“Family, friends, and faith, the three Fs,” along with food from the homeland, says family member Gil Abesamis, are the essential elements of Filipino culture. From loved ones crowding karaoke mics and hungry faces lining for crackling “lechon” to gathering together for a Tagalog Mass, these attributes come to life during the celebration of Simbang Gabi.
In an effort to bring a taste of Filipino Christmas to Mayfield Senior School, the Society of Philippine Americans at Mayfield, affectionately known as the SPAM affinity group, hosted a modified version of Simbang Gabi or “Night Mass.” Instead of the nine-day series of dawn Christmas masses observed in the Philippines, the service was adapted into a single evening. The spirit of sharing and joy along with steaming “lumpia” and sparkling, multicolored “paroles” helped this Simbang Gabi celebration transcend location as a cherished custom adored by Filipino communities around the world.
“It’s got that holiday feeling but with a cultural twist,” says Maple DeGuzman. Nurturing a sense of togetherness unique to its Filipinos origin, the Simbang Gabi mass brought laughter as well as tears through songs and readings carefully rehearsed in the native language. The priest reminded the congregation of the sacrifices endured by Filipinos during World War II, prompting them to reflect on the hope, resilience, and camaraderie that dwell within their identity. Simbang Gabi immersed attendees – from elderly lolas and lolos to younger siblings in the atmosphere of Filipino Christmas. To some it was celebrating a treasured tradition while for others it was reviving a culture buried beneath a generation.
Expressions of recognition sweep across the crowd while the tune of a familiar song evokes the revival of memories. As a reminder of home, this moment of recollection fuels the warmth of being surrounded by the presence of loved ones. Simbang Gabi opens windows for reflection and remembrance to continually enable generational observances to permeate new generations.
Ecstatic to experience her very first Simbang Gabi, Camile Kinderman follows a program to sing the Tagalog hymns. Despite not knowing the language, she strives to participate in the Mass and take part in worship alongside her community. Although many attendees are not fluent in Tagalog, they involve themselves in the service by imitating the cantors and clapping to the melody. The marriage of devotion to faith and cultural pride echo louder than the lyrics.
Faculty member, Michael Dimen, describes Filipino culture as “something unsaid but shared between people.” Shining grins filled the room as reactions to long-awaited reunions and elated new meetings. Simbang Gabi encourages fellowship between friends under a shared sense of belonging. It invites peers to experience the acceptance, support, and affiliation that accompanies a space where everyone may completely embrace their identity.
Eager faces hungrily dig into the plethora of Filipino cuisine that warmly waits on the table. From golden brown turon, glistening with caramelized sugar to pancit noodles speckled with vegetables and meats, these dishes ignite a yearning for rich flavors only distinguishable in their recipes. As a key aspect that characterizes Filipino celebrations and a source of rich heritage, these feasts offer a taste of home.
“We’re not gonna let anybody tell us we can’t be together or that we can’t have fun together and that we can’t be ourselves,” asserts Evelyn Kinderman. Swaying with the rhythm beside his lola and wrapped in his lolo’s warm embrace Alexander Barbon’s smile stretched from ear to ear. As a pillar of Filipino life, family resides at the heart of guidance, strength, and most notably, unconditional love.
“To see everyone here today, to hear them all singing songs in our traditional language and seeing them all smile talking about historical events during the homily is really inspiring,” Kennedy Taylor says. By nurturing these experiences, Simbang Gabi feeds the bonds that bind Filipinos to their heritage and to one another. Although it is time to pack up the extra food and hug goodbye, one more song turns into a never ending sing-a-long.
