Sunday, December 13, 2009

Katipunan Simbang Gabi

It was over a decade ago when I attended my first official Simbang Gabi in the Philippines. This week I had the chance to relive the experience with Katipunan and the Knights of Columbus Santo Nino Council. Complete with a performance by the Children of Teatro Sanbayan and Lolos and Lolas, music by the Santo Nino Choral Ensemble, the Immaculate Heart of Mary School gym was essentially transformed for the Christmas mass celebration!

During my on-stage interview I recalled how lucky I thought I was growing up in the Filipino tradition, opening at least one present after mass and before we went to sleep on Christmas Eve. I also mentioned how a strict schedule of classes, piano lessons, track and field and extra curricular activities, coupled with family dinners every night left little room for getting into trouble. I went on to talk about how my extended family and the community has rallied in support of my endeavors in education and pageantry.

Thank you to Katipunan for welcoming me once again in celebration of our heritage.