Wake
Grocery day.
Lately, I have been sleeping late and waking up late. And today is no excuse. Instead of leaving the condo with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right around 9 AM or 10 AM, left almost noon. On the way, finished my morning prayers.
Went to The Landmark Supermarket for the grocery. After paying for our purchases, left Edgar, the driver, to bring home our purchases.
Went to Chili's at One Ayala for lunch. Ordered my usual. Visited the pop-up stores at Glorietta Activity Centers. Visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
Proceeded to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. Prayed the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet and joined the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Jesus was interested in how He is being known by the people. Most thinks He is a prophet. But Simon (Peter) said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." This truth was revealed to him by God the Father.
Christ = the Chosen One; the Annointed.
First time the Church is being mentioned in the Scriptures.
His mission will be continued through the Church, as witnessed by the apostles, disciples.
The Church is a community of believers, a community of baptized people.
The foundation of the Church comes from Jesus.
Satan attacks the Church, using people as his pawns. But the Church cannot be destroyed,
After the Mass, I would meet up with my niece as we would be going to the wake of my Aunt at Funeraria Paz in Manila Memorial Park at Sucat.
Passed again at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center to check the "bubble" Native Union pop-up phone. It is not available. My niece treated me with coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at SM Makati before proceeding to the funeral parlor.
When we arrived, the Mass is already ongoing. The presiding priest has a good singing voice. Hehehe!
Stayed there for some time. Around 10 PM, decided to leave.
Passed by Max's for our very late dinner before proceeding home.
Labels: Chromebook, Church, coffee, food, grocery, mall, Mass, prayer, rosary, wake
Another Meeting
Today, I would be going to my cousin's house for a meeting. This is more to discuss the performance of my other cousin's work for the Family Corporation aside from this cousin's displeasing chat message with my cousin.
After the meeting, passed by Glorietta where I had meryenda Butter Manila. Visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
Home.
Labels: Chromebook, Church, coffee, food, mall, transaction
Friday Mass
Truly late leaving the condo to attend the Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I thought I would not be able to join the community to pray the Rosary since I am really late. Thank You for the "small" miracles since the community prayer started late. These miracles are truly blessins. As soon as I took my seat, a few minutes later, the community prayer started.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ronaldo.
Acceptance of not understanding everything should bring us to be compassionate and merciful.
"I desire mercy, not sacrifice."
Compassion is what we do outside of our plans, disturbs people. Compassion invites us to dialogue, to listen, to humble.
After the Mass, I visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Ate at Racks for lunch. Bought banana bread at Baguio Country Club.
My niece happens to be at the mall, too. We met up and teased her for a free coffee. Tried the newly opened Japanese coffee shop.
Home.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, mall, Mass, prayer, rosary
Day 2: Japan (Osaka)
The second day of our Japan vacation is to go around Namba area, buying the items in our wish list.
Before leaving the hotel, I ate my breakfast which we bought from 7-Eleven last night. My niece taught me how to eat it.
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| Mini-Altar at bedside table |
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| Breakfast bought at 7-Eleven |
Our first stop would be at Tower Knives. On the way, we stopped to take photos from time to time. That's when something untoward happened. Anyway, lesson learned. Maybe best to take photos with your cellphone (no sound) than a regular camera. Avoid taking pictures with people in them unless you are in “tourist” areas.
When we reached Tower Knives, it was still closed. It opens at 10 AM. We decided to have coffee in one of the stores nearby. Chose cafe du petit.
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| At cafe du petit |
Before 10 AM, we went back to Tower Knives. It is a good experience as I have learned something new about knives. My niece chose the Santoku (a Japanese knife), and petty knives with different handles. The way to choose a knife is to use it and see how it feels in your hands when you are using it. The lady who assisted us also did some demo and gave snippets of information.
- Do not push the knife down when cutting.
- When cutting "hard" food, slice the knife back (Asian style) or slice forward (Western style). Best is slicing backward.
- When cutting soft food like tomatoes, slice back then forward.
You can also have your name engraved on the knife. My niece did it by putting the Japanese name.
