Instant Cameras And Their Bag/s
I left the condominium around 10 AM with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right, to attend the Friday Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I also brought with me my Lomo'Instant Automat Glass and my instax mini 99 in hope to buy a bag that fits said cameras and their accessories.
I was able to finish my morning prayers, started with my Precious Blood Chaplet, and joined the community to pray the Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer and the Rosary. In between prayers, I decided to take a multiple exposure photo using my Lomo'Instant Automat Glass. Luv it!
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At Greenbelt Chapel
Multiple Exposure using Lomo'Instant Automat Glass |
The image of Mama Mary is that of the Miraculous Medal. Looking straight at it, it is like she is looking down with her hands outstretched. But taking the image from her foot, it now looks like she is looking up to God the Father (the image is in the ceiling of the chapel), praising Him. Nice. The image is pretty sharp. I could say that among my instant cameras, my favorite is the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ryan.
We thought we had solved the problem of isolation, the problem of silence because of the tools to communicate. Though we are the most connected generation in history, we are become the most disconnected. Too many like, few true friends; endless messaging apps, but hardly establish a real connection.
If human connection is like digital connection, the world would be a joyful place. But there is more loneliness, stressed, anxious. We have confused information with intimacy. We know what our neighbors ate for lunch but we don't know the real stories.
We are physically capable of speaking and hearing; but, spiritually and emotionally we have become deaf and mute. We have lost the frequency of the human heart.
When Jesus said, "Be open", He is not just healing the person but He is also restoring the person to his community, restoring a real connection, restoring a real relationship.
To be open today means breaking free from the screens that act as walls, realizing the likes, the hearts, the shares are not a substitute for the hugs, and a text is not a substitute for a real visit.
We can be open in three ways:
1. Be open to the Word. Hear God’s quiet whisper in prayer.
2. Be open to our families.
3. Be open to a stranger. Do we see the lonely person in our neighborhood, in our communities? Or are we too busy scrolling to notice the suffering right in front of us?
To heal the loneliness of our generation, we must return to the basics of love.
Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you and listen in such a way others love to speak to you.
Listening is an act of justice when truly listening to someone without checking your phones, emails or notifications, without judging, without interruption, you are telling them "you are not alone, you are seen, you are loved." And that is the beginning of the miracle.
Ask the Lord for the grace of presence. Let us ask Him to touch our ears to hear the unspoken cries of the lonely. Let us ask Him to touch our tongues so that our words bring comfort and hope rather than gossip or noise. Let us put down the devices that keep us connected so that we can pick up the relationships that keep us whole.
Ephphatha. May our hearts be open, ears unscoffed, our lives truly connected in Christ.
For lunch, I ate again at MAiSEN. This time I ordered their Prawn Katsu set.
On my way back to Glorietta, took photos using the instax mini 99. Because I did not properly put the film cartridge in the camera, I spoiled three films. 😔 Good thing, I finally fixed it and took a landscape picture with leaked light filter.
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Greenbelt Park
Using instax mini 99, Light Leak |
When I was fixing my camera, I noticed a young couple who I think is on a date, asked the gardener of the park to take their photos from their cellphone. This same couple also asked me to take their photo when they saw me taking a photo with my instax. I do hope they liked the photo I took of them. I saw them going to a different direction from where I am headed.
While nearing the walkway, I noticed them behind me. I asked them if they would like for me to take a photo using my instax. It is the girl's birthday. And it also happens to be Valentine's day tomorrow. I gave them the print. Left them without waiting to see how the image will come out. LOL.
Passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
My intention is to buy a small bag to place my instant camera. I was thinking of the Halo brand. Went to SM Makati and One Ayala to look for it. It is not in both stores. Bought a Herschel cross body bag (on sale).
I plan to go to SM Mall of Asia to look for the Halo bag. But first, passed by Zamora for I need to sign some documents.
