The virtue of Simbang Gabi

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos all over the country bear early morning chills and sleepiness to attend the traditional Simbang Gabi. Some, if not most of the devotees believe that completing the nine-day dawn Masses as a novena or a promise will lead to the realization of their prayers and wishes.

Tonight on ABS-CBN’s Patrol ng Pilipino, Zen Hernandez (photo) will present the stories of two Filipino families who troop to the church at dawn from Dec. 16 to 24 for the Simbang Gabi.

Meet the Rodica siblings, who believe that resolved family conflicts are granted wishes brought by their continuous effort to complete the Simbang Gabi. Aside from believing that it is no longer a “panata” but a way of life, one of their demands is the speedy recovery of their brother who has just undergone a quadruple bypass surgery.

There is also the Macalacads who struggle to keep the virtue of the tradition despite trying to make both ends meet.

Meanwhile, Apples Jalandoni will explore how young Filipinos, whether rich or poor, find hope in Santa Claus. Apples will also follow the lives of Filipinos who dress up and work as Santa Claus to earn extra money in time for Noche Buena.

Patrol ng Pilipino airs after Bandila or watch it earlier on DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Channel 26), 9:15 p.m.