For many, completing the nine days of Simbang Gabi is tied to the hopeful promise of a granted wish. But this year, as I stepped into the cool, crisp air of the Baguio dawns, my motivation was different. After years of absence due to my visual disability, simply being there was the gift. I wasn’t chasing a miracle; I was reclaiming a cherished tradition that connects me to my faith, my city, and the beautiful memories of Christmases past with my Baguio friends.

My journey took me through the heart of the city: seven mornings under the towering spires of the Baguio Cathedral, one soulful dawn at the SLU Chapel, and the final, meaningful mass at St. Joseph Parish in Pacdal.

The last three years have been a gauntlet of challenges I never imagined I’d face. In the silence of those pews, I didn’t pray for things; I prayed for the state of my soul. Here are the nine intentions I carried to the altar:
A Transformation of the Heart
1. A Forgiving Heart: I asked for the strength to let go of bitterness, especially toward family. Forgiveