This series of nine-day novena masses (December 16-24) leading up to Christmas Eve held at 4:00 in the morning is a liturgical celebration
that is unique to the Philippines. According to Bacolod province Bishop Vicente Navarra, "it is a priviledge requested by the bishops
of the Philippines from the Pope, which is renewed every 50 years". Read more about the history of the "Simbang Gabi" masses here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Christmas_traditions .

This important Philippine Christmas tradition is told in a choral masterpiece written and composed by national artist Lucio San Pedro (1913-2002).
Here is the best version I could find of it as heartfully sung by a Philippine Independent Church (Aglipay) choir from the Parish of the Crucified Lord
in Balintawak, Quezon City http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DewtEct9-js ("You Tube" cellphone video courtesy of documentRoot).

The 2007 European Grand Prix chorale winner (THE world olympics equivalent for choral singing!) - the Philippine Madrigal Singers - does it best
here in this video by xian367 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fnQ4g0gE_U&feature=related, but the climax of the song was left out.
Thanx to MireyaLuis, though, for providing its continuation here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khMegLeTFyU&feature=related !!!
Lyrics: http://www.opmpinoy.com/opm-simbang-gabi-lyrics-10261.html .