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| Engraving at Tower Knives |
Next goal is to buy my On shoes. We would be going and walking our way to Abeno Q's Mall where the main branch of the shoes is located. On the way, passed by Tsutenkaku Tower. It is a 103-meter-tall landmark in Osaka’s retro Shinsekai district that serves as a symbol of the city.
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| Tsutenkaku Tower |
Back to my shoes. They do not carry my size.
Since we were already there, we had our lunch at the mall's food court--Q's Kitchen. The serving was so big that I did not finish my food.
We went back to the hotel first, dropping off our purchases and to rest a little before our afternoon activities. This is my first train ride in Japan via Osaka Metro. My niece taught me how to get the
icoca card and have it loaded up. It can be used for trains and buses.
Our first stop is at a Kimono rental where my nieces already made an appointment for the kimono rental and our hair was done. We walked our way to Osaka Castle wearing Japan's traditional dress. 😊
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| Osaka Castle |
This is where we had a lot of photos taken. We no longer entered the castle. It is enough that we explored the grounds outside the castle, usually the castle as a backdrop of our photos. On our way back to where we rented the kimono, it started to drizzle. Thank You, God, for the rain did not fall hard.
We then went to
Dotonbori for some (window) shopping and to have our dinner. We ate at
Tempura Makino Namba. My nieces have already researched where to eat so I can try them. It is my first time in Japan. They have been to Japan several times. I ordered their Tamago-Ten-Tsuki. 👍 It is a shrimp tempura set meal with egg tempura. The food is very good. I have not finished the food because I am already full.
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| Tempura Makino Namba |
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| Inside the Tempura Makino Namba |
For dessert, we tried the Strawberry Mania. Tried their Daifuku Daifuku. 👍
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| Strawberry Mania |
I also had my picture taken in front of the Glico Man billboard. They said if you haven't done so, you have not been to Osaka. LOL. The Glico Man is a famous, 33-meter-tall LED billboard in Osaka's Dotonbori district depicting a runner in a victory pose on a blue track. Installed in 1935, it symbolizes the energy-boosting properties of Ezaki Glico's caramel candy, with the "running man" mascot representing the 300 meters of energy provided by one piece.
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| Glico Man |
We passed by a Gashapon. My nieces wanted me to try it. They chipped in with coins and guided me how to do it (enter the three coins one at a time, turn the dial fully to the right, pick up your "prize").
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| Gashapon "prize" |
Before going back to the hotel to call it a day, we passed by Don Quixote for some souvenirs. They said, it is a must to experience buying at Don Quixote. And again, we went to 7-Eleven.
Labels: coffee, food, photography, travel
Meeting
Was advised yesterday there will be a meeting related to the family Corporation in preparation for the next Board meeting. Supposed to be at my cousin's house by 9 AM where the meeting will be held. Was late.
Left the condominium with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
I thought it would be just an hour of meeting and brunch after. The meeting (with many side stories) finished around 12 noon, in time for lunch.
After the meeting, I proceeded to Ayala Land. I asked Edgar, the driver, to drop me off at Mercury Drug at The Link, park and have his lunch at The Landmark's food court. Will buy my medicine.
Then, proceeded to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, bought a 32 GB micro SD card at one of Glorietta's stalls, bought a Lamy blue M66 rollerball pen refill at National Bookstore, and claimed the freebie at Cinnabon I earned from Lazada.
The freebie is a PhP100.00 voucher. So I have to pay additional for the food (Classic Roll) I ordered. Also ordered a drink for I plan to dine in. Was thinking of buying a box of goodies to go; but, I remembered that they are sweet. Decided against it.
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| Classic Roll |
Bought a chicharon to-go at The Landmark Food Center before proceeding home.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, mall, meeting, shopping
All About Real Property
Already booked my niece's friend to share his experience regarding real property. And today's the day for the meet-up. It would be at UCC Mentore. Left the condo with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. Picked-up my niece at her condo before proceeding to our venue.
Some of my nieces and nephews also joined us via a Zoom meeting. Recorded everything so there is something we can revert to if needed.
There are three types appraisal:
Four types of properties:
- Residential
- Business
- Industrial
- Hotel
There were other things he shared. Thank you!
