Delinquent Tenant
Normally, I would be leaving home after lunch to attend the anticipated Mass if it is not my schedule to do groceries. But I wanted to talk to our tenant who is way past due on her rent. She was already advised I would be talking to her today.
It was in 2022 when we agreed on her payment terms to make up for her delinquent payments. It is already 2025, she still did not mend her ways. Anyway, she already came up on how she would be paying. She would be issuing post-dated checks for the 10th and the 25th of each month. Hopefully she would not renege on her word.
Since that was a quick meeting, I still have time to attend the Saturday Mass. So, I have asked Edgar, the driver, to drop me off at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. In time, too, as I was able to join the community praying the rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave. He started by saying not all mistakes are sins, but all sins are mistakes ("Hindi lahat nang nagkakamali ay nagkasala. Lahat nang nagkasala ay nagkamali." Saying it in Tagalog has more impact. LOL)
We also perceive the same mistake differently as it depends on who committed the mistake. If he/ she is our friend, we let it go. But if he/ she happens to be an enemy, we would react angrily.
Everybody prays, even those who have sinned and erred. We should not judge. God listens even to those who sinned. Be understanding and merciful, as God is understanding and merciful to us.
If we are not in a situation or predicament, we easily judge and condemn. Fr. Dave pointed out the parable of the one lost sheep and the ninety-nine sheep that the shepherd left behind to find the missing sheep.
Funnily, Fr. Dave said that one pope said "pagiging tanga ay isang biyaya... huwag mo lang araw-arawin." (translation: being stupid is grace... just don't do it every day).
Again, it is time to try a new restaurant. I walked my way to One Ayala. Was thinking of trying Crisostomo. Unfortunately, their food serving is for two to three persons.
So, hopped to the restaurant next to it. Panco Cafe. I assume this is from Melbourne, Australia. LOL
The food recommended by the server, that is, Breakfast Brisket (PhP460.00), is spot on!
Since the service is fast, I still have time to go around One Ayala. Saw in the internet that one of the stores in the mall is Biblio and AMen. I assumed it would be religious stores. Far from it. Biblio is a store of pre-loved books. AMen is a jewelry store.
Of course, I would not skip my Frappuccino fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
Walked back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass, pausing at a stall selling mobile phone accessories to buy a micro USB cable as Lyn's got broken.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
What does the baptism of Jesus mean for us?
- It is an opportunity for John the Baptist to be the precursor of the Savior.
- It is an opportunity to reveal the Trinity. God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is in the event.
- It is an opportunity for Jesus to signal to John that He will already start His ministry. "He must increase, but I must decrease."
The Christmas story in the Gospel of Mark starts with the baptism. (Christmas season ends with the baptism of Jesus.)
Jesus is faithful to His baptism, to His mission. How about our baptism? Are we faithful to our mission: to maintain our holiness, to be part of the family of God.
Even the Protestants believe that we have been saved upon baptism. But for us Catholics, we believe that we have to maintain to be saved.
After the Mass, went to Mercury Drug at The Landmark to buy the supplement recommended by my gastroenterologist for my fatty liver. Then, proceeded to Fat Fook Kitchen to buy food-to-go before going home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, Mass
Silymarin With Vitamin E
Last day of my long vacation. Scheduled to have my full abdomen ultrasound with fibroscan result interpreted by my doctor.
Her clinic at Makati Medical Center starts at 2 PM. But was advised by her assistant that it may be earlier. So, I was at her clinic around 12:30 PM.
For my fatty liver, she asked that I take silymarin with vitamin E. She also added laboratory tests on top of the other laboratory tests requested by my other doctor.
Will schedule these tests...
First Saturday Of 2025
It is the first Saturday of January and the first Saturday of 2025. I continuously observe the first Saturday devotion in reparation to the blasphemies to the Immaculate Heart of Mama Mary. The devotion is only for five first Saturdays; but, I wanted to do it continuously.
The devotion have the following elements:
- To go to Confession either on the First Saturday itself or at least one week before or one week after the First Saturday itself.
- To receive Holy Communion on the First Saturday itself (preferably at Holy Mass).
- To pray five decades of the Rosary on the First Saturday itself.
- And to keep Our Lady company for at least fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, following the praying of the Rosary, on the First Saturday itself.
The conditions of the devotion are:
- That the practice be done on the First Saturday of five consecutive months.
- That the practices be done precisely with the intention of making reparation to Our Lady for the sins of blasphemy and ingratitude against her and her Immaculate Heart.
Blasphemies against the Blessed Virgin include: - those against her Immaculate Conception;
- those against her perpetual virginity;
- those against her Divine maternity and which are carried out by persons refusing at the same time to accept her as the Mother of mankind;
- those which are carried out by persons who try publicly to implant in the hearts of children an indifference, contempt, and even hate for this Immaculate Mother; and
- those which are carried out by persons who insult her directly in her sacred images.
But first, I completed my groceries at The Landmark Supermarket, leaving Edgar, the driver, to bring home the groceries. He will also walk Theo, the dog, upon arriving at the condominium. Hehe!
