Christmas is almost here, and so are the traditions surrounding this holiday. As early as now, many have already booked vacations, reunions, and Christmas shopping trips. While these and Christmas carols signal upcoming holidays, the most awaited occasion does not officially begin until the start of simbang gabi.
Simbang gabi runs for nine nights straight and has been a constant in Filipino Christmas celebrations. Traditionally, this mass is held just before dawn, which earns its alternative name, Misa de Gallo. Though times for when this mass is held may vary, it will always be nine masses leading toward Christmas Eve. Usually, this starts on December 16 to complete the novena until December 24.
Because of its long history, many other traditions have sprung from simbang gabi. For instance, many still believe that completing the nine masses leading up to Christmas Eve earn them merits enough to grant any wish. Whether one believes in the wish-granting, attending the simbang gabi masses is much easier if one’s home is near the place of worship.
Below is a list of popular simbang gabi churches near Camella.
Antipolo Cathedral
For those living around Antipolo, the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage or Antipolo Cathedral is a popular simbang gabi destination. Outside of the holiday season, the cathedral is a famous pilgrimage site that attracts millions of devotees.
First constructed in 1632, the Antipolo Cathedral has endured countless events in Philippine history. For instance, it was damaged during the Second Sangley Rebellion shortly after it was finished. Three earthquakes between the 17th and 19th century shook its foundations, but it remains standing because of multiple preservation and reconstruction. Earlier this 2022, the church was declared an international shrine, making it the third of its kind in Asia and 11th worldwide.
Going to Antipolo Cathedral: From Camella Sierra Metro East, you can reach the Antipolo Cathedral in approximately 16 minutes via Manuel L. Quezon Extension.
Imus Cathedral
Another popular church further down southern Luzon is the Imus Cathedral in Cavite. Known as the Diocesan Shrine, the cathedral also holds the original image of the Our Lady of the Pillar, which the parish is named after. Locally, the Imus Cathedral is known for its Holy Week procession, which is participated by numerous floats.
First started in 1823, the Imus Cathedral’s establishment is tied to the city’s history, like most Roman Catholic churches in the country. In fact, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) declared the Imus Cathedral part of its list of structures of historical significance.
Going to Imus Cathedral: You can reach the Imus Cathedral from Camella Bucandala within 10 to 12 minutes via General Yengco St. or the NIA Road.
Our Lady of Lourdes Tagaytay
Further into Cavite, the Our Lady of Lourdes in Tagaytay is another popular stop among simbang gabi goers. Additionally, this church is a pilgrimage site under the Diocese of Imus. That said, it serves as an additional landmark to Tagaytay’s picturesque views. Nothing says Christmas like the cool Tagaytay weather, the sparkling decorative lights, and the sense of community of the simbang gabi in this church.
Going to Our Lady of Lourdes Tagaytay: From Camella Silang and Camella Alfonso, You can reach the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Tagaytay within five minutes via Emilio Aguinaldo Highway.
Baclayon Church
Moving down to the Visayas, the Baclayon Church in Bohol stands out not only as a popular simbang gabi stop but also as a treasure of a structure. Completed in 1717, the church is a marvel of a Baroque structure made of whitewashed coral stones and reinforced by stone walls.
As with the fate of most colonial churches in the Philippines, Baclayon Church sustained damage from wars and natural disasters. The latest natural disaster was back in 2013 when an earthquake hit the province and damaged a large portion of the church. But with the collaboration of government agencies, the church was fully restored in 2017.
Furthermore, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) also declared the church a National Historical Landmark. Finally, as part of the Jesuit Churches of the Philippines, the Baclayon Church is also under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Going to Baclayon Church: From Camella Bohol, you can reach the Baclayon Church within 10 minutes via Bohol Circumferential Road or Tagbilaran East Road.
Molo Church
Aside from Bohol, Iloilo is also home to many remarkable churches that are perfect for simbang gabi. One of these is the Molo Church, also known as St. Anne Parish Church. This Gothic-Renaissance structure is famous in Iloilo for its towering red spires that rise over nearby structures and trees.
Like Baclayon Church, Molo Church was constructed using corals in 1831. Such was a common building material during the Spanish era. Also a colonial period construction, Molo Church’s facade bears Second World War-era damage and bullet holes. Still, the church continues to stand strong despite the many years of warfare, earthquakes, and fires.
Given its historical significance, the church appropriately obtained the NHCP’s designation as a national landmark.
Going to Molo Church: From Camella in Savannah, you can reach Molo Church within 12 minutes via Iloilo City—Aleosan Road.
Davao Cathedral
Last on the list is the small but eye-catching Davao Cathedral. Unlike the rest of the places of worship in this list, Davao Cathedral is a postmodern structure. Completely abandoning spires or columns, the cathedral welcomes its devotees with an imposing facade that is reminiscent of an ark.
Before the current structure, a neo-gothic church was said to have stood in the area where the cathedral is now. Furthermore, the Spanish-styled design was not entirely new. In fact, the cathedral’s curved structure is just a concrete version of its original nipa and bamboo material.
Also called the San Pedro Davao Metropolitan Cathedral, the church also serves as the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Davao.
Going to Davao Cathedral: From Northpoint Davao, you can reach the Davao Cathedral within 11 minutes via Daang Maharlika Highway or JP Laurel Avenue.
These are just some of the many churches near Camella where families can spend their simbang gabi this coming holiday season. As Christmas Eve draws near, places of worship do not only serve as a place for spirituality but also a space for genuine community. More than a reminder of the past and the holiday season, these churches are also a reminder of enduring Filipino values and traditions that transcend generations.
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