stuff'd
It is the first Saturday of April. I was supposed to leave around 8:30 AM hoping to be the first in line for the confession. Again, I was late. But this time, it is an hour late. 😞 No excuses. I just have to share to Lyn what I learned last night. According to the mystic, Luz de Maria, the anti-Christ is already among us and he is already talking with the world elites. And his name is Alex but he will be known by another name when he reveals himself. Soros? Asked by the interviewer in the video I saw. Sorry, no last name was given. She was the one who prophesied about the virus (COVID-19) but she said there is a second one much worse--it is being made in the laboratories. She also mentioned about having a single currency, being marked (or chipped?) else you would not be able to buy or sell without it. Praying that they will be stopped. 🙏
I was dropped off at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. No one is in the queue. As soon as I arrived, I rested for a bit and entered the confessional. Fr. Alemar is the confessor.
After my penance, meditated for at least 15 minutes on The Annunciation, prayed the Act of Reparation for the first five Saturdays of the month, prayed the Rosary as a community and joined in celebrating the Mass (Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist).
Then, I noticed that a queue is starting to build at the confessional. 🙏
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave.
Regardless of who you are, regardless how strong you are, regardless how successful you are, everyone has a breaking point.
If there are trials and sacrifices to be successful, how much more if you want to be holy?
It will question your principle, your foundation, your love. If your conviction is clear, you will raise the difficulties ahead of you.
For his parting words, Fr. Dave said, "Your love for God will not spare you from sufferings. Instead, embrace sufferings with the reality that each one of us has a breaking point."
After the Mass, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches, in hope of gaining a plenary indulgence. This time, I offer it to one of my aunts whom we fondly call Mommy Cora.
And for my taste test this week, it is stuff'd at One Ayala.
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| stuff'd |
There are instructions on how to "make" your order.
I opted for the Grain Bowl (PhP285.00). I think this is too "heavy" for me because of the rice. Although I liked it when I tasted the portion with the vegetables. Maybe I should have mixed the bowl when I ate it? Next time, it would be the Daily Bowl (PhP335.00).
Default it comes with lettuce and tomato salsa. You have the option not to include them. 1st step: Chose quinoa rice and Mexican rice. 2nd step: Chose Mayo Cucumber sauce and Sweet Thai Sauce. 3rd step: Buttered Corn instead of Adobo Black Beans. 4th step: Chicken for my mains.
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| Grain Bowl |
And for my Frappuccino fix, went to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
I walked my way back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. I was able to pray as a community the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ronaldo.
During Lent, we contemplate and meditate on the passion and death of Jesus.
In the Old Testament, the glory of God left the temple because of corruption.
In the Gospel, Jesus arrived in the temple area. We can see it as glory is back to the temple.
The story about the woman is the story of misery and mercy. The Pharisees and scribes are not concerned with the woman but more to trap Jesus. They are using others (sinfulness of other people) to cover for their sin. They even tried crowd sourcing. Jesus did not fall into their trap--He did not want to be part of the mob.
Instead, when He said "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her," the focus was being directed to the accusers.
Do not dwell on misery; but, focus on the Divine Mercy.
Reflection: What are my miserable situations, and where is the mercy of God during these situations?
After the Mass, I went to BPI to withdraw from their ATM, bought food-to-go at Fatfook, bought hair clip at On.Cat, and a mini cake at Mary Grace.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, Mass, rosary
April Fools
A holiday. Already planned to go to the PLDT-Smart Business Center at Cash & Carry to enroll my replacement credit card in my mobile phone's automatic payment.
Yesterday, although I am working from home, I still advised I'll start work late for an hour (and extend) as I would be going to pick-up my replacement card. I was at the Bank while still closed. It opens at 9 AM. Got the card, had it activated, dropped Theo, the dog, at Pet Express for his grooming, and back home with a few minutes to spare.
Since the mall would open at 10 AM, left the condo a few minutes before 10 AM, and was the only client of the PLDT-Smart Business Center. It was a quick business for I only have to give my mobile numbers, have my credit card and ID scanned, and sign-up the forms. The last time I enrolled my credit card, it took a lot of time as I had to fill-up all the information.
I went to Mercury Drug to buy medicine and the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion (noticed yesterday that my hands are dry and peeling). They don't have the Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Will look for one during my weekly gallivanting at the mall.