Even at SM Mall of Asia, Halo is no longer available. But I was able to buy a pouch for instax cameras. The store is really for instax products. The bag that really fits my idea is the hellolulu bag (on sale) which I was able to buy at The Travel Club.
Home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes
Good thing that Lyn advised me yesterday about the anointing of the sick to be done today at the 6 PM Mass at the Holy Family Parish Church. Aside from the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, it is also the World Day of the Sick, which Saint Pope John Paul II established in 1992. I messaged Greenbelt Chapel if they would be doing the same. No response. Thus, adjusted our schedule so that Lyn and I can attend this event.
I left the condominium around 4:30 PM with Lyn and Theo, the dog. The latter will be with Edgar, the driver, while we are attending the Mass. I asked Edgar to bring along Bing, his common-law wife. She joined us. I was wearing my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
We were really early as the church's doors are still closed. Went to the Adoration Chapel first.
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Holy Family Parish Church steps
(instax mini 90, Landscape mode, no flash) |
We were able to join the community to pray the Rosary and the Novena to our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The Mass presider is the parish priest. The homily is really short for the anointing will be done right after the homily. First, everyone was sprinkled with holy water. Then, we lined-up for the anointing. It is only the priest who can do the anointing. Thank You! 🙏
Labels: Chromebook, Church, Mass, rosary
Wake
Today, I will be going to two (2) wakes. One for the mother of a friend (at Marikina), and the other is a former office mate (at Quezon City). The latter is only about 40+ years old.
I was supposed to leave around 9 AM; but, I was slow in preparing. From time to time, I asked Google for the ETA to Marikina--started with 2 hours, then 1.5 hours, then 1 hour and 15 minutes. Finally, I left around 9:30 AM with my Rado Captain Cook Automatic on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
Used Google Maps and/ or Waze to guide our way to our destination.
This is the case that being "late" is the right decision. We were able to reach the Paket Santiago Funeral Homes at V. Gomez St. San Roque, Marikina City in less than hour--not much traffic. This funeral home is odd. It really looks like a house! LOL. We were there until lunch time.
Passed by Ayala Malls Feliz to have our lunch. This mall's Food Choices is different from the Food Choices at Glorietta. I don't know most of the restaurants in this food court. Good thing I spotted Tokyo, Tokyo which is outside the food court. This is where we had our lunch.
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| Tokyo Tokyo's Bento Meal |
Leaving the mall, sent our ETA to a friend who I will meet up at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine for the wake of a former office mate. Took me some time to find the mortuary chapel.
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| Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine |
When leaving the wake, someone would share about the superstition of what should be done or not during wakes. The wife of my friend wants to observe those superstitions which I pointed out should not be done for those are doorways for the demonic. In the end, I brought food from the wake (tikoy and fish cracker). Actions speak louder than words. Hehe!
Went to Glorietta before proceeding home. I'll have a screen protector placed in my Instax Mini Evo's display. Also bought egg tarts, bagnet chicharon, and shingaling at Lord Stow's Bakery
Home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, wake
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
Instax
Yesterday, I received the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer (M04S) which I ordered via Lazada. I am planning to put photo stickers in my bullet journal.
I also "found" my Instax SQ10, which uses Instax square film, I remembered my photo album for Instax photos. But the photos use the Instax mini film and were taken after the fire that gutted our house at Pasay. Does this mean I have an Instax camera that uses mini film? I found the Instax Mini 90. Unfortunately, I cannot use it because I don't have the battery charger for it. The camera must be one of the cameras I "saved" from the fire. So, I ordered an Instax Mini Evo via Lazada.
Left the condominium around 10 AM with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
I was dropped off at Greenbelt to attend the Friday Mass at Greenbelt Chapel. It is also the first Friday for February 2026. I was able to finish my morning prayers, prayed the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet, and joined the community to pray the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
He started by asking, "What would you do if it will be declared to behead all Christians?
Many Christians died for our faith. This is the treasure of our Church. This is part of being a Christian.
The call for us is to have more witnesses to the faith.
