Christmas Greetings and Simbang Gabi 2014 - Days 7, 8 and 9

Before everything else... MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Hope you enjoyed your Christmas and while we're still at it, keep enjoying the holidays. Whatever you may have done and will be doing, I hope you all enjoy these days of the most wonderful time of the year. Keep the Christmas spirit alive everyone. :)

Now with this post, I will finally go on with the last days of the Misa de Gallo. With the last three days down, we finish another year's edition of the nine days of prayer and attending mass preparing for Christmas. Such a blessing to complete the nine days of Simbang Gabi...

Day 7 - Santissimo Rosario Parish, UST

Went back to the dawn mass after two days of not attending. For the seventh day, I returned (again) to UST. The gospel of the day focused on Mary's song, The Magnificat. The way the priest presided over this mass was very good. In his homily, he placed emphasis on preparing for Christ's coming and looking to Mary as good example for us. He emphasized also on Christmas as a time of remembering when Christ was born and remembering that he will come again in the future. During the mass, I met some friends from the UST Campus Ministry, where I usually hang out. After the mass, I made a quick visit to Sto. Domingo Church which is where I'd visit for the next day of the dawn masses.

Day 8 - Santo Domingo Church, Quezon Ave., QC

For this Simbang Gabi, I woke up pretty late (almost 4 AM) so I was in a hurry to get myself ready for the morning mass which was going to start at 4:30 AM. For Day 8, I went to Sto. Domingo Church. It's been a long time since I've attended a Simbang Gabi here. Last time I did was in 2009. Back then, the mass was held in English, but today the masses are officiated in Filipino. Like before, the crowds were huge, as it is for Simbang Gabi and this church has one of the biggest attendances for it that I've seen. Anyways, when I got to the church, the mass was about to begin. Good thing I wasn't late. The gospel of the day focused on the birth of St. John the Baptist. The priest in his homily preached about overcoming bitterness and what bad things it can do. During this Simbang Gabi, I know what some people mean when they say some aren't paying attention to the mass. Not to put them down, but some people were making conversations while the mass was ongoing. It's good to hang out with friends, even for church but there's a time and place for everything and mass is not a time for kwentuhan. They can always do that and hang out after the mass and besides, they can talk to each other in social media. Well, despite the irreverence of some, good thing many also paid attention to the mass. The setting overall was amazing with the altar decorated with Christmas ornaments and the choir, accompanied by the pipe organ, singing carols. All that for sure says it's Christmas. (^_^)

Day 9 - Santissimo Rosario Parish, UST

Originally, I had the thought of going to two masses for the final day. First was the anticipated mass and for that, I thought of going to SM Megamall for it since it's a great setting but heavy traffic forced me not to go through with the plan. Anyways, in spite of that, it's OK and guess its best that I only attend the dawn mass. For the final day, I was with ninang whom that morning since she wanted to go to Simbang Gabi. UST is where we were heading for the mass. I've said it already, but again, of all places for the dawn mass, UST's my fave place because it's a great setting for the mass (the best IMO) and its accessible, not to mention it's my school. For me, no Simbang Gabi would be complete without attending a mass in UST (this year alone, I had 4 out of 9 there). Only drawback though is that the mass is early, at about 4 AM and its far. For the last day, former UST rector Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, OP presided over and gave a great homily for the mass. In his homily, he talked about the importance of simplifying life and that we have to take away things that would complicate our lives. Noticeably enough at all the masses I went to, all the priests in their homilies made people laugh during at least one point, even a little bit. It was raining as the mass went on (and for a good part of Christmas eve). Good thing it wasn't held in the open field. After the mass, I met up with some friends again from the Campus Ministry. With this day, Simbang Gabi 2014 ends.

