top of page
House of God
Gate of Heaven
Simbang Gabi December 2017
Simbang Gabi
Traditionally, Christmas Day is ushered in by the nine-day dawn masses that start on Dec. 16 and end on Christmas Eve. Originally, it was popularly known as Misa Aguinaldo or the Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Spanish, and these masses are also more popularly known among Filipino as Simbang Gabi. Commissioning Mass is held at the St James Cathedral in Seattle, WA to commence the nine days novena.
Filipino Choir @ St James Cathedral, Seattle, WA
Simbang Gabi Reception-SMM Everett, WA
Reception is held after the Simbang Gabi Mass to serve traditional Filipino food and dessert while enjoying the entertainment provided such as: dancing, singing, and door prizes for guests and participants.
Singkil Dancers: Carmelita De Leon and Zach Tharp
(Click image to zoom in).
Singkil Dance in the Reception
Singkil is a ritual performed by the prince & princess to define their courting as well as historically to present the princesses' eligibility as a maiden. While making body and hand movements, the young princess starts the dance by using hopping & stepping patterns with her feet onto a set of bamboos with a clicking rhythm as held horizontally by two men, avoiding any of the clicking. The young princess continue this until the prince comes out to end the courting aspect of the dance.
bottom of page