History of "Simbang Gabi"

We cannot deny the fact that “Simbang Gabi” (also called Misa del Gallo) has been an indispensable part of the Filipino Christmas Tradition. Starting December 16, Filipinos, usually with their families and friends, rush through the nearest church to attend the mass which starts as early as 4:00 AM. This scene would continue for a total of nine days, until December 24. It has been said that if you completed the nine consecutive masses, your Christmas wish would be granted.

The origin of Simbang Gabi can be traced back in 1660, during the early years of Christianity in the Philippines. During the season of advent, missionary friars held masses for nine consecutive days as preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. In addtion, they decided to celebrate these masses at dawn, when the roosters (or gallo) announce the beginning of the day. Thus, the name Misa del Gallo (literally, Rooster’s Mass) was introduced.

The masses are celebrated early so that our Filipino ancestors, who are commonly farmers by occupation, can still manage to attend without abandoning their fields. It has been a routine that Filipinos would walk or ride their carretela (carabao sleds) and head to the nearest church at 4:00 AM. After the one hour mass, they would proceed to their fields and work. They follow this routine until the day before Christmas.

That is how Simbang Gabi or Misa del Gallo became a Filipino Christmas Tradition. Up to these days, it is still observed, as this tradition is passed from generation to generation. It may mean differently to different individuals but one thing remains true: Simbang Gabi is an indispensable part of the Filipino Culture and an important devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

P.S. I have completed the Simbang Gabi this year!

Thanks to Trash Can, Ltd. for the information and diverdown for the picture.

Ten Facts About Rob

Rules:

• 1. Each blogger must post this rules.
• 2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
• 3. Bloggers who are tagged needs to write ten things about themselves and post these rules. (You need to choose ten people to get tagged).
• 4. Tell them that they’ve been tagged and to read your blog.

Thanks to my online friend, lunaticduchess, for tagging me.

Ten Facts About Rob Jeremiah G. Nuguid

1. I am not a pure-blooded Filipino; both my paternal and maternal grandfathers are of Chinese descent.

2. My family members are fond of calling me “Pipoy” which has been my nickname since birth.

3. I’m an avid reader of different kinds of materials - books, magazines, newpapers, and the like. I have read all the titles in the Harry Potter Series, some of Dan Brown’s books, and many more. I’m also a monthly subscriber and reader of Reader’s Digest. I plan to read the Twilight Saga next month and FHM when I turn 18.

4. If liking - and loving - rock songs is being a rocker, then I’m a “Certified Rocker”. I love to fill my eardrums with rock songs especially those of My Chemical Romance, Simple Plan, All-American Rejects, Nickelback, Secondhand Serenade, Daughtry, and of OPM Bands like 6 Cycle Mind and Hale.

5. I am really a grade conscious student, and I wish I were not.

6. I  love my

• Friendster,
• Multiply,
• Plurk,
• and of course, my blog!

7. I easily get attracted to girls with long, soft, and good-smelling hair.

8. I’m a pet-lover. I feel this “special” kind of connection whenever I see cute, adorable pets during my frequent trips to pet shops. I love and miss my guinea pigs who already passed away.

9. I am fond of playing online games. Ragnarok is the first online game that got my attention four years ago. After that, I became less engaged in computer games. Then O2 Jam came which I played for a year. The strategy game Defense of the Ancients (DOTA) is my latest addiction. But as part of my New Year’s Resolution, I’ll refrain from playing it.

10. I believe I can fly. And I wish I could.

I’m passing this “Cute’s Blogger Award” to kg, mordsith, joice, jane, chazzel, emben, upto6only, thehusbandspeaks,  yeine, and jenn.

Fight Cancer

It is evident that certain efforts to help stop cancer are increasing by leaps and bounds. We have been witnesses to huge events attended by notable people internationally. These proves that eradicating cancer would be easier than before. Everyone has a part to do, even in one’s simple ways and means, including the music industry.

Save You by Simple Plan

According to Simple Plan’s site, the lyrics of the song is inspired by Jay Bouvier, Pierre’s (lead singer) brother who was diagnosed with cancer when he’s 28. The end of the video presents some of the people who have endured the hardships and survived cancer.

I personally like the song, especially the lyrics because I can relate to it and I know the feeling of having your loved ones diagnosed with cancer. Both my grandfather and my younger brother died from cancer years ago. I am a living witness to their sufferings while fighting with the disease. And I really salute them for being courageous.

Please support the band and their video “Save You”!

• Get the lyrics here.
• Hear the MP3 format here.

Blog Make-over Mission

I have been less active in my blog these past few months due to my schedule. Making projects, reviewing for tests, and answering assignments consumed a large portion of my time that I find it hard to turn the computer on and go online. But it won’t be the case this Christmas vacation which, I’m glad to announce, starts today. I’ll take advantage of this opportunity to update my blog and make my own “Blog Make-over Mission”.

Journey in Words

I have asked some of my online friends to help me come up with a good blog title on my post “Blog Title” last month. Finally I have come up with a decision: Journey in Words would be my blog title starting today.

Thanks to emben,  joice, jane, juler, kg, upto6only, and jazzie for helping me decide.

Spearmint

Early this morning, I spotted a blog with a nice layout. I learned that the layout is called “Spearmint”. So I replaced my old template, “Shallow”, with this one, although the color still remained blue which is my favorite color.

Thanks to thehusbandspeaks for the template inspiration.

Plurk

It has been one of my online obssesions to voice out anything that I want to say. So aside form blogging, I decided to search for social journal sites. My search results show only one name: Plurk.

Plurk is a “micro-blog” which allows users to post short messages and updates about themselves. It officially went online on May 12, 2008. Karma points are also part of the service that they offer. To sign up for Plurk, click here.

I also placed a Plurk widget which can be gound at the lower part of my sidebar. Follow me on Plurk here.

Links

I have also updated my “Blogs” side bar part.

• And I Am Mordsith
• Chalks and Crayons
• Emben
• Fire Play
• Gracielicious Unlimited
• Jazzie’z Blog
• Kumareng Grace
• Opinion Pinoy
• Purple Worm
• The Elaborynth Mind
• The Opposite of Apathy
• Tired but Happy
• Up to 6 Only

Minor Improvements

1. I have merged the “Email”, “About Me, and “Links” to only one item: “The Author”.
2. I have also merged the “Blog Statistics” and “Subscribe” fields to come up with “Etc.”
3. I have changed the Calliope logo of my site from orange and black to light green.

Happy Holidays!

The Idol Test

This math test can determine your true idol! Try it without looking at the answers below. Follow these steps:

1. Pick your favorite whole number from 1 - 9.
2. Multiply that number by 3.
3. Add 3 to the product.
4. Multiply the sum by 3.
5. You will get a 2-digit number. Add the digits of the number.

Find your idol from this list:

• 01-Paris Hilton
• 02-Madonna
• 03-Tom Cruise
• 04-Angelina Jolie
• 05-Robbert Pattinson
• 06-Brad Pitt
• 07-Beyonce Knowles
• 08-Daniel Radcliffe
• 09-Rob Jeremiah Nuguid (that’s me!)
• 10-Albert Einstein

I knew it! Great choice.

P.S. Tell me who your idol is by leaving a comment. Happy Holidays!