he was finished, toured him around Greenbelt while taking photos of him. We went back to the Church before 11 AM so that we could attend the Saturday Mass. We were also able to join the community in praying the rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The steward was commended for being prudent but not his dishonesty. His attitude for the certainty of his future is what Jesus is reminding us of.
If we want something, we focus on it. The evil-doers are more prudent in doing evil than the do-gooders doing good.
After the Mass, we went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel, one of the Jubilee churches, at The Landmark in hope to gain a plenary indulgence. For my indulgence, I offer it for the souls in purgatory who failed to baptize their children.
Today's the meeting with my two cousins and our lawyer. Left around 8:30 AM with my (black) Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on my left wrist and my Apple watch on the right to meet the 10 AM schedule.
I thought it would only be up to lunch time. It extended to 3 PM. I hoped I would be able to reach PhilHealth to have my records corrected, again.
On the way, checked the business hours of PhilHealth. It is up to 5 PM. We were near the area by 4:05 PM. Experienced benefits of being a senior citizen. LOL. Was in the priority queue that it took me a few minutes to finish my business.
Then, proceeded to Glorietta to have my updated PhilHealth ID laminated at National Bookstore.
And the first time I got the Senior Citizen's discount is at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Destined? LOL. I was also able to complete my stamp card and got the freebie tumbler.
Yesterday, I called the SSS Call Center by dialing 1455. I wanted to know if I have to go physically to their branch in order to update my home address. I can update the mailing address, mobile number, and email address via My.SSS. I wanted all my information correct before I apply for the retirement claim. I also learned that the number coding scheme is still not in place. Thus, I can walk in to any of the SSS branches.
Left the condo around 9:30 AM with my (black) Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
First stop is at SSS Makati-Chino Roces. When I arrived, there were still not much people. Must be because of the inclement weather. Thus, I was able to update my information in a breeze. I would just apply for the retirement claim online upon arriving home.
Next stop is PhilHealth. We thought that their office is along Buendia Avenue. Nope. Their new office is at Chino Roces Extension--PhilHealth Magallanes Service Office. I have my records updated even got a PhilHealth card.
For lunch, we went to Mongolian Quick Box at Waltermart.
Mongolian Quick Box
Proceeded to Glorietta, where I bought a slipper at SM because the shoes I am wearing will have to be repaired. This means, I would be walking around the mall wearing the new slippers while Edgar would be bringing the shoes to Mr. Quickie for repair. LOL Have the IDs laminated at National Bookstore--the Senior Citizen Card and the PhilHealth Card. That is when I noticed that the address in the PhilHealth Card is wrong!!! Oh, no... I have to go again to PhilHealth to have it corrected. Maybe on Thursday after my meeting with my cousins.
Since I have to buy medicines, I would try using my Senior Citizen Card for the 20% discount. That's when I learned that I must have the prescription to get the discount. Good thing there is the Unilab-Mercury Drug partnership where I can avail the medicine at 22% off. And so, I will have to use the Senior Citizen Card at a later time. 😀
Then, home.
N.B. I was trying to apply for the Retirement Claim in SSS but keep getting an error. Thus called our office and was advised to do it last week of November as there is still an incoming contribution to SSS for October.
Today is the first weekday of my retirement. My retirement is effective on November 1, 2025. Thus, I will be doing tasks related to my clearance (in order to get my separation pay) and my application for senior citizen to avail of its benefits.
Left the condo around 9 AM with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left write and my Apple watch on my right.
My business in the morning is a breeze:
Went to our Ortigas office to return my office ID and access card to HR. This is one of the requirements for my clearance.
Went to our other building to drop the exorcism oil and Miraculous Medal which I promised an officemate.
Went to the Metrobank branch where I already have a Savings Account to open a Checking Account this time.
For lunch, Edgar, the driver, and I ate at El Pollo Loco in Glorietta.
El Pollo Loco
Now, I have enough time to apply for Senior Citizen. Went to Makati City Hall thinking that I have all the requirements. Wrong! I need a Barangay Clearance specifically for the senior citizen application.
So went first to our condominium to ask for a certification from the Administration. I am sure that this would be one of the requirements for the Barangay Clearance aside from a copy of my ID (driver's license). Then, proceeded to the Barangay Hall.
Again, I went back to Makati City Hall with the missing requirement. Left with the Senior Citizen Card and a booklet for the groceries. I will have the Senior Citizen Card laminated tomorrow.
Although I attended the 4:30 PM Mass at Greenbelt Chapel yesterday, we were not advised that doing also already meets our Sunday obligation. Thus, I will be attending the 8:30 AM Mass at the Holy Family Parish.
By 8 AM, with my Rado Centrix Automatic Diamonds on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right, walked my way to the Church.
The Mass is in Tagalog. The Mass presider the parish priest, Fr. Hector Ulysses Canon.
From November 1 to 8, the faithful can gain a Plenary Indulgence applicable to the Poor Souls in Purgatory everyday on the following conditions:
To have the intention of gaining the Indulgence.
To have no attachment even to venial sin.
Visit a cemetery.
Pray for the Poor Souls.
Have confessed their sins (either 8 dates before, or after their visit).
Receive Holy Communion on the day of their visit.
Pray for the habitual intentions of the Pope (as stated above).
