TIM #4- Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass)

How couldn't missed Simbang Gabi? ...this is the most popular part of Christmas traditions for us Filipinos. Not just it's famous but for us this is very significant, in which it's one way of strengthening our faith, it makes our Christmas preparation more spiritual and very intimate with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) is a nine day novena to our Blessed Mother. It starts Dec. 16 at 4 in the morning and ends on Christmas Day. That's how it is before, but time changes people becomes busier and innovative...:) we have new ways to celebrate this like we have an anticipated Simbang Gabi..:) which starts Dec. 15 @ 7pm and ends before Christmas time. So, no matter how Simbang Gabi evolves still the traditions continues. Families, friends and even people who have not been attending mass find time to attend the nine-day novena mass. What makes it special colorful lights and Christmas carols are played everywhere, which I find very heartwarming. And along the way you can see vendors selling famous Filipino delicacies which is only for the season like Bibinga, Puto Bumbong, Kesong Puti and tsokolate. Oh, makes me missed it more...I love tsokolate eh! :)

Simbang Gabi will always be part of me.

Comments

Busy days...means busyness or business?!

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"Philippine Hospitality" is on TWB(Teacherswithoutborders)

Philippine Hospitality is one of the characteristic that stands out among Filipinos. This is a common trait that Filipinos are known for, especially to most foreigners who have traveled around the country. They will even go out of their way to ensure guest feels comfortable. I remember my mom would have a set of towels, blankets and other stuff prepared and reserved for visitors, given that we don't have much of those for us to use. But it is a primary and mandatory custom. Although we are not the only people in the world who can be friendly and welcoming, but this characteristic is exceptional among us. Actually, there's no country in Southeast Asia where foreigners are so well welcomed as in the Philippines . I know, Thailand , Japan or China are also hospitable, but remain distant. Compare to the Filipino hospitality where in our smile is not politely distant, it is spontaneous and from the heart. What really makes "Philippine Hospitality" exceptional? Here ...

A whole new world!

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