Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado Marks 36 Years of Bringing Light and Hope to Filipino-American Community in US Northeast
NEW YORK, 16 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with 100 Filipino-American community organizations and businesses, successfully concluded the 36th Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, held from 05 to 13 December 2024 at the Philippine Center-New York.
With the theme, “Liwanag at Pag-Asa: Pasko ng Bagong Pilipinas” (Light and Hope: Christmas of a Renewed Philippines), this year’s gathering welcomed over 1,000 attendees across the nine evenings, reflecting the community’s strong solidarity, shared faith, and commitment to keeping this cherished Filipino tradition alive.
The opening night on 05 December started with the unveiling of the Christmas display at the Philippine Center’s windows led by the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York (PDOT). The display, showcasing Filipino holiday traditions, drew admiration from locals and tourists along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. This was followed by the lighting of the first parol in the Philippine Center’s lobby, symbolizing Pagmamahalan (Love). Each evening thereafter featured a Parol Lighting Ceremony highlighting other Filipino core values such as Pasasalamat (Gratitude), Pamilya (Family), Kaluwalhatian (Glory), Kapayapaan (Peace), Pagkakaisa (Unity), Pakikipagkapwa-tao (Fellowship), Pananampalataya (Faith), and Pag-Asa (Hope).
The novena Masses were celebrated by several Filipino-American priests, with Fr. Patrick H. Longalong officiating the opening and concluding Masses. Each evening’s liturgy brought the community together in solemn reflection, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual belonging.
In his closing remarks, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile thanked the Filipino-American community for their steadfast support and active participation through the years. He emphasized that Simbang Gabi serves not only as a link to the past but also as a source of inspiration for the future, underscoring the strength that comes from solidarity and shared values in overcoming challenges and creating a brighter future for the next generation.
Immediately after the Mass on 13 December, the internationally renowned Loboc Children’s Choir from Bohol held a mini-concert at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center. Performing a repertoire of traditional Filipino Christmas carols and timeless favorites, the choir’s angelic voices and heartfelt renditions evoked the spirit of the season. Their performances highlighted the depth of Filipino musical talent while resonating with universal themes of joy and hope.
Post-Mass gatherings became a highlight of the evenings, with attendees enjoying traditional Filipino dishes and participating in exciting raffle draws. These gatherings fostered camaraderie and embodied the warmth and festive spirit that define Filipino Christmas traditions.
With its 36th iteration, the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado remains a cornerstone tradition that strengthens faith, fosters unity, and honors Filipino heritage within the Filipino-American community in the US Northeast. It stands as a meaningful legacy, ensuring that this spiritual and cultural celebration continues to thrive for generations to come. END
