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Today is the first day of Simbang Gabi or Misa De Gallo, which officially begins the Christmas celebrations in the Philippines. The Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to prepare for the birth of Christ. In our barangay (suburb, naks!), the mass is celebrated at 4:30 am, though in some places masses are held at night.

When I was growing up, I was so eager and excited to attend the Simbang Gabi especially during the first few days. And since I usually come along with my Ninang Sion (a cool manang - umm, ok spinster) we’re already at the church at 4am then we would sitat the front row (together with the other manangs, er, early birds). I just noticed that in the first few days, there would be lots of people attending the mass, really jampacked! Until the attendance dwindled a little during the middle of the 9-days.

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