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! :)

A Paskuhan Moment

I felt like I had to write about this. Its been days since the Paskuhan festivities in UST but it's time that I did write about this. 

Originally that day, I was gonna go home by myself, so when I left some friends that I've met, I texted a friend of mine from the Campus Ministry. She's actually quite old, a senior citizen but she's someone I grew close to at the ministry. So I texted her and as I was going near the gates at the Espana side of the campus, I got a text message from her saying that she was at the health service and that she could drop me at home by taxi. At first I was kinda embarassed about it but I went to the health service office. Much of the time at the Paskuhan celebrations, she was hanging out there since she knew some of the people there. I came and I met up with her. I found out that she lived somewhere in Manila and I live farther off in QC. Nonetheless, she didn't mind and took me home. At about that time, the festivities were over (actually, as I was leaving UST, I heard our school's hymn) and traffic was building up around the campus with the number of cars and people present. We arrived at my home past midnight.

I admit, nahiya nga ko sa offer niya. It was kinda embarassing and I even thought of giving money yet she insisted that I don't pay even part of it. It's know it's not wrong and I'm thankful to her for doing that to me that night. That was really kind and I should repay her one of these days. :)

Anyways... that's all and thanks for reading. Merry Christmas. :)

Paskuhan 2014 - My Last Paskuhan (For Now at Least)

This year's celebrations were just awesome... The other day, UST held Paskuhan festivities. Probably the biggest Christmas party out there, this is an event that the Thomasian community highly anticipates and since it's so huge of an event, people from other schools come to be part of it. Definitely this is one of those events that marks the most wonderful time of the year; Christmas. If you're a Thomasian and/or if you've attended this event at least once, you know what I mean and know how it feels like to be there. :)

As always, people came in droves. All over the campus, there were fun activities such as games, food, merrymaking and of course, the concert where bands and DJs performed much to the delight of the community. Highlighting the events, other than the concert, were a High Mass before the festivities began and a grand fireworks display at 9 PM. In fact, seems like the fireworks display is the most anticipated part of the event (at least as far as I know :) ), and it's no wonder why. Adding color to the festivities were the Christmas lights all around (go here for more pics). With everything and the number of people that were there, no doubt it is one of the biggest events during 'tis season to be jolly :). For sure, everyone had a merry time, meeting others, taking part in the activities and going around the campus.

Here's some of my pics

That sign over the grandstand was a recent addition. Never seen it before until that moment.

 Panunuluyan

A Mass started the night's festivities.

Singing "We are All God's Children" (Theme song of the upcoming Papal Visit) after the mass.

One of the performers

Paskuhan concert

Now, here's the fireworks display (sorry, pics aren't good)

On my part, I was with my classmates, some friends from the Campus Ministry and later, met some friends from the Light of Jesus Community (they're the one's who run The Feast with Bo Sanchez every Sunday at the PICC. I recently attended one of them), both familiar and new. For the a good part, I was hanging out with others at the Campus Ministry office. Though it wasn't loud unlike it is outside, still the atmosphere of the place was comfortable and people there had a good time with all the food (mostly from Max's) and being with each other. All in all a great time enjoying the event.

Also, personally, this is my last Paskuhan in my four year stay at UST, since I'll be (hopefully) graduating next year (hence the title). With everything that happened that night, was it all worth it? Definitely. :) Meeting new friends, being with other people, having a good time, seeing those fireworks and many other things, it all made up for a good time. Even after I graduate, maybe I'll be able to attend this again next year, and the years to come while I can. You may not know, but I might study again in UST... Whatever happens, we'll see. 'Till then. :)

And with that, I finish off this post. Of course, since were still in this season, I'm sure there's more to come. Thanks for checking and Merry Christmas! :)

Check more pics here