abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 12/16/2010
MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of devotees and believers flocked to Catholic churches nationwide Thursday morning to attend the first day of the Misa de Aguinaldo or Simbang Gabi, the 9-day dawn Masses celebrated before Christmas.
Simbang Gabi traditionally starts on December 16 and ends on Christmas Eve, December 24.
As early as 4:00 a.m., the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City was already packed full of devotees even if the first Mass wasn't going to start until 4:30 a.m. Many didn't mind waking up extra early just to get a head start for the Mass.
Simbang Gabi is also an opportunity for people to bond. Parents brought their children while friends found an excuse to hang out.
After the Mass, many devotees headed to the courtyard to partake of hot, tasty and affordable treats like puto bumbong and bibingka, traditional rice cakes popular during the Christmas season, which go so well with salabat or hot ginger tea.
Puto bumbong is being sold at P25 for 3 pieces, while bibingka goes for P30 for the regular order and P40 for the special order, which has salted egg slices on top.
A glass of taho, the soybean drink with sago, is only P10.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented security measures to ensure the safety of churchgoers across the country.
The PNP advised the public to be cautious and observant as incidents of street crime continue to rise during the holiday season.
"'Yung mga tao kinakailangang maging observant din. They should stay focused kasi kapag nalingat sila, maaaring doon sila maging biktima. Kasi 'yung opportunity eh nandiyan. Kaya kapag may mga unusual silang napapansin dahil marami ngang tao, kapag dinidistract 'yung attention nila, eh dun sila maghinala agad," said Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). -- Report from Jasmin Romero, ABS-CBN News
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