A Girl’s Notebook :)

Christmas will never be complete for Filipinos if we will not participate in the 9-day Novena mass in preparation for Christmas day. Simbang Gabi as we call it here in the Philippines. Though, the mass is being celebrated usually at around 4AM, we still call it Simbang Gabi or MIsa de Gallo in Spanish. The word “gallo“ comes from a Spanish word called rooster.  

The 9-day novena mass starts on December 16 up to December 24. They said that if you will be able to complete the 9-day novena, whatever it is that you pray for will be granted.

When I was young, I really see to it that I will complete the 9-day simbang gabi. I would really felt bad if I miss a day, especially when I am praying for something that I really wanted to have. Due to work reasons, I can no longer complete my simbang gabi. But, I still participate in the mass if I can.

In our parish church, we have 3 schedules for simbang gabi. That is really cool. Everybody will have the time to attend mass, without making work reason as an excuse. Well, that really hit me.. :(  The first schedule is 9:30PM which starts from Dec. 15-23. And, 3:30 AM and 5:00 AM which starts on Dec. 16-24. 

The sacrifice of waking up early and to hear mass will then be benefited by a seasonal Filipino delicacies, Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. Although, these two kakanins are being served from some stores all year round, it is still great to enjoy these kinds of food during the holidays.

Bibingka

Puto Bumbong

As of this writing, it is just about 6 days to go before Christmas. I still have time to attend Simbang Gabi and enjoy bibingka and puto bumbong..

We had a wonderful company Christmas party last December 10 held at Silver City in Tiendesitas.  I think it is one of the most unforgettable Christmas party I have ever attended in the company. Well, maybe because I was one of the performers that night..

I, together with my co-singers(Verlyn and Orville) went to the area around 2PM. Yet the call time for performers was 12NN. We didn’t come to the call time for we will be singing during dinner. We’re not “actually part” of the program that needs to be rehearsed.

One of the singers(Japoks) though, reported at the venue on the call time. At around 3PM we had our make up and hair done. Then, our musicians came. They had their usual tuning for instruments. Since we will be singing while the guests are enjoying their dinner, we will be performing as if we’re in a bar. With our lyric stand infront of us, since we really didn’t pay much time memorizing our songs.

That was our problem. The people whom the company commissioned for the sound system failed to bring a lyric stand! We really panic upon learning that there was no available lyric stand. Verlyn even asked one of their men if they can just get a lyric stand since, it was just around 4PM then and we’ll be on stage at around 7:30PM. We’re losing our hope for having a lyric stand. We’re thinking of different ways on how we will position our lyric sheets.

Japoks was so clever to improvise a lyric stand! Though it looks “chaka” but it was a great help.  I had a very bad colds then but God sang with me. Our performance went so well.

We really enjoyed our Las Vegas themed Christmas party. Each employee were a given 500-amount of token. I bet on Baccarat and Black Jack. I also tried my luck with slot machines but I wasn’t that lucky enough that night. I believe everybody enjoyed the party.

I know, that because of that party, many of us are now dreaming of going to Las Vegas, Nevada in the US. Maybe try our luck with their casino and enjoy a stay in hotel Las Vegas.