On 2 November, the faithful can gain a Plenary Indulgence applicable only to the Poor Souls in Purgatory provided that they:
Have the intention of gaining the Indulgence.
Have no attachment even to venial sin.
3Visit a church or a public/semi-public oratory/chapel.
Pray 1 Our Father and Credo.
Have confessed their sins (either 8 days before, or after this date).
Receive Holy Communion on the day itself.
Pray for the habitual intentions of the Pope (i.e., exaltation of the Church, propagation of the Faith, extirpation of heresies, conversion of sinners, harmony of Christian rulers and other needs of the Christian people). For this, 1 Our Father, Hail May and Glory Be, will suffice.
The usual activity during November 1 is to visit our dearly departed at the Manila Memorial Cemetery and at the Sgt. Mariano Cemetery. The difference? It is the first Saturday of November 2025!!! Instead of buying food-to-go at Pancake House in Magallanes, which takes a long time, we will be having our breakfast at a McDonald's, buying food-to-go for Lyn and Sintaro, and drop me off at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for my First Saturday Devotion.
Left the condo around 4AM with my Omega Speedmaster 38mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. With me is Joven, Lyn's nephew, so he can see the cemetery here in Manila. LOL. With Edgar, the driver, is his son, Monay.
I light candles for the dead while praying the Panalangin Kung Dumadalaw Sa Isang Libingan (which includes sprinkling holy water on their grave to ease their suffering if they are still in purgatory), one decade of the Holy Souls Rosary, and Panalangin Kung Aalis Na Sa Libingan.
Our first stop is at the Manila Memorial Park where my aunt and uncles rest. At the grave of Mommy Cora (my Nanay's sister), Uncle Terry, and Ate Marisel, we prayed the first mystery of the rosary.
At Manila Memorial Park
At the grave of Uncle Ben, we prayed the second mystery of the rosary.
By 5AM, we are already on our way to the Sgt. Mariano Cemetery (also known as the Pasay Municipal Cemetery).
Sgt. Mariano Cemetery
We were just in time as we would be able to attend an online Mass on said cemetery. My set-up includes the mobile WiFi, Chromebook, and speakerphone.
Online Mass at Sgt. Mariano Cemetery
Here, we prayed the third (for all our departed resting in this cemetery including my Tatay, Nanay, Lolo and Lola from my mother side), fourth (for Nana, Lily, Vangie, and Edgar's dead), and fifth mysteries (for Lyn's/ Joven's dead).
They also lit candles and prayed at the chapel for their dead that are in the provinces.
Chapel at Sgt. Mariano Cemetery
Visited Tita Leony, whose remains are also at Sgt. Mariano Cemetery.
For breakfast, we ate at the Makati Cinema Square branch of McDonald's.
After, I was dropped off at Greenbelt Chapel.
I was second in line for the confession. Then, meditated for 15 minutes on the Crowning with Thorns, prayed the rosary, and participated in the (Saturday) Mass, offering it as reparation for the blasphemies made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny. The Mass celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints.
He started by asking who wanted to be a saint.
Saints include those who are recognized by the Church and those known only by God. Saints are intercessors. Today is a motivation for us to be saints. To go to heaven, we have to be holy, we have to be saints.
Beatitudes are the way to live holy.
After the Mass, proceeded to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches in hope to gain a plenary indulgence for all souls in purgatory.
Went to General Photo to have a 1x1 photo taken. Need this to apply for the Senior Citizen. I can get it after 30 minutes. Decided to have lunch first and will pick up the photo later.
I wanted to eat at Mamak Kopitiam; but, it is closed. Not sure if it was closed because it is a holiday, although, I don't think so. Thus, ate at Fiery Style instead. Ordered their Steak Frites (PhP498.00).
Steak Frites
Proceeded to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to start this blog. It is double stamp day; thus, I chose their Christmas drink.
By 3:30PM, I was on my way back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. I was already late that the Divine Mercy Chaplet is already half-way and I think I slept while the rosary was being prayed.
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave.
Odd... the Mass is still for the Solemnity of All Saints. Now, I am not sure if attending this Mass already means I have done my Sunday obligation. Decided to finish the Mass and wait for Fr. Dave's instruction that it is so.
He started with the movie Gattaca: We can be cloned but only God can create a soul.
Soul is vital for life. It is the moral foundation on how you live your life.
Not all souls will be saints. The gift of faith is to see what we believe. The failure to become a saint is the greatest failure of humanity.
As we pray for the souls in Purgatory, do not forget to pray for your own souls.
And Fr. Dave did not mention attending this Mass already observed my Sunday obligation. 😞 I asked the reader, she said that it is. I just had my confession and I would be more comfortable if Fr. Dave said it is during the closing of the Mass. Decided that I will attend Mass again tomorrow.
For our food-to-go, I decided to try Manam. My niece insists the food here is good. From the menu, it is easy identify which are favorites, which are a must try. So, ordered House Crispy Sisig, Sinigang na Beef Short Rib & Watermelon, and Gising-Gising--all tagged as favorites.
Brought the food to the car leaving my bags. Then, Edgar and I went to Pet Express to buy Theo's food. I let Edgar bring our purchases to the car while I go back to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to avail of the double stamp in order to get the freebie faster. Bought four (4) Pure Double Chocolate Frappuccino. It means I have an additional 8 stamps. I just need five (5) more.
