Simbang Gabi

Christmas is fast-approaching, and one of the much-awaited events leading to the birth of Christ is the "Simbang Gabi." Basically, it's hearing mass at dawn for nine mornings. Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines (known for having the longest Christmas season in the world!)is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. It is also known as "Misa de Gallo," literally translating to "Mass of the Roosters." Depending on which chuch you'd go to, the Simbang Gabi begins as early as four in the morning. Going to mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show one's devotion to his/her faith. It is also a Filipino belief, that completing the nine days would mean God granting the devotee's special wish or favor.

Another popularity of this tradition is the presence of Filipino food just outside the church. After hearing mass, families partake of traditional Filipino delicacies, either during breakfast at home or immediately outside the church, where they are sold. Vendors offer native delicacies, such as bibingka (rice flour and egg based cake, cooked using coals on top and under), puto bumbong (a purple sticky rice delicacy which is steamed in bamboo tubes, with brown sugar and coconut shavings as condiments), salabat (hot ginger tea) and my favorite tsokolate (thick Spanish cocoa).

For whatever reason, Simbang Gabi has remained popular, and this is evident by the fully packed churches in Dumaguete every morning.

Since I was young, I usually go with my parents everytime they attend mass. But honestly, it was the puto and tsokolate that I was looking forward to each morning. In spite of this, somehow, I never was able to complete the nine mornings.

This year, however, is different. I'll make sure I wouldn't miss a single Misa de Gallo.