Papal Visit: The Eucharistic Celebration of Pope Francis at the Quirino Grandstand

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Millions of Filipinos flock to hear Pope Francis' offers of hope and consolation to the poor at the concluding mass. People have stood since midnight and through the rain to see @Pontifex in Manila. A strong sign of faith and belief in a higher power. People can be seen holding up images of Sto. Nino chanting "Pit Señor" and "Papa Francisco." Present also is President Benigno Simeon Aquino II or otherwise known as PNoy or Noynoy has arrived wearing a baseball cap to attend the Mass. The Presidentiable family, including Kris Aquino wearing a yellow raincoat, is also here. PNoy and his coterie are surprisingly in blue (or was it black) jackets while the mass choir sings in various Filipino languages.

The Pope arrives and incenses the altar to begin the Mass in where we most commonly refer to as Luneta or Rizal Park where the monument of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal is erected. He also blesses a statue of Sto. Niño.PH celebrates the Feast of Sto. Niño to honor the Infant Jesus. Pope Francis speaks in Latin to deliver his message and as he consecrates the bread and wine, and blesses the Eucharist.

Before the mass, @Pontifex met with the Catholic volunteer Kristel Padasas' father and cousin sharing grief and condolences over her tragic death at Tacloban. It is unfortunate that the Pope is unlike Jesus Christ who is able to bring the dead back to life but I have an uncanny feeling that there is now an angel guarding the family of the deceased.

Providing musical accompaniment for "Gloria" (Glory to God) following after "Kyrie" (Lord have mercy) is a 1,000-strong choir and 200-piece orchestra performing for the concluding mass of Pope Francis at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila attended by an estimated 6 Million people all wanting to see and hear the Pope and his message to the Filipinos. The EDSA Shrine Rector Fr. Nilo Mangussads lead the orchestra.

Papal Visit: Pope Francis' Encounter with the Youth at UST

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At an encounter with the youth, Pope Francis had expressed so many wonderful words of wisdom for the youth present at the grounds of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) in Espana, Manila. The Pope prayed for the 27-year old lady Kristel who died in Tacloban before proceeding with the program planned for the day.

There are so many beautiful words in Spanish that cannot be fully translated to English. How beautiful the Spanish language really is. I bet it sounds better in Spanish and understand the situation of the translator that not all Spanish words have an exact equivalent in English. What a waste that most Filipinos cannot speak it when our language is so close to Spanish. Que lastima!

The Pontifex said to allow ourselves to be surprised by God ... it will help us move forward. Indeed, all the so called surprises, including those that shocked us, is a way to lead us to a better and stronger future. "Don't be frightened by surprises. They shake the ground and make us unsure. But they move us forward."

"Why does God allow children to suffer?" Probably to teach us how to cry, to weep. There are certain realities in life we only see through eyes that are cleansed with our tears. "Don't be frightened of crying..learn how to weep!" In reference to the girl who wasn’t able to express her full statements in words, and could only only continue in tears, there are things we only understand with eyes that have been cleared by tears.

Pope Francis said "Be wise young people. To be wise: think well, feel well, and do well. Be surprised by the love of God." He then followed it up with "The danger is becoming a museum of information, of having everything, but not knowing what to do with it. No young museums." He captured it perfectly with "Youth Museum." Think of endless curation, self-motivated goals, putting achievements first.

Rita's Italian Ice: Ice. Custard. Happiness. Now in the Philippines!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's not yet summer in the Philippines but there's a good reason to indulge and reward ourselves with some sweet cold treats as early as today.

Rita's Italian Ice is now in the Philippines! Yup! You heard me right! The largest Italian Ice concept in the world, offering a variety of cool treats including the famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors including Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Sundaes, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with Oreo, layered Gelati as well as their signature Misto and Blendini creations are finally here in the country to satisfy our desire for sweet deletable cool creations.

We went to their grand opening last January 16, 2015 to try out their cool product lines and experience the very first branch at VMall in Greenhills here in the Philippines - the very first branch in Southeast Asia. With over 600 stores in the U.S., Rita's Italian Ice Rita’s has been dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious, custom treats, in a fun-filled atmosphere, spreading “Ice, Custard, Happiness!”

With some perks to give its first customers like a year's supply of Rita's Italian Ice for 1 year for the first 20 customers and and free Mango Italian Ice for the first 100 customers, some have literally camped out at their store area as early as 2:30 am to get the chance to win Rita's cool treats.