Strolled around the mall before leaving. With me are Auntie Anne's cheese pretzel dog and cheese stix, 1/4 kg Lydia's Lechon, and four pieces of fried Bao.
Labels: food, mall
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Grocery day. But unlike my usual grocery day, I have to go to my dentist at 10 AM for my regular check-up. So, after buying groceries, I will go to my dentist, then back to the mall. .
Supposed to leave the condo at 8 AM so that we will be already at the mall by 8:30 AM, the time The Landmark supermarket opens. Guess? Late by 30 minutes again.
But, we were blessed to get a parking slot as soon as we arrived (it seems there would be a few people at the mall), we finished our groceries by 9:30 AM and was able to reach my dentist's clinic around 9:50 AM. Not bad. Edgar, the driver, will bring home our purchases and return to me. He'll walk Theo, the dog, later.
Whenever I visit my dentist (they are actually a husband and wife team) at Catipon Dental Center, I always learn something. My dentist is the wife. 😊
She shares what she learns from others' research. After waking up, brush your teeth (before eating breakfast). This is because at night, our body secretes fewer saliva that if you are a mouth breather, the mouth dries up, bacteria builds up, and we have the "morning breath". If you still want to brush your teeth after breakfast, do it after 30 minutes from eating.
Flouride is activated by our saliva. Normally, when we brush our teeth, we spit (others gargle, don't). She suggested to wipe a pea-sized toothpaste on my teeth to strengthen my teeth's enamel. Hopefully on my next visit, she doesn't need to drill my cavity.
After, I was dropped off at Glorietta where I would buy cheddar sausage from Big City. Brought the sausage to Edgar so he can bring it home.
I walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass.
The Mass presider is Fr. Boogie.
The goal of our Lenten journey is holiness of life.
According to St. Augustine, there three secrets to happiness (and holy life): humility, humility, humility.
Strive to be humble by not comparing yourself to others. Appreciate what others have. In the Gospel, what the Pharisee did is false humility.
Be humble in prayer. God already knows what we did, what we need. Pray in the structure of the "Our Father".
Humility has to be spread in acts of charity.
Whenever we see the crucifix, let us remember Jesus who humbled Himself to save us.
After the Mass, passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. It is one of the Jubilee churches. I am hoping to gain a plenary indulgence and I offer this to my Lola Tinay, my tatay's nanay.
And for my lunch, I already decided to try Ya Kun Kaya Toast at One Ayala. The waitress suggested their Value Set A: Kaya Toast with Butter Set (PhP188.00). When I asked her if it would fill me, she suggested their rice meal instead. LOL. Their best seller is the Hainanese chicken. Since I already had one last week, she suggested the Satay chicken cutlet with rice or the Chicken laksa. Opted for the Chicken Curry (PhP268.00). 😉 Since I wanted to taste their Kaya Toast with Butter (PhP95.00), she suggested I can order one on the side.
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| Ya Kun Kaya Toast |
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| Chicken Curry |
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| Kaya Toast with Butter |
It is good. Will try the other dishes the waitress recommended.
I walked my way to Greenbelt Chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. I was able to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet and the Rosary as a community.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
It is Laetera Sunday--Rejoice Sunday. It is a time of repose to recharge. For the next two weeks, Satan will try to pull you from Lent.
Per Bishop Barron, this parable contains the whole Gospel.
The sins of the younger son: (a) The eldest son has the first right to the inheritance. (b) The younger son asked for his inheritance while the father is alive. This is tantamount to saying that he already thinks his father is dead.
The younger son is addressed to sinners.
Gifts given to us by God should be used as service to the community--not for selfish intentions.
The elder son is being addressed to the Pharisees and the Scribes. Because of envy, jealousy, we are not happy to celebrate. The elder son is only interested in the wealth, riches--not a relationship with the father.
Reflection: Are you seeking the grace of God or seeking the God of grace?
After the Mass, I passed by Mary Grace to buy a mini chocolate cake, browsed through the pop-up stores at Glorietta 2 Activity Center, before proceeding home.
Labels: Chromebook, doctor, food, frappuccino, grocery, Mass, rosary
Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice
Normally, since it is not my grocery day, I would be leaving the condominium after lunch to attend the anticipated Mass. Because I would be buying a birthday gift for one of my nephews, decided to attend the Saturday Mass, buying the gift between Masses. Besides, I’ll have the rosaries I bought from
Catholic Woodworker blessed after the Saturday Mass.
