Karayama
Grocery day.
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.
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| 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.
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| Karayama Set |
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| 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. 😔
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, Mass, rosary, tea
First Saturday of February 2026
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.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, tea
Brunch Date
I have a brunch date with my friend. It would be her belated despedida for me on my retirement. We would be eating at Panco Cafe in One Ayala. I set the meeting at 10:30 AM. Why? Because the mall will open at 10 AM. I would have time to buy her my belated birthday gift of cake from Chrisha's Kitchen.
Left the condominium around 9:30 AM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left hand and my Apple watch on my right.
I was dropped off by Edgar, the driver, at Glorietta. First went to Lamy Concept Store in hope to buy a Lamy Tipo Rollerball Pen. They said that said model is already phased out.
Then, proceeded to Chrisha's Kitchen to buy a Keto cake. But the sales lady would be leaving the stall for a short time to pick up a Lalamove delivery. So, I went to National Bookstore to check if they still have a Lamy Tipo. Nope. Went back to Chrisha's Kitchen to buy the cake.
After, proceeded to Panco Cafe for our brunch.
It was fun. My friend is a Born-Again Christian. We talked about faith. She said she wanted to share with me her experience ever since, but she cannot find the right time. She used to be a Catholic. I am Catholic... and will always be a Catholic. I may not memorize the verses, but I know in my heart the teachings. And I believe I was able to answer her questions, and, perhaps, I pray, I was able to open her eyes which most Christians (Protestants) often try to downplay, ignore or argue--Mama Mary, intercession of saints, purgatory. And I haven't even talked about the Holy Eucharist!!! Thank You, Holy Spirit. 🙏
Her worship starts at 2 PM. Since there is still time, she accompanied me in buying a pair of cargo pants at Uniqlo in Glorietta 5.
When we parted ways, went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
I walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. I was able to finish my morning prayers, and joined the community to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospel tells us who Jesus is.
We know about Jesus but do we know and experience Him?
Focus on Jesus. Paul, Cephas, etc. are tools to lead to Jesus.
Jesus heals the body and the spirit. The ultimate goal is conversion.
After the Mass, I went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
Bought food-to-go at ChaTraMue. Since it would take 30 minutes to prepare my order, went to the parking lot to leave my bags in the car.
Proceeded to Uniqulo at SM Makati. Will buy another pair of pants, this time, a geared pants (similar to cargo pants). The one I bought earlier is a bit heavy.
Went back to ChaTraMue to pick up my order; then, proceeded home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, gift, mall, Mass, meeting, rosary, shopping, tea
MAiSEN At Food Choices
I am really late in leaving the condominium to buy groceries. Left with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
I am still at the check-out counter when it prompted that praying the rosary has started at the Greenbelt Chapel. So, I would be skipping the Mass at lunch time; but, I would attend later the anticipated Mass, which I was set out to do in the first place.
If I attended the 12:15 PM Mass, I would have eaten at MAiSEN in Greenbelt. The next best thing is to buy food at MAiSEN (one of the food stalls at Glorietta's food court) and eat it at Food Choices (Glorietta's food court). Frankly, I am enjoying the benefit of being a senior citizen when it comes to eating food with a discount. 😀 I ordered their Tenderloin Katsu.
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| Tenderloin Katsu |
I wanted to buy a sticker to put in my (incoming) UGREEN Fine track Slim Smart Finder to differentiate it from the one I already have. I have placed the Benedictine Cross sticker on the first which I plan to place in my wallet containing credit and debit cards. I was able to buy a pad of stickers at Fully Booked. It would either be a camera, a cassette tape, or a 3.5 inch floppy disk sticker for the second tracker. The second tracker will be placed in my wallet containing reward and loyalty cards.
Next stop is at Pacsafe Flagship Store in Glorietta 5. I bought a wallet strap. This is when I noticed that they also carry luggages. If I have known, I would have bought their Azpac luggage instead of ordering online. They call it their Trucker series, which is what I like because I do not "feel" the clam-shell design of most hard case luggages.
And, of course, chilled at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I had a cup of tea while updating this blog.
After, walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the antcipated Mass.
I was able to pray 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.
The Feast of the Santo Niño is celebrated in the Philippines. It is an extension of Christmas. It reminds us of incarnation, God's humility represented by the Child.
What's in a child? Humility. Simplicity. Obedience. Innocence. Honesty.
Total dependence on God. Submission to God's will.
The world cannot give us salvation. Only God can give salvation.
