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Misa del Gallo is the spanish phrase for "Midnight Mass" or in Filipino "Simbang Gabi". It is also translated as "Rooster Mass". many believes that the rooster have been among the first witness to the birth of our savior Jesus Christ and thus be the one to announce it. Simbang Gabi is one of the longest Filipino traditions in the country. It is a nine-day novena to our Blessed Mother Mary. The novena begins December 16 shortly before the break of dawn. This Filipino tradition originated in Mexico when in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Sorea, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman , to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the church could not accommodate large number of people who attended tha mass. During the old times , the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells or "Tunog ng Kampana ".Many of the farmers and fisherman in the old times wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest. Part of the traditions are the colorful christmas lights and "parol" that hungs in every window . And shortly after the mass before going home you can't resist to taste and have a cup of Tsokolate and a piece of bibingka or puto bungbong outside the church . This are just one of the delicious delicacies made in Philippines. Many also believes that when you have attended the 9-day morning mass all your wishes will come true. Believe it or not what ever beliefs that we have , the most important thing is that the Faith still remains in our hearts and in our minds. I guess many of our fellow filipino overseas miss this tradition that we have. Maligayang Pasko kaibigan !