My friends at the office were talking about food and they mentioned about the
Tiong Bahru, a Singaporean restaurant, which is also at
One Ayala. It would be a good excuse for my new restaurant taste test this Saturday. One of them is actually gushing over the croissant of Tiong Bahru Bakery, which is only available at Bonifacio Global City (BGC). But they are all recommending about the chicken meals of said restaurant.
So, I attended the Saturday Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Prayed my Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet on the way.
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave.
For his homily, he started by saying that if we already know the parable, some tend to shut their mind and does not listen. LOL
How do you look at God?
A master?
A faithful servant waiting for a reward?
Waiting and complaining because others are blessed and not you?
We are treated the way God looks at us. If God treat us by our sins, what would happen to us? He is our Father who always welcomes a sinner.
After the Mass, went to the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches, hoping to gain a plenary indulgence. This time, I offer it to my Lolo Gil.
And for my lunch, it's at Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice at One Ayala.
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| Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice |
The waiter said their signature dish is the Hainanese Chicken Rice (PhP329.00 single serve) and Roasted Chicken Rice (PhP329.00 single serve). For side dish, he recommended the Vegetable Fritters (PhP175.00), Fried Tofu (PhP259.00) or Kailan with Oyster Sauce (PhP240.00). Chose the Roasted Chicken Rice and the Kailan with Oyster Sauce. Added the Barley Blend Drink (PhP145.00).
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| Roasted Chicken Rice |
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| Kailan with Oyster Sauce |
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| Barley Blend Drink |
And now, the real reason I went earlier than usual--buy a birthday gift for my nephew. On may way to Uniqlo, passed by
Straightforward. Most often than not, I check items on said store if I happen to pass by. Good thing they have a Buy 1 Get 1 promo and the tote bag I am eyeing is part of the sale items. Thus, the get 1 is the unisex bag for my nephew. 😉
Proceeded, still, to
Uniqlo where I bought a black pants for me. LOL.
Of course, I have my Frappuccino fix at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog using my iPad. Did not bring my Chromebook this time.
I walked my way to Greenbelt chapel to attend the anticipated Mass. The friends I met while we were lined up for confession before gave me prayer books, a Way of the Cross for Migrants and a Tagalog prayer for the Holy Thursday vigil. The latter is free that she is giving them away to the other people in the chapel. Nice.
The Mass presider is Fr. Mario.
When there are challenges, it calls for our response. How do we respond?
God patiently waits. God gives us many changes in life, does not punish, does not set conditions.
When sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.--St Augustine
Blaming is the devil's nature in us.
God paves the way to our conversion, Do what is necessary. Be committed to him.
After the Mass, I went to The Landmark to buy a gift bag. Left my purchases with Edgar. Then I went to Bistro Ravioli to buy food-to-go. Passed by Mary Grace to buy a mini cake.
Then, I went home.
Just when I thought my day was a lot of fun, I became a victim of smishing. 😭 Received an SMS that was able to spoof Smart, my telco. Thinking that the link is valid and the URL that it was routed to also has a lock symbol making you think it is a valid link. Received an SMS from my Bank regarding a (fraudulent) credit card transaction. Temporarily locked my credit card via the mobile app and called my Bank's call center. I have my credit card permanently locked and replaced. I am hoping that I will not be charged with my disputed transaction; but, this is very unlikely.
I pray for the conversion of the people behind this scam...
Note to self: Check daily my bank accounts to ensure that these were not compromised too.
Labels: food, frappuccino, iPad, Mass, rosary, shopping
Bom Gosto!
Grocery day!
Supposed to leave the condominium around 9 AM. As usual, I left about 30 minutes late.
Since it is around payday, I thought there will be a lot of people in the mall shopping. As soon as we arrived, we were able to find a parking slot which is quite near the entrance of The Landmark. Even buying our groceries is a breeze. After paying for our purchases, left Edgar, the driver, to bring them home.
Proceeded to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel to attend the Saturday Mass. I was early that I was able to complete my Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet, and joined the community by praying the Rosary. I also prayed the Auxilium Christianorum prayers, which I usually do after praying the rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Dave.
Lent is not about sin. It is about the love of God in spite of our sinfulness. This love invites us to go back to God.
One become sacred by doing the law out of love of God.
