Filipino catholics started the “Misa de Aguinaldo” or the nine-day Simbang gabi.

Devotees attended early  dawn Masses, with others attending Friday night for the anticipated Mass.

At the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, or Quiapo Church the anticipated mass was held at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the traditional early morning masses that were attended to by devotees daily started early morning today, December 16 until December 24.

Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Father Jesus Madrid was quoted as saying that the nine day was a preparation for birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.

“Taimtim na magsimba…Nine days na paghahanda sa pagdating ng Panginoon mula sa pagbibigay parangal kay Maria nine months dinala Panginoon at ibinigay sa mundo,” Madrid said.

It is of belief by many Filipinos that if they completed the nine days of masses, their wish could be granted.

But for Father Madrid, what is important is that you prepared yourself for the Lord and prayed.