Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Five: Mutual Love

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Day 5: Mutual Love 

This time, I was able to visit the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong. The shrine is known to also have the relic of Sister Faustina, in which Jesus revealed himself to her and journal every encounter in her diary. For the second time, I almost woke up late but I was thinking of going to another church to see what experience and message will he give to me during the dawn masses.

Now that I am on my fifth day and the days goes by so fast, I decided to complete the simbang gabi with different churches. Its really hard especially with limited time and also searching churches and the schedules which varies and could cause me to be late or else.

Still tired and quite sleepy with the number of schedules of work and other things throughout the day. And even with these conditions, I still feel that the church is good refuge place to be with good and also seek peace from within and also resting place. With a lot of worries that I have felt and feeling inside. I wanted to have to be given a sign or an opportunity with God's grace on how will I face these challenges.  

Unlike the disturbed moment yesterday, the fifth night is fairly silent. The Gospel talks about the reason why Jesus came to the world. It is LOVE. For love we were given the messiah amidst the sin and chaos that is happening on that period. He calls for us to love also, if not him, be it be done with the least of the people for it would also be the same in praising God for acts of kindness. The network of love is the most powerful yet the most fragile value that should be kept and enriched. Just like the church, because of his everlasting love he appeared and shared the message of salvation through his divine mercy. 

Now it will be a few more days but I also felt that time flies so fast. 

Yet with LOVE, its seems so endless yet it slows down or freezes time to make each moment memorable. 

2010 Is Where AXN Becomes The No. 1 International Channel in Southeast Asia!

For many years now, AXN has been claiming the top position as Southeast Asia’s leading international channel. Especially in the key markets of Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, viewers have embraced AXN as one of their favourite entertainment destinations. As the year 2010 is coming to an end, AXN once again cements its position as Southeast Asia’s number one international channel, averaging 10.2 million viewers every month to take the top spot in results tabulated from January to October 2010.

Malaysia, in particular, is a star performer. Not only is AXN the top international network, it is also the most-watched channel on Astro, leading in average monthly viewer reach at 5.9million. Amongst English channels, AXN beats the next closest competitor in primetime ratings by 24%, and out of the 14 first-run shows that AXN aired in 2010, 10 premiered at the top of the ratings chart.

Likewise, AXN is ahead of all English pay-TV channels in Singapore in primetime ratings among cable 15+; while in the ultra-competitive market of Philippines where all channels are offered on the basic tier, AXN leads in the English general entertainment category among cable 16+ audience.

Says Mr. Ricky Ow, Senior Vice President and General Manager, SPE Networks – Asia, “Our report card for the first 10 months shows some really great result for the year as a whole. Especially with superb ratings from two key shows in the last quarter – The Amazing Race Asia and Hawaii Five-0 – it is pretty much a foregone conclusion that AXN will finish strongly as Southeast Asia’s top English channel for 2010.”

Indeed, viewers can expect an exhilarating run to the finish-line in the fourth quarter, starting with a chart-topping performance from the highly-anticipated premiere of the re-imagined Hawaii Five-0 that airs Sundays 9PM on AXN. The elite team of crime-fighters led by Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett in the reboot of the TV classic certainly mesmerized viewers as the original series did 42 years ago, passing the ratings test with flying colours. Asia’s very own reality production, The Amazing Race Asia, is another favourite that never fails to thrill viewers across the region. Here is how each market fared with these two marquee shows so far:

In Singapore, Hawaii Five-0 captured the hearts of both young and old viewers, winning the timeslot during its premiere on 14 November among all English channels on StarHub, and beating the next closest competitor by 20%. Subsequently, episode two on 16 November rated higher and even broke the record to become the top programme of the year… not just on AXN, but amongst all premiering English drama series in 2010 on StarHub!

In Malaysia, the Hawaii Five-0 premiere ratings surpassed all English pay-TV networks during the timeslot, out-performing even the Formula 1 final race which aired at the same time. The Amazing Race Asia also put in some stellar performances since the latest season premiere in September. Its season-to-date ratings is ahead of the next highest-rated English channel by a whopping 175%!

