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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Blending faith and culture: CCP to hold annual 'Simbang Gabi' masses from Dec. 16 to 24

Blending faith and culture: CCP to hold annual 'Simbang Gabi' masses from Dec. 16 to 24

Published Dec 15, 2025 06:14 pm
Continuing a long-standing holiday tradition that brings together faith, culture, and community during the Christmas season, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will once again host its annual “Simbang Gabi” masses from Dec. 16 to 24 this year.
In a statement, the CCP said this year’s observance will feature nine dawn masses (Misa de Gallo) at 5 a.m., culminating in the Christmas Eve Mass (Misa de Aguinaldo) on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. 
All liturgical celebrations will be held at the CCP Annex Parking Lot along Vicente Sotto Street within the CCP Complex, it added.
The CCP said Simbang Gabi remains one of its most enduring holiday traditions, serving as both a spiritual observance and a cultural gathering that reflects Filipino Catholic devotion and artistic expression.
The Hermanas and Hermanos of the Misa de Gallo this year include the Philippine Navy, Camus-Corrado, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), and Seascape, according to the CCP.
On Christmas Eve, the CCP said it will mount special pre-show activities starting at 7 p.m., ahead of the Misa de Aguinaldo. 
The program will include presentations centered on the nativity story, aimed at enhancing the solemn and celebratory character of the final mass.
According to CCP, the Philippine Madrigal Singers will headline the Christmas Eve celebration, joined by soprano Myramae Meneses and other guest performers. 
It added that the participation of artists highlights its continued effort to integrate the arts into communal and faith-based traditions.
“This season brings our community together in faith and creativity. Through Simbang Gabi, we celebrate not just the spirit of Christmas but also the artists and cultural workers whose passion uplifts our traditions,” CCP President Kaye Tinga said in a statement.
The CCP said all Simbang Gabi masses are free and open to the public, advising attendees to arrive early. 
The Christmas Eve Mass will be officiated by Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite and will be livestreamed on the CCP Facebook page.
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