The Reason of Simbang Gabi

Facade of St. Anthony of Padua Parish Church, Singalong, Manila

               Leaving NCFP yesterday, my office mate Lucille looked forward to waking up early tomorrow for her last Simbang Gabi… very happy to almost completing her nine-day pledge to attend it since December 16.  Many Filipinos showed their felicity for Christmas through the tradition of Simbang Gabi or Evening Mass.  Dawn Masses in preparation for Christmas were celebrated in most Catholic churches from December 16 until December 24.  This would culminate to the joyful celebration of Christ’s birthday with the Misa de Gallo or Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Looking at the church from the side of St. Anthony School

               It is interesting to note that the Simbang Gabi tradition has its roots from Mexico in the 16^th century and was adopted in the Philippines during the latter part of the 17^th century. Filipino farmers and fishermen were invited to attend the dawn Masses and for practical purposes, it was held at dawn so that they could still work afterwards.  Until now, many would attend the Simbang Gabi.  It is a special way for the Filipino soul to adore and thank their Creator for the ending year, or through it to say sorry, or to ask a concrete favor from God during the Simbang Gabi novena.

Some thirty minutes before 9:00 p.m. December 16, 2010 Holy Mass

               Nowadays, parishes have considered anew the circumstances of the people attending the Simbang Gabi.  Although some parishes would celebrate it either at night or at dawn, our parish -- St. Anthony of Padua in Singalong -- had the Simbang Gabi at 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.  The congregation in the church would usually await the homily of the priest celebrant so as to enrich more their spiritual preparation for Christmas.  They would also enthusiastically sing the Advent and Christmas songs during Mass.  The church is well lit and is beautifully decorated with local Christmas lanterns called parol.  The main attraction for all inside the Church is the Belen or the Nativity Scene arrangement.

The Joy of Advent is very much in the air during the Simbang Gabi

              During the Simbang Gabi, churches teem with people especially young ones.  I think it is due to the Joy conveyed by the Event as it focused on the Faith and bonding with family and friends.  Filipinos also want to do things together like singing songs and eating good food after Mass.  After each Simbang Gabi, many would anticipate the traditional breakfast options: bibingka or puto bumbong with tsokolate, kape, or salabat. Today, there are more and varied choices for breakfast just outside the church.

               I attended my first Simbang Gabi when I was in junior high school.  My best friend and I decided to attend it so she picked me up at home around 3:30 a.m.  Myra and I then attended the 4:00 a.m. Mass.  After that  Simbang Gabi, we were so sleepy at school the whole day.  I cannot remember now other details of that Mass, but Myra—who has been in the United States for many years—and I would always remember fondly the joy of the experience, our sleepiness, and our breakfast—hot chocolate donuts—after the Simbang Gabi.

Images of St. Joseph with Our Lady expecting the Child Jesus (found just near the entrance of St. Anthony Church)

              The Holy Mass in Simbang Gabi shows the unity of Faith as it transcends the then and now, the here and there.   I know that many Filipinos in the U.S. and other countries also try to have Simbang Gabi even if it’s winter.  Sustaining great traditions truly require genuine devotedness.  Thanks to those who have given their very best, their all, in preserving this Christian tradition and its accompanying Filipino customs.  How they highlight clearly the reason of the Season—the Joy in the coming of Jesus Christ who is yet unborn and defenseless in the Blessed Virgin Mary's womb.  

               
               Maligayang Pasko!

The Christmas Cards We Make

We share the Joy of the Season through greeting cards.

          A few weeks ago, I had a get-together with friends on Christmas card-making.  Aside from a good bonding we had, it was also a good chance to unwind.  I remember that one of my holiday chores when I was growing up was to write letters and send Christmas cards to relatives. If receiving a card or a letter gives great joy, what greater joy there is in receiving a handmade card by a friend or by a relative.  However, making cards as gifts may not be applicable for all but it is surely a unique and pleasant way to remember and share the joy of the Season—the advent of the Christ Child.



Aside from a good bonding activitiy with friends, card making is a good rest from the stressful work-days.

          Making handmade Christmas cards would surely demand time and effort but it effectively conveys an important message:  I do care about you and I would like to share this great Joy with you.  It is not the size, nor cost, nor splendor of the card that is most important but the intent and spirit behind giving it.  In these days when many things could be done instantly and when many of us are just very busy, the value of a simple job done carefully in view of the person to whom that job or gift will be offered is even made greater. 