With Team Philippines led by Richard Hardin and Richard Herrera winning this season of The Amazing Race Asia, this AXN Original Production won in its timeslot among all international ad-supported channels, and saw an increase of 71% in average ratings over the previous season.

Ow continues, “I would like to sincerely thank our viewers, as well as our cable partners and sponsors, for all the support we have received in making AXN the number one international channel in Southeast Asia. It is precisely because of their great support, that we have been able to expand our AXN family of channels, which today includes Animax, AXN Beyond, Sony Entertainment Television, as well as ONE. With the expanded suite of channels, we will be able to cater to even more viewers, provide greater variety and deliver a diverse range of programmes to suit the whole family’s viewing preferences. We have enjoyed a good year, and it is my promise to all our viewers that next year will be even more exciting.”

*Source: Kantar Media Singapore / Philippines, AGB NMR Malaysia.

Blah Blah Blogs: Pasko na! Boom Tarat Tarat!

Mula sa mga manunulat, editors, scriptwiters, lightmen, soundmen, PAs, make-up artists, sponsors, contributors, fans, stalkers, guests, mangers at executive producer ng Blah Blahh Blogs, kami (ako) ay bumabati sa lahat ng tao sa buong sangkatauhan sa kadaigdigan ng maligayang Pasko at masaganang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat.

Hep hep hep! hindi pa tapos ang taon, pero gusto kong batiin kayong lahat upang kahit paano ay maramdaman niyo naman ang diwa ng pasko. Iwasan na ang pagiging depressed at 'wag kariririn ang pagiging SMP. sinasaktan niyo lang ang sarili niyo. Sa mga kapwa kong agents at mga nagtratrabaho sa call centers at 24 hour never-we-will-we-close stores tulad ng Mcdo at Starbucks, mas masayang isipin na ang araw na ito at double pay.

Hindi ko na uubusin ang oras ninyo dahil maari niyo na itong ilaan para sa inyong mga kaibigan at pamilya. Enjoy lang kahit sa dami ng pinagdaan natin sa taon na ito ay marami pang rason upang maging masaya at ipagdiwang ang araw ng kapanganakan ni Jesus!

Hinay hinay lang sa pagkain at inom

Huwag muna magpaputok, bagong taon pa yun teh!

Mga ninong at ninang magtago na kayo, bwahahaha!

Merry Christmas!

10 Fun Things I Can Do with a new Lenovo Laptop!

Given I would be given a new LENOVO laptop, what would be the 10 fun things that I could do wit it. I made a list of thing you can do with this neat gadget that is a perfect Christmas gift for all!

Check my list here!


This is my official entry to YUGATECH's Lenovo contest!
Hope you enjoy it!
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Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Four: Disturbed Silence

Day 4: Disturbed Silence

The fourth day of simbang gabi happened with the parish where I started last year's simbang gabi, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Sta Mesa. Its actually one of the most accessible churches since its near my place. Although I am not a regular parishioner as I go to different churches for mass. But I do appreciate that this hundred year old parish has its share on my spiritual life.Day 4 was actually considered a regular Sunday mass according to father. And this was after I went to the company Christmas party in SMX and also another High School Friends' Party. Though never intoxicated but just stuffed with a lot of food and fun from the parties, I still reminded myself of my obligation to complete the simbang gabi. Because of the events, I never got the chance to sleep or even nap since I am running out of time and also options. But I did expect that I would visit the parish in this year's Misa de Gallo. 

Though it would be another day at mass was something I was not expecting to happen in the church. In the midst of the homily, a fight broke off within the premises of the Parish. The priest did notice the commotion and the mass was temporarily halted to notice the ruckus. The riot did not last long, since there were people and (police?) who responded to the situation. The reason of the fight is unknown to me, and I don't bother to know. I would just make matters worse. It would be ironic as the message of happiness would also mixed with acts of anger. In the end, I hope everything went well. 

I would look very disturbing but the good thing is that in the end there was no grave acts committed. Though most people would like to know what happened to that fight. To take my mind off of this, I decided to buy puto bungbong. to make me feel the simbang gabi spirit with this warm and sticky breakfast. This also reminded me of one thing that just like the journey to the nativity, it is not easy and peaceful, they have to go into uncomfortable things until Jesus was born and brought peace on that night. 

