Finally, the final computation has been approved. Now, I just have to submit a signed, notarized quitclaim so that my previous company can start processing to credit my separation pay. At least, everything in relation to my retirement has been completed, or for completion, prior to our Japan trip.
Brought the document to the Ortigas office.
What is funny, the guard assigned to the floor I went to knows me. He knows my office before at is North Tower but I am dropped-off/ picked-up at South Tower. He even asked if I still walk in place--which I do to meet the 10,000 steps. Must be because I like talking to guards, salesperson, janitor, etc. Often while walking in the mall, someone smiles at me. I smile back thinking what store/ shop did I meet him/ her. Hehehe!
Walked my way to SM Megamall where Edgar has the car parked, passing by The Podium. I also asked him to look for the medicine in the mall.
I was able to buy one and we had our lunch at Conti's.
Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce
From Megamall, we went to Ayala Land. I was dropped off at Glorietta 5 so I can go to Uniqlo. I was able to buy additional shirts. I then went to SM Makati to go to Miniso where I was able to buy an eye mask. Bought permanent markers at National Bookstore. I was supposed to buy cloth marker; but it is not available. The saleslady suggested the oil-based Sharpie permanent marker.
Started my bullet journal (if you can call it that) on December 20, 2025. Why? Because I want to use my fountain pens as much as possible. LOL. And also, because of this video.
It is simple yet you already have your...
to-do list or actions;
- thoughts or learnings;
= feelings, both physical and emotional (this, I think, some items I cannot write in this blog); and
¢ events.
I make sure I write every day. I also write at the top of the page a Bible verse found in any of the (Catholic) Bible readings (reading/s and Gospel) for the day.
And with my thermal label printer, added pictures when necessary. I think this actually triggered again my interest in photography (although I don't think it really waned) especially instant printed images.
Since it is not grocery day and I have no plans in the morning, left around 2:30 PM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right, to attend the anticipated Mass at Greenbelt Chapel.
I was dropped off at The Landmark since there is still time to tick-off some of the items on my list that I plan to bring to my Japan trip. Went to the supermarket to buy those items. Then, visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel.
After, proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to pray the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet and join the community to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
All the readings are connected.
The first reading gave the very context of the two readings to follow. This reading is on the sin of Adam and ever. The serpent tempted them. It is the story of our life: us wanting to be independent from God, we make ourselves as a god, a way of idolatry; disobey God and defy what God wants us to do; we want to attain want we want and not the will of God.
The second reading is about Jesus, and Mama Mary's, obedience. The second Adam and Eve. Through the disobedience of one man (Adam), many are made sinners. With the obedience of one (our Lord, Jesus Christ), many will be righteous.
The Gospel is the temptation of Jesus Christ by the devil. During Jesus' baptism, God's voice will be heard in (through) Jesus.
"Command the stone to become loaves of bread." The Scriptures may be used by anyone, including the devil. God's Word will make us contented in this life and beyond.
"Throw yourself down for the angels will protect you." "You shall not put the Lord, Your God, to the test." This is about popularity. Jesus does not want people to follow because of His popularity; but, for them to follow because they want to have a relationship with God.
"All things I will give to you if you prostrate before me." "Only the Lord, your God, you will worship."
All these temptations because Satan wants Jesus to disobey His Father, to be derailed of His mission.
Point of the Church for this Lent: repentance and obedience to the Lord.
After the Mass, went to Peri-Peri to buy food-to-go. While they are preparing my order, left to go National Bookstore and SM Stationary to buy pens I can use for my Instax film (Sharpie ultra fine point permanent marker) and for checks (uni-ball signo). Also went to Watsons to buy band-aid and medicine. The medicine is not available.
Since Edgar, the driver, is still not around since he brought my niece back to her condo, picked up my food and went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I had a frappuccino.
As soon as Edgar arrived, brought my purchases to the car. Left him to buy medicine. I went to Mercury Drug at The Landmark but there are many people on the queue. So crossed to the branch of Mercury Drug at The Link. The medicine is also not available. They kindly called other branches in the Makati area; the medicine is out of stock. (sad)
While waiting for the feedback which branch the medicine is available, I asked Edgar to go to me, get the receipt so he can pick up the bag I had repaired.
I asked Edgar to check in the Pasay area the availability of the medicine. Also on Monday, to remind me to check the Ortigas area since I will be going to (my former) office to submit the requirement for my separation pay so that they can process it already.
