Earlier today was the start for the Pre-Dawn Mass aka Simbang Gabi, Misa De Gallo(Misa de Gallo is the Spanish phrase for Midnight mass). Marks on our culture and only in the Phillipines that this custom lasts for nine days(like in novenas), starting on December 16 up to December 24, usually starting at around 2:00-5:00 a.m. This practice started during the Spanish colonial period centuries ago when priests held early dawn masses for the farmers who wanted to attend Christmas mass but could not leave their fields. These masses were held before daybreak, hence the Filipino term "Simbang Gabi" (Midnight Mass). 
And still alive today, we have this colourful custom to wake up at early dawn for nine consecutive days to attend mass and eat culture-savoured foods(Traditional Filipino foods, such as puto bumbong (a purple colored rice pastry, seasoned with grated coconut and brown sugar),tsokolate (a hot cocoa drink), bibingka (flour and egg cakes cooked on top and under), and salabat, or ginger tea) after the mass celebration.
