The "Simbang Gabi" is a nine-day novena mass leading to Christmas Day. It is a tradition among Filipinos as their way to prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ on December 25. Traditionally, the "Simbang Gabi", or Evening Mass, is celebrated either at dawn, which is known in Spanish as "Misa de Aguinaldo" (Gift Mass), or "Misa de Gallo" (Rooster's Mass); or in the evening, which is known as "Simbang Gabi" (Night Mass). It goes from December 16 through December 24 (Christmas Eve). People who participate in the novena-masses usually offer a petition to the Lord with the hope that it would be granted when they complete the nine days. Testimonies abound about people experiencing their petitions being answered at the end of the nine days. For quite some time now, however, the "Simbang Gabi has been celebrated in the morning coinciding with the weekday masses at 8:30, or at 9:30 am on a Sunday. Consequently, the name was modified from "Simbang Gabi" to "Simbang Umaga" (Day Mass). The participants are so excited to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ that they would sing "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit" (Christmas has come) even though Christmas Eve is not until later in the afternoon. On the last day of the "Simbang Gabi", a reception is organized with traditional Filipino breakfast to allow the faithful to gather and enjoy each other's company in anticipation for the Christmas Eve. Everyone is invited to come and join in the celebration of the "Simbang Gabi" beginning on Saturday, December 16 at 8:30 am in the church. Succeeding novena-masses are as follows: Sunday, December 17, 9:30 am; and Monday through Saturday, December 18 through December 24, at 8:30 am. Reception follows at the Fr. Greg Ng Kimm Community Center after the December 24 8:30 mass.