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 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 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.

Misa De Gallo Diaries - Day 3 - SACRIFICE

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10

Psalm: Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

The third day was one of the most critical days I had with Misa De Gallo as I woke up late probably at 4:30 which is late for the 4AM Mass, and the dilemma I had was looking for a different church which is near the area. As I quickly bathed and dressed up for the mass, I was thinking of several churches which I have not been to. I was thinking of going to EDSA shrine but it was too far and they usually don't have dawn masses. I also thought of San Roque which is only a jeepney ride but forgot which time they would start.

Misa De Gallo Diaries - Day 2 - SIMPLICITY

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10

Psalm: Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17



Simbang Gabi may seem to be an easy task of going to church for 9 consecutive days and hopefully your wish will be granted. But the essence of the novena masses are far more than the hot bibingka and puto bungbong. The celebration is indeed agreat anticipation of the arrival of Jesus as a human being and was the best gift the world it ever had. Today's Misa De Gallo theme is SIMPLICITY.

Misa De Gallo Diaries - Day 1 - PATIENCE

First Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8

Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8

Gospel: John 5:33-36



The year 2011 has been the most harsh yet blessed term I have experienced in my whole life. It was test of skill, connections and even faith. And here I am now on the third year of what others call a devotional posts that I have been doing in the past years. documenting the Misa De Gallo series was indeed a challenge for me  but fills me so much emotionally and spiritually. And for this year 2011, I will continue this series both as a reminder for me to look back on my experiences and also a reflection shared to many people in which they can also reflect within themselves. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries Now on its 3rd Year!

Christmas beyond the celebration and parties is also a time to reflect and pray with a lot to thank God for the year. It has been the most challenging and blessed year for me and would always look forward to do the MISA DE GALLO DIARIES now on its 3rd year!  This has been the most  tiring yet fun and reflective blog post series in MTL. 

I will do more planning this year to avoid problems in locations and also transportation. Now with a limited budget will be a challenge for me. I hope to encounter friends and family to join me in what I consider my thanksgiving post for the year. If you have suggestion on what churches should I go to I would definitely consider. Or better yet join me in this journey so you will also be part of my personal project.

By the way, since I'm getting addicted to video blogging, I would definitely try to have it as a new feature this year. Just a few more days left so stay tuned!

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Nine: Long Journey

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Day 9: Long Journey 

The last day of simbang gabi was actually the most challenging since I have to search for the last stop for the Misa de Gallo series this 2010. The challenge for me was to find that church in the wee hours of the night as I planned that the final mass should follow the dawn schedule. However, since I do have a shift at 6 am, I need to find a schedule that fits either the 4 or 4:30 schedule to be able to reach the office on time. My first option of course would be the Mandaluyong area but I have explored the nearest parishes and churches in that area. Also St. Francis church in Ortigas masses start at 5:30 am, which is not a good idea. I then decided to go to Makati and check out the churches near Ayala like the Greenbelt chapel but they would start at 5 am. Then also checked the schedules at Don Bosco Makati, it was 4:30 but Makati is along way to go still. 

Then I decided to hop to another jeep now going back to Manila and decided to go with Manila Cathedral. Though alone, the journey was worth it as I saw the big church with a lot of people and saw a scene that is what I picture the simbang gabi. I used to think that since it is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese and the premiere office of the Cardinal, the church goers would be more of the high society, but I saw that the church does open its doors to the less privileged citizens of the Intramuros and South Pier area.  

I miss going back to Intramuros since I was studying in PLM and also attending activities from the Archdiocese of Manila. I look forward of being more active in the church and be of service in the next year. And after going to several churches just to cap off the tradition of having the dawn masses of Misa de Gallo, it was definitely worth it.  It was the first time to complete it with 9 different churches, with going trough many things before, during and even after the mass. For the small reflections I have realized during the one hour mass that strengthened my faith. 

I have to admit it was really tiring and the same time frustrating since I dont have a handy laptop with me and also finding the venue would be accidental or due to critical observation. I couldn't have done and completed this without his providence. And the reason why I blog about this one is just one way of how I thank him for all of these. For the bountiful year and new friends I have met. For giving me a time to encounter him even at the darkest hour. Truly the message of Christmas is about hope and love. I does sound cheesy but taking a look on all of it. The Misa de Gallo became my own personal journey, a recollection or even a retreat to ponder about these experiences and share it to others. 

2010 is the most difficult yet blessed year for me, I almost lost everything yet here I am and again rising to another life with optimism and hope. The Long journey does not stop here, his arrival is just the start. Now we walk again looking ahead yet still looks behind to remember the learnings, looking left and right to see friends and family that is journeying with you and looking up to see the God that is leading you to the direction to the Kingdom that we definitely want to go to.

The Misa de Gallo 2010 is now over

Christmas is here!

Also a happy new year to all!

Next year will be another story,

another set of diary stories.

Yet the Journey still goes on...

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Eight: Emmanuel

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Day 8: Emmanuel

This is the second time I almost missed the simbang gabi due to oversleeping. It is because I am still quite sick with sore throat. But I can still manage to sing and even speak but there would still be a stinging feeling every time. Luckily I realized that another perfect venue to attend the mass would be at the Archbishops' Residence in Villa San Miguel which is near shaw boulevard and Nueve de Febrero.  

The last time I have been to this place again was the 75th birthday of beloved Jaime Cardinal Sin. I just knew that they also have Misa de Gallo when I encountered a lot of people coming from the street where the compound is located and knew that there was a simbang gabi mass held there. Again since this is just near the office I took the chance to attending mass.

At first, I don't know how will they pull off a mass when the population of the people in that area could actually fill the whole compound and the chapel can accommodate up to 50 persons only. Fortunately there is also a covered court that can be used as the mass area. Also the rest of the compound since there is a lot of grass space this provided. 

For the gospel for today, it focuses on the coming of EMMANUEL or the lord is with us.  The way has been prepared by John the Baptist, Mary conceived Jesus through the holy spirit and God intervened to convince Joseph to take care of Mary and bring him into Bethlehem (the city of David). Everything is now at place, the only thing we await is the King who made himself flesh.  and free from  us from sin and hate.