I will be attending the Friday Mass at Greenbelt Chapel. Left with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
I was dropped-off at Greenbelt.
I was able to finish my morning prayers, the Precious Blood of Jesus Chaplet, and joined the community to pray Sacred Heart prayer and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
In the Jewish tradition, during weddings, even on the day of the wedding, people fast so that the groom will come and agree to the wedding.
In the Bible, the relationship between Israel and God is reflected as the relationship of husband and wife.
The disciples are not fasting while Jesus is with them. Since the Lord has ascended and we are waiting for His coming, thus, we fast.
Fast should be combined with prayer, fast should be combined with acts of charity. Fast should be letting God reign in our hearts and emptying ourselves of selfishness.
After the Mass, I took photos again using my Lomo'Instant Automat Glass. One is a multiple exposure with the images of Saint Joseph, Mama Mary, and the Sto. Niño. The other is the altar up to the ceiling.
Holy Family (Lomo'Instant Automat Glass, multiple exposure)
Father and Son (Lomo'Instant Automat Glass)
Bought a toothbrush and small toothpaste at The Landmark. I will be bringing it to Japan. I went up the 5th Floor to visit the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel.
And for lunch, my usual every Friday, Bacolod Chicken Inasal. I ordered Sinigang sa Batwan Bangus Belly (PhP337.00), Plain Rice (PhP45.50), Suman Fiesta (PhP173.00).
Suman Fiesta
Then, I went to beabi, to National Bookstore (looking for uni-ball signo ballpen), and to SM Stationary (where I was able to buy a black uni-ball signo pen). The reason I wanted to use this ballpen because it can serve as a security tool for your checks. I learned that checks can be "washed" with acetone; thus, removing what was written on the check--even allowing modification to the amount written on the check. The ink of this pen will withstand this.
While waiting for Edgar to pick me up in order to go home, I saw an e-mail from HR informing me that the final computation has been approved and referred me to someone I can discuss. Finally! Called her when I got home.
I will be attending the Ash Wednesday Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Left around 9:20 AM with Swatch Greenshift Glow on my left wrist and my Apple watch on the right.
I know I would be late for the 9 AM Mass but very early for the 10:30 AM Mass. Instead, as soon as I arrived at the chapel, the Mass was about to end with the priest giving his blessing. Then people started queuing to have ashes put on their foreheads. Unlike what I did last December 25 and January 1, I proceeded to my favorite seat. I was able to finish my morning prayers, and joined the community to pray the Rosary and the Mother of Perpetual Help Novena.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ronaldo.
When Lent enters, we often think about our personal dealings with God. It reminds us of what things to let go, and things we should acquire. But Lend is not just about personal journey--it is also a relational journey. Conversion is the endpoint of this journey.
The three pillars of Lent: (a) Prayer intensifies our relationship with God. (b) Almsgiving and (c) fasting makes us go closer to one another.
We not only ask for God’s forgiveness; but, we should also be channels of love and forgiveness.
Putting ash on our forehead: Ash reminds us who we are. And in spite of who we are, we are loved by God.
Ashes were placed on the foreheads after the Mass.
I passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Then, to Besa's hoping that the camera bag I had repaired is already available. Nope. And for lunch, I ordered at MAiSEN and ate at Food Choices.
Before going, I have items in my list: lens tissue (to clean camera's lens), and mouse (not a logi mouse since my laptop is always encountering driver error with my current logi mouse). I went to Henry's Cameras (where a bought cleaning set which includes a blower, lens brush and microfiber), DataBlitz, PixelPlay, Silicon Valley, Octagon Computer Superstore, and Asus (where I bought an Asus mouse hoping that since my laptop is also an Asus, I would no longer have issue with my mouse).
A friend who is still in the camera club invited me to join them in their photo shoot today. Meet-up is at Starbucks of Pacific Center Building in Binondo around 12 noon. So, left the condominium around 10:30 AM with my Apple watch on my left wrist.
I arrived at the venue before 12 noon but I cannot find Sam. I was at the door of the coffee shop looking for him. Then, Kuya Nick saw me. Thus, joined them at their table. When they left to do more shooting, I stayed to wait for Sam. Actually, he was already at Starbucks since; but, at the second floor. And he has eaten his lunch already!!! And I thought we would be doing a food trip...