After parting ways, I did the following errands:
- Buy Lyn's medicines
- Buy Christmas gift for Nica (I already bought one for her brother months before)
- Buy me a Lamy fountain pen (thanks to the Writech's Clictek fountain pen, I got interested in fountain pens; already have a Parker fountain pen)
- Bought Writech Clicktek fountain pen as Christmas gifts for the two friends I would be meeting tomorrow. Also bought one for my niece's friend because he noticed it during our meeting.
- Bought Cipriano silvanas as Christmas gifts.
Then, home.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, gift, mall, shopping
Tenants
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.
Vigilance, sobriety, discernment.
After the Mass, I proceeded to Peri-Peri Chicken for food-to-go.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, mall, Mass, meeting, rosary
Du Hsiao Yueh
Grocery day. Should have left the condominium around 9AM. Left at 11AM with my Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto 40mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
Got delayed with the call from my cousin. Discussed the agenda for next Sunday. She already knows my decision on the items to be presented to the Board, just reiterated it again.
I know I would not be able to attend the Saturday Mass. Thus, after buying our groceries at The Landmark Supermarket, decided to have lunch.
My taste test is the Du Hsiao Yueh. It just recently opened at the Glorietta mall.
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| Du Hsiao Yueh |
I ordered their signature dish, the Danzi Noodles (PhP248.00), the Hot and Sour Soup (PhP138.00) which was recommended by the server for their choices of soup, and the Xiao Long Bao 5 pieces (PhP198.00).
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| Hot and Sour Soup |
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| Danzi Noodles (Signature dish) |
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| Xiao Long Bao |
It is actually pretty good. I ordered the first two, and ordered the dimsum as an additional. When you eat the noodles of their signature dish, be sure to eat with it the soup--it adds the punch to the food. I even heard from a group of diners leaving the restaurant that they will be coming back again.
Another restaurant has just opened at Glorietta--a Japanese burger joint. Will have that in my list to try.
Next, I went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for a Spanish Latte where I started this blog.
I was able to pray with the community the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary at the Greenbelt Chapel.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Ruben.
God's goodness extends to everyone.
The old Testament reading is about Naaman who is originally sceptical for he asks as to the difference in the water between the two lakes. His slave told him about his friend who was cured of leprosy. And Naaman decided to go to the prophet, he was healed.
The Gospel reading is about Jesus healing the ten (10) lepers where only one (1) returned to thank Him. Jesus not only cured the lepers' sickness but also brought them back to the community.
God does not only cure us physically but also our moral sickness. Sinfulness can be contagious. Thus, we must be wary. (Me: As per St. John Bosco said, the best way to fight temptation is to flee from it.)
It is natural for us to recognize the person that gives (utang na loob). It is a call for us to have a sense of communal relationship--just as Naaman thanked his servant for introducing him to the prophet.
All blessings come from God. To Him we give our thankfulness.
After the Mass, I proceeded 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 had opportunities but refused charity to neighbors.
Then went to the Office Warehouse to buy a masking tape so I can label the items for pull-out (since I am retiring from our office), to BPI to withdraw from their ATM, before proceeding home.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, grocery, mall, Mass
Hossein's
It is the first Saturday for October and I will be going to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the First Saturday Devotion.
I am actually late as I should have left the condo around 8:30 AM. Left past 9 AM (with my Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right). The confessor is not around. Thus, I was first in the queue as I waited for him to arrive.
Before the Mass, I was able to complete my morning prayers, prayed the Act of Reparation for the first Saturdays of the month, 15 minutes meditation of the Scourging at the Pillar, and prayed the Rosary as a community, aside from the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I was also able to finish my Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and the Auxilium Christianorum.
The Saturday Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
Fr. Paolo started with the question "When was the last time you have a comprehensive eye check? Gaano kalinaw ang iyong mga mata?"
The Word of God says that the eyes are the lamp of the body. Poets would say that the eyes are jewels of a woman's face. Mystics would say that the eyes are the windows of the soul or being.
We should not only have good eyesight but also magandang pananaw sa buhay.
A good vision should be comprehensive, not just simply we have a clear eyesight but we also have an insight, foresight, hindsight, long sight, far sight.
