Misa de Gallo: A Set of Nine Masses before Christmas Eve in the Philippines

Misa de Gallo in the Philippines...this is a set of nine-consecutive early morning mass that starts on the 16th of December. The 4:00 am mass encourage parishioners to strengthen their belief on Christmas tradition, that became a part of Catholic Christian celebration in the archipelago.

 The pre-dawn masses excite people in all walks of life, especially teenagers and children. As the roosters habitually crow as early as 3:00 am ,  those interested to participate will rise 'sleepily' in order to listen to the Holy Eucharist. There's a lot of 'hush-bush' among the young ones who can't resist to sleep again, inside the church (I did it not so long ago, heheh!), just halfly listening to the srmon of the priest.

The usual homily of the assigned priest will start on the story of the blessed couple, Joseph and Mary; the latter conceiving the Son of God, Jesus Christ and other incidents from the Holy Bible that people should follow to receive redemption.

The chilly breeze of December make the people crave for those lessons, along with the heavenly voices of church choir that keeps the priest's explanations alive.

Not only that, after hearing the mass, there are lots of native food, colorful rice cakes (puto bumbong-cake steamed on young bamboo pole and bibingka-another rice cake-with white cheese toppings baked on charcaol stove or stone oven) plus steaming hot ginger ale to remove gas pains (hehe!) due to the cold  weather.

Note: The set of nine consecutive pre-dawn masses is a challenge to everyone to keep the faith and relive the main purpose of the celebration of Christmas.

December is truly concentrated on the celebration of the birth of the Savior in the Christian world, Jesus Christ. This becomes the focal point of many activities that are being held during the last month of the year. (Please check the book at the Amazon on Misa de Gallo. Although, hispanic in origin, Filipinos religiously follow what the Spanish regime had contributed to the islanders, native or mestizos.)

I don't hate the flambouyant atmosphere duringthe season, but I find it hard to cope up with the weather and my pollen allergies causing me to sneeze frequently. And the chill that I experience due to the cold weather here in the Philippines. No snow is present; but the cold front always open the heavens to send heavy rains on us (La Nina phenomenon this year).

What I like about Catholic Christians is the 9-day dawn masses that is one of the highlights of the celebration.

Still snoring, with soft pillows being hugged by yours truly, Travel Man would like to activate his aging, aching joints to brave the cold breeze and be part of early risers starting December 16th until Christmas eve. How will I do this. I must re-energize my body in order to cope up with the young ones who are as eager like their older brothers or sisters with their parents to hear dawn masses. Here's what I should do to be with them.

1. My sleep routine will start at 8:00 until 3:00 am as the roosters begin to crow. No tv shows or too much internet browsing.
2. My alarm clock will ring at exactly three in the morning. I don't get awaken, just lit a firecracker (kidding!)
3. I will get ready with my budget on food treats after hearing dawn mass. My nieces and nephew will request me to buy tasty and affordable snacks outside the patio of the church.

Nothing much fancy but I still prefer to sleep after hearing the mass when I come back home. See yah!