10 Most Popular Churches To Visit During Simbang Gabi

Hey guys! Again Christmas is just weeks time.. Many are excited- that includes me- because Christmas for us Pinoys really means time for family gathering and reunion; dont forget the smorgasbord of foods (alright this is not a foodie blog). But equally interesting is, during Christmas, the observance of our Catholic brothers and sisters of the traditional Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi is a nine-day Roman Catholic ritual novena which starts from December 16 and ends on December 24. Simbang Gabi, which translates to Evening Mass is usually performed as early as 4 or 5 in the morning. The last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo, which literally translates to "Rooster's Mass". Source: wikipedia 

Since Christmas is nearly less than three weeks from now, and Simbang Gabi will check in first in our calendar, I'll let you take a look at some of the famous Churches we have in Metro Manila so you can get to choose where to go.

1. Quiapo Church (Quezon Blvd, Quiapo, Manila).  The church draws thousands of parishioners and devotees because it is the home of the miraculous Black Nazarene. Did you know that the very first foundation of the church was built in 1582? And through the years, massive columns and domes were added to become what we have known today as one of the best architecturally designed church in the country.

2. San Agustin Church (Intramuros, Manila). Anyone who wish to have a solemn and very traditional way of experiencing Simbang Gabi should pay visit to this church. San Agustin Church was designed by Juan Macias and was built from 1586 to 1606. The architect's styling was Baroque and this architecture was characterized by excessive use of ornament. I had a chance to visit this Church and it's ornately designed ceiling was the first I noticed . Another draw-in of this church is its museum; plus the fact it is located inside Intramuros that makes it safer place compare to the other churces.

3. Sta. Ana Church / Our Lady of the Abandoned Church (P. Gil St., Sta. Ana)- An imposing landmark in Sta.Ana, Manila, this church was built in in 1720 with almost hundred years of preserved architectural design. But did you know that the church was first established by the Franciscans in 1578? Their first mission outside Intramuros in Santa Ana led to the establishment of a building, a small church, by a brook.

4. Manila Cathedral (Intramuros, Manila).The seat of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines, the Manila Cathedral is probably the holder of the most numbered times of rebuilding and maintenace among old churches in the country. The present cathedral was constructed from 1954 to 1958 under the supervision of architect Fernando Ocampo. But the first stone made cathedral was erected in 1592 and was subsequently destroyed by an earthquake in 1600. Tragedy and natural calamity had caused destruction, if not total damage, to the building that called for its reconstruction and renovation in  years 1654, 1863 and 1870. What's it like inside the Manila Cathedral? Like St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican, there is a section made as burial sites for former prelates who have served the Archdiocese of Manila. If you feel like going to a place which has rich historical significance to Catholicism, well, you have to choose the Manila Cathedral.

5. Malate Church (MH del Pilar St., Malate, Manila)- Another Baroque-style architecture is Malate Church located in the heart of Malate business district. It has now become famous as wedding venue because of its old-stone facade and pleasant interior designs. It is also one of the oldest churches established outside Intramuros.

6. Santo Domingo Church (Quezon Ave., Quezon City)- It is one of the largest in the country. Originally established in Intramuros Manila, Sta. Domingo Church, also called "Our Lady of the Rosary" or "Our Lady of La Naval" was transferred to Quezon City after World War.

7. St Jude Thaddeus Archdiocesan Shrine (San Miguel, Manila)- The shrine has signifance to Catholicism in the Philippines because it was primarily established as church with mission to evangelise the Chinese people. Similarly, St. Jude made contribution to the widespread teaching of the gospel in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Lybia. Devotees to St. Jude pray for miracles as for Roman Catholic believers he is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes.

8. San Sebastian (Quiapo, Manila)- Although the chapel was first erected in 1611, the present basilica as we can see today was only made in 1890. Like many centuries-old churches in the country, San Sebastian Church was no exception to damage brought about by natural calamities. This was the reason why in 1890, the Recolects decided to reconstruct a church that could withstand earthquake. Hence, pre-fabricated steels were imported from Belgium to make a robust foundations to the building. In its altar neatly stand the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel which was originally from Mexico.

9. San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo, Manila)- Capturing ones attention with its towering facade creating a contrast on modern buildings surrounding it. Also known as Basilica Minor de San Lorenzo, the church is also one of the oldest established catholic church in the country. It was named after Filipino Saint Lorenzo because this is where he served as a young man. Saint Lorenzo was an altar boy and became a clerk in the Binondo Church.

10. St. Joseph Church (Las Pinas City)- If Christmas has to ring a name of church, it will have to be the St. Joseph church that has fairly symbolised the season. Why? According to an account, it was the second day of Christmas of 1795 when Father Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen arrived in Las Pinas. Then beagn the building of the church made from adobe rocks. Interesting history right? Another spark of interest is the famous bamboo organ. What could be more joyous than hearing mass songs with the accompaniment tunes from this bamboo organ?