Thousands attend first Simbang Gabi in NCR, provinces

Filipinos trooped to churches in Metro Manila and provinces early on Tuesday, December 16, for the start of the traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo.

At the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, more popularly known as Quiapo Church, in Manila, an estimated 2,500 devotees attended the 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Simbang Gabi, liturgy head Bro. Adrian Hapa said in an interview with Mariz Umali on Unang Balita.

The church was full, with people filling the pews and standing around. 

Some got dizzy and were given prompt medical attention by the medical team.

Police were visible at Plaza Miranda in front of the church, as well as around the vicinity, Hapa said.

During the homily, devotees were reminded to have Jesus Christ as their focus, and not their prayer requests or wishes as motivation for attending the nine-day Simbang Gabi.

Hapa advised devotees attending the Simbang Gabi to be mindful not just of their safety, but also of their focus.

"Paigtingin natin ang kaligtasan, huwag masyadong magdala ng ating mga kagamitan, bagkus i-focus natin ang ating pagsisimba sa Mahal na Birhen at lalong lalo na sa ating Poong Jesus Nazareno," he said.

(Let us be more mindful and ensure our safety. Do not bring much belongings. Instead, focus your attention in going to Mass to the Blessed Virgin Mary and most of all to our Jesus Nazareno.)

For those who cannot make it for the dawn Masses, Quiapo Church will have anticipated Mass at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Manila Cathedral

Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, in his homily for the Simbang Gabi at the Manila Cathedral on Tuesday, urged people to welcome those who want to be part of the church.

"Ang simbahan ay hindi lamang sa nag-aakalang karapat-dapat," said Advincula.

(The church is not just for those who think they deserve to be there.)

People who want to join the church and follow Christ should be welcomed, he reiterated.

Cebu City

Meanwhile, in Cebu City, Catholic devotees came in droves to the two big churches.

At past 3 a.m., many devotees in the downtown area were already walking toward the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, according to a report by Nikko Sereno of GMA Regional TV on Unang Balita.

Vehicles were not allowed inside the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Images of three wise men were also seen carried in a procession on the streets in the traditional “Bangaw” or the Search of the Three Wise Men for Baby Jesus.

Some devotees also dressed up as the three wise men and participated in the Bangaw, which will be held daily until Christmas Day.

Meanwhile, the Pilgrim's Center at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu was filled with devotees attending the 4 a.m. Simbang Gabi officiated by the church rector, Fr. Andres Rivera, OSA.

Rivera reminded devotees to prepare themselves for Christmas

Security was tight in the city, the report said.

Other areas

Catholics in Batangas, Bohol, and Quezon also woke up early to attend Simbang Gabi, according to a report by Susan Enriquez on Unang Balita.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian or Lipa Cathedral was full, both inside and outside the church.

Churchgoers flocked to puto bumbong stalls outside the cathedral after the Simbang Gabi.

Likewise, the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Shrine in Tagbilaran, Bohol was full of devotees.

In Tagkawayan, Quezon, Catholics attended the early Simbang Gabi Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish despite the cold weather.

Simbang Gabi Masses are also being held in other churches in Metro Manila and provinces.

READ: Simbang Gabi 2025 Mass schedule in Metro Manila churches

READ: 2025 Simbang Gabi Mass schedule of major churches around PH

 —KG, GMA Integrated News