Pasko

Pasko is the Filipino term for Christmas.

Well, just like last year, I will be celebrating this day away from my family. And here in Japan, its a regular working day which means, I, together with some of my Filipino officemates are obliged to do our jobs.

We will be ignoring the glittering lights and illuminations of the city. Never mind the Christmas songs filling the airwaves. Just focus first on our respective responsibilities but after the bell rings, we deserve to have a party. Okay, I admit, I am just assuming that there is a get-together party tonight (come what may after office hours).

This reminds me of Simbang Gabi, a tradition I never completed and, I think, I'll never will. Too lazy to wake up I guess.

Traditionally, Christmas Day in the Philippines is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16. Known as the Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish and in Filipino as Simbang Gabi, or "Night Mass", this novena of Masses is the most important Filipino Christmas tradition.

These nine dawn Masses are also considered as a Novena by the Catholic and Aglipayan faithfuls. This refers to the Roman Catholic and Aglipayan practice of performing nine days of private or public devotion to obtain special graces.

Night Mass

The sound of brass bell
cracks the dawn;
I pull myself from bed
and march to church.

In my usual Sunday suit
I follow the guidance of man-made stars
and footsteps of other early risers.

The December chill embraces me,
greeted by the smell of rice cakes
and sacred scent of sampaguitas.

Inside the church, the resonance
of carols and hymns,
Father begins and ends the sermon with
"Blessings to everyone".

For nine consecutive mornings, same number
Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem,

I wake up at 4 am
to celebrate the centuries-old tradition
with my neighbors, and prepare for the
coming of our King.

/totomai

But anyway, a day after Christmas, I will be going home to the Philippines to welcome the coming year with my family of course.

To all my friends, and to everyone who reads this, I am wishing you and your family a very blessed holiday season.

Maligayang Pasko!

/totomai
12/23/08