Yolanda-hit areas join traditional Simbang Gabi celebrations

Not even the devastation brought by super typhoon Yolanda could dampen the enthusiasm of storm-survivors for the traditional Simbang Gabi.

In Tacloban City, residents ignored the light predawn drizzle, and trooped to the Sto. Niño Parish church for the early morning mass, radio dzBB's Rodil Vega reported.

Though the parish church bells rang shortly after 4 a.m., the Mass was scheduled for 4:30 a.m. in deference to a curfew that should have lasted until 5 a.m.

Also, other residents had opted to attend an anticipated Mass at 6 p.m., Sunday.

Metro Manila

In Metro Manila, church bells were rung and fireworks were lit to kick-off the Simbang Gabi.

In Quiapo, dzBB's Manny Vargas reported people trooping to Quiapo Church before 4 a.m.

Quiapo church apaw sa unang araw ng Simbang Gabi, MPD bantay sarado ang mga simbahan sa Maynila https://t.co/DObb61ZNj4 | @VargasMannysen

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) December 15, 2013

Security was tight with Manila police watching out for criminal activity.

The Binondo Church bells started ringing shortly before 4 a.m., with fireworks set off several moments later.

In Quezon City, National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag tweeted a photo of people waiting for the Mass to start at the Sacred Heart Parish Church in Kamuning.

Tokyo

Overseas-based Filipinos also celebrated the Simbang Gabi, with some communities dedicating the Mass to victims of Yolanda.

In Tokyo, Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez asked Filipinos to attend the nine Masses of the Simbang Gabi as the Mass collections would go to earthquake and Yolanda victims.

The collections will be coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Masses are to be celebrated at the Meguro Church. — DVM, GMA News