Left the condominium about 40 minutes late. Oddly, I am not that worried that I would not be able to complete my first Saturday devotion or that I would really have to eat late to complete everything even after the noon Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Greenbelt Chapel.
As soon as we reached the mall, we were able to find a parking slot. I guess, there are fewer people at the mall because of the long weekend (May 1, Friday, is a holiday).
Buying the groceries at The LandmarkSupermarket is a breeze. After paying for the groceries, left Edgar, the driver, to bring our purchases home. The department store opens at 11 AM (although Glorietta still opens at 10 AM); thus, walked to the side of the building to reach the chapel.
And yes, I am the first in the queue. I was able to finish praying the Act of Reparation for the first Saturdays of the month, joined the community to pray the Rosary, a 15-minute meditation of the Glorious Mystery's The Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.
I have been observing the First Saturday Devotion. Then I realized, it is not just my act for the reparation for the blasphemies made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary but it is also for me. Mama Mary, at Fatima, asked us to observe the First Saturday Devotion. Actually, doing so, slowly, inch by inch, we get closer to Jesus.
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo.
The deepest desire of the human heart is to see the Lord face to face.
Two questions:
How clear is our eyesight? It is not just clarity of vision that we need but correctness of vision. The eyes are useless if the mind and heart is blind.
What kind of seeing? Do we want to see God physically, mystically, sacramentally?
The most terrible kind of blindness is the belief that our truth is the only truth.
No one has ever seen God and lived. He is too much to behold that is why God would reveal Himself through hearing, words.
Seeing with the heart.
Jesus said, "Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” Jesus is the living and definitive revelation of God.
Sin distorts our vision. Sin darkens our vision.
What distorts our vision?
Pride
Pain
Pleasures of the world -- God's gifts but can be obstacles to see God
Power -- want control; should be "Thy will be done" and not "Thy will be changed"
How to see God:
Prayer. Not just asking from God but being presen t.
Presence. Be at the present moment, mindfulness, awareness.
Purity of heart. Childlike.
Practice of charity. Generosity.
After the Mass, visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapelat The Landmark and went to Yakiniku Like at Glorietta. Although there is a queue, I was seated immediately because I am dining solo. Dessert of frozen yogurt at Red Mango.
At The Landmark Food Center, got a table so I can start this blog.
By 3 PM, on my way back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. Better to be early so I can be at my "usual" seat. Joined the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
I am getting sleepy. I slept a few hours last night because I was curious about trace minerals and having it in my drinking water. Because of it, I ordered one (Concentrace).
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The apostle said, "We don’t know where You are going, how would we know the way?" Answer: Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
From Socrates: An unreflected life is not worth living.
Philosophers will tell you how to live your life. But Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
What is the will of God? Look at Jesus Christ, listen and follow Him.
Jesus has entrusted the deposits of faith to the Church. That will show us and lead us the way to Jesus.
After the anticipated Mass, went to The Landmark Food Center to buy an extra small tray of The Lasagna Manila's lasagna. This size allows me to avail of the Senior Citizen discount.
Walked to Muji at Glorietta. It is the first anniversary of Muji's flagship store. Some items are on sale from May 1 to May 3. I was able to buy shirts and won a freebie of Propylene Make Up Box.
Today is the First Friday of May 2026 and I would be attending the noon Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Left with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. Wore my Yui Tabi shoes.
On the way, I was able to finish my morning prayers. At the chapel, I was able to finish the Precious Blood of Jesus chaplet and joined the community to pray the prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
Today we celebrate St Joseph the worker
Why did Jesus have a father who has to work? Why a carpenter?
It points to a certain truth: Jesus is truly human (and truly God). He grew up the way we grew up ("grew in wisdom and strength").
Labor entered in our lives with the sin of Adam and Eve.
But work is sanctifying. It helps us to have dignity, develop personality, etc. When we work, we participate in God’s creation and redemption. To use our talents not only for ourselves but service to others. When we use the talents according with God’s will, this has become redemptive.
Our blessings can become curse when we don’t use it according to God’s will.
After the Mass, visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Bought glue tape at the Office Warehouse inside the same department store.
Lunch is at Nanyang in Glorietta where I ordered the laksa (prawn), Hainanese Kaya with honey traditional toast, and honey lemon tea.
After eating, that is where I noticed that the Bacolod Chicken Inasal is closed. This is where I usually eat during Friday since I abstain from meat on Fridays. (sad) Hopefully they reopen either at Glorietta or at One Ayala.
