Kuala Lumpur – 19 December 2024 – The Embassy, in partnership with the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, started the traditional “Simbang Gabi" celebrations on 16 December 2024 at 6:30 AM at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

The first Simbang Gabi this year was officiated by Reverend Father Gerard Steve Theraviam, Parish Priest of the Cathedral.

This marks the return of the traditional Simbang Gabi in Kuala Lumpur, with the Embassy’s participation in sponsoring the first day’s Mass. Filipino community (FilCom) organizations will sponsor the subsequent Masses, including the Fire and Rescue Association Philippines on December 17, the Kinship Humanity Aid and Rescue Team on December 18, the Filipino Malaysian Cultural Sports Community and Training Centre on December 19, The Filipino Helping Hands Malaysia on December 20, BIBAK Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on December 21, Fruittigies Helping Hands on December 22, El Shaddai KL Chapter on December 23, and Tahanang Pilipino on December 24. Each Filcom organization is assigned a day to read the Scriptures, present offerings during the offertory, and provide a light breakfast for the Filipino community after the Mass.

The Embassy personnel and their families, along with many Filcom members, attended the first day of Simbang Gabi. After the Mass, they gathered to share a simple breakfast of arroz caldo and puto.

The Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena of Masses observed in the days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 16 and culminating on December 24, with the final Mass or Misa de Gallo. This tradition is a cherished practice in Filipino Catholic culture, symbolizing a time of spiritual reflection and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. The Masses are held on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. END