Ash Wednesday 2026
I will be attending the Ash Wednesday Mass at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Left around 9:20 AM with Swatch Greenshift Glow on my left wrist and my Apple watch on the right.
I know I would be late for the 9 AM Mass but very early for the 10:30 AM Mass. Instead, as soon as I arrived at the chapel, the Mass was about to end with the priest giving his blessing. Then people started queuing to have ashes put on their foreheads. Unlike what I did last December 25 and January 1, I proceeded to my favorite seat. I was able to finish my morning prayers, and joined the community to pray the Rosary and the Mother of Perpetual Help Novena.
The Mass presider is Fr. Ronaldo.
When Lent enters, we often think about our personal dealings with God. It reminds us of what things to let go, and things we should acquire. But Lend is not just about personal journey--it is also a relational journey. Conversion is the endpoint of this journey.
The three pillars of Lent: (a) Prayer intensifies our relationship with God. (b) Almsgiving and (c) fasting makes us go closer to one another.
We not only ask for God’s forgiveness; but, we should also be channels of love and forgiveness.
Putting ash on our forehead: Ash reminds us who we are. And in spite of who we are, we are loved by God.
Ashes were placed on the foreheads after the Mass.
I passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Then, to Besa's hoping that the camera bag I had repaired is already available. Nope. And for lunch, I ordered at MAiSEN and ate at Food Choices.
Before going, I have items in my list: lens tissue (to clean camera's lens), and mouse (not a logi mouse since my laptop is always encountering driver error with my current logi mouse). I went to Henry's Cameras (where a bought cleaning set which includes a blower, lens brush and microfiber), DataBlitz, PixelPlay, Silicon Valley, Octagon Computer Superstore, and Asus (where I bought an Asus mouse hoping that since my laptop is also an Asus, I would no longer have issue with my mouse).
Home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, rosary, shopping
Chinese New Year 2026
A friend who is still in the camera club invited me to join them in their photo shoot today. Meet-up is at Starbucks of Pacific Center Building in Binondo around 12 noon. So, left the condominium around 10:30 AM with my Apple watch on my left wrist.
I arrived at the venue before 12 noon but I cannot find Sam. I was at the door of the coffee shop looking for him. Then, Kuya Nick saw me. Thus, joined them at their table. When they left to do more shooting, I stayed to wait for Sam. Actually, he was already at Starbucks since; but, at the second floor. And he has eaten his lunch already!!! And I thought we would be doing a food trip...
What is nice, the older members of the camera club still remember me. There was Nick, Edwin, Caloy, Chito, Nestor, and Lea.
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Dragon for the Dragon Dance
(instax mini Evo, vivid, vignette) |
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By the canal
(instax mini Evo; light leak) |
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By the canal
(Canon PowerShot SX70 HS
printed in instax mini Evo) |
When I was able to take my "fill", said goodbye to the group. I am truly hungry. Timing is important. If we left much later, we would not be able to leave the area immediately especially once the parade starts.
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| Using Canon PowerShot SX70 HS |
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| Using Canon PowerShot SX70 HS |
Went to Glorietta to have my late lunch at Nanyang.
Decided to look for a soap dish for travel as well as the Muji pouch to make my bag "organized". Went to
beabi (will look around before I go back if I did not find a soap dish for travel),
True Value,
Nitori (where I bought a spray), and
Muji (where I bought a pouch).
Home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, mall, photography, shopping
Coco Grace Salon
Hair-pampering day. Look for Lita.
I left the condominium a few minutes before 10 AM, which means, I am late for my appointment. I am wearing the black Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on my left wrist, and my Apple watch on my right.
My morning is spent at Coco Grace Salon at The Link. While "relaxing" 😆, I was able to finish my morning prayers and the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet.
After, I visited Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Ordered take-out at Greenwich. Since my order will be ready in 25 minutes, I went to beabi to see if I can buy a soap dish I can use for travel. And of course, I bought a bottle of iced tea at Shakey's. Picked-up my order at Greenwich and called Edgar to pick me up at Glorietta.
Before going home, I passed by Cash and Carry Mall to buy ice cream at Dairy Queen.
Home, I learned that Lyn is having abdominal pains starting at 1 PM. Wanted to be sure it is not appendicitis else we have to bring her to the hospital. The pain is not stabbing and not in the lower right of the abdomen. She can't describe the pain. I remember when I experienced that, it was because of gas. Efficascent oil helps me to fart. 😂 I lent Lyn my recently bought electric heating pad and it seems to help her. I also asked Edgar, the driver, to buy a bottle of efficascent oil and bring it to us. I hope it will help her.
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
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 photo right by 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