Christmas Eve Mass - Daniel Comboni Seminary, Roosevelt Ave., QC

As it has been in the previous years, I've attended the Christmas eve mass at the Daniel Comboni Seminary. The place is under the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus or simply the Comboni Missionaries. There's a bond that our family has with the missionaries; before, we had a priest friend among the missionaries (Fr. Rocco, an Italian) who is now assigned to another country, we support some of their projects and personally, I had a spiritual adviser by the name of Fr. Victor who is now a missionary to Central America. Now, unlike the days of the Simbang Gabi where I went to grander settings (like UST, Sto. Domingo, SM Megamall, etc...), this mass was simple. While it wasn't as grand as the previous masses I went to, it still captured the joy of Christmas. Of course, the readings focused on the Birth of Christ. In his homily, the presider told the congregation to become missionaries proclaiming the joy of Christmas to other people. After hearing homilies where the priests made people laugh, the presider this time didn't but still, its a good homily. After the mass, there was a veneration of the Child Jesus in the manger. Not wanting to be late, I went ahead of ninang and ninong who got to the mass later than I did. All in all, a great way to mark Christmas and to remember why we celebrate this season. :)

After attending the nine days of the Simbang Gabi plus the Mass of Christmas Eve, there's this sense of fulfillment. For sure, I'll be attending this again next year. I admit, I'm starting to miss the experience but it's great that I was able to go and celebrate Christmas in such a meaningful way. Hope everyone who attended the nine days will get blessed as well and keep this tradition alive, since its one of the best Christmas traditions here in the country. :)

As for Christmas day, what I did was we visited our relatives and went to Christmas parties. All in all, yesterday was an awesome day, being with my relatives that I see only at this time of the year. The food yesterday was great too by the way. :)

To end this post, again, Merry Christmas to you all! May you have blessed, happy days ahead and also, a happy new year to all of you! o(^o^)o

Simbang Gabi 2014 - Day 5 and 6

Simbang Gabi really isn't an easy task to fulfill, waking up very early in the morning and going to church to attend mass and preparing for Christmas. Even going out at the late hours of night for the anticipated Simbang Gabi isn't easy as well. But the experience is definitely worth it and there is a sense of fulfillment and blessing when you attend even at least one time. Whether you complete the days or just attend one, it's always great to go and keep this tradition alive.

For the last two Simbang Gabi masses, I attended the anticipated masses so I didn't wake up early in the morning.

Day 5 - Santuario de San Pedro Bautista

Experiencing the Simbang Gabi in other churches is fine, but it always pays to be careful (especially at dawn) and its best to go to a church that's near your place (such as Christ the King), accessible (such as UST) or both. San Pedro Bautista isn't that far from my place but it's not that accessible and going here at dawn might not be that safe. I wanted to go here though and I went here for the anticipated mass for the 5th day. It was the second mass I attended that day since earlier in the morning, I attended dawn mass at UST. The church was full, like always but not as filled as in the dawn mass. The readings though were the same as in the dawn mass. The priest emphasized on the power of prayer. We have to be consistent in prayer, be humble and God would bless us in due time. Good thing that with this, I finally went here for a Simbang Gabi. :)

Day 6 - Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord, SM Megamall

I usually go to SM Megamall whenever I'm in the Ortigas area or if there's a cosplay event and very few times, I go to SM Megamall's chapel for Mass and this was the case when I went there for the 6th Day of the (anticipated) Simbang Gabi. It was also an anticipated mass for the 4th Sunday of Advent. Since it's the last weekend before Christmas, many people flocked the mall and before the mass began, I went around. Like in many Simbang Gabi masses, the chapel was filled. The gospel focused on the event of the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel came to Mary and told her that she would become the mother of Jesus. The homily for this mass was the best one yet. The monsignor said that for those who put God above everything, nothing is impossible and we will go through many difficult moments, and yet God will always be with us as we go through them. He also made people laugh as well. The choir was amazing. Overall, a great setting to attend Simbang Gabi. Unlike last year I went, I took the MRT on the way home. Dropped at Quezon ave. Station, near Centris and checked the place out before taking the bus home. Good thing, the traffic, especially near Araneta was bad.

Monsignor Roberto Canlas, main presider and homilist.