After the Mass, went to Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, one of the Jubilee churches, hoping to gain a plenary indulgence. The indulgence, this time, I offer for my grandmother Lola Clara.
For my new restaurant, it is Bom Gosto! at One Ayala. I ensured last night that this is not a buffet restaurant. LOL. The staff is very friendly.
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| Bom Gosto! |
I asked the waitress for her recommendation. She suggested the Salpicao de Ternera (PhP700.00) or the Roasted Pork Chop (PhP1,320.00) but it (pork chop) is to share. For salads, Portuguese Octopus Salad (PhP560.00) or Fresh Tomato Salad with Parmesan Texture (PhP500.00). For fish, it is the Baked Bacalao (PhP810.00).
I chose the salpicao. Since it doesn't come with rice, she suggested the garlic rice (PhP100.00). Will try the fish next time.
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| Salpicao de Ternera, with garlic rice |
The salpicao is one of the best I have tasted (the other is a Spanish restaurant that used to be near Nayong Pilipino at Pasay City which then moved across the Domestic Airport then moved to Magallanes, and then to ????) The meat is so tender.
And of course, my Frappuccino fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog.
On the way back to Greenbelt Chapel, I felt pain on the muscles of both of my legs. Prayed St. Benedict's prayer (Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non draco sit mihi dux! Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihin vana! Sunt mala quaea libas. Ipse venea bibas!) and the Hail Mary. The pain slightly subsided. But as soon I am at the chapel, the pain left.
The Mass presider is Fr. Rany.
Lent is a journey.
Last week's Gospel is a journey with the Lord in the desert. It teaches us how to overcome our internal weaknesses, our internal desires.
This time, we go up the mountain with Jesus. This is towards our spiritual potential, our potential growth.
Today's Gospel teaches us the following:
- Listening to the divine voice. It is time to fine tune our spiritual healing. Faith begins through hearing. Our world today is being bombarded with noise--distraction of social media, whispers of doubt, etc. Dedicate time for prayer, for reflection.
- Embracing transformation. It reveals Jesus' glorified state--foreshadowing the resurrection. It is a model for our own transformation during Lent. Let us be transformed from inside out. It not only shows His divinity; but also how we should be transformed in the image of Jesus Christ.
- Descending with renewed purpose. You have to come down and continue your mission with awe and understanding in witnessing the glory of God. Bring God to the reality of the world.
After the Mass, I went to Healthy Options to buy Vitamin D3 1000 IU. Also planned to buy an extension cord that allows three prong cables. Went to True Value. They only have extension cords for two prongs. Went to Ace Hardware. The same. But... (a big BUT) they can make one. So I paid the plug, the 3 meter cord, and the socket for them to make me one. Thank you! Next is Pet Express where I bought a "hamburger" as a gift to Theo, the dog. It is his 10th birthday! My niece, Theo's fur mom, already sent over a cake and ice cream (pup-sicles).
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, grocery, mall, Mass, rosary
Zark's Burgers
When in the mall, I always see this restaurant. Instead of trying the food there, decided to order from Zark's Burgers via Grab since I am working from home.
I ordered the Zark's Ultimate and the Mozza Crunch. Will divide it in half so that Lyn and I can try both burgers. Also ordered the Flavored Mozza. The Grab app identifies that these three menu items are the most ordered.
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| Zark's Burgers |
I like the Mozza Crunch than the Zark's Ultimate. At least I tried the Flavored Mozza--not a fan.
Now I understand why some people like it. It is the patty. If only
Dayrit's is available via Grab. Luv their burgers (and so are their other food items).
Check-Up
Working from home, I filed for a half-day leave so I can go to my doctor at Makati Medical Center to interpret all my tests (blood tests, full abdomen ultrasound, etc.) in relation to my kidney.
I was supposed to be in the 4PM to 5PM slot. But since the doctor started late, I am now at the 5PM to 6PM slot. My next blood test will be in the next 6 months. Ultrasound is done every year.
Asked Edgar, the driver, to pick me up at the hospital and we would be going to Glorietta.
I went to Uniqlo at SM Makati to buy jogging pants. Also found linen pants which I think I can wear to the office. After, I went to the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel. It is my first time there. Prayed for Donald Trump, his family and the people with him. Prayed for the Christians and the minorities being prosecuted in Syria.
Before going home, I had my Frappuccino fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Labels: Chromebook, doctor, food, frappuccino, mall, shopping
