Simbang Gabi / 9 Mornings

Simbang Gabi is the most significant Filipino Christmas tradition. These 9 mornings will begin this day December 16 to 24 and the mass will start as early as 4am. Filipinos faith and believe that if you complete the nine dawn masses your wishes will be granted. Many Filipinos go to church to express their devotion and faith to the Lord and welcoming the birth of Jesus Christ. Simbang Gabi also is where Filipino family shows the strong family bonding. At the church you can see lots of Christmas decors especially the Belen and the beautiful Parol (star lanterns). After the mass you can see outside the church lots of vendors they sell Filipino delicacies like; bibingka, puto bumbong, pan de sal and hot tsokolate.
I'm so sad when Simbang Gabi is coming because I know I can't complete the nine dawn masses. I'm jealous for those people who live near the church, it's just a walking distance for them to attend and complete the 9 mornings.