After the Mass, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
On the way to the parking lot, saw Lord Stow's and bought a box of egg tart. Then, home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, tea
First Saturday of January 2026
Grocery day. It is also the first Saturday of January and of year 2026. I would have to leave the condo early in order to complete my Saturday devotion. Left with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
We were supposed to leave at 8:15 AM since the supermarket opens at 8:30 AM. Left at 9 AM. In spite of it, there are a lot of parking spaces available. And there are also few customers. Thus, we were able to finish doing the grocery shopping in a breeze. Paid for our purchases and left Edgar, the driver, to bring them home.
I walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Greenbelt chapel has daily confession. For Saturdays, it starts at 10 AM. The priest is still not there. I am second in the queue.
Takeaway from the confessor: He mentioned Rizal Day, a day before the last day of the year. You do not need to die to be a hero. By being the best in your job, tasks or role, you become a hero.
Saturday devotion includes Act of Reparation, confession, 15 minute meditation of one mystery of the rosary (I meditated on the Crucifixion), prayed the rosary (I joined the community in praying the rosary), and communion.
The Mass presider is Fr. Jobine. Today happens to be his ordination anniversary.
John the Baptist reminds us that we are children of God. John points us to Jesus with humility and faithfulness.
God has not given up on us. God's love is unconditional.
After the Mass, passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Bought some items in the department store before proceeding to its food center for lunch.
I wanted to have a complete set of Lamy Safari of different colors of fountain pens with fine and medium nibs, and rollerball. Bought the Lamy rollerball at The National Bookstore and have it engraved at The Lamy Concept Store.
And of course, stayed at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to start blogging.
Around 3 PM, I walked my way back to Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
The three wise men. What is the difference between intelligent and wise. A man can be wise but not intelligent, or intelligent but not wise, or both intelligent and wise. The intelligent person always pursues knowledge and information. The wise always pursue the truth. The wise understand what was left unsaid.
So, why wise men?
- They saw the star--they allowed themselves to be guided by the star. Open our eyes with the true meaning of Christmas. Courage. Clarity of vision.
- They sought the meaning of the star. They discerned and saw extraordinary in the ordinary.
- They shifted gears. They did not go back to Herod (representing the past). Life must be lived forward but understood backwards.
- They stopped and worshiped the Child. Humility. Generosity not only with presents but with their presence.
Look up. Look inward. Look forward.
After the Mass, I bought a case at The Landmark to put the cleaning "tools" for my fountain pens, Lapid's chicharon at The Landmark Food Center, and retrieved by packages at the package counter.
My niece happens to be at the mall, too, and she's going to ride with us on her way home. Since she has not yet finished her business, decided to stroll while waiting for her. Was hoping to buy the boode chige of Kaya Express at Glorietta 4's Food Choices. Not sure if it closed shop or just close due to the holiday break. Because of it, I bought cookies at Mo' Cookies instead.
Then, home after dropping my niece at her condo.
Labels: Chromebook, Church, food, grocery, mall, rosary, shopping, tea
Yakiniku Like
I need to have my photo taken for the Japan Visa. Thus, even though I am early at the mall, I will not attend the Mass at noon. Left the condo around 9:45 AM with my Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
I was dropped off by Edgar, the driver, at Glorietta. Proceeded immediately to General Photo to have my photo taken while I am "fresh". LOL. Will pick up the photos later.
I was thinking of using a Muji notebook as my journal. I have been reading (watching?) reviews about its quality. So proceeded there and bought some.
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| Muji |
Since it is still early, maybe I can already try the Yakiniku Like, a recently opened restaurant at Glorietta. Ever since it has opened, there is always a queue of customers whether during lunch time or dinner time. And I was not disappointed. I was able to get a seat.
I ordered their Prime Karubi & Misuji Set 100g (PhP609.00). There is a choice of small, medium or large rice. Ordered the small. There is also a choice of kimchi or salad for the sides. Chose kimchi. It is really good. No wonder there is always a queue of customers. If I have a chance, will eat here again.
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| Prime Karubi & Misuhi Set |
To while the time and wait for the anticipated Mass, I went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to update my blog and start transferring my journal to the Muji notebook I bought. I chose Muji's Open-Flat Notebook, B6/ Grid, 80 pages/ Light grey. I would have finished it in one sitting; unfortunately, the ink in the cartridge of my Writech Clictek is empty. Will do it later at home. So updated my blog instead and will send out Viber messages to our tenants.
Decided to go to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark to finish my morning prayers and the Precious Blood of Jesus Chaplet devotion.
Then, proceeded to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel where I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet devotion and the Rosary.
The (anticipated) Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Jesus growing in Nazareth where He grew in wisdom and strength. This is the hidden life of Jesus.
In this celebration, we are being encouraged to be a holy family.
It is not what the person has but how you lived to make you holy. Invite God to your life and let Him reign in your life. A holy family is a forgiving family.
In the first reading (Sirach 3:2-6,12-14): My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the set of your sins--a house raised in justice to you.
