I’ve been waking up extra early in the past couple of days to hear “Simbang Gabi” or “Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Roosters)”. It’s a Filipino Christmas tradition of hearing mass for nine mornings before Christmas in preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Originally, Misa de Gallo is held before sunrise but most Catholic churches now hold anticipated masses at 8 or 9 pm to make it more convenient to churchgoers. I’ve never been a fan of waking up extra early to hear mass but I was enticed to join my friends in hearing early dawn masses this Christmas like I’ve been doing so in the last two mornings – until today. Sadly, I missed the dawn mass. I forgot to put my phone on alarm mode when I went to bed last night. When I woke up it was already past 5 am. I feel sad not because my wish won’t be granted anymore since I missed a mass (it’s common belief that if you complete all 9 mornings, a wish will come true) but more so because I feel like I’ve let myself and Kuya Jess down. Anyway, I guess I’m not really destined to finish all nine morning masses for 2008. (And truthfully, I’ve never even completed one) Perhaps, next year? I hope so. So for those who are still able to wake up extra early in the next six days to hear mass, I wish you luck. Bring emergency lights if you can. You’ll never know when you’re gonna need it.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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