With this, only 3 days of Simbang Gabi to go then it's gonna be Christmas. Not to mention, 2015 is fast approaching. Are we ready? :)

Simbang Gabi 2014 - Day 1 and 2

Christmas is a few days from now and other than the holiday rush, shopping and other Christmas activities, these days mean one thing for us here in the Philippines and Filipinos in other countries; Simbang Gabi. The Simbang Gabi is a series of novena masses held over the nine days before Christmas starting on the 16th (i.e. yesterday) until Christmas Eve. It also goes by the names Misa de Gallo or Misa de Aguinaldo. One of the most popular traditions, many Catholics go to church to attend mass at an early morning hour or late at night. There is also the anticipated Simbang Gabi that happens at late at night starting from the 15th until the 23rd for those who couldn't attend and/or prefer not to attend the dawn mass. This event, one of the best (probably the best, actually) Christmas traditions we have keeps us focused on the reason why we celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is one of those activities that I have been long waiting for during the Christmas season and attending these nine days is an exciting experience and a blessing. Like others, I hope to complete the nine day novena. It's not gonna be easy for sure but I believe I can do this. :) It's only day 2 though and there's only 7 more to go. So far, here's where I've been attending.

Day 1 - Christ the King Parish, Project 7, Quezon City.

To start off the Simbang Gabi, I attended the mass at our parish. Although I did set up my alarm, I woke up on my own (most likely because I was excited). Both our katulongs (helpers) here in our place attended this mass and I accompanied one of them while walking to the church (she also came with me the next day). About that time, there were people were already on the way. The church itself looked festive. Parols (Christmas lanterns) decorated the church interior and lights brightened up the church facade. Mass at the parish begins at 4:30 AM. In his homily, the priest quoted Pope Francis on mercy and based on that, preached about God's mercy and patience. He also talked about the importance of patience and of being grateful for our blessings. The mass was solemn and the crowd was so big that many people in the congregation were outside of the church. In fact, most people who attend Simbang Gabi are young people like myself. The choir was festive, singing Christmas songs. Right after the mass,some of the people went to the food stalls selling bibingka and puto bumbong. I bought puto bumbong for breakfast. I went home alone though. A great start to the Simbang Gabi. (^_^)

Belen without the Child Jesus

Day 2 - Santissimo Rosario Parish, UST, Manila

For the second day, I went this time to my school in UST. Like the day before, I got excited again that I woke up at times. Of all the places I have been to for the Simbang Gabi, this is my most favorite place. It's accessible, the atmosphere is festive and the mass is very solemn. In the case of UST, the dawn mass can take place in one of two locations; the open field or the parish. If the open field can't be used (usually because of rain), like in today's case, it will be held in the parish church. Today, one our helpers accompanied me for this day (but we stayed at different places at the church). The gospel of the day focused on the Genealogy of Christ. The priest preached about giving our love for others and the importance of waiting and finding joy in waiting. To emphasize his points, he talked about his personal experiences. Good homily, although it was long. The choir wasn't that good (although to be fair, they were OK). While they sang Christmas songs, they didn't really capture the festive mood of the season or the Simbang Gabi. The crowds were big, even bigger than Day 1s crowd at Christ the King (although that's because UST Parish is bigger...).

UST Main Building

And so far, that's where I've been to and there's some days to go. Any of you readers attending Simbang Gabi? How are you preparing for Christmas? Did you get any gifts so far? Whatever happens, I'm sure many of us have different plans of celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Lest we get lost in all the holiday buzz, let's all find ways to make the season merry, even in our own way and, especially for those who attend the Simbang Gabi, remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas. :)

With that, I'm done and thanks for reading! :)

La Naval de Manila 2014 - The Procession

During the La Naval de Manila festivities, the highlight and finale of the event is the grand procession in the afternoon of the feast day. Here, thousands upon thousands of devotees accompany the miraculous image of Our Lady of  La Naval and many other saints as they go around the streets of Quezon City, remembering the miracles done by God through what we believe came from Mama Mary's help. Here devotees commemorate the miraculous victory of our forces against the far more powerful Dutch in the battles of 1646. It's called the "procession de las processiones" and, while it does not have the overwhelming factor as the Quiapo fiesta, or the extravagance of the Sinulog (which I've never been to, hehe) it has a more solemn and disciplined atmosphere. All roads lead to Sto. Domingo church, where it all takes place.