What is nice, the older members of the camera club still remember me. There was Nick, Edwin, Caloy, Chito, Nestor, and Lea.
Dragon for the Dragon Dance (instax mini Evo, vivid, vignette)
By the canal (instax mini Evo; light leak)
By the canal (Canon PowerShot SX70 HS printed in instax mini Evo)
When I was able to take my "fill", said goodbye to the group. I am truly hungry. Timing is important. If we left much later, we would not be able to leave the area immediately especially once the parade starts.
Using Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Using Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
Went to Glorietta to have my late lunch at Nanyang.
Decided to look for a soap dish for travel as well as the Muji pouch to make my bag "organized". Went to beabi (will look around before I go back if I did not find a soap dish for travel), True Value, Nitori (where I bought a spray), and Muji (where I bought a pouch).
I left the condominium a few minutes before 10 AM, which means, I am late for my appointment. I am wearing the black Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
My morning is spent at Coco Grace Salon at The Link. While "relaxing" 😆, I was able to finish my morning prayers and the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet.
After, I visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Ordered take-out at Greenwich. Since my order will be ready in 25 minutes, I went to beabi to see if I can buy a soap dish I can use for travel. And of course, I bought a bottle of iced tea at Shakey's. Picked-up my order at Greenwich and called Edgar to pick me up at Glorietta.
Before going home, I passed by Cash and Carry Mall to buy ice cream at Dairy Queen.
Home, I learned that Lyn is having abdominal pains starting at 1 PM. Wanted to be sure it is not appendicitis else we have to bring her to the hospital. The pain is not stabbing and not in the lower right of the abdomen. She can't describe the pain. I remember when I experienced that, it was because of gas. Efficascent oil helps me to fart. 😂 I lent Lyn my recently bought electric heating pad and it seems to help her. I also asked Edgar, the driver, to buy a bottle of efficascent oil and bring it to us. I hope it will help her.
Left the condominium around 10 AM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right. I also brought my new camera bag to have it repaired--the snap at the side got broken.
As soon as we arrived at the parking lot, we went to Alterations Plus. They will have to bring the bag to have it repaired and will take about two (2) weeks. They can already do alterations at the shop. Two weeks is too long.
Next, I went to Besa's Footwear and Bag Restoration. It would take one (1) week. But somehow I trust this repair shop as I previously had one of my bags repaired. I was pushed back by PhP2,500.00. The question now is what camera bag would I be bringing when I do a photo shoot for the Chinese New Year? I can only get the bag on Thursday while the Chinese New Year shoot would be on Tuesday.
On the way to The Landmark Supermarket to buy some groceries, there is an event at the Glorietta Activity Center. There are set-ups you can use as background when you take photos for Valentine's. I took a photo of Edgar, the driver, as if he is calling inside a telephone booth which is decorated with flowers. He can then send the photo to his common-law wife who happens to be in the province to greet her on Valentines.
Aside from groceries, I also bought a small heart-shaped chocolate for the couple I met at Greenbelt Chapel and became friends with. It is Valentine's day.
I won't be able to attend the Saturday Mass so went for an early lunch. Will try the Karayama. It is at One Ayala and I have not tried it. It touts itself as Japan's crunchiest fried chicken.
Karayama
I ordered their Regular Karayama Set (PhP339) with sauces Gokudare and Ginger Sauce. Also tried their frizz drink Cherry Blossom (PhP170.00). The chicken is crunchy. And for the frizz drink, every time I take a sip, I burp. LOL.
Karayama Set
Cherry Blossom
Passing by SM Store, I bought a pouch which I can put the bottles of medicine I would be bringing to Japan. At one of the stalls at Glorietta, I bought a case for my iPhone 11 Pro. I hope this will last longer than the phone. 😀
Of course, I had a hot tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog. It is the first time I have asked for their WiFi's password. LOL
By 2 PM, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. I finished my morning prayers and prayed the Precious Blood of Jesus Chaplet.
I was able to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary with the community at Greenbelt Chapel.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospel is about our Lord Jesus wanting us not to sin.
The sermon is not just about the action but the root of the sin. Anger versus kill, look at others with lust versus adultery, do not swear at all versus false oaths. It is attacking our approach to temptation. It is not just confronting the sin but our response to temptation.
Valentines day is a situation of temptation.
Avoid temptation. If temptation comes to you, you still have a choice. What is being challenged is our relationship with God. Our faith is tested.