Whenever good people are silent, evil will prevail (temporarily since God already won).
After the Mass, had late lunch at MAiSEN at Greenbelt. Ordered their Seafood Katsu Set.
Visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Also bought an adapter for my new cross cut shredder.
I also went to SM Makati to buy scissors. I like the scissors which I bought there before.
Then, proceeded home.
N.B. The Phomemo M02 Pro Thermal Label Printer arrived today. It is small and I think I can bring this to our trip in Japan.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, Mass, rosary, shopping
Memorial of Saint Blaise
I attend Mass during the Memorial of Saint Blaise because after the end of every Mass, a blessing of the throat and for other illnesses is made, asking for the intercession of Saint Blaise.
I left the condominium around 6 AM with my black Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical watch on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right.
There is no traffic yet on the way to Greenbelt Chapel. The area within the vicinity of the chapel is still dark but the chapel already have its lights on. I think we've made good time as I was able to finish my morning prayers as well a join the community in praying the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Fr. Benny reminded that when you read the Bible, do not read it like a history book. But look for the message.
In the readings, David and his son, Absalom, have a rift. This is because Absalom wants to get the throne of his father. But when David learned of Absalom's death, he is in grief--as a father. It is like with God and us--we demand from and even hurt God. But God loves us in spite of it.
Often, we discover God's love during our dire situations. In the Gospel, this was presented through Jairus' daughter who is dying, and the woman who touched Jesus' cloak.
God should not be our last resort. He should be our first.
Before the Mass ended, Fr. Benny shared how Saint Blaise's intercession healed him.
I brought religious items to have them blessed. Blessing of religious items are done after every Mass. One is the crucifix that survived the fire which engulfed our house. I know it is already blessed; but, I decided to have it blessed again. It contains marks of the fire. Another is the St. Benedict bracelet which I purchased yesterday. And two ring rosaries.
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| Sacramentals |
Then, I walked my way at the side of The Landmark where Edgar, the driver, picked me up. We first went to McDonald's at Makati Central Square where Edgar and I had our breakfast. Bought food-to-go before proceeding home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, Mass, rosary
Delayed Grocery Day
Because Edgar was sick, I had to move my grocery day today. It is also Theo, the dog, grooming day.
Left the condo around 9:30 AM with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist, my Apple watch on my right, and Theo in his carrier.
We first dropped-off Theo at Pet Express for his grooming.
We parked the car and went to The Landmark Supermarket where we bought our groceries. After paying for them, l left Edgar, the driver, to bring our purchases home and return when Theo and I will be picked up.
Visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. I was able to finish my morning prayers. Also bought a leather coin purse to replace my broken one. Although, Edgar will have the broken one (because of the zipper) to be repaired. I also looked for a watch strap for Lyn. My niece gifted her in one of the Christmases a watch. When she was fixing her things in her drawer, she saw the watch. It is no longer ticking (must need its battery replaced) and the leather strap is weathered. Wasn't able to find a NATO strap for it. It is quite thin.
I went to Healthy Options because I have to buy a small-sized bottles of the medicines and/ or supplements I would be bringing to Japan. The new rule is that medicine should be in their original package. I should also bring the doctor's prescription. What is nice, I just learned that I can use my Senior Citizen ID when I buy supplements at Healthy Options. 😆
Decided to have an early lunch, so went to Yakiniku Like! I ordered the Prime Karubi and Misuji Set. I did not forget the Onsen Egg. The sauces I like here are the Like Original BBQ Sauce, and the Garlic Soy Sauce. Full!
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| Yakiniku Like! |
Proceeded to SM Makati to look for a watch strap. Nope. Then to Uniqlo to buy another geared jeans that I plan to bring to Japan.
Checked Glorietta for the strap. Nope.
Since Theo is already done with his grooming and already in the car, went to Baguio Country Club to buy half raisin bread before proceeding to the parking lot.
Labels: Chromebook, Church, grocery, mall, medicine, shopping
