Philippines Vacation and Long Term Stay

by: Charlene Bolanos The Dawn Mass or "Simbang Gabi" is a 9 days novena Holy Mass in preparation for Christmas. The 9 days Novena is also thanking and praising God for being with us - like us. I think the reason why the Simbang Gabi is well attended is because God who is so good is never outdone in generosity.  That is, whatever a person asks from God, as long as it is good for you... it will be granted... if not God gives and answers your prayer better than you expected.  It always happens. So how do you attend the 9 days Novena Dawn Mass. In my family we usually prepare for this upcoming event. The children at the start, like me usually feels super sleepy on the first day, but the excitement of my parents is so infectious... that I cannot help to be excited too. 1) We usually go for the sacrament of Confession regularly. So when the month of December comes around we do our best to go for the Sacrament of Confession. 2) Sleep early than the usual, especially when I have scho

by: Me (Mrs. Queenie Bolanos) and my official boyfriend for life 1. Parokya ng Pagkabuhay Parish Novaliches, Quezon City San Bartolome Church San Bartolome, Novaliches, Q.C. 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. 4:00 a.m. till 5:00 a.m. 2. Our Lady of the Angel's Seminary Novaliches, Quezon City 4:00 a.m. 3. Holy Sacrifice Parish Church U.P. Diliman, Quezon City 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. 4:00 a.m. till 5:00 a.m. Tips on How to Attend a Simbang Gabi 1. Sleep early if you plan to attend the dawn Mass. The dawn Mass usually starts at 4:00 a.m. 2. Have a short time for prayer before leaving for Simbang Gabi. Make sure you do not forget your intentions. 3. Be jolly. Tip: Go to confession regularly. 4. Drink coffee or chocolate before leaving, so you will not fall asleep while attending the Mass. 5. Bring a chair in case the Church is full already. If you want to have a pew to sit on, best to be there at least 1 hour ahead. 

by: Mrs. Aileen Soriano Christmas is upcoming, as the day careens to the 'THE' day, I get excited with a bit of nervousness. So I decided to make a checklist to avoid the Christmas Jitters: 1. Plan for Simbang Gabi My husband, I and my children attends the Simbang gabi. My other family members (my sister, brother, nephews and niece) also attends at different times of the hour. So this is part of my Christmas itinerary. Going for confession is also part of the plan. I just hope I can attend a family triduum preparation for Christmas. When my relatives decide to visit us, I make sure to inform them that I attend the Simbang gabi, and if they want to join a good breakfast, they better join the Simbang gabi. 2. Plan for the Carollers The carollers are always welcome to sing, however, if they come every 5 minutes, you can surely go "bananas". So here is what I decided to do, I will invite them to come in one day :), but they have to sing really well. 3. Plan for my god dau