The empty crib awaits, waiting for the prince of peace...
day four done.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day 3: Weary Heart

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Day 3: Weary Heart

Third day. And its seems so faster with my very busy schedule. I have a lot of appointments lately from events, work and even reunions and parties. But of course I always look forward to attend the Misa de Gallo as my own personal retreat and encounter with God in preparation for Christmas day. After work I went to Divisoria to check on good buys and as always that traffic is indeed heavy in that area for both people and vehicles. Unfortunately after 2 hours roaming Divisoria, I did not bought anything but only had dinner at Mang Inasal. This tested my patience since I was disappointed with the service because of many things. The time was almost 8pm so I was worried that I may miss the mass. I thought that the nearby church of San Lorenzo in Ongpin would have its mass on 8 but when I got there there, it seems that they will start 30 minutes to an hour later. This is critical for me since I would go home more late and would also affect my other schedules. So my plan was top go to another church near the area. I was planning to go to Intramuros but it would take more time. So what I had in mind was Sta. Cruz or Quiapo. But since Sta Cruz would be near the Jeep route so I went ahead with it.

This would be my first anticipated mass since I would like to avoid what happened on the 2nd day. There was a different feeling on this church because unlike the previous ones, the church has a lot of indigent parishioners which others are beggars, vendors and others. It made an impact on me that despite the happiness that the season brings, there are still a lot of people who are in this condition. I wish I could help, and what I would like is a thing that would be long-term and take them off the streets and live decent lives.

Just like me, the Gospel talks about Joseph as he is also weary about the pregnancy of Mary. He is also stuck into a situation that he himself can't find a way to explain and would also jeopardize the birth of Jesus. But God sent out his heralds to ensure Joseph that the one conceived is the Messiah. The birth of Jesus was filled with weariness at first but God finds a way to console their feelings. You too may have a weary heart this Christmas, ask God that he will give you peace.

Let me share a Taizé cant that you can sing to console the weary heart

Nada te turbe

Nada te espante

Qien a Dios tiene , nada e falta  

Nada te turbe

Nada te espante

Solo Dios Basta

nothing can trouble,

nothing can frighten, 

those who seek God shall never go wanting

nothing can trouble,

nothing can frighten, 

God alone fills us.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Two: Unexpected Serendipity.

Day Two: Unexpected Serendipity. 

I almost missed the second day of the Misa de Gallo when I woke up at exactly 4:10, ten minutes late for the 4pm mass at the nearby Our Lady of Fatima Parish, but I had sudden reflex that I can catch up on another church that I can go to. It was the EDSA shrine. since I know that they have the mass at 4:30 so I do have a few minutes to commute there. Though I have computed the time that it will be exact given I dont wait and there is less or no traffic since it so early in the morning. I took a jeep to EDSA and then a bus going to ortigas Robinsons. One surprise for me is to see one of friends Kuya Lei O Lap on the bus with his friend, I knew that they will also go to EDSA shrine since I also encountered him last year at the same place. Coincidently, it was funny though we never talked during the trip and also at mass, that I also find people who are also into the spirit of the simbang gabi. 

Though another dilemma that I have encountered is the time from the shrine going to work. Though is one bus ride away, I could actually be late since my shift starts at 6am. But thankfully, I was able to return to the office 10 minutes before 6am. I was racing numbers in my mind that made me worry too much about work. But I realized that it was also refreshing to know that I started the day with a prayerful journey. Indeed another adventure it was and it was unexpected serendipity.

The Gospel for today is the longest from I presume, sine it was the genealogy of Jesus from the first generation and other 14 generations spanning from Abraham to Joseph. Though it would be more of historical account, it has this essence that it was well planned. It was not an accident, it was not coincidence, it was beautifully planned, unexpected just like I had experienced during this day. Meeting an old friend and also manage to go to another church to hear mass. This made me inspired that I was allowed to have opportunities and these are given unexpectedly yet leaves a long lasting impression and this is why I am sharing my experience.