Samuel Yuri Uchida 
Simbang gabi na naman
Tayo gising na, patulog pa lang ang buwan
Simbang Gabi, the nine-day sequence of dawn masses preceding Christmas Day, begins as December dawns in the Philippines. In the early morning calm, bustling streets come alive with faith, dedication, and the unmistakable aroma of bibingka, a delightful rice cake iconic with this festive season.
The Simbang Gabi tradition dates back to the Spanish colonial era, demonstrating the ongoing blend of Catholic faith with Filipino ancestry. Devout Catholics come to churches before daylight from December 16th to the 24th, engaging themselves in prayers, hymns, and meditation, seeking spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.
Nang mapadaan tayo do’n sa may tindahan
Humawi’ng mga ulap at sabay nagsiawit ang mga anghel sa langit
Yet, woven into this sacred ritual is a culinary delight – bibingka. As the faithful exit the churches, the air is perfumed with the scent of this beloved treat. Vendors stationed near the church entrances meticulously prepare this delicacy, their makeshift stalls embellished with clay pots, banana leaves, and glowing coals, epitomizing the very essence of Simbang Gabi.
With its distinctive blend of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, Bibingka, a simple yet soul-nourishing delicacy, encapsulates the essence of this season. Each bite contains a nostalgic smokiness that evokes the warmth of familial reunions and the shared experiences of generations past, cooked in traditional clay pots over hot coals. Surely, angels will also sing once they take a bite to this Filipino delicacy.
Natapos din ang siyam na araw ng Simbang Gabi
The excitement grows as the final day of Simbang Gabi approaches. On the ninth night, a pinnacle of faith and fellowship occurs, signaling not only the completion of a novena but also the beginning of Christmas.
Bilhan mo na siya ng bibingka, dahil ikaw na ang aking tadhana
While the perfume of bibingka fills the air, Christmas carols are everywhere, and while taking a walk down a festive street where people are racing home for their noche buena, stop for a moment and buy your loved ones a bibingka to show how much you love them – even if it is topped with cheese, with caramelized sugar, or salted egg you can never go wrong with bibingka.
Simbang Gabi and the pungent presence of bibingka stand as cornerstones of Filipino culture, cooking a tale of adaptability, harmony, and the treasured moments that characterize the true spirit of the Christmas season.
