Every dawn of december 16, I am always excited to wake up early in the morning as this is the start of the MISa de galloMisa de Gallo or Mass of the Rooster (because it is the time when the roosters crow) is held every year before Christmas.

There are traditions that are linked with the dawn masses. The churches are well lit and Parols or Christmas Star lanterns are to be found everywhere. Food stalls sell puto bumbong, hot chocolate and arroz caldo. Small children are brought to mass sleepy eyed but are instantly awoken by promises of eating puto bumbong after the mass.

Filipino tradition says that anyone who finishes the series of 9 dawn masses will be blessed in the coming New Year! Above all the merry making and the food,we should remember  the misa de gallo is our way of waiting for the coming of our savior Jesus Christ.

 credits to: google images