After the Mass, time to buy food-to-go. Went to Kaya. Based on my timeline, the last time I have been here is in 2020. There is food that I like here but I don't think I can eat solo. Next best way to taste it again is to order to-go. Ordered Beef Bulgogi, Bibimbap, and Boode Chige.
And, of course, bought Dairy Queen's Blizzard to-go.
N.B. While at The Landmark, I saw a shampoo and conditioner on sale. The saleslady is very good at answering my questions. Thus, bought the
Diane Perfect Beauty shampoo and conditioner. As soon as I got home, tried it. And luv it!!!
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, tea
Avanza's Preventive Maintenance
I have already set an appointment at Toyota Manila Bay for the preventive maintenance of my Toyota Avanza. Left the condominium around 9:00 AM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
It took us some time at the car dealership. I was advised by my service advisor to inform him one week before the scheduled service so he can already provide estimates. Once I acknowledge the estimate, I can pay it online; thus, I need not go to Toyota. Edgar only needs to bring the car. Noted.
Next stop is at The Landmark Supermarket because it is our grocery day, too. As soon as I paid for our purchases, I left Edgar, the driver, to bring home the groceries.
For lunch, I went to Fiery Style at Glorietta 4. I am still unable to try the new Japanese restaurant as there are still people queuing to get in.
Now, I have a lot of free time blogging at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Went to the National Bookstore to buy the pen stylus. This way, I can use the stylus part of the pen to sign on equipment that captures signature. I don't understand why they allow signing using a finger where the result is far from you real signature.
I walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The Gospels during Advent are events surrounding the birth of the Lord.
Why did Joseph upon finding Mary is pregnant, why did he decide to divorce her quietly?
There are three (3) theories:
- Suspicion theory--Mary is unfaithful. St. Augustine
- Perplex theory--Joseph finds it hard to understand Mary to be pregnant without any relationship with him. St. Jerome
- Reverence theory--Joseph does not consider himself worthy to be the father of God. St. Thomas Aquinas
More than these theories, what is important is the virtue of Joseph.
- Faith--Joseph accepted Mary upon the angel's revelation in a dream.
- Mercy--Joseph is righteous but not absolute. Out of mercy to Mary.
- To fulfill the mission--Joseph and Mary leading Jesus to be a good Jew.
Our faith should be with mercy in fulfillment to our mission.
After the Mass, 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 to the souls in purgatory who rejected the resurrection.
Then, I bought a box of cream puffs (if you buy five you get one free) at Beard Papa's and Theo's dog food at Pet Express before going home.
Labels: car, Chromebook, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, tea
First Saturday Of December
It is the first Saturday of December and I will do my First Saturday Devotion. But somehow, it seems something or someone is trying to delay me.
Left the condo with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
Find a parking slot. ✅
Grocery. ✅
Senior Citizen grocery booklet for a max PhP2,500.00 discount. ❎
Now, Edgar, the driver, has to go back and get my booklet. That 2.5K savings is BIG. We put our grocery cart on the side, advising our regular bagger, and will get it later to pay. I started yesterday's blog at the food court while waiting for Edgar's return.
After paying, I left Edgar to bring our groceries home.
I proceeded to Greenbelt Chapel for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I am 8th in the queue. Then, the priest stepped out from the confessional; but, his replacement is not yet around. Will I not complete my first Saturday devotion? Then, the two ahead of me left. Hmmm... Mama Mary has her ways. 😇
In any case, while in the queue, I prayed the Act of Reparation, and did a 15-minute meditation of the Carrying of the Cross. I have started to pray the Rosary but decided against it as I am already near the confessional. The confessor is Fr. Froilan.
Even with all the delays, I was able to do my confession, prayed the Rosary (as a community), and attended the Saturday Mass. 🙏 I was even able to do my Precious Blood Chaplet devotion.
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| Greenbelt Chapel |
The Mass presider is Fr. Anthony. He is from Australia. He came back for a vacation.
He started sharing his experiences related to availability.
Availability is one of the surest test of love.
Availability is the capacity to be of help to someone. If you are truly available, you there to help, you are there not because you will gain something. Availability is other-centered.
The twelve apostles made themselves available for the Lord and to proclaim His Kingdom.
Availability is not only physical presence but an open heart and mind. The Pharisees and Sadducees are always where Jesus was but their hearts and minds are not open to His teachings.
After the Mass, 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 for a quick lunch, I ate at the The Landmark's food court. Chose the pork chop with egg of Chuck's Steaks and Chops.
I have an idea of what to give Titas Josie and Norma. So I went to Made for U. It is available! I like it that I also ordered for myself. LOL. Will be able to pick it up next Saturday.
Then, I proceeded to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I bought a hot tea and started this blog. Because it is not a double stamp weekend, the length of the queue is acceptable.