On every occasion we must be able to express our love for God.
Before going home, I passed by Lord Stow's Bakery to buy Bagnet Chicharon and Barquiron. Also bought banana bread at Baguio Country Club.
N.B. Today, I was putting the instax mini 99 through it's paces. Not happy. At least yesterday, I was able to get two out of two good shots (with three spoiled films as I did not load the film properly). Today, not one photo I liked. 😔
I left the condominium around 10 AM with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right, to attend the Friday Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I also brought with me my Lomo'Instant Automat Glass and my instax mini 99 in hope to buy a bag that fits said cameras and their accessories.
I was able to finish my morning prayers, started with my Precious Blood Chaplet, and joined the community to pray the Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer and the Rosary. In between prayers, I decided to take a multiple exposure photo using my Lomo'Instant Automat Glass. Luv it!
At Greenbelt Chapel Multiple Exposure using Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
The image of Mama Mary is that of the Miraculous Medal. Looking straight at it, it is like she is looking down with her hands outstretched. But taking the photo right by her foot, it now looks like she is looking up to God the Father (the image is in the ceiling of the chapel), praising Him. Nice. The image is pretty sharp. I could say that among my instant cameras, my favorite is the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ryan.
We thought we had solved the problem of isolation, the problem of silence because of the tools to communicate. Though we are the most connected generation in history, we are become the most disconnected. Too many like, few true friends; endless messaging apps, but hardly establish a real connection.
If human connection is like digital connection, the world would be a joyful place. But there is more loneliness, stressed, anxious. We have confused information with intimacy. We know what our neighbors ate for lunch but we don't know the real stories.
We are physically capable of speaking and hearing; but, spiritually and emotionally we have become deaf and mute. We have lost the frequency of the human heart.
When Jesus said, "Be open", He is not just healing the person but He is also restoring the person to his community, restoring a real connection, restoring a real relationship.
To be open today means breaking free from the screens that act as walls, realizing the likes, the hearts, the shares are not a substitute for the hugs, and a text is not a substitute for a real visit.
We can be open in three ways:
1.Be open to the Word. Hear God’s quiet whisper in prayer.
2.Be open to our families.
3.Be open to a stranger. Do we see the lonely person in our neighborhood, in our communities? Or are we too busy scrolling to notice the suffering right in front of us?
To heal the loneliness of our generation, we must return to the basics of love.
Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you and listen in such a way others love to speak to you.
Listening is an act of justice when truly listening to someone without checking your phones, emails or notifications, without judging, without interruption, you are telling them "you are not alone, you are seen, you are loved." And that is the beginning of the miracle.
Ask the Lord for the grace of presence. Let us ask Him to touch our ears to hear the unspoken cries of the lonely. Let us ask Him to touch our tongues so that our words bring comfort and hope rather than gossip or noise. Let us put down the devices that keep us connected so that we can pick up the relationships that keep us whole.
Ephphatha. May our hearts be open, ears unscoffed, our lives truly connected in Christ.
For lunch, I ate again at MAiSEN. This time I ordered their Prawn Katsu set.
On my way back to Glorietta, took photos using the instax mini 99. Because I did not properly put the film cartridge in the camera, I spoiled three films. 😔 Good thing, I finally fixed it and took a landscape picture with leaked light filter.
Greenbelt Park Using instax mini 99, Light Leak
When I was fixing my camera, I noticed a young couple who I think is on a date, asked the gardener of the park to take their photos from their cellphone. This same couple also asked me to take their photo when they saw me taking a photo with my instax. I do hope they liked the photo I took of them. I saw them going to a different direction from where I am headed.
While nearing the walkway, I noticed them behind me. I asked them if they would like for me to take a photo using my instax. It is the girl's birthday. And it also happens to be Valentine's day tomorrow. I gave them the print. Left them without waiting to see how the image will come out. LOL.
Passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
My intention is to buy a small bag to place my instant camera. I was thinking of the Halo brand. Went to SM Makati and One Ayala to look for it. It is not in both stores. Bought a Herschel cross body bag (on sale).
I plan to go to SM Mall of Asia to look for the Halo bag. But first, passed by Zamora for I need to sign some documents.
Even at SM Mall of Asia, Halo is no longer available. But I was able to buy a pouch for instax cameras. The store is really for instax products. The bag that really fits my idea is the hellolulu bag (on sale) which I was able to buy at The Travel Club.