Ever since I've attended this event since my first one in 2007, it's become something of a tradition of mine every year to attend it and something I always look forward to, even if the feast is far off. This year's however was nerve wracking since it was raining hard in the afternoon and I left my place while it was still raining. I even had to go through a flood on the way to Sto. Domingo when I took a tricycle (since I took a jeep to Sienna and then rode a tricycle to Sto. Domingo). When I came to the church, it was still raining, but not as hard and by that time, the weather was going to clear up. That was about 4:30 and even by then, the procession hasn't began. It finally started at almost 5 when the image of San Lorenzo Ruiz came out of the church compound. As the procession went on, the rains stopped although it drizzled a bit when the image of Our Lady came out, but despite that, thankfully there were no more rains. It goes to show that there are miracles and blessings even in the midst of the storms. The image of Our Lady of La Naval was already out at around quarter to 6.

Processional

 Left: San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila   Right: Letran band accompanying San Vicente Liem de la Paz

Sta. Magdalena de Nagasaki, San Juan Macias and San Martin de Porres

 Left: Images of the saints   Right: San Vicente Ferrer

Sta. Catalina de Sena

San Pedro Martir

 Left: Sto. Domingo de Guzman  Right: St. Joseph, spouse of Mary

O Lumen ecclesiae...

Estandartes of the Mysteries of the Rosary which go before the image of Our  Lady of La Naval

Dominican friars

 Now, here's Our Lady of La Naval...

I followed the procession until it reached Banawe and from there, I headed to Quezon Ave. There, the first few carozzas were heading back to Sto. Domingo. It is at Quezon ave where one could see how big the crowd was. From there, I stayed mostly near the footbridge at Banawe and went around, while waiting for Our Lady. When Our Lady came, I followed until the image came back to Sto. Domingo Church.

Thousands attend along Quezon Ave. Taken at Banawe ave

Here comes Our Lady...

Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii, ora pro nobis...

La Gran Senora de Filipinas carrying her Son, Jesus...

Thousands of devotees fill Quezon ave for the procession

The Saints as they await for the Queen's return

Back at Sto. Domingo, the images of the saints already took their place to welcome Our Lady. Thousands of people also gathered at the church to welcome her. To prepare for the image's return, radio anchor Jun Banaag (aka: Dr. Love), one of the emcees led the people in shouting "Mabuhay, birhen ng La Naval!". When the image came, roars and cheers came from the massive crowd, cameras clicked and people waved towels. I headed inside the church through one of the side entrances. The huge church was beyond standing room only. The atmosphere was incredible. Where I was wasn't a great spot since I could only see a bit of the baldachino but at least, I can see the activities at the sanctuary and had the effort to take pics when Our Lady was enthroned. The Sto. Domingo Grand choir led the people in the singing with their angelic voices. Leading the crowd in the act of consecration was Boots Anson-Roa. After words of thanks from the shrine's rector and Dr. Love, the event closed with the singing of Our Lady's hymn, the Despedida a la Virgen (you can listen to it in Youtube here).

Our Lady of La Naval triumphantly enters the shrine...

Our Lady arrives amidst cheers

Mabuhay ang Birhen ng La Naval!

Our Lady being returned to the baldachino as the choir sings "O Beata Mater"

Our Lady enthroned once again. Viva la Virgen!

Bro. Jun Banaag emceeing the event

Boots Anson-Roa leads the act of consecration

After the Despedida and the celebrations.

Check out more of my photos here

And with that, La Naval de Manila 2014 is officially over. So many things have happened and thank you Lord and Mama Mary for all the blessings. Hopefully, at next year's feast, I'll be there again and again in the years to come. 'Till then...
Viva la Virgen! Salamat Maria! Praise to the Lord!

Madre amorosa, prenda de amor, Adios! Adios!

(last lines of the Despedida a la Virgen)