Basic materials: a pair of scissors, white glue, colored paper, card board.  Card magazines could help you get ideas.

          It is easy to start this hobby especially around Christmas time.  The basic materials needed are just a good pair of scissors, white glue, some colored and fine-point sign pens, card board and colored paper, and your imagination.  The whole kit and caboodle can be in a neat or fancy bag or even in a recycled sturdy box.  There you can put another container the various ornamental scraps you can gather from candy wrappers, magazines, old Christmas cards, gift tags, or old calendars, etc.  The possibilities are limitless especially if you know how to improvise creatively and make do with what you have.

Find the object of centerpiece for your card; then cut and paste.

          Once you have your basic materials, you can now explore on how to use them.  One simple way is to cut the paper with precision and paste neatly as attractive centerpiece or subject for your card.  Layer it over another paper to emphasize it further because it serves as its border. Punch art is also interesting and easy.  You can also do an origami (paper-folding) which will be the card’s main motif. Do play with colors to make your card happy and zestful.  The color wheel can guide you at the beginning but do trust your preferences after some time.  A short cut is to ask advice from those who have a good eye for art.  

Behind the Christmas cards we make are the persons we love and care for.

          My Ninang Lootsee is an inspiration for me as regards thoughtfulness and card making.  She has consistently remembered my family and my cousins’ families too—all our birthdays or special events. Her creative works always stun us and receiving a card from her makes us gasp to say “Wow!”   Ninang generously shared with us this craft of making cards.  Though I can never equal her elegance and expertise in this hobby, I keep on at it. I fumble and proceed so awkwardly slow in making my cards yet I try not to lose heart.  Keeping on with the craft is to sustain relationships because behind the Christmas cards we make are the persons we love and care for--to them we impart not only friendship but the gift of ourselves.  This is the greatest art lesson I learned from my Ninang.  Merry Christmas!

Charisma and Gravitas

John F. Kennedy with wife Jacqueline

                              The credibility of the magnetic personality or one with charisma is not limited to just having good verbal and non-verbal abilities.  The external charm has to be matched with interior substance which is also known as gravitas. Professor Brian Leggett of the University of Navarra’s IESE Business School explained gravitas as a person with dignity, seriousness, dutiful in speech and in conduct, and one who listens well.  Its opposite is levitas or levity which is to make light or fun of serious or important matters.   

               A “Checklist on the Attributes of a Magnetic Personality” by Professor Leggett may look like this:

•  1. Expert in one field yet possessing good general knowledge 
•  2. Highly energetic yet controlled
•  3. Enthusiastic
•  4. Flexible
•  5. Has good sense of humor
•  6. Stands out from the majority
•  7. Has self-confidence
•  8. Gets involved with what they are good at
•  9. Emotionally intelligent
• 10. Has gravitas

Mahatma Gandhi

      A person with charisma and gravitas has weight of character and depth in personality.   He becomes honorable and admirable because of his zest to communicate without losing the apt and true concern for others.  How does one get gravitas?  Professor Leggett suggested to reflect more deeply on our experiences – professional, social, or personal—and learn from them.  Another tip he gave was to have good listening skills.  “Overcome impatience,” he advised, “because it hinders good listening and thoughtful speaking and objective decision-making.”  He stressed the significance of energy, enthusiasm, and concern for our audience when we share ideas.   

Margaret Thatcher

      Professor Leggett cited that it is very important to learn how to nurture nature. This means cultivating what we already have, especially our knowledge, making it more extensive and intensive.  Working on all these means winning and losing at times or, succeeding and failing.  Examples he gave of known leaders with charisma and gravitas although they differ in personality were John F. Kennedy, Mahatma Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, and Bill Clinton. 

               
                  I got reminded of Avon’s ‘Charisma’—a perfume launched in the seventies.  It became very popular and was then available in small red roulette bottles and jars.   Using the perfume can make you smell good and surely, can also make you feel good.  Charisma surely attracts but the genuine charisma of a complete man--a person with gravitas--can outlasts his life and will continue to inspire and hold its sway on people beyond his time.