Misa De Gallo Diaries Day 9: St. Peter and Paul Parish Makati

For the final night of the Misa De Gallo Diaries, I went to a new direction with a new church that I have not celebrated Simbang Gabi with. Since all of the churches nearby are already in the list. Choosing the church/chapel would mean going beyond my comfort zone. And it was just beyond the river-bend literally. The "hidden" parish of St. Peter and Paul is almost 400 years old and is just two rides from home and it has only been once that I attended mass there. 

The church is a perfect fusion of the old and the new, with the facade of stone reminding us of the past, and the interior with LED TVs for prompts and videos embraces the future beautifully without overpowering each other.

Misa De Gallo Diaries Day 8: Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord

For the eight day of the Simbang Gabi Series, I finally went with SM Megamall's Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord which has been a part of the Misa De Gallo Diaries from the first year. And with a diverse mass celebrators each year, there is indeed something new to be experienced with the mass here.

However I came in late for the mass despite an earlier effort but it was not due to the traffic, it was the cash register. I made my last minute shopping at the next door mall with the gift certificate I got this year. Since that would the few places I can redeem them, I made my shopping there. It took me an hour since the selections were quite expensive, and when I was at the counter, the gcs need to be verified first before finishing the transaction which cost me minutes behind the start of the mass. I quickly went to megamall after that, and along the way thinking why I have sacrificed precious time for shopping. But I was glad that I can still make ot for the celebration.

Misa De Gallo Diaries Day 7: San Roque Parish

I was planning of having an anticipated mass on this day but the traffic was so horrible that I went into a different route which brings me to San Juan Greenhills. I was hoping for a mass at the Holy Family Chapel inside the mall but what I saw was the people already leaving the chapel. The mass was held at 7pm and I arrived at 8pm.

But I never lost hope, I went into another trip this time going to Robinsons Galleria which has the EDSA shrine. I would expect that I would celebrate the mass at around 8 or 9 based on previous experiences. However, when I got there, the church was open but there is no mass. There is no tarpaulin or any information in their bulletin board about the Simbang Gabi Schedules.

Misa De Gallo Day 6: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

Now I am getting the hang of it, I now decided to stay up late to avoid oversleeping. I will get my sleep afterwards. Unlike this time, I know where to go. Going back to the first church where I started this devotion, Sacred Heart Parish in Sta Mesa Manila. 

Back then when we were living in Manila, it was this church that I always pass by when I go to school. It is also a witness of changes in my life, and I have also witnessed the changes of the church as well. Since I lived in Mandaluyong, going to the church was also not that frequent. 

But for this mass, I was quite impressed with the many changes inside the church. The facade remained the same, but the feel of the interior is new, there are now side screens instead of the projector and massive celling fans which I would only find in malls. The changes were ment to bring a better experience for mass goers since it can be hot and dark beacuse of the original architecture. This reminds me that we do change, and it should always be for the better.

Misa De Gallo Series Day 5: St. Francis of Assisi Parish

The fifth day falls on a Sunday which counts as a Simbang Gabi and a Sunday mass, with the fail I made on the fourth day, I made sure that the fifth day will be an improvement. This time, I first helped my roommate Pierre to get to the airport first early in the morning. Going out in the wee hours is best for commuting, however it is also a little bit dangerous.

After dropping him to the airport, I made my way to the bus to EDSA. From that point I can make an option of getting to churches along the way. Since I was done with Greenbelt, I look into the next location which is Mandaluyong. Immediately I thought of St. Francis of Assisi Parish which is located in Shaw Boulevard. I am not a regular of the church since there was the masses that are held inside the neighboring malls like Shangri-La and Megamall.

But I do look up to this church for being the humble beacon in the midst of progress and prosperity. Like the Franciscans they kept the feel of the church despite some improvements. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries Day 4: Our Lady of the Abandoned Church

For this day, I made a terrible mistake of sleeping which prompted me to wake up at 5am, a dreadful hour without an idea where should I go. So I hurried up and went to Sta Ana which I presumed will have a mass at that time. Took two jeepney rides but when I arrived at the destination, the mass is already over.