Around 3 PM, I am on my way back to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. I was able to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary with the community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Richard.
There are many ways of teaching people. There are many ways of correcting children.
John the Baptist proclaims boldly, very harshly. It is because he understood He will be coming and we must be prepared. This harshness is coming from love... tough love.
When we are already in front of Jesus for judgment, there is no more way to correct your ways. By nature, we are stubborn.
When we do good, is it to please God or to please "us". We have to check our status in terms of our relationship with God.
What is the secret of success? You have to know what hinders success. Your competition is the person you see in the mirror. It is the choices we make on a daily basis.
After, went to The Landmark's Food Court to buy Lapid's chicharon, and to Dairy Queen to buy their DQ sandwich and Blizzard.
Home.
N.B. Learned that today is the last of the first Saturday devotion of the 100 years from the time Mama requested the first Saturday devotion during the Fatima apparitions. She specifically detailed the practice and promised graces for it on December 10, 1925.
Labels: Chromebook, Church, food, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, tea
Eataewon
Grocery day.
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.
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| 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.
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| Bulgogi Over Flowers |
Not bad. Learned that the name of the meal was based on a K-novela.
And of course, I went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to start this blog. Ordered the Genmaicha Tea.
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.
Then, home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, grocery, mall, Mass, tea
Mango Tree Cafe
First Saturday of September. Left the condo around 9AM with my Timex North Field Post Mechanical Hand-Wound watch on my left wrist and my Apple watch at the right.
When I arrived at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, there is already a penitent at the confessional. I was the next in line. I forgot the name of the confessor. And he did not give me penance...
Unlike for the past first Saturdays where I am short of time, I have a lot of time in my hands while I wait for the Saturday Mass. I was able to finish my morning prayers, pray the Precious Blood Chaplet, pray the chaplet of St. Gertrude (which I was not able to do yesterday), and the requirements for the first Saturday devotion (intention for the reparation for the blasphemies made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, confession, 15-minute meditation on one mystery of the Rosary (The Agony in the Garden), pray a 5-decade Rosary, and the Holy Eucharist.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
Fr. Paolo started with a story of a prostitute who went to the church. But the people inside looked down on her that she went outside. Sad, she met Jesus outside. When asked, she told her what happened. Jesus, then, said to her, not to take it to heart for He, too, wanted to enter the church but was pushed out.
What good is religion if it builds walls instead of doors?
In the Gospel, the religious leaders are condemning Jesus' disciple for breaking the Sabbath law. They are strict in the law, which Jesus commended, but they lack justice, mercy and faith.
For reflection:
- Holiness is grace, a gift of God. We shared this holiness to others.
- Holiness is a journey.
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| Mango Tree Cafe |
They offer meals good for a group; but, also food for solo diners. The waitress recommended the Chicken with Holy Basil or
Gai Pad Grapow (PhP350.00) or Pork with Holy Basil or Moo Pad Grapow (PhP350.00), chose the chicken. Also tried their
Thai iced tea (PhP160.00).
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| Gai Pad Grapow |
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| Thai iced tea |
I am not a fan of the iced tea. Does it have milk? The Gai Pad Gaprow is good but a bit spicy for me. Thanks to the egg and rice, it tamed the spice.
Since I am eyeing a diver watch either a
Tag Heuer or a
Tudor, went to their shops at
Glorietta. The
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date is a sight to behold, especially with the lights focused on them. There are other models that have diamonds on the dial. I like the
Tudor Black Bay 54 but it is not available in the store. I have my name listed as soon as it becomes available. I am being partial to Tudor because the Tudor watch is a Swiss-made mechanical timepiece from a luxury brand founded by
Rolex's Hans Wilsdorf in 1926.
Then, I had a hot tea at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
Back at the Greenbelt Chapel, I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Joel.
Fr. Joel reminded the messages for the three (3) Sundays: (a) Do not think I have come to bring peace; I bring division. (b) I have come to bring fire into the earth. (c) You must be ready to make a stand.
If anyone comes to me without hating his father, mother, brothers and sisters, you cannot be my disciple. During Jesus' time, even within families there are divisions--faith, beliefs, etc.
Discipleship is costly.
- Christianity is making a stand. If you make a stand in behalf of Jesus, you will have enemies. Revelation 3:20, "Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me."
- Christianity is not only wearing a cross (like a jewelry). It is bearing a cross. In Jesus' time, the Cross is a symbol of death penalty. Follow the hard way of discipleship.
- The family should not stand in the way of God. It should be the way to God. Each family is a domestic church.
After, went to Samsung at Glorietta as Edgar would be buying a mobile phone--it will be an advance for his salary. Will deduct a specific amount semi-monthly until he pays it off.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping, tea
