As a rice-eating country,kakaninor rice cakes come a dime a dozen in the Philippines, but only a chosen few–two, in fact–have the recognition of being Christmas icons.
Puto bumbongis memorable for its striking violet hue, thanks to a purple variety of heirloom rice calledpirurutong. Though this glutinous rice (malagkit) features in traditional puto bumbong recipes, modern iterations have featured other types. The rice is soaked overnight, then steamed inside bamboo tubes locally called “bumbong ng kawayan.” Filipino kitchens typically serve it with grated coconut and brown sugar.
Bibingkadiffers from other rice cakes because its texture is spongier. It feels more like a regular cake compared to the sticky, gelatinous quality of itskakanincohorts.Malagkitrice is ground into a batter calledgalapongbefore it is baked in banana leaves over coals. It is usually topped with grated coconut and salted egg, but modern versions have showcased more creative permutations, like chocolate, ube, and pandan.
Traditionally,puto bumbongandbibingkaare sold outside the church premises after Simbang Gabi, a set of early-morning masses celebrated in the nine days leading up to Christmas. Simbang Gabi, or Misa de Gallo, has been a Filipino custom since Spanish colonial times.
According to a feature onNoliSoli, Simbang Gabi days meant waking up early and working longer hours. Filipino farmers would load up onkakaninafter mass and before the day’s labor. There is no written record on howbibingkaandputobumbongcame to be most associated with the Christmas season. However, in the article, culinary maven Glenda Barretto noted that the farmers needed to consume something quick and convenient. Originally, these rice cakes were enjoyed withsalabat(ginger tea). However, it became the fashion to eat them with hot chocolate when the Spaniards developed a chocolate culture in the 16th century.
Nowadays,bibingkaandputo bumbongare available nearly all year round. However, nothing beats enjoying it at dawn just days before Christmas, munching the rest of your sleepiness away with warm bites of sweet and coconutty rice cake
FAQs
The early morning timing of Misa de Gallo symbolizes the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. The rooster, a common farm animal, was a practical timekeeper in rural communities, and its crowing at dawn served as a natural alarm for people to wake up.
What are two treats that are sold during Simbang Gabi in the Philippines? ›
Traditionally, puto bumbong and bibingka are sold outside the church premises after Simbang Gabi, a set of early-morning masses celebrated in the nine days leading up to Christmas.
How is Misa de Gallo celebrated? ›
Many Puerto Ricans will attend a midnight mass known as Misa de Gallo, where they welcome Christmas as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus. Some churches even reenact the Nativity scene. The holiday menu in Puerto Rico includes local favorites like pernil, arroz con gandules, pasteles, tembleque, and arroz con dulce.
What do you do in Misa de Gallo? ›
Misa de Gallo, a series of nine masses leading up to Christmas, is a Catholic tradition which originated in the Philippines and gives the faithful an opportunity for spiritual preparation for Christmas.
What are some fun facts about Misa de Gallo? ›
“Misa de Gallo”, Spanish for Rooster's Mass, is celebrated in Spain and many former Spanish colonies like the Philippines. The Mass was celebrated at dawn to allow farmers to attend. They often had to work before sunrise to escape the blazing heat of the sun.
What is meant by Misa de Gallo? ›
Misa de Gallo, meaning "Rooster's Mass" in Spanish, was passed down to the country by Spain to explain the essence of Christmas to Filipinos.
What should I eat after Simbang Gabi? ›
Sweet boards: If your family prefers a sweet start to their day, serve store-bought native delicacies, like maja blanca, biko, suman, and sapin-sapin. Make it more festive by adding salted egg French toast, ube pancakes, puto bumbong, and fresh fruit slices.
How many days is Misa de Gallo? ›
9-day Misa de Gallo starts: 'Be the light in others darkness this Christmas' The first of the nine Misa de Gallo began on December 16, a time-honored Filipino tradition every Christmas season.
What do Filipinos eat during Simbang Gabi? ›
The iconic puto bumbóng, bibingka, suman and other rice pastries are cooked on the spot. Latík and yema are sweets sold to children, while biscuits like uraró (arrowroot), barquillos, lengua de gato and otap (ladyfingers) are also available.
What is the essence of Misa de Gallo? ›
For Cebuanos, Misa de Gallo is more than a series of religious observances; it is a celebration of faith, family and community. The early morning masses symbolize sacrifice and devotion, with many braving the predawn chill as a testament to their faith.
Simbang Gabi, Misa de Aguinaldo, and Misa de Gallo are now commonly interchanged to refer to the Masses held at dawn nine days before Christmas. Historical context, however, shows that this was not originally the case.
Why do Filipinos attend Misa de Gallo? ›
SIGNIFICANCE TO FILIPINOS
For many Filipinos, Misa de Gallo is a reminder that Christmas is near. It's a sacred event where the Catholic faith is at its strongest, as friends and family take the time to gather and celebrate what they consider to be the most wonderful time of the year.
What is the Misa de Gallo experience? ›
Misa de Gallo – A Christmas Mass: A Filipino Tradition
Locals begin Christmas Eve by lighting oil lamps and attending dawn masses for nine days before Christmas before hear midnight mass. This tradition, which traces back to the Spanish colonies, is a testament to the depth of faith and the joy of Christmas.
What do people do in Simbang Gabi? ›
"Simbang Gabi" is a Filipino tradition that consists of a novena of Masses in honor of the Blessed Mother that begins on December 16 (or 15 in the afternoon) and concludes on the 24th, with the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Advent: a thousand-year wait. Between history, scripture and astronomy.
Why do Filipinos do Simbang Gabi? ›
Originally intended as a practical compromise for farmers that started working in the fields before sunrise, this cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and became a symbol of sharing.
What is the meaning of 9 mornings? ›
The 9 mornings, also known as Misa de Gallo (in Spanish), is the 9 consecutive early mornings of going to Holy Mass in preparation of the commemoration of the Baby Jesus' birthday. The celebration is held at four o'clock in the morning on December 16th and ends on December 24th. THE ORIGIN.
Is Simbang Gabi a Catholic tradition? ›
Simbang Gabi, or misa de gallo in Spanish (mass of the rooster), is a dawn mass (when the rooster crows). The Catholic religious practice takes place during the Christmas season, and was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era (1521–1898).