(V)isualize the entire reality
(I)nternalize
(S)trategize
(I)nitiate or innovate
(O)vercome challenges
(N)urture relationships
Reflect on the three (3) virtues of St. Francis of Assisi:
- Clarity of vision. Not to focus on the present position of pain, suffering. But to focus on the gift of hope--to see beyond their present situation. To see pain as a participation with the suffering of Christ. Participation not punishment. (H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds. (H)eal (O)ur (P)ainful (E)xperiences. Do we see problem in every opportunity or opportunity for every problem? Perspective could be our prison or a passport to a better life.
- Correctness of vision. How do we look at the poor? Are they simply recipients of charity?
- Control of vision. St. Francis gave up richness, wealth, status, reputation just to follow Christ. Surrender of our control
Who can see angels? Those who cannot see angels are the conceited. Those who can see angels are those who are humble, the child-like. St. Francis can see the presence of God even in nature.
It is not only what we see but how we see.
For my taste test, it would be Hossein's at Greenbelt 3. I asked the server for her recommendation for a solo eater. She suggested the Chelou Shish Kebab. I ordered the Chelou Lamb Shish Kebab (PhP940.00). Thumb's up.
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| Hossein's Restaurant |
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| Chelou Lamb Shish Kebab |
Since the serving is large, I have to have some of the food to-go.
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 my brother, my only sibling, Greg Magno. He died last September 28, 2025, Sunday. He will be cremated tomorrow, October 5, 2025.
After, I went to
Tudor because I am interested in the
Tudor 1926 Luna, and I have my name listed in case it becomes available. I don't like the salesman there. He must have worked with
Rolex before working at Tudor.
And of course, went to
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog while sipping a (hot)
Spanish Latte.
Then, walked to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. I was able join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
It is more of us thanking Him rather than God being grateful to us.
Increase our faith. For faith is our response for His love to us. If we are faithful to God, e are thankful to Him.
Faith must be nurtured by obeying His commandments, praying to Him.
After the Mass, we will be going to my brother's wake. Edgar's family is with him as they, too, wanted to go to the wake.
Ever since I have been going to the wake, I never touched any food. It is one of the ways for you to be (preternaturally) infected. The mother of my brother's second wife has a
manggagamot friend.
Leaving the wake, we passed by
Mang Inasal with my brother's first wife who we would be dropping off in her house for our very late dinner.
Preternatural? Every night, I have been going to
St. Peter Chapels at
Sucat, Parañaque for my brother's wake. But something odd happened on a Friday. Two (2) near accidents while we are on our way. First is the motorcycle while we are waiting for the traffic light to turn green. Upon "go" signal, instead of going straight, the motorcycle turned to our lane before moving on--we could have hit that rider. The second is the car who can't wait for the passengers from a jeepney to alight that the driver immediately swerved to our lane. We were able to stop a few inches from the car. My eyes grew big while trying to press the brake--as a passenger. I've been praying all throughout this trip. It is said that witches' or
mangkukulam's power is strong every Tuesday and Friday, most specially Fridays. And they do their one hour
oracion starting 6PM. I leave the office to St. Peter Chapel at 6PM, which is usually an hour, or 1 1/2 hour travel.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, wake
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
Pound X Flatterie
Grocery day. Left the condominium around 10 AM with a Seiko SSK033 on my left wrist, and an Apple watch on my right.
Even late, we were able to find a parking slot. There must be a few people in the mall this morning.
Buying groceries at The Landmark Supermarket is a breeze. After paying, left Edgar, the driver, with our purchases for him to bring it home. Then, proceeded to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass.
I was able to join the community to pray the Rosary. Unfortunately, when the Mass is about to start, I received a message from the seller regarding the item I returned which I purchased via Lazada. This got me very distracted from the Mass. Thus, I decided not to partake the Holy Eucharist, even if I wanted to very much.
Here's the story about the returned item. I wanted to buy the Blancpain and Swatch collaboration Ocean of Storms. I can't find it being sold in any of the LazMall; thus, I expanded my search. Ordered it. As I was waiting for it to be delivered, something was nagging me. I cannot find online the price of the watch locally. I found it in foreign currency. Converting it to PhP makes me more dubious.
