My current abode is just a stone-throw away from my local church. As I normally sleep very early in the morning, and early December 16 was no exception, I must be one of the firsts to hear Christmas songs emanating from the church’s amplifiers signaling the start of the traditional Misa de Gallo.

Misa de Gallo is a nine-day series of pre-dawn masses starting on the 16th of December, marking the opening of the Christmas season in the Philippines. Churches are lit up in the early morning as the church grounds are filled with stalls selling Christmas wares and delicacies.

In some provinces and including our own parish here at Cogon District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, Christmas songs coming from the church fill the air before the ringing of bells to symbolize the start of mass. Parents together with their children or even distant relatives attend mass together.

It was said that if a person completes the nine-day novena, that person’s wish or petition shall come true!

A devout Catholic, my grandmother has successfully instilled this belief in my mind. And so, like other Catholics, I strive to complete nine days of mass and prayers as my devotion to various saints and also in honor of the different titles of the Blessed Mother. But sadly, in my life, I think I have only succeeded in completing the nine-day Misa de Gallo five times, when I was still in my elementary years in Calape, Bohol.

Indeed, the Misa de Gallo marks the start of Christmas and may mean different things to different people. For children, this may mean that they can expect to receive something when they go caroling -- moving from one house to another to sing Christmas songs. For teenagers, this may mean a chance to attend mass with their loved ones and friends. For families, this may mean observing their faith together. For most people, this may mean a chance to make a wish and make it come true.

The Misa de Gallo may also mean savoring Christmas goodies after the mass. Besides, for most Filipinos, Misa de Gallo will not be complete without native delicacies like puto bumbong (finger-shaped violet-colored glutinous rice steamed in small bamboo tubes attached to a steamer), bibingka (rice cake), and a nice cup of hot salabat (ginger tea) or thick cocoa.

Personally, despite the advent of the modern age, Misa de Gallo remains one of the most popular traditions in the Philippines. However, it is not celebrated for the mere sake of keeping the tradition. More than strengthening family ties and friendships, observing the Misa de Gallo intensifies the Christian faith. It is the time of the year when Christ is the main reason for the celebration of the season!

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