9-day Misa de Gallo starts

Philippine churches open doors early Saturday morning on the first of nine dawn masses that lead to the celebration of Christmas Day.

As Filipino tradition dictates, the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) as part of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

Sta. Isabel Cathedral in Isabela City, Basilan is filled with people attending the first Simbang Gabi mass. PHOTO BY KILO INDIA

Mass goers trooped to the Sta. Isabel Cathedral in Isabela City in Basilan to attend the mass.

Security personnel are on high alert to ensure the safety of church goers.

In Lamitan, Basilan the local church was quickly filled by mass-goers. PHOTO BY CHARLIE RAMOS

In some churches, the nine-day votive mass started on the evening of Dec. 15, Friday.

As the traditional Christmas novena (Simbang Gabi) begins tonight, let us always remember to be joyful in hope and faithful in prayer. Photo by Dorothy Baylocon. pic.twitter.com/dm8dsjEkgO

— Ateneo de Manila (@ateneodemanilau) December 15, 2017

At the Manila Cathedral, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle presided over the dawn mass.

— Peewee Bacuno/BAP, GMA News