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 2010 Day One: Simple Start

Day One: Simple Start

Another year has passed and this time I go on another adventure again to complete a tradition that most Pinoys also follow. The Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is also my way of professing my faith and also finds it very fulfilling to complete the 9 days. The first year of Misa De Gallo diaries were really tough yet was also happy experience. On its second year, I hope that this also give another unforgettable experience. I look forward  to know more about traditions, friendships and also history since most of my trips are not bounded with only one church. Also this will be different as I also have a lot of schedules and work to attend to, unlike last year. Generally, this is still something new, this is also something that comes once a year. So better make the most out of it. And I'm very happy to share to you the first day! Now with perseverance and enough sleep I know I can get through this and also learn a lot of things from people and also the encounter at the house of God. Join me!

For the first day, I planned to have it with EDSA shrine or Manila Cathedral but due to distance and schedule, I went ahead to the office and decided to go to the nearest church which is Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Addition Hills. I have passed so many times but never got the chance to celebrate mass there.The church looks really small due to its location but it houses a lot of parishoners that even spills out into the streets. And since its also my first Misa De Gallo, so this makes this day special as it also kick off the start of the adventure. Though had only a few hours of sleep I was able to stay awake throughout the mass. The first gospel was about John the Baptist as the herald of the Lord until his arrival. And also of the fact that people would be excited at first but would turn cold after he left. This is true for us Christians as we also be excited at first but would lose enthusiasm after some time. That is why the challenge of the gospel is to always keep our hearts aflame and vigilant as the hour of the savior is fast approaching and what we will be doing on that hour.

After the mass, the Mgsr asked the community to join in in a small feast of kakanin and coffee provided by the barangay and some sponsors. Of course, the Bibingka and Puto-bungbomg would never be left out as people also lined in stands for the Christmas delicacy. I decided to go back to the office since its almost my shift and I still have to work. SO far I could rate my first day as a major major success with the inspiration and motivation that I have discovered on the first day of the Misa de Gallo. One down, 8 days to go!