Good thing that Lyn advised me yesterday about the anointing of the sick to be done today at the 6 PM Mass at the Holy Family Parish Church. Aside from the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, it is also the World Day of the Sick, which Saint Pope John Paul II established in 1992. I messaged Greenbelt Chapel if they would be doing the same. No response. Thus, adjusted our schedule so that Lyn and I can attend this event.
I left the condominium around 4:30 PM with Lyn and Theo, the dog. The latter will be with Edgar, the driver, while we are attending the Mass. I asked Edgar to bring along Bing, his common-law wife. She joined us. I was wearing my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
We were really early as the church's doors are still closed. Went to the Adoration Chapel first.
Holy Family Parish Church steps (instax mini 90, Landscape mode, no flash)
We were able to join the community to pray the Rosary and the Novena to our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The Mass presider is the parish priest. The homily is really short for the anointing will be done right after the homily. First, everyone was sprinkled with holy water. Then, we lined-up for the anointing. It is only the priest who can do the anointing. Thank You! 🙏
Today, I will be going to two (2) wakes. One for the mother of a friend (at Marikina), and the other is a former office mate (at Quezon City). The latter is only about 40+ years old.
I was supposed to leave around 9 AM; but, I was slow in preparing. From time to time, I asked Google for the ETA to Marikina--started with 2 hours, then 1.5 hours, then 1 hour and 15 minutes. Finally, I left around 9:30 AM with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
Used Google Maps and/ or Waze to guide our way to our destination.
This is the case that being "late" is the right decision. We were able to reach the Paket Santiago Funeral Homes at V. Gomez St. San Roque, Marikina City in less than hour--not much traffic. This funeral home is odd. It really looks like a house! LOL. We were there until lunch time.
Passed by Ayala Malls Feliz to have our lunch. This mall's Food Choices is different from the Food Choices at Glorietta. I don't know most of the restaurants in this food court. Good thing I spotted Tokyo, Tokyo which is outside the food court. This is where we had our lunch.
Tokyo Tokyo's Bento Meal
Leaving the mall, sent our ETA to a friend who I will meet up at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine for the wake of a former office mate. Took me some time to find the mortuary chapel.
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine
When leaving the wake, someone would share about the superstition of what should be done or not during wakes. The wife of my friend wants to observe those superstitions which I pointed out should not be done for those are doorways for the demonic. In the end, I brought food from the wake (tikoy and fish cracker). Actions speak louder than words. Hehe!
Went to Glorietta before proceeding home. I'll have a screen protector placed in my Instax Mini Evo's display. Also bought egg tarts, bagnet chicharon, and shingaling at Lord Stow's Bakery
I observe the First Saturday Devotion. And today is it!
I was supposed to leave the condominium around 8:30 AM to be early in the queue for the confession. But left past 9 AM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
Arrived at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel with me as the first in queue for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A penitent is already inside the confessional.
Fr. Manny, the confessor, advised that one should look within. Be kind to yourself. Sometimes, one tends to judge others by comparing self. People make mistakes.
I was able to meditate the mystery of the Resurrection for 15 minutes, prayed the Rosary with the community, celebrate the Holy Eucharist, all for the reparation for the sins and blasphemies made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I was also able to finish my Precious Blood Chaplet.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
There are times in our life that we get dead-tired. There is the feeling of tiredness, emptiness, loneliness, meaninglessness.
Sometimes, this can be restored by eating, by sleeping. But there are those caused by lack of meaning or significance in life; the lack of focus on what is essential in life.
People tend to measure their worth by their success and accomplishments. But there can be another perspective--not only how far we have reached but the depth.
In the Old Testament, Solomon surrendered his youthfulness and uncertainties to the Lord.
Rest. Reset. Rekindle. Receive God's grace and love.
How do we rest with the Lord?
Take time to pause. When we pause, we regain a new perspective, a new vision, a new mission.
Priorities.
Passion. What do you love doing? Passion must be grounded on a deeper purpose.
Peace. Things we cannot control must be out of our mind.
Prayer. At the end of our prayer, it should be "Thy will be done" and not "Thy will be changed."
Passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. I also bought here a Mass Card for the mother of my friend and previous office mate. Will go to the wake on Monday.
And for lunch, ate at Chuck's Steak and Pork at The Landmark Food Center. I used to pay PhP120.00 for my order. Now, it doesn't reach PhP100.00. Thanks to the Senior Citizen discount.
