Hillsong Church is a contemporary Christian church founded by Brian and Bobbie Houston in 1983 in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Now, Hillsong has churches in city centres in 21 countries around the world, including this one in NYC. The church has an average global attendance approaching 130,000 weekly.

Hillsong Church aims to to reach and influence the world by building a large Christ-centered, Bible-based church. Changing mindsets and empowering people to lead and impact in every aspect of life. Christianity is widespread in the U.S., as you can see from the long queue below..

What better way to spend our Sunday morning than praising & worshiping our one true God from Whom all blessings flow. <3 How awesome it is to be able to sing along to uplifting music by the Hillsong Worship & Hillsong United team. The popular Hillsong Worship/Hillsong United is a collaboration of worship music coming out of the global expression of Hillsong Church. Since 1992, Hillsong has created 46 albums with more than 300 songs.

This is our first time to see a 2-in-1 blood & body of Christ communion pack hehe. That round thing on top of the juice is the hostia or bread representing Christ’s body. Maabilidad din itong mga tao sa Hillsong ha. 😉 Saves time & manpower nga naman. As you can see, we were all in high spirits after the worship. Ready to take on New York, and even the world!

Because we skipped lunch, meryenda muna pagkatapos magsimba. Not to be missed is NYC’s #1 hotdog, SABRETT! Every New Yorker knows the name Sabrett because it sprouts from the blue and yellow umbrellas atop carts seen on almost every corner of the city. Sabrett hotdogs serve as New York’s food ambassador to the world and are as much a part of the city landscape as the Empire State Building. And while you’re at it, make room for some Soft Pretzels too! While 80 percent of pretzels are actually made in Pennsylvania, New York City is still known as the pretzel world’s epicenter (and has been for the past 75 years). Invented by European monks in around 1110, they’re simple yet delicious “hand food” that can be eaten on the run -which is essential for all New Yorkers.

Originally known as Long Acre Square after London’s carriage district, Times Square served as the early site for William H. Vanderbilt’s American Horse Exchange. Adolph S. Ochs, owner and publisher of The New York Times from 1896 to 1935, saw an opportunity and selected a highly visible location here to build the Times Tower, which was the second tallest building in the city at the time. In January 1905, the Times finally moved into their new headquarters, built between Broadway and Seventh Avenue and 42nd and 43rd Streets. Ochs then staged the first event to commemorate the new building and crowds still gather today to bring in the new year. Paving the way for a tradition that continues until today, the New Year’s Eve spectacular BALL DROP. The previous spring, Mayor George B. McClellan signed a resolution that renamed the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue from Long Acre Square to Times Square.

Made a short detour to Bryant Park, a beloved, year-round New York City destination. Known as Manhattan’s Town Square, the park is famous for its lush seasonal gardens, free activities, world class restrooms, and al fresco dining. Located adjacent to the New York Public Library and surrounded by iconic skyscrapers, Bryant Park is visited by more than 12 million people each year and is one of the busiest public spaces in the world. A few steps away is The Rink at Rockefeller Center -one of the city’s most celebrated traditions. Here, you’ll find New Yorkers and visitors alike skating at the base of the iconic Christmas tree in the heart of midtown Manhattan. The spirit of Christmas was truly alive with happy people gathered around, enjoying the cold weather & each other. You can’t help but be happy as well in spite of the hustle & bustle!

After numerous detours hehe, we finally made it to the hotel! \m/ Goppets x Madrazo Family. <3 Makalipas ang ilang taon, the college BFFs are finally reunited. With us are Stephen & Marilyn, together with their lovely brood: Micole, Maryse, Micah and Skye.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner is a retro 1950’s theme restaurant located at 1650 Broadway on the southeast corner of 51st Street in Theater District, Manhattan, New York City. The diner is regarded as one of the best theme restaurants in New York owing to its singing waitstaff. The diner also contains retro-themed memorabilia. Ellen’s Stardust Diner, opened in 1987, was the first 1950’s theme restaurant in New York City and had waitresses in poodle skirts. Several alumni of Ellen’s Stardust Diner singing waitstaff have gone on to have successful careers on Broadway theatre and American Idol.

A trip to a diner means MILKSHAKES, BURGERS, and FRIES! Everything sweet and greasy and sinful! 😉

As you can see, the burgers & fries are HUGE, such a happy meal for me & the fam. The Madrazos picked up the tab so Kap was doubly happy, HAHAHA! ;))

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a large Christmas tree placed annually in Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. It is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. The tree remains lit and on display on the plaza daily between 8 to 10 pm from November 28 to January 7. On Christmas day, the lights shine for a full 24 hours. The Norway spruce, which is about 75 years old, comes from Wallkill, New York. The tree is 72 feet tall and 45 feet in diameter, and tips the scales at an estimated 12 tons. The 2018 crown jewel -quite literally, is a 9-foot-4 star made from three million Swarovski crystals set across 70 triangular spikes, backlit with LED lights. Wow!

Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, within Rockefeller Center, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Nicknamed the Showplace of the Nation, it is notable as the headquarters for the Rockettes, the precision dance company.