Simbang Gabi is a Christmas tradition that has been with the Filipinos since we were colonized by the Spaniards.  It is held at dawn and is celebrated starting the ninth day before Christmas.

In olden times, it was called Misa de Gallo, which translated means Mass of the Rooster.  The rooster serving as a signal for the people to wake up and go to mass.
You might be asking, what prompted the people to get up so early during the cold December dawn just to get to mass?

The tradition started out in 1669 when a Spanish priest held a mass for farmers wanting to attend the Christmas advent, however, we’re unable to since they need to tend to their fields early in the morning.
Today, the tradition still holds strong is still very much alive.  It is is usually one of the things Filipinos anticipate during the Holidays.  A few even hold on the the belief that if you complete the nine days of Simbang Gabi, a wish will be granted. 

We’ve still got a few more days left before Christmas; so get up early, wear your thickest jacket, attend a Simbang Gabi, and have your treat of hot Putobumbong’s, and steaming Bibingka’s afterwards.