Mga Kwento sa Misa De Gallo (Stories from the Dawn Mass), a capsule collection of modern Filipino streetwear made from local handwoven textiles, encapsulates the tradition of Simbang Gabi.

The designs capture the profound cultural experience and the sense of community inspired by the devotional nine-day series of Holy Masses in anticipation of Christmas. 

These were conceptualized and created by young artists Brian Razon and Kristina Marie Mariano from the School of Environment and Design (SED) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

“Simbang Gabi is an underrated phenomenon in fashion,” said Razon. “This is when people show off their new clothes. Every year, it is literally like a ‘boujee’ season for all.”

Razon, who grew up attending Simbang Gabi with his late brother, also confessed how personal this theme is to him. He recalled how they used to wake up extra early in the morning to get dressed. They made it their mission to complete all nine masses, even actively chanting the hymns. 

“It was during this season I spent most of the time with my brother,” he said. “We made it like a small competition because, in the end of the novena masses, it was promised we could make a wish.” 

This is why Razon, an Architecture student, was ecstatic to work with Mariano, a Fashion Design and Merchandising aspirant, for the project. The duo combined their respective talents to breathe life into the idea. The former rendered his skills in illustration while the latter applied her knowledge in sewing. 

The enterprising creatives utilized the elegant piña, a traditional Philippine fiber, which was provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). They also incorporated the versatile hablon, a handwoven textile from Iloilo, traditionally made with a handloom using fibers such as abaca, piña, and cotton. 

Mga Kwento sa Misa De Gallo (Stories from the Dawn Mass) finished as one of the national finalists of the 2023 Stitch-Off Competition organized by the DOST PTRI. 

The final output featured three looks. Each set paid homage to the rich history of the Dawn Mass, which was introduced in the 17th century by the Spanish friars so farmers could receive the Holy Eucharist before they headed to the fields. 

It even reflected the colors of the all-time favorite Filipino delicacies commonly sold by the church, such as bibingka, a type of rice cake, as well as taho, a snack beloved by Pinoys that is made of fresh soft tofu, arnibal (brown sugar syrup), and sago pearls.

To complete the influences, parol, or the iconic Christmas lantern, served as motivation. 

“The process was a full-blown collaboration,” Razon beamed. “Kristina and I worked hand in hand to fill the gaps and we are really happy with the results.”