I was looking for the Instax Mini 99, mostly because of its feature of double exposure. The Instax Mini Evo doesn't have one. (When I got home, my Instax Mini Evo has been delivered, and it has a double exposure feature plus other features. Luv it!) The latter is a hybrid. I went to Henry's Professional which according to them they never carried one. At CameraHaus, it is no longer available.
So, I went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to while away the time and start this blog while waiting for the anticipated Mass.
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 anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Rany.
Fr. Rany started by asking if we have ever cooked a meal that looks good but has no flavor.
Our mission is to be the salt of the earth, light of the world.
Our weakness may be used by God to promote His love.
Faith that stays hidden is useless. Real faith is seen, felt, and experienced by others through our love, courage, and humility.
How to accomplish our mission:
Turn on your light (love) and make it visible. Not self promotion but inspire others to do the same. Let it lead to God. Light is not just knowledge of God but visible proof of God's presence.
Let us make a difference in the world. Salt gives flavor. It is also a preservative. Your presence should prevent moral spoilage and add richness to the world flavor. Ask: would life taste different without you? Magiging kawalan ka ba sa mundo?
Let the Holy Spirit work through you. God's brightest works happen through imperfect people. Your life may be the only Bible someone ever reads. So let it be salty with grace and bright with love.
After the Mass, I went to Kaya to buy food-to-go. Since it would take 30 minutes to prepare my order, after paying, I went to the parking lot to leave my things. Then, to beabi to buy an eyeglass case and medicine case. Plan to buy Instax mini film already; thus, proceed again to Henry's Professional and to CameraHaus. Both are out of stock. My option is to buy at Lazada. Picked-up the food and proceeded home.
Yesterday, I received the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer (M04S) which I ordered via Lazada. I am planning to put photo stickers in my bullet journal.
I also "found" my Instax SQ10, which uses Instax square film, I remembered my photo album for Instax photos. But the photos use the Instax mini film and were taken after the fire that gutted our house at Pasay. Does this mean I have an Instax camera that uses mini film? I found the Instax Mini 90. Unfortunately, I cannot use it because I don't have the battery charger for it. The camera must be one of the cameras I "saved" from the fire. So, I ordered an Instax Mini Evo via Lazada.
Left the condominium around 10 AM with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
I was dropped off at Greenbelt to attend the Friday Mass at Greenbelt Chapel. It is also the first Friday for February 2026. I was able to finish my morning prayers, prayed the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet, and joined the community to pray the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
He started by asking, "What would you do if it will be declared to behead all Christians?
Many Christians died for our faith. This is the treasure of our Church. This is part of being a Christian.
The call for us is to have more witnesses to the faith.
Whenever good people are silent, evil will prevail (temporarily since God already won).
After the Mass, had late lunch at MAiSEN at Greenbelt. Ordered their Seafood Katsu Set.
Visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Also bought an adapter for my new cross cut shredder.
I also went to SM Makati to buy scissors. I like the scissors which I bought there before.
I attend Mass during the Memorial of Saint Blaise because after the end of every Mass, a blessing of the throat and for other illnesses is made, asking for the intercession of Saint Blaise.
I left the condominium around 6 AM with my black Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical watch on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
There is no traffic yet on the way to Greenbelt Chapel. The area within the vicinity of the chapel is still dark but the chapel already have its lights on. I think we've made good time as I was able to finish my morning prayers as well a join the community in praying the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Fr. Benny reminded that when you read the Bible, do not read it like a history book. But look for the message.
In the readings, David and his son, Absalom, have a rift. This is because Absalom wants to get the throne of his father. But when David learned of Absalom's death, he is in grief--as a father. It is like with God and us--we demand from and even hurt God. But God loves us in spite of it.
Often, we discover God's love during our dire situations. In the Gospel, this was presented through Jairus' daughter who is dying, and the woman who touched Jesus' cloak.
God should not be our last resort. He should be our first.
Before the Mass ended, Fr. Benny shared how Saint Blaise's intercession healed him.
I brought religious items to have them blessed. Blessing of religious items are done after every Mass. One is the crucifix that survived the fire which engulfed our house. I know it is already blessed; but, I decided to have it blessed again. It contains marks of the fire. Another is the St. Benedict bracelet which I purchased yesterday. And two ring rosaries.