I was really sad, but these things could happen. So under the rain, I walked a little around the church hoping there will be another but since the next one will be more than two hours, I said it would not be practical since I still haven’t slept long enough. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries Day 3: Greenbelt Chapel

This chapel is one of my favorites in Makati whenever I pass by the Ayala Center. As it is located in the posh district of Makati CBD, I would have a better experience than what I had in San Felipe Neri. Passing by the chapel in the afternoon gave me the info that the dawn mass will happen at 5am.

Prior to the mass, I was able to attend 3 Christmas Parties from different groups: DepEd, Star Cinema, and The Road Trippers. Given their locations and commute time, I did spent a lot of time in the road, and domino-ed for me to be late in all of them. But it was all well since I was able to spend quality time with all of the people I have been with for this year. It has been a fruitful year indeed.

Misa De Gallo Diaries: Day 2 - San Felipe Neri Parish

The second day of Simbang Gabi would be a little more easier that before, however there is still the threat of rain since the typhoon has not yet left the country. I was another busy day of events which led me to go home much more earlier compared to the day before wherein I have to walk kilometers to get to I need to go to. And since I live in an area with churches along the roads makes it accessible for me.

But on the first stretch of the road, there were no jeepneys yet to serve as a quick ride to the church. I have to walk the long street wherein it is really bare yet lighted. I always feel uneasy about this road since it would be place where I can be mugged, but with faith and optimism I passed the street and was able to get to the parish, San Felipe Neri.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2015: Day One - Holy Cross Chapel

I had a hiatus on this the Misa De Gallo Diaries that became a tradition here for Manual To Lyf because of my work during the graveyard hours. And now that I am back to freelance writing, it would be fit to come back again for this series again. And for this year, I would not promise much, but I would like to talk about what happens on the masses I had during the 9 days before Christmas.

The first day was challenging since it was a day of a lot of events and also it was when typhoon Nona came to the country and caused disastrous traffic. I came home at 2am tired, thirsty and soaked in rain water. I could have just collapsed in my bed after changing to get rest immediately, but I came into thinking that today was the first day of Simbang Gabi. It took a few minutes to decide if I would go or not, but eventually I wanted to continue this tradition that have shaped me as a person I am today, and most of all to be a thanksgiving for the bountiful year.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2013: Prayers for Healing (DAY ONE)

The year has been very tragic to many of Filipinos especially to those affected by Typhoon Yolanda, Visayas Earthquake and the Zamboanga Crisis. It would be fitting that the first mass is offered to all those who fell victim to these unfortunate events. And as of this writing, news of the accident which happened on the Skyway is also heartbreaking.

The start of the Simbang Gabi is the most important and challenging of all of the masses since it will be the first and missing it would affect the spiritual momentum. I chose to start with the territorial parish which reminds me that I have to start with where I am first before going to different places. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2013

Christmas may come easy to many as it would be the season of festivities  and gifts but has it also come to mind to many about the tradition of Misa De Gallo or Dawn Masses which has been part of the Filipino culture even dating back before the revolution. And if you have been reading MTL for quite some time, these days also mean the start of  having the Misa De Gallo Simbang Gabi Diaries.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 8 - GREETING

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4

Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

I was thinking with the series of churches I went for the Misa De Gallo are the usual churches I went to, but I was hoping that there would be something new, like the one I had in Trinoma upon disovering the chapel of St. Michael and the Archangels. 

Still on an event filled day, my last destination for the day was in Luneta where we will check out the Cape Lupe shop near the dancing fountain area. And just in front of the fountain is a stage set up for the Simbang Gabi which will start at 8:30 PM. It was great news because we can have the event and also don't need to go far to attend the mass. And the best part of it is the open air where the air is cool, and the spirit of Christmas can be felt with the number of families and friends going around the biggest urban park in the Philippines.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 7 - THANKFUL

First Reading:1 Samuel 1:24-28
Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8
Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

Just after the "End of the World," which did not really had anything catastropic (Thank God) but actually was a shower of blessings for me when I got of opportunities that gave me things, I though I never had in my life. First, in recent days I recieved several packages in the mail. Then I also got gifts like a very nice pair of Nike running shoes which I am very thankful of. I also recently had genrous events that made me feel Christmas is indeed here. 

It was indeed a busy December 21 for me which also made me miss the anticipated masses, so I would have to do the dawn/early masses. Which I have churches in mind, but have no idea about the schedules. Uh Oh, dilemma brewing.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 6 - LAUGH

First Reading:Song of Solomon 2:8-14 or Zephaniah  3:14-18
Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Again the busy schedules still continues which is one of the things that I fear would be the biggest hindrances to the simbang gabi journey, but I guess that if there is a will there is a way, and also some help from above.