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| The Landmark Supermarket |
I walked my way to
Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the confession and to attend the Mass. After the confession, while waiting for the Mass, meditated on the third
Glorious Mystery, prayed the Precious Blood chaplet, and joined the rosary as a community.
Speaking of sins (confession), I remembered one video of Monsignor Rossetti. If you are being tempted, we can say:
"In the holy name of Jesus, I reject the evil spirits of [name the temptation]. I reject them; I renounce them; I rebuke them. In Jesus' holy name, I cast them out!"
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| Greenbelt Chapel |
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo. He started by asking if we have a New Year's resolution. Begin with the end in mind.
For those who have resolutions, it should be S.M.A.R.T. Simple. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time-bound.
Others have a motto or a mantra. For example, "trust the process", "focus forward", "never again <trait>", "less, more" (less talking, more listening; etc.)
Give clarity of our vision. The Devil distorts our vision; thus, we must be discerning.
He shared the prayer of St. Augustine "Let me know You, O You who know me; then shall I know even as I am known."
Pray for the gift of clarity of vision. Pray for the correctness of vision. Pray for control of vision (silence, meditation).
Since Mary Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark is one of the Jubilee churches, went there hoping to gain a plenary indulgence. Unfortunately, its inauguration would still be on January 17--meaning that is when its "doors" will be opened.
So, I went to One Ayala for lunch. This time, I tried Secret Recipe. It is also a member of the Bistro Group. Hmm... Maybe it is about time I get the BFF card...?
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| Secret Recipe |
The waitress there recommended the Pan-grilled fish cutlet with lobster sauce (PhP475.00), Fried rice with chicken satay (PhP375.00), Nesi lemak (PhP495.00/PhP895.00), and Grilled mushroom chicken chop (PhP345.00/PhP525.00). Opted for the grilled mushroom chicken chop. Not bad. Also tried their homemade chocolate hazelnut ice cream.
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| Grilled Mushroom Chicken Chop |
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| Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream |
Of course, would not miss my Frappuccino fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog. Better to remember, my dear, especially the homily. At around 3:30 PM, walked my way back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. Hope no one is seating in my favorite seat/ pew. LOL
Since the anticipated Mass will celebrate the Epiphany, I commented loudly that I am hoping that they will give away a blessed chalk. The one beside me asked what the chalk is for, so explained to her. Somehow, our topic went to sacramentals. Unfortunately, the way I understood her, she thinks the holy salt and water is like an amulet as it provides protection to her body. She has cancer. I cannot correct her since the Mass would already be starting. Anyway, I gave her an exorcised oil. I also included her in my Mass intention.
At the end of the Mass, she said she would pray for me. I said to her that I already included her in my Mass intention. I explained to her in what portion of the Mass she should be saying her intention, that is, during offertory, right after the prayer of the faithful. The bread and wine are brought to the altar, and the priest begins the preparation and blessing of the gifts. When he uncovers the paten, we can mentally place our intentions on the host. Then the priest says, "Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father."
Fr. Godwin is the Mass presider.
Epiphany is from the word epiphanes meaning appearance.
From the Gospel, it is said that the Gentiles are co-heirs; thus, Jesus is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles.
The main character of the Gospel is Herod and the three Magi, and both can be described with the three Ds.
- Decision. Both decided to see Jesus, but they have different motives/ intentions. The Magi to pay homage, Herod to kill the child Jesus. The Magi left their comfort zone, Herod remained--finding entails leaving. For reflection: Is our decision made to glorify God or ourselves?
- Discernment. Herod said to the Magi that he, too, wanted to honor the child Jesus. Nothing wrong with the statement of Herod but we must learn to also watch out for the person saying the words/ statement. Learn critical receptivity.
- Direction. The Magi took another route home after seeing Jesus. Encounter with Jesus will change us to be better.
Passed by BPI to withdraw before proceeding home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, grocery, Mass, rosary
First Friday of 2025
I am still on a vacation leave in order to avail the benefit of several holidays. Just using five (5) of my available leaves, I am able to enjoy fourteen (14) days straight of doing non-work related. LOL
It is the first Friday of January and first Friday of 2025, I would be attending the 12:15 PM Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I was late that I am unable to join in praying the rosary as a community. The rosary is prayed before the Mass.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Saint John the Baptist is a great prophet, a miracle baby, and received the Holy Spirit while in the womb (when Mama Mary visited Elizabeth).
John's baptism (water) is of repentance. Jesus' baptism (Holy Spirit) is of forgiveness and salvation.
John's humility is at a forefront--he new his role, he accepted his role, and he freely played that role.
For reflection: Do we know our roles? Do we accept them?
God is God, so we follow. God is God, so we obey.
What is worst? Believing that one does not need God.
After the Mass, I went to Italianni's for lunch. This would be the only meal I would be eating for today (fasting) and must not have meat (abstinence). When I reach my 60th year, I can forego fasting. 😉 So for my lunch, ordered Sicilian salad (ate half at the restaurant and half to-go, PhP595.00) and Parmesan crusted fish fillet (PhP595.00).
