Christmas is just around the corner – less than ten days to be exact. And if you happen to be in Metro Manila during the holidays, there are a number of places and events that one can go to with family and friends. Not only will these events bring holiday cheer, they will also allow one to reflect the real meaning of Christmas.
Simbang Gabi At The Cultural Center of The Philippines
Every year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines organizes their traditional early morning masses, also known as Simbang Gabi. The CCP’s Misa de Gallo this year will start on December 16 and continue until December 23. Check it out at the CCP Front Lawn everyday at 5:00 a.m.
Misa de Gallo is Spanish and literally means “rooster’s mass,” indicating that the mass is held early in the morning, before the sun rises.
While the regular masses will feature different choirs performing, the Misa de Aguinaldo which is the mass on Christmas Eve, will feature the famous Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The Misa de Aguinaldo will be on December 24 at 8:00 p.m. Instead of the Front Lawn, it will be held inside the Main Theater.
Ayala Triangle Festival of Lights and Thanksgiving Masses
Christmas has always been synonymous with sparkling and glittering lights, and no one knows this better than the folks at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Every year, they put together a gorgeous lights and sound show at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.
According to an ABS-CBN news report, the lights and sound show start at 6:00 p.m.. and runs every 30 minutes, until 10:00 p.m. Children will certainly delight at the rhythmic twinkling of the lights, in time to familiar Christmas melodies. Check out the Ayala Triangle Gardens Facebook page for more details and photos.
According to a recent announcement, a Thanksgiving mass will be held every 6:00 p.m. starting December 15 and ending on December 23, also at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
SM Mall of Asia The Grand Festival of Lights Parade
Further south in Pasay City, the SM Mall of Asia also has its own Christmas celebration called The Grand Festival of Lights Parade. The parade is done every Saturday, starting on the last Saturday of November.
There are only two runs left to see in the coming weeks – December 17 and 25. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and happen at the North and South Arcades of SM MOA. Check out the SM Mall of Asia Facebook page for details.
Like PilipinasPopcorn on Facebook for more updates. To send feedback or contribute your stories, email editor@pilipinaspopcorn.com.