..as an expression of our devotion to GOD

Misa de Gallo is the Spanish phrase for Midnight mass, more literally translated as "Rooster's Mass". It is told that the "Rooster's Mass" owes its name in the idea that a rooster would have been among the first to witness the birth of Jesus, and thus be one to announce it.

In most Spanish speaking counties, Misa de gallo entails a typical midnight mass, starting at around 12:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve. However, as practices in the Philippines, this custom lasts for nine days, starting on December 16 up to December 24, during which Filipinos attend the dawn masses, usually starting at around 4:00-5:00 a.m. These masses were held before daybreak, hence the Filipino term "Simbang Gabi" (Midnight Mass). Even today, Filipinos wake up very early in the morning to attend the Misa de Gallo as an expression of devotion to GOd.

Every year, I'm aiming to attend the full 9 masses, and as an early riser, it really shouldn’t be an issue. But I have “completed” the entire Misa de Gallo (9 masses) only 3 or 4 times in my entire life, and attempted to complete it another dozen times or so… tsk tsk?! Well, I go to church with my mOm, dAd, and my younger brO. hmm. And I hate to sit during the on going mass because I'm feeling so sleepy. Well, I'm used to it.

When i was a kid, i thought the essence of such sacrifice is just to make our wish come true.. oh my, should i blame my mom for such perception? tsk tsk.. well, partly GOd blessed us more to compensate our sacrifices.. haha! i'm being rational again. now, i don't have wishes like new stuffs but rather more of an opportunity to have a better living [i'm pretty sure its not a selfish desire].. and i guess it is much meaningful. what about your wish/es?

Hmmm.. Regardless of my tough schedules ['coz I still have classes and work on its first 5 days ] I do enjoy Misa de Gallo, not just for the religious significance, but rather the time when I'm with my family and also because I enjoy the cool, drier weather conditions that makes me feel less tired.. I like taking a walk in the pre-dawn darkness [oh but sometimes really not]. I use the time to reflect on anything that needs reflecting [ try it and u'll discover something..].I mentally run down the year that has passed, grateful for all of the good things that have happened, and mildly alarmed by the bad things, or things I simply cannot control.

:( so far i have missed one meeting that was December 19. oh my????! and therefore? hehe. u got it right. hey, hows your experience? this ends my post.