The first day of the Simbang Gabi novena of masses in the Philippines
The first day of the Simbang Gabi novena of masses in the Philippines is held on December 16. This event in the second decade of the month December is annual. 
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This tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars to allow the farmers to hear mass before going to the fields early in the morning. The masses can start as early as 4 in the morning. Simbang Gabi is also known by its popular Spanish name, Misa de Gallo, or "Mass of the Rooster.
A report published by the US-based Pew Research Center in 2010, stated that the Philippines still holds the distinction of being the center of Christianity in the entire Asian continent. Out of the 93.3 million Filipinos in the country, 86.8 million (or 93 percent) are Christians. Apart from being number one in Asia, the country also ranked at number five world-wide, following behind the United States, Brazil, Mexico.
SImbang Gabi (Night Mass) refers to a nine-day series of masses which are held in anticipation of Christmas and to venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary. The masses are held daily from December 16 which culminates on Christmas eve with a special service called Misa del Gallo (Rooster’s Mass).
Similar holidays and events, festivals and interesting facts
Pampanga Day on December 11 (Pampanga province, Philippines);
Armed Forces Day in the Philippines on December 21
Rizal Day in the Philippines on December 30
Last Day of the Year or Bisperás ng Bagong Taón on December 31 (The special holiday between Rizal Day and New Year's Day in the Philippines);
The solemn procession around the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Manila on January 9 (the event glorifies Jesus of Nazareth, presented in the form of a sculpture of the black Christ carrying his cross);
Sinulog Festival in the Philippines on January 19 (celebrated on the third Sunday in January);
The Philippines Constitution Day on February 2