Bought some stationary items at National Bookstore.
I was thinking of buying ice cream at Dairy Queen in One Ayala. The queue is long and decided to buy instead at Cash and Carry Mall before proceeding home.
Passed by our Washington apartments to see the progress of the repainting.
Bought the ice cream-to-go as planned before proceeding home.
Left the condo around 2 PM to attend the anticipated Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Greenbelt Chapel, with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and Apple watch on my right.
I prayed my 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.
Whose voice are you listening to? Whose direction are you following? Whose truth are you believing? Whose life are you living? Jesus is the shepherd. Jesus is the gate. "Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture."
In the Gospel, Jesus observed the people following the law but devoid of the spirit of the law. It is the blindness of the Pharisees and the religious leaders.
After the Mass, passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark.
Went to Manam for our food-to-go. Ordered their House Crispy Sisig, Sinigang na Beef Short Rib & Watermelon, and Gising-Gising. ✔ After paying, I left Edgar to wait for the food as it was being prepared.
Two weeks ago, I had a customized screen protector installed in my OnePlus Pad Go 2. There is a small bubble. Then, I bought a tempered glass for it via Lazada. So, went to the store which installed the customized screen protector. I requested them if they can remove it and replace it with the tempered glass I bought. ✔ They kindly did it. Thank you!
My additional food-to-go is at The Landmark Food Center where I bought the Poppy's halo halo, ✔ and a small try of The Lasagna Manila. ✔
What I missed to do is to go to the National Bookstore is to buy a pen so I can redeem the remaining reward points. ❌
Will attend the Friday Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I left the condo with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist and Apple watch on my right. Also wore the tabiRela.
Joined the community to pray the Sacred Heart of Jesus prayer, and the Rosary.
The Mass presider is Fr. Sebastian.
In Jewish tradition, when one wants to teach something important, they use a literary device—repetition. This is what Jesus did when He told them that He is the Bread of Life. This is the most important teaching of Jesus.
The two parts of the Mass are the Liturgy of the Word, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
We are reminded of the importance of the Holy Eucharist.
Every time we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we not only "eat" but we promise to live the lifestyle of Jesus.
After the Mass, passed by Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark, withdrew from BPI's ATM ✔ at Glorietta 2, then to Moshi Gran Cafe at One Ayala.
Ordered their Ebi Tempura Set, and Matcha Panna Cotta.
Next stop is at National Bookstore. I thought they could scan documents (aside from photo copying). I wanted to have the notarized lease agreements scanned. Nope, I made a mistake. Since I am already there, bought a ream of A4 sized paper. Used my reward points ✔ since it would be expiring by the end of the month. I still have 37.83 points remaining.
Went to Abenson to pick-up the water filter I pre-ordered. ✔ I learned that I paid PhP300.00 more. Since they cannot return it to me, it will be deducted on my next purchase.
Then, proceeded to Mercury Drug at The Landmark. Bought medicines. Since I have singaw, I asked the pharmacist there what I can use. She suggested Rowagel 2% Gel (Carbenoxolone Sodium).
Home.
Before going in, I asked Edgar, the driver to check the stores of the four towers if any one of them can scan a legal sized document. He found one. Immediately went there for it will close by 5 PM. Nice. Completed the last in my list. ✔ It is PhP10.00 per page.
Since I brought with me my Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro, below are the images I took.
Left a bit late so that Edgar, the driver, who is not feeling well can extend rest a little. Left with my favorite Omega Speedmaster 38 mm on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. Also wore my on Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof.
After paying for the groceries at The Landmark Supermarket, I left Edgar to bring our purchases home. He will be back later to pick me up after the anticipated Mass.
Skipped the Saturday noon Mass and went for an early lunch at Yakiniku Like. Then, I visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. Walked my way to Glorietta 1 for a yogurt fix at Red Mango. Ate it at one of the tables of Glorietta 4's Food Choices.
Since there is still no The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Glorietta, and the dining area of Food Choices is closed and being renovated, I walked to The Landmark Food Center where I started today's blog.
When done, I walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. I was able to join the community to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Rosary.
The anticipated Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The challenge of our faith is to truly believe that Jesus has risen.
The Gospel tells how some of the disciples recognized the risen Lord. Jesus called Mary Magdalene's name. Peter was told to cast his net on the other side of the boat. Scriptures were explained to the walking disciples and Jesus broke the bread.