I asked the seller if the item is (a) original, (b) imitation with brand logo, or (c) imitation with no logo. If the seller replies with a (b), I will cancel the order before it was delivered (it is a sin doing business with them). The reply is "Thank you for your question! The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection Watches we offer are original products, not imitations. They come with full set packaging and include a 3-year international seller warranty, ensuring authenticity and quality. This warranty is a strong indication that the product is genuine and supported by reliable after-sales service. If you have any more questions or need further details about the watch or its features, please feel free to ask!" So, the order stays.
When it arrived, the box is Arctic Ocean, the watch is Pacific Ocean, I ordered the Ocean of Storms. The font for the number 45 on the bezel is flawed. The letter "t" of the Swatch brand at the side of the watch is a bit pointed at the bottom versus the original. They market it as automatic (SISTEM51). If you see the back of the watch, you cannot see any of the gears moving, there is no rotor--it is quartz!!! Of course I provided my comments about my order and have it returned.
Now the message at the start of the Mass (me thinks the devil has a hand at this) is this: "We're sorry that you're not satisfied with your purchase. Please remove your negative review so we can issue you a refund." I removed the comments but the rating stays. The seller asked again: "Can't modify the rating?" The seller even wanted to remove the video and photos I posted. If you are a watch enthusiast, the video and the photos tell their stories, I don't have to highlight it in my comments. The video and photos stay. I even asked, "Do you want me to escalate this to Lazada?"
Now, back to the Saturday Mass. The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
He started by asking: Are you talented person?
We share equal dignity and value; but not giftedness. There are those with many talents. There are those who have a few but they work hard, persevere, and flourish in life.
It is not how much we have but how faithfully we use these talents for the service of the Kingdom of God. All these talents can only flourish if we use these talents for the greater glory of God.
A talent can be a blessing. It can also be a burden. It depends on who is using the talent.
For reflection:
- We are called to be grateful. Everything is a gift; everything is grace. Someone said: Talent is God-given, be humble. Fame is man-given, be grateful. Conceit is self-given, be watchful.
- We are called to practice charity, a commitment to practice these talents. Discover and develop our talents.
As a parting word, Fr. Paolo asked: Do you use your talent as a source of blessing, or a curse/ burden for other people?
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| Pound x Flatterie |
I asked the waitress what she would recommend among the rice meals. She suggested the
Roast Beef (PhP280.00) and
Burger Steak (PhP200.00). I chose the Roast Beef. On an afterthought, maybe I should have ordered the Burger Steak as they are known for their burgers.
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| Roast Beef Rice Meal |
It may not look exciting; but I think the taste is OK, not something I will go back for. I think it is slightly salty.
I passed by
BPI to withdraw from their ATM on my way to
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog. After finishing my
Spanish Latte and keeping track of time to be able to attend the anticipated Mass, walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospel teaches us humility. Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking yourself less.
The parable is how to conduct yourself in a banquet. For the
Pharisees, it is important to be in the best place of the banquet.
When Jesus is preaching using a parable, it is not an actual situation. Banquet here talks about the Kingdom of God. All are equal. If we are placed in a high place, it is not because of our achievement--God placed us there.
Humility is related to Christian truth. Lessening yourself from the truth is false humility.
After the Mass, picking up my backpack, it dropped down again with a thud. Uh-oh! There goes my
Chromebook. At least it fell only at a low height. If it fell while it is behind my back, I do believe my Chromebook will be broken. My
iPad and my
iPhone is also in my backpack. Carried precariously my backpack.
Went to
Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at
The Landmark, one of the
Jubilee churches, hoping to gain a plenary indulgence. Remembered I have an eco-bag with me, so put my broken backpack inside. Bought underwear in the department store, and a new
Cose backpack to replace my broken backpack.
With my purchases, went to the car. Asked Edgar to buy merienda-to-go at The Landmark Food Center before going home. Also asked Edgar to find someone to fix my broken backpack.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Chuck's Steak & Chops
First Saturday of August and grocery day.
Should have left around 8:30AM. Left a little past 9AM. While doing the grocery, I received a call. This further delayed me from going for confession. But this information must be made known to me especially with what is going on. Thanks to my "angel".