Just like Day 5 I was planning to have the next anticipated simbang gabi at the place where I would go. And since I went to an event up at SM North EDSA, I though I would be hearing mass at the nearest churches there. But since it was too early when the event ended, I don't want to spend too much time waiting or might get carried away doing blogs and updates at the customer lounge. So I decided to go to the similar supermall which is much nearer to home. So I took the MRT and got off at Ortigas and yes, it was Megamall.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 5 - EMMANUEL

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm: Psalm 24:1-6

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

I'm now midway on the Misa De Gallo experience and still on a roll and now after an event in Cubao, I was planning to do the Simbang Gabi near the area, however the schedules I got starts at 630PM in which the event ended at 7PM. So I was thinking of churches where I would go to that would have an anticipated mass at 8 or 9 PM. With still minutes passed and thinking of considering a number of churches I took the MRT going southbound and still have not yet decided. On board the train, the church I will go to depends on the station I will get off. And I got off at Ayala Station which means I plan to go to the Greenbelt Chapel but not yet sure if the mass will start at 8 or 9.

But arriving at the chapel I was in the nick of time as the mass starts at 8PM. This would be my first Makati church in the novena masses and probably the most elegant since it is situated at Greenbelt which I join a lot of working and busy people of Makati. And indeed, the crowd here is different. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 4 - IMPERFECTIONS

First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25

Psalm: Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

The fourth day of Misa De Gallo was simple yet a unique one as I went back in attending morning masses at 4AM meaning that I have not slept again doing blog posts and checking on emails before heading out for the Simbang Gabi and I chose to go to the nearest church in my area which is San Felipe Neri Parish. I Have to admit that I am not a usual parishioner here because of the schedules that would bring me to farther places where I would usually attend mass. Though the parish has very interesting history which dates back to the Spanish era. If you would remember that on the second day, we did not make it to the 4AM mass and transferred to another one, this time I made sure that I would attend it and also do a little exercise.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 3 - FAMILY

First Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8

Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

The third day of Misa de Gallo Diaries was indeed a busy one as I was so busy with school, then events on that day that I almost dread that I won't have the energy left to go on the Simbang Gabi. Looking at my schedule for today, I would have completed everything by 8-9 PM which I hope can lend me some time to attend an anticipated mass at a nearby parish. And since I am in the Tomas Morato area, the only church I know in the vicinity is the Sacred Heart Parish.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 2 - MOSAIC

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17



The second day of Misa De Gallo was something similar to what happened with the past year of attending the second mass. Originally me and my dorm mates planned to go to San Felipe Neri Parish which is just less than 2 KM away which we can just walk. But arriving at the church we found out that the only mass would be for 4AM only, we arrived at 5 PM. Now the problem of finding another nearby church was now our concern. Since I have already been to Divine Mercy Shrine of the first day, it was thinking of another nearby church where there is a 5:30 AM mass and the only one I can think of was the San Roque Parish which is near EDSA.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 1 - PREPARATION

For the first night (dawn) of the Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012, I started with the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy. This church has been a special church for me for many answered prayers and good news that happened while hearing mass at this shrine. This is also where one of the relics of St. Faustina can be found. 

The first night of Simbang Gabi also falls on the 3rd Sunday of Advent which is Gaudete Sunday or the "week of joy" which tells about the joy that the coming of the mesiah is bringing. And in the readings for this day talks about rejoicing with the coming of the Lord. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012!

It is that ime of the Christmas season which I say is the most challenging yet fulfilling experience of spending 9 days of dawn/late night masses more commonly called MISA DE GALLO or Simbang Gabi. And as my own personal tradition like the Visita Iglesia, I like to speak about this personal experience which takes me into a whole new meaning to living life to the fullest.

Started as a special series in Manual to Lyf last 2010, now on its third year is something I look forward to every year. Something to be grateful for the wonderful year which was given to me. Time to reflect on the difficulties I faced in 2012. To look forward to the year 2013 with strong faith and optimism. Seems to ideal for some, but these things motivate me in being a better person. It will be hard just like the past years due to unforeseen problems and delays.