IN A SEASON that often calls for introspection, one cannot deny the subtle deterioration of the real essence of December dawn masses, now shifting into a stage for competitive and outward displays which leaves the line between faith and shallowness ever so faint. 

The modern Simbang Gabi embodies an irony where goers focus more on strutting their outfits than the spiritual reflection and worship that once defined this holiday tradition. With appearance and status now often eclipsing the sound of prayers, how do we reconcile this growing paradox?  

The “clout-chasing” culture 

Recent times have seen bandwagon tendencies become a dominant force, infiltrating nearly every aspect of life, including holiday traditions. Simbang Gabi, too, has not been spared from this shift, with its true meaning often diluted by the desire for social approval.   

John Jacob Ong, a freshman from the Department of Political Science, shared his observations on how the majority treat the dawn masses with purposes “misaligned” with its spiritual importance.  

“I have noticed that some people focus more on dressing up for the fashion or clout chase in Simbang Gabi rather than preparing for its spiritual purpose,” Ong expressed.  

Ong also pointed out that the supposed spiritual tradition has become, for some, a space for “regrouping their circle of friends,” reunions and gatherings, or to flaunt their new shoes and designer clothes, ironically shrugging off its core purpose.  

A hallowed purpose 

In an era where convenience and fleeting interests dominate, it’s no surprise that many traditions have lost their deeper significance. For those who uphold them, the challenge lies in resonating with the younger generation. 

For Francheska Simone Rayala Fernandez, a freshman from the Political Science Department, she attests that their generation has “yet to fully grasp the essence of the celebration,” adding that she herself, at a younger age, didn’t understand why the routine of waking up at four in the morning for nine consecutive days mattered.  

Over time, her understanding of such folklore deepened, moving beyond the common view of Simbang Gabi as simply a way to ask for blessings or fulfill one’s wishes. Rather, “for me, attending Simbang Gabi is a meaningful way to start the day and to reflect on the nativity of Jesus and the journey of Mary and Joseph before His birth,” said Fernandez. 

With Gen Z approaching Simbang Gabi in a satirical way—whether for social engagement or as a superficial obligation—she believes that “attending all nine masses truly reflects one’s understanding of the spiritual essence of Simbang Gabi.” 

Genuine essence 

At the end of the day, when the world becomes consumed by change, traditions can sometimes be forgotten or reduced to mere rituals, clinging to social recognition. In an era that often views the past as a barrier to progress, it’s easy to overlook the significance of practices like Simbang Gabi.  

Jestony Lumabi, from the Bedan Pastoral Ministry (BPM), observed a shift in the atmosphere around these celebrations, commenting that, “By numerical aspect, it is countless; biglang dumami ang attendance, hindi mo aakalain na ang mga alam mong hindi nagsisimba, ay biglang nagsimba! Kumbaga, tila nag-spawn na lang sa loob ng simbahan!”  

However, despite seeing an increase in attendees, it was seen that people have been using the mass as a social event. He stated that “It becomes a social gathering of dress to impress rather than preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. These trendy outfits ay walang lugar o have a great impact na magsimba ng maayos.”  

Jestony concluded by sharing, “On the sense of our oneness with faith and as well as on keeping it (Simbang Gabi) alive, it is our relationship with God that makes this practice and tradition more unique than other Christmas traditions in the world,” a sentiment reflecting the authentic spirit of the practice. 

While many cling to the validation of their peers, it remains vital that, in these socio-religious gatherings, one is reminded to uphold the utmost respect and dignity, offering one’s presence fully to the practice of these traditions. After all, it is within the essence of Simbang Gabi to clothe ourselves with the strongest of faith in the coming of Christ. 

 (with Paris Isaac Falcone and Cass Manao)