Now the ingredients:
Now for the steps:
6. You can now place pan inside the refrigerator for about an hour as the cream freezes and its done!
As the simbang gabi ends with this last day, I've never noticed that it has been nine days already. Was I too used to it or I enjoyed it a lot that time passed by too fast. Now for the last leg I was drawn into the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in Megamall. But I have not gone into shopping in the mall, it was really to attend the last day of this devotion. And as this is dubbed as the biggest indoor mall chapel in the world, it has been an effective connection for Filipinos who loves going to the mall as well as the deep spirituality that would not jeopardize both sides. Athough many still opose to this kind, it has the support of the Archdiocese thus clearing all the issues. Nevertheless, this has been a spiritual spring amidst the commercial and material desert.
The presider for the mas was Father Que which is an expert in cathecesis. He would perfectly integrate the catacethical explanation of the gospel in layman's terms and explain them in a very simple manner that is not boring. He stressed that simbang gabi is not made for wishing because God already knows our needs and will provide them at the right time and venue. The essence of simbang gabi is to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus, just like the experiences of Mary , John the baptist and his parents.
And as Christmas dawns, it is important to know that this is also a way of thanking God for the things we have today. Our survival up to now and what will happen in the future. The Gospel also speaks of the testimony of Zechariah as he regains his voice and hearing as he wrote the word John on the tablet asking him what will be the name of his son. As John came into the world he now paves the way as the arrival of the Messiah comes.
It was very fulfilling that I have completed the nine days of Misa de Gallo. Yes there were different and unique experiences, new learnings, new places and happy memories that arose amidst the inconviniences that I have encountered along the way. And like what I noticed, time did pass by as you were enjoying the journey. I would like to call it a pilgrimage even if its not very far but really helped me spiritually as I had realizations along the way as well as the sermons given by each unique priest. For now, I know that I have done a part to thank God for the blessings I have gotten this year yet still pray for present woes. It made me firm to my faith and hopefully I would also get my friends to join me next year. And I am now blogging this as a diary of what had happened in the 9 days. These blogs would also remind me of the things I've been through and if ever it will also inspire others in any little way. And on Christmas day, I am now preparing myself as I open my heart and let the Messiah be born in it.
The eighth day of simbang gabi actually led me to a church that brought me memories. This is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral formerly a parish in which the school behind it was my school in pre-school and early elementary days. The church made a makeover after it was dedicated as the cathedral for the diocese of Cubao. I also remembered that this is where I had my first comunion.
The church is still in renovation up to now but you would see that the details were meticulous and made a big leap from a parish to a real cathedral. The celing is studded with stars that would make you look up to star-gaze. And because of its very beautiful interiors and upgrades, I was thinking that someday I would get married here. Memories plus nice interiors...that would explain everything. Breathtaking!
Yes, about the gospel. it is still about the story of John and his parents who are known to be pious and obedient to the Lord. This time Zacheriah was tested as he lost his voice and became deaf because he doubted if he would have a son brought about the news the Angel Gabriel told him as he was doing rituals in the temple of God. Now the thing that was really striking was, Nothing is impossible with God. Its sounds like the slogan of a sports brand but it was proven in the story which the continuation will be testified on the last day as it culminates and will reveal the arrival of Jesus on Christmas day. 
Just like last night (or morning), I also went back to a previous church for the seventh day. But this was accidental because of my poor scheduling and on the spot decisions that almost jeopardized the essence and value of the simbang gabi. I originally planned to try a church in the Ortigas-Pasig Area, but I failed to check on the churches that are available and their respective schedules. I was at St. Francis Parish at 8pm but they were already done with thier mass when I arrived. Then I thought if Megamall chapel would start at that time but from what I know its also at the same time as this parish. Then, I made a move by going to EDSA shrine on a short bus ride but eventually to find out that they only serve dawn masses and no night ones.
So I was getting desparate. Its almost 930pm and I am confused on what church would have mass at that time. And then, I remembered San Juan church that starts at 930. So I acted quick to take a jeepney ride to the church. However, I also encountered traffic as we passed by greenhills which made me a little bit depressed and guilty of what have I done. But it was a grace that I have arrived at the church. And was able to understand that the gospel was about Zacheriah, John the baptist's father. As I would remember I am drawn into a church dedicated to John the baptist.
My view at the church was different since I was near the door and never seated. But this gave me another perspective of the church that it had murals about John's life including his father. You might say it would be old art but it was very helful in reflecting about the message for today. And since the church is one of my recent discoveries, I would like to take sometime to go around the church and probably know some history about it. But for now, its still not a good time. However, the experiences I had in this church actually helped me a lot in understanding the message of the gospels especially about John, the voice coming from the desert preparing the way of the Lord.
Day six is somewhat like starting misa de Gallo again because I went back to Sacred Heart Parish for the sixth day mass. However, I managed to attend it in the morning making the experience a little bit different from the first time. Well one thing odd about the experience is that since its very early in the morning and our street is so quiet yet there would be incidents of theft and assult. My mother acted as an observer as I walk in the eerie but lighted street. Eventually, I did make it to the church but a little bit late.
As you may know, the gospel would again speak of the visitaion of Mary to Elizabeth, who bears John the baptist. And as the anticipation for John's birth comes so does also the coming of Jesus. I was wondering since she was said to be at her old age if the pregnancy would be difficult as well as raising John as a child. Oh well, at least he grew up to be a great servant of God.
After the mass, I noticed that there were vendors of bibingka and puto bungbong. Oh what joy! I have not tasted these two in years! Although I noticed that prices also went up too as time passed. But I had to take this chance to get them and probably feel nostalgic about the taste and feeling. But more than that, I also tried the lugawan thats also beside the church. I forgot the name but it is famous for the students of PUP and that area because the lugaw is very affordable and you can get refills!
As I arrived home, I went ahead in taking a bite from the puto bungbong and bibingka. And since the journey home would be humid and cold. I have to heat them up in the microwave so they would appear as freshly baked. And they did not dissapointed me as they tasted good and brought fond memories. And it registered in my mind that I would probably get another serving on the next days of simbang gabi.
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