Writer's View

“Apo, it’s the ninth day of the Simbang Gabi. Do you have a wish yet?”

“I have, Lola! But I’m keeping it a secret or else it won’t be granted.”

Lola chuckled as I whispered my response with a cheeky smile.

Under the shimmering starry skies was a bustling crowd, filled with people lining up calling out, “pabili po! pabili po!”

Simbang Gabi truly was a memorable Christmas tradition and along with it came the famous piping hot bibingka and puto bumbong.

“Lola! I want one too!”

My Lola gave me a gentle smile and nodded her head. As she let go of my hand, she squared her shoulders and straightened her dress as if preparing herself for battle — perhaps that’s what it was, a battle of who gets their sweet treats first. My fierce and brave grandmother marched on into the wild and came back with a triumphant smile.

She held up the delicious treats in both of her hands, “Wish granted, I presume?”

I blinked once, twice, and three more times, trying to get rid of the tears that were desperately trying to fall from my eyes.

A small hand slipped itself into my own and I looked down to see the most precious girl in my life. I crouched down before her and wiped the stray hair from her eyes.

“Anak, it’s the ninth day of the Simbang Gabi. Do you have a wish yet?”