The Filipinos are known for their rich and unique customs. In fact, in our country, Christmas is celebrated for an extended period of time. For one thing, the vast majority of Filipinos adhere to Christian beliefs, with the Catholic faith accounting for almost 80% of the population. Christmas takes center stage here, thanks to our country’s disproportionately large Christian community.
Hanging “parol” on the house’s veranda, Noche Buena, Belen or Christmas nativity scenes, putting up Christmas trees in your condo in Philippines, and playing Christmas songs are all part of the Philippine Christmas tradition, which is a mashup of Western and indigenous Filipino culture.
However, Simbang Gabi stands out among these Filipino Christmas traditions.
Illuminating the Christmas Countdown through Simbang Gabi
Observing the nine dawn masses, or Simbang Gabi, from December 16th to the 24th (Misa de Gallo), is a well-known Filipino Christmas tradition. As a way to celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ, Filipino Catholics go to early morning services, hoping that their prayers and desires will be granted. On the other hand, most of us would rather not miss the observance of this significant Filipino culture, which is tied to this belief.
As early as 4 a.m., families gather at churches for an hour-long liturgy. After the service, they buy bibingka and puto bumbong from vendors lining up outside the church for breakfast.
11 Must-Visit Churches for Your Simbang Gabi in Cavite
As Christmas Eve draws near, one of the most anticipated cultural traditions in the Philippines is Simbang Gabi, also known as Misa de Gallo. Getting a condo for sale in Philippines, especially in the province of Cavite, can give you the best value for money as you may conveniently visit various unique and significant historical churches around the area during the nine-day liturgy, which is a blessing. Here are a few remarkable parishes and significant churches that you may like to explore during Simbang Gabi:
1. Immaculate Conception Parish Church
Right next to the city hall in the heart of Dasmariñas stands the Immaculate Conception Parish Church. Dasmariñas Church is not only the city’s earliest Catholic parish, but it is also a historical location linked to the fight of Perez Dasmarinas during the Philippine revolt against Spain.
2. Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church
In 1669, the Saint Michael the Archangel Parish Church was constructed from bamboo, straw, and nipa leaves. It is situated in the heart of Bacoor City. The church was transformed into a stone structure using adobe, tegula, and duck egg whites during renovations that took place between 1824 and 1872.
3. St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church
In 1769, Doña Maria Josepha de Yrizzari Y Ursula, Countess of Lizarraga, founded St. Francis of Asissi Church, the first church in General Trias, Cavite. Nearby is a convent where Banda Matanda, a marching band from the time of the Philippine Revolution, prepared to perform the Philippine National Anthem in celebration of the country’s independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
4. Our Lady of the Assumption Parish
The Jesuits are the ones who built Our Lady of Assumption Church in 1714. With its significant historical role as the Philippine Revolutionary Army’s base in 1897, when Maragondon became the headquarters of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s forces, this church became a National Cultural Treasure and the sole heritage structure in Maragondon, Cavite.
5. The Most Holy Rosary Parish
Believed to be a painting by a renowned Filipino artist from the early 1800s, this shrine houses the miraculous picture of the Madonna and Child. The town of Rosario was likewise called after the patron saint of this church, Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario de Caracol, also known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.
6. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar
With jurisdiction over the whole province of Cavite, the bishop of the Diocese of Imus resides at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar. The original, miraculous picture of Nuestra Senora del Pillar de Imus (Our Lady of the Pillar) can also be found here in Imus Cathedral.
7. St. Gregory the Great Parish Church
Originally begun in 1672 and completed in 1710, the St. Gregory the Great Parish Church dates back a long time. During its restoration in 1869, this church became one of the first in the Philippines to use galvanized iron.
8. St. Mary Magdalene Parish
St. Mary Magdalene inspired the construction of the first wooden church in Kawit, Cavite, in 1638, after the Jesuits had already built the convent in 1624. This church, which is only a short distance from Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s residence, is the site of his baptism in 1869, making it the official church of the First Philippine Republic.
9. Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church
Fr. Juan de Salazar oversaw the construction of Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church from 1637 to 1639. The retablos, or antique altar paintings in this church have a late baroque influence and are a product of the Spanish colonial style of architecture.
10. Sto. Niño de Ternate
This historical site was founded in 1663 by Jesuit missionaries and is devoted to the Holy Image of Sto. Niño de Ternate. Only the sacred picture of Sto. Niño survived the devastation inflicted upon the church during the Philippine Revolution against Spain.
11. Holy Cross Parish
An important part of Philippine history was shaped by the Holy Cross Parish and its convent. Generals Emilio Aguinaldo and Mariano Trias were elected president and vice president of the Philippine Revolutionary Government in the Tejeros Convention, and they took their oaths on March 23, 1897. An exact duplicate of the cross upon which they laid their oaths of office is preserved in one of the side retablos inside this church.
You may make your nine-day spiritual journey during Misa de Gallo easier if you make a condo investment in this province. Explore the many possibilities and convenient location of our mid-rise condo for sale in Asterra General Trias Cavite.
Just a short drive from the metro, Asterra is a great option for anybody looking for an affordable condominium with a contemporary vertical living experience. Our dynamic community atmosphere and compact unit designs are well-suited for small families, newly married couples, and even young professionals seeking their first condominium purchase, aiming to maximize their return on investment.
Some of the features and amenities that our future residents can look forward to are our Multi-purpose Hall / Clubhouse, Landscaped Garden, Swimming Pool, Gym, Play Ground, Guarded Entrance / Exit, and a 24-hr security ensuring the safety of our condo owners.
For more information about Asterra General Trias Cavite, you can check our 360-degree virtual tour or message us and our official agents on this website.
