11 December 2015 – Filipino Christmas once again came to New York as the nine-day novena and traditional mass at the Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado started last December 07 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon welcomed the guests, and expressed his joy in gathering the whole community together to celebrate the 28th year of Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado (SGK). It will be recalled that SGK was suspended for two years in 2012 and 2013, during which time the community celebrated Christmas with Panunuluyan sa Konsulado. Last year in 2014, the whole community lobbied to bring the celebration back to the Philippine Center and was granted permission by the Diocese of New York. The Consul General lauded the core group of organizers that the Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado has become a legacy and an institution in itself that the community has carried out for so many years and should be passed on for generations to come.
Father Patrick Longalong, who serves as the spiritual Director of the SGK presided over the concelebrated mass on the first night, along with Deacon Sonny Ungco.
This year, 42 organizations consisted the core group of organizers who are sponsoring each of the nine days of the Simbang Gabi which will be held until its conclusion on December 15. END