MANILA, Philippines - There is a special feeling one gets when hearing morning Mass at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The unique setting of Simbang Gabi has been undertaken by CCP’s Theater Operations Department for the past five years.
Being one of the longest and most popular Filipino traditions in the country, the Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother, which starts on Dec. 16 early morning and culminates with the Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass) on Dec. 24. It is said that its roots began in Mexico in 1587, where the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas Mass outdoors since the Church could not accommodate the many people attending the evening mass.
In the old days, the pre-dawn Mass would be announced by the ringing of the church bells, while a brass band would play Christmas music all over town an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi in some rural areas. Even farmers and fishermen would wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to work and pray for a good harvest. As a result, the Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country, not only for the faithful to celebrate, but also an opportunity to strengthen relationships among family members as well.
The ongoing Simbang Gabi at the CCP is being held at 5 a.m. in coordination with the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, and the hermanas are the Philippine Navy, Philippine International Convention Center, Gloria Maris Restaurant, Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Amazing Philippine Theater, Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines, Harbour Square, Senate Spouses Foundation, CCP Complex Employees’ Organization, among other sponsors. A Misa de Aguinaldo will be held on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. also at the CCP Ramp.