Manila: Misa de Gallo at Manila Cathedral
Misa de Gallo and Taho Vendors at Manila Cathedral
Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi is one of the treasured Filipino Christmas Tradition. Even all over the world, Filipinos Communities stll practice this traditions. Misa de Gallo is a Spanish word call Midnight Mass or Rooster’s Mass and is typically practiced in Spanish Speaking countries as a Midnight Mass at the eve of Christmas. But for us Filipinos, Simbang Gabi starts 9 days before Christmas.
Impressive Manila Cathedral at Simbang Gabi
It was around 1660 in the Philippines when the tradition started. Originally, Simbang Gabi is also celebrated around midnight, but some said that with the imposition of curfew during the Martial Law declared in 1972, Simbang Gabi was moved before sunrise. Asking my dad about this, he remembered attending Simbang Gabi early morning when he was a kid. In the provinces, farmers usually do it before sunrise which is before their harvest.
Simbang Gabi Manila Cathedral mass
For many Filipinos, completing the 9 days of early mass not only shows their devotion but also believes that it would grant their wishes. The 9 days is also a symbolism of the 9 months a baby in the mother’s womb. How Christians would prepare for the coming of Christs on Christmas day.
The beautifully lit Manila Cathedral
During Simbang Gabi, we’ll also get to see our famous Churches shine in their brilliance with beautifully decorated lights. The Manila Cathedral is no excemption as it was a beneficiary of Meralco’s “Maliwanag ang Pasko” project. One of the beautifully lit church during Christmas Season.
Tags: Churches, Culture, Manila
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Saturday, December 20th, 2008 at 12:58 pm 
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December 20th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
nice shots…
December 20th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
merry christmas ferdz.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
beautiful night shots. iba pa rin talaga yung ganda nung mga simbahan natin sa gabi
lalo na’t magpapasko. i love the first one most especially, me magtataho pa serving hot
taho to the churchgoers who are braving the early morning chill.
December 20th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
as usual nice shots.
merry christmas
December 21st, 2008 at 12:30 am
nakakatuwa kayo ni oggie kahit magkasama pero nakakakuha pa rin kayo ng mga ibang angulo. naka isang simbang gabi pa lang ako.
December 21st, 2008 at 7:17 am
Wala bang puto bumbong at bibingka? I always associate simbang gabi with these great treats. It’s like after waking up so early and going through the mass, one should conclude the devotion with a hearty breakfast feast.
Very nice shots.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:37 pm
superb shots. happy holidays
December 21st, 2008 at 4:59 pm
The Manila Cathedral is so beautiful … Awesome shots Kuya!
December 21st, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Thanks Nina!
Merry Christmas as well Oman!
I also like that first shot from the lot Oggie.
Merry Christmas Tin-tin.
Thanks Dom. Magkaiba pa rin naman kami on how we see things. Aside from the lens we use of course. Hehe.
I was actually looking for some puto bumbong and bibingka in the vicinity Em, but there were only puto aside from the Taho Vendors.
Happy holidays Photos Cache!
Thanks Kyels!