The Cultural Center of the Philippines will hold a Misa de Gallo (dawn mass) or Simbang Gabi from December 16 to 24 at the CCP Main Ramp at 5am. A Misa de Aguinaldo will culminate on December 24 at the CCP Main Theater at 8:00pm participated in by CCP’s resident companies and guest choirs. A pre-mass performance will be staged at the Main Theater at 6:30pm.
The Simbang Gabi at the CCP is held in cooperation with The Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, with various agencies such as the Philippine Navy, Manila Broadcasting Company, Star Parks Corporation, Harbour Square, Amazing Philippine Theater, Gloriamaris Restaurant, Design Center of the Philippines, Ticketworld, Inc., Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Senate Spouses Foundation, and the CCP Complex Employees’ Organization (CCPCEO) participating as sponsors/hermanas.
Being one of the longest and most popular Filipino traditions in the country, the Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother which starts on December 16 early morning and culminates with a midnight mass on December 24. It is said that its roots began in Mexico in 1587, where the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors since the Church could not accommodate the many people attending the evening mass.
For more information, contact the CCP Production and Exhibition Department at 832-1125 loc. 1404/1412.