How can you see the risen Lord? We can experience the risen Lord anywhere, everyday… in the Mass
The Eucharist is the continuation of what happened in Calvary.
After the Mass, I went to The Landmark Food Center. Yesterday, when I bought Poppy's Halo Halo, I noticed the stall beside it--The Lasagna Manila. I wanted to try it, too, but it is a Friday. Thus, I will buy one today, instead, to have a taste.
I took photos using the kids camera I brought with me--myFirst Camera 10. The challenge is to take "creative" photos using a very basic camera.
"Framed" pickleball
Pickleball. I liked the play of shadows.
Pop-up stalls
Selfie
Man made pond. I like the shadows and geometric shapes.
Instead of the usual Friday activities, I have to-dos first to meet before attending the Mass at Sto. Nino de Paz Greenbelt Chapel. Left with my Tudor Black Bay 54 on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. Also wore my Yui Tabi Shoes.
First stop is at our Ortigas office. My separation papers will be released and it will only be available Wednesdays and Fridays from 9AM to 10AM. Must inform 2 days ahead if you are going so that they can prepare the papers. When I arrived, the small conference was already full. I have to wait for my turn. When I was able to get a seat, my papers were readily available. But the people who was there when I arrived, were still there when I left. The difference? I have already signed-off the quitclaim and waiver months before, while said document is still in front of them. They have a lot of questions, thinking whether they should be signing off now or later.
Second stop is at baby hub. I bought a kids camera via Lazada. The camera has issues in displaying and printing certain images (specifically night shots). I have coordinated with the (foreign) support. After several exchanges, the support recommended that I coordinate with the local reseller and have it replaced. After several exchanges with the local reseller, they advised that I have the item sent to them via Lalamove or Grab. The number of days the items can be returned via Lazada has already expired. Since our Ortigas office is few minutes away from Quezon Avenue, I decided to bring the item to baby hub and show to them the issue. I also printed the exchanges I have with the (foreign) support and the record of my Lazada purchase. Hopefully, it will be replaced.
And, finally, I was dropped off at Greenbelt Chapel.
The Mass presider is Fr. Benny.
The miracle of the feeding of 5000 men is the only miracle present in all the Gospels. This miracle is the view of what is to come in the Kingdom. When they get to heaven, they will be satisfied.
Bread of Life discourse will be the Gospel for six succeeding days. It is the Holy Eucharist.
The Eucharist is the continuation of what happened in Calvary. The salvation continues in every Eucharist.
The Eucharist is the testimony of His presence. He said He will always be with us.
The "gather the fragments" in the Gospel represent those who have served the Lord in his life. When you feel fragmented after serving the Lord, He will gather you and refresh you.
After, I visited the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark. For lunch, it is at Bacolod Chicken Inasal. Then, I returned to The Landmark to go to Anson's to buy an induction stove. I asked Edgar, the driver, to meet me at Anson's so he can carry our purchase.
While I was having lunch and scrolling through the Swarm mobile application, noticed food reviews. There's this Poppy's Halo Halo at The Landmark Food Center. So, we went there to buy halo-halo to-go.
Passed by our Washington apartments on our way home to see the progress.
N.B. Edgar said that the halo-halo is masarap. Even Lyn concurs. I was able to taste after 12 midnight. It is true. But I don't like beans in my halo-halo. Good thing there are just a few beans.
I attended yesterday the anticipated Mass. But I wanted to attend the Mass today, too.
I was late in leaving the condo with my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical watch on my left wrist and my Apple watch on my right. It is 15 minutes before the 8:30 AM Mass at Holy Family Parish Church. Walked fast. Was able to reach it in roughly 5 minutes. 🙏
The Mass presider is Fr. John Ken a.k.a. Fr. JK. The Mass is in Tagalog.
When you give everything to Jesus, you will lose your "ego" but gain "goodness".
Passed by SM Hypermart. I was able to buy Meiji dark chocolate macadamia, Cloud 9 bite sizes, and blue Yakult.
Home.
Prayer on Divine Mercy Sunday (after confession and communion)
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, You promised St. Faustina that the soul that has been to Confession [I have] and the soul that receives Holy Communion [I am] will receive the complete forgiveness of all sins and punishment. Lord, please give me this grace. Jesus, I trust in You.