Sacramentals
Then, I walked my way at the side of The Landmark where Edgar, the driver, picked me up. We first went to McDonald's at Makati Central Square where Edgar and I had our breakfast. Bought food-to-go before proceeding home.
Because Edgar was sick, I had to move my grocery day today. It is also Theo, the dog, grooming day.
Left the condo around 9:30 AM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist, my Apple watch on my right, and Theo in his carrier.
We first dropped-off Theo at Pet Express for his grooming.
We parked the car and went to The Landmark Supermarket where we bought our groceries. After paying for them, l left Edgar, the driver, to bring our purchases home and return when Theo and I will be picked up.
Visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. I was able to finish my morning prayers. Also bought a leather coin purse to replace my broken one. Although, Edgar will have the broken one (because of the zipper) to be repaired. I also looked for a watch strap for Lyn. My niece gifted her in one of the Christmases a watch. When she was fixing her things in her drawer, she saw the watch. It is no longer ticking (must need its battery replaced) and the leather strap is weathered. Wasn't able to find a NATO strap for it. It is quite thin.
I went to Healthy Options because I have to buy a small-sized bottles of the medicines and/ or supplements I would be bringing to Japan. The new rule is that medicine should be in their original package. I should also bring the doctor's prescription. What is nice, I just learned that I can use my Senior Citizen ID when I buy supplements at Healthy Options. 😆
Decided to have an early lunch, so went to Yakiniku Like! I ordered the Prime Karubi and Misuji Set. I did not forget the Onsen Egg. The sauces I like here are the Like Original BBQ Sauce, and the Garlic Soy Sauce. Full!
Yakiniku Like!
Proceeded to SM Makati to look for a watch strap. Nope. Then to Uniqlo to buy another geared jeans that I plan to bring to Japan.
Checked Glorietta for the strap. Nope.
Since Theo is already done with his grooming and already in the car, went to Baguio Country Club to buy half raisin bread before proceeding to the parking lot.
I was not able to buy groceries yesterday nor attend the anticipated Mass because Edgar, the driver, is sick. Readjusted my schedule to:
Lyn would be attending the anticipated Mass at Holy Family Parish Church.
I would be attending the morning Sunday Mass at Holy Family Parish Church.
We will buy groceries at The Landmark Supermarket and bring Theo, the dog, for his grooming at Pet Express on Monday. This way, Edgar would have two days to recover and get well.
I walked my way to church to attend the Sunday Mass. I also put the mini camera I recently bought via Lazada to its paces. The camera is really small which you can use as a spy camera. I am not expecting much from it. It doesn't have a stabilizer. I think it would be worse than most found videos. LOL, I can see the result when I get home and download the video on my laptop.
Holy Family Parish Church
The Mass presider is Fr. John Ken a.k.a. Fr. JK. The first Mass in the morning is in Tagalog.
The word of the day is blessed (or mapalad).
Blessed in world standards: good life, stable job, nice family, enough money, famous, successful in life.
Blessed in the Gospel: poor in spirit, persecuted, humble, being oppressed because of God.
God's logic: Beatitude is like the North Star. It gives direction on how we, the believers of Christ, should live our life. Gratitude.
It does not mean Jesus wants us to be poor or being oppressed. Jesus does not want to lose our dignity as a person. In the midst of hardships, God's grace comes. In weakness, holiness can grow. Our struggles in life can sometimes lead us to be closer and be close to God. God is always present most specially in hardships, sorrows, and pain.
Hindi puno ang bulsa, pero puno ng tiwala.
Hindi mayaman per may kapayapaan.
Open the "eyes of faith"--eyes that see blessings and grace in the simple and the ordinary even in the trying situations of our life.
The blessed are those who chose gratitude and trust, not because of the problems raised, but because God is with us all the time.
We become channels of blessing when we speak good into the lives of others. Let your words become God's instrument of blessing. Let your words be an instrument of sincerity, affirmation, and encouragement for each other. If our words lift up others, we are not only blessed but we are also a blessing to others.
After the Mass, I walked to Cash and Carry Mall. I wanted to buy ice cream to-go. But since I have not eaten breakfast and I am hungry, I ate breakfast of tapa, egg and garlic fried rice at Pancake House. Also went to Japan Home Centre to buy a cellphone and utility case. And for my initial intention, I bought ice cream-to-go at Dairy Queen.
