Planning to attend the nine-day "Simbang Gabi" (dawn mass)?
Here is the schedule of some of the popular churches here in Metro Manila.
-Manila Cathedral Dec. 15 to 23 (8 p.m.), Dec. 16 to 24 (4:30 a.m.).
-Quiapo Church Dec. 15 to 23 (7 p.m. and 8 p.m.), Dec. 16 to 24 (4 a.m. and 5 a.m.).
-Baclaran Church Dec. 15 (7 p.m.), Dec. 16 to 23 (5 a.m. and 7 p.m.), Dec. 24 (5 a.m.).
Those attending the dawn mass however are reminded to follow the health protocols.
"(We will implement) Same health protocols like vaccination ID for mass goers, face mask, body temperature, and sanitation," Father Danichi Hui of Quiapo Church said in an interview.
"There will also be markings around the church and inside as well. We follow the 50 percent capacity," he added.
Parishes in the Diocese of Cubao are also ready for the "Simbang Gabi."
"We always follow what the govt or Inter Agency Task Force say or their directives. For instance they allow unvaccinated people to attend outside. We put tents in some places to accommodate those unvaccinated," Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said.
The Diocese of Balanga in Bataan also expressed readiness for the observance.
"For 'Simbang Gabi' here with the consent of LGU we will open for 70 percent seating of the church, and 80 percent outside. We will open our barangay chapels for dawn Masses," Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said.
The traditional Simbang Gabi kicks off the Christmas season in the Philippines, usually held at 4 a.m.
In some areas, they also have an anticipated Mass on the eve of Dec. 15.