Oddly, I am not worried that I would not be able to finish all the things I have to do in my observance of the first Saturday. Mama Mary never fails as I once again asked her for help. Before the Saturday Mass, I was able to finish my confession, rosary with the community, and a 15-minute meditation of the fifth Joyful Mystery "The Finding in the Temple", in spite of my lateness.
While waiting my turn at the confession, I received a call for the item I purchased online. I did say that I'll stop buying watches after I bought the Chopard Happy Sports watch. But I can't resist the mechanical hand-wound watch of Timex, which happens to be on sale.
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| Timex' Expedition North Field Mechanical Hand Wound 38mm |
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
Herod can see John the Baptist (whom he has beheaded) in Jesus who is growing in popularity.
Truth may be silenced or suppressed for a while but it can never be buried..
God is not only a God of mercy but also a God of justice.
Thank the Lord for the gift of conscience. It is our responsibility to form our conscience lest it be calloused. The best pillow to sleep on is a clear conscience.
After, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. It is one of the Jubilee churches. I hope to earn a plenary indulgence and I offer it for Auntie Mary, wife of Uncle Celso who is my Tatay's brother.
My lunch is not a taste test because I usually eat here if I am short of time. I ordered Pork Chop with Egg (PhP120.00) at Chuck's Steak & Chops inside The Landmark Food Center.
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| Chuck's Steak & Chops |
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| Pork Chop with Egg |
I was planning on giving a Timex watch as a Christmas gift to my two "angels" and a nephew. There is no digital watch in Swatch; thus, opted that of Timex's for my nephew.
Then, I went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. It is double-stamp day today. Ordered the Cafe Latte to earn two stamps. Will buy to-go later to complete my stamp card and claim the free tote bag.
At the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
In the Philippines, we have the saying "Kapag tayo ay mamatay, wala tayong madadala." (Translation: When we die, we cannot bring anything with us.)
Greed is the unbridled desire to have more and more. If we can only get rid of greed, there will be a big change in society.
There are several types of greed:
- Keeps on saving without spending for oneself.
- LOI, which according to Fr. Benny, Lives On Interest. Keeps on saving, using only the interest of his/ her savings to live on.
- Hoarding in order to secure your future. Not unlike the parable in today's Gospel.
Tomorrow is never promised to everyone. Store treasures in heaven.
After the Mass, asked Edgar to go to the shoe section of The Landmark. I will buy him and Lyn footwear to wear during the flood (in Tagalog, "bota"). Nothing is available in Edgar's size. Thus, went to SM Makati to check if available and buy it.
Passed by BPI to withdraw (amount including the replacement of the four tires of my Avanza), and Sarah's for their burnt cheesecake.
Still, Edgar's size is not available. Bought one for Lyn. Told Edgar to bring the purchases to the car while I go to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to buy frappuccino-to-go and claim the olive green tote bag. Will give it to Edgar's son, Monay. According to Edgar, Monay likes green as most of his school things are colored green.
Then, home.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, frappuccino, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Single Origin
Grocery day. And a rainy day because of Typhoon Crising.
But first, I passed by Honda Makati to pay for the (automotive) services made to my HR-V. This way, Edgar, the driver, can just pick the car up when it is ready.
Next, to The Landmark Supermarket. There are still available parking slots that we were able to park even if we are already late. Not sure if I would be able to attend the Saturday Mass.
But I guess the heavens have other plans. I was able to attend the anticipated Mass at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I was also even able to join the community in praying the Rosary, and I finished my Precious Blood Chaplet devotion.
Fr. Alemar is the Mass presider. When I arrived at the chapel, he is also the confessor. Me thinks he covered the priest that was supposed to celebrate the Mass given the weather.
The Gospel is about Jesus leaving when he learned of the plans of the Pharisees against him.
Fr. Alemar started by asking what the circumstances are that we leave. Leaving is OK but not in all circumstances. Leaving or departing is OK for precaution. Even in the Old Testament, the Israelites left Egypt for the promised land.
What are the circumstances we can leave?
- Leave the place. When you are out of place, leave. Jesus was out of place as Pharisees are plotting against him, he is not accepted in that place. If the plans of the Pharisees came to fruition, Jesus' mission will be impaired.
- Leave people. Withdraw from the crowd. If you do not agree with the crown and cannot convince them, leave, especially if what they wanted is against your faith.
- Leave sin behind. Jesus wants us to leave the world of sin. Sin can stop us from fulfilling the mission the Lord entrusted to us.
There are circumstances to leave place, people, and sin.
Bro. Edwin is the lector in the Mass.
For my taste test, it is Single Origin. Ordered their Pork Belly Barbecue (PhP480.00) and Fresh Lemonade (PhP260.00). The pork belly is rice topping. What I liked about it is that the viand’s sauce is well mixed with the rice, making it enjoyable to eat. Although the pork itself has many fat. Does fat in pork make it taste good? The lemonade has a tangy taste to it.
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| Single Origin |
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| Pork Belly Barbecue |
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| Fresh Lemonade |
Then, proceeded 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 Aunt Pat, wife of Uncle Tony who is the brother of my Tatay.
In order to start this blog, went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, sipping a hot Cafe Latte.
On the way to the coffee shop, met the senior couple. They have attended the Saturday Mass and already had their lunch. But they will forego the Anticipated Mass because of the inclement weather. The husband who is driving might have impaired vision because of the heavy rain. Praying they’ll be safe.
The anticipated Mass is presided by Fr. Benny.
The first responsibility of a disciple is to listen to the Lord. It is a necessity that we know His will before we do anything. They you will be directed well.
For somebody who is burned out, he is already lacking in faith. Pray continuously.
Prayer = Communication with the Lord
At times, we are dictating just like Martha. We should do a prayer of listening.
After the Mass, went to Sarah's Bakehouse to buy Classic Burnt Cheesecake before proceeding home.
Labels: car, Chromebook, coffee, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
MAiSEN
It is not the first Saturday of the month nor grocery day, but I will be going to the mall earlier because I plan to attend the Saturday Mass. It is the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary after all. 😀 Yesterday, it is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
It was more than an hour before the 12:15 Mass, I was able to finish my morning prayers, and the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I was also able to pray the Rosary with the community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Joel.
We are called to imitate the spirituality of Mother Mary's heart.
Listening heart. Heart that discerns, listens, prays. The "noise" of the world has already robbed us of a listening heart. "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Loving heart. Mary was troubled when she cannot find Jesus. Her love is not only sentimental, not only in good times. She loves even when it is difficult to love. Mary at the foot of the cross showed what true love is.
Leading heart. "His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.'" (John 2:5). Devotion to Mary is not a distraction to follow Jesus.
After the Mass, went to Greenbelt 5 for my taste test. I was toying with the idea of at eating at Paul Le Cafe, thinking that they are offering meal aside from coffee. They only have sandwiches. On my way to Paul Le Cafe, I saw the store of Chopard. I like their Happy Sports collection because of the dancing diamonds. LOL. Maybe next time...
So off to search for another restaurant. Most offer group meals. Except for MAiSEN. Nice!
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| MAiSEN |
I chose to try their Chicken Teriyaki set (PhP450.00). It is actually very good. I can eat here again anytime. 👍
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| Chicken Teriyaki set |
Next stop is Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. It is a Jubilee Church and hope to gain a plenary indulgence. I offer this plenary indulgence to my Uncle Ramon, the youngest brother of my Tatay. The chapel is decorated like a fiesta.
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| Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel |
Saturday Mass ✔
Lunch (taste test) ✔
Jubilee church (for plenary indulgence) ✔
So, it is time for my usual haunt at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I had a regular hot Cafe Latte (not my usual frappuccino). This is also where I started this blog.
Back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Saints Peter and Paul are pillars of the church. Through them, we received the deposits of faith coming from the Lord Jesus.
Peter is responsible to proclaim the Gospel to the Jews. Paul is responsible for the Gentiles, non-Jews.
This is a reminder to us that we have two people as witnesses to the Lord.
Once a teaching (of Jesus) has been revealed, no one, not even the Pope, can change it. The teaching of the Lord brings us salvation.
After the Mass, went to BPI to withdraw from the ATM, Booya Bagels for bagels-to-go, Bistro Ravioli for pasta-to-go, and Chrisha's Kitchen for sugar-free cake.
Labels: Chromebook, coffee, food, mall, Mass, shopping