Went home after passing by SM Makati to check for a polo blouse.
Labels: Chromebook, food, Mass
First Day Of 2025
I would be attending the 9 AM Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. So, with the niece, we left the condominium at 7:30 AM as we would be dropping her off at her condominium. I am sure, she would continue her sleep and wake up in the afternoon. LOL
Thus, I was able to arrive at the chapel by 8 AM. I wanted to take pictures of the altar as the flower arrangement is pretty nice. Noticed one cat cleaning itself in one of the pews. The Ayala Management let stray cats in the mall, leaving pet food on specific areas of the park. Right in front of the altar, I noticed the cat is beside me, clawing the portion of the pew where you kneel. After taking my pictures, I stood up to leave--the cat put its claws on my pants. Good thing my pants is a bit thick that I was not hurt. Going back to my seat, the cat followed me! As an afterthought, I think that the cat is interested in the small (exorcism) bell I attached to my bag. I made sure that it did not make a sound as it made its way towards me and passed me by. Hehehe!
The Mass presider is Fr. Andy. Today is the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
We (should) begin our day with the intercession of Mary, mother of God and our mother. Theotokos, meaning bearer of God. We ask her (Mary) to "carry" us through the new year.
Reflect: If people see you, would they know you are a Christian? A disciple of Jesus? Christ must be felt by others in how we live.
After the Mass, Fr. Andy blessed my St. Joseph bag charm. I also showed him my Our Lady of Lourdes bag charm. He asked me if I use it "against" the labubu. He knows! Many deliverance ministers are saying that they have cases due to having this (labubu) strange doll, which actually symbolizes a devil dog. This doll has become popular. The same way that teletubbies was popular then. I both don't like them. I have a different feeling when I saw the teletubbies, ditto the labubu.
Before going home, passed by Lydia's Lechon at The Landmark Food Center for 1/4 kilo of lechon. Went through McDonald's drive thru to buy breakfast.
Labels: food, Mass, rosary
Eve of 2025
My usual activity during the last day of the year is to go to the mall to buy cake with words written "Blessed <YYYY>", some fruits and pastry. In the afternoon, pick-up the food I ordered for our media noche.
So, at 9 AM, left the condominium to go to The Landmark Food Center to buy two Red Ribbon dedication chocolate cake and have the words "Blessed 2025". One is for us, the other is for Edgar, the driver.
Went inside the supermarket to buy some fruits, that is, bananas, grapes, and strawberries. Left Edgar to bring our purchases to the car after paying for them in order to buy the items requested by Lyn to buy.
I was able to buy the Fern-C at The Landmark's Mercury Drug. The Betadine nasal spray is out of stock; thus, went to the other branch of Mercury Drug at The Link, Not available.
Will have to check Watsons this time. Went to SM Makati since this drug store is only available in SM stores. There is a background story about Henry Sy and Mercury Drug. LOL
Both Watsons branches also do not have the Betadine nasal spray. Would ask Edgar to check if it is available in the Pasay branch of Mercury Drug.
Passed by the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Glorietta to buy ice-blended pure chocolate with whipped cream (frappuccino) to-go.
On the way home, received a call from a rider of Lalamove that he is already at the condo for the item I purchased online. I liked very much the Our Lady of Lourdes bag charm given to me as a Christmas gift by my nieces that I wanted a St. Joseph one. 😜 Bought it in myjourneyph at Instagram. In time, too, as I would have it blessed when I attend the Mass tomorrow.
At 3 PM, left the condominium to go to Emerald Garden Restaurant to pick-up the food I ordered for our media noche as I said I would be picking-it up around 4 PM. Since the traffic is light, was there at around 3:30 PM.
One of my nieces would be celebrating the New Year's Eve with me. She arrived around 6 PM.
We attended the online Mass of Greenbelt Chapel at 8 PM with Fr. Dave, the chaplain, as the Mass presider. Fr. Dave shared this blessing prayer (to be said by parents to their children):
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His face shine upon, and be gracious to you.
May He look upon you with kindness, and give you His peace.
While waiting for 12 midnight, watched "Radiating on Top", Ayala Avenue New Year's Eve Countdown to 2025.
A blessed 2025 to us all!!! 🙏
Labels: Chromebook, frappuccino, grocery, mall, shopping
Anticipated Mass
Left the condominium around 2 PM to attend the anticipated Mass. On the way, prayed my Precious Blood chaplet devotion.
I was able to join the community prayer of the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny. The Mass is in celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family. Jesus is obedient to Joseph and Mary. Jesus revealed the mission of the family.
Mama Mary did not understand what Jesus responded when she found Him at the temple; but, her trust in the Lord continues.
We are in our family not only in our family; but, for other families, too, directed to God. The married couple is witnessing to the others the love of God.
For his parting words, Fr. Benny shared...
Father
And
Mother
I
Love
You
Then, proceeded to Bistro Ravioli to buy food-to-go. Passed by the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to buy large ice-blended double chocolate (Frappuccino) to-go. Left the mall to go home.
Labels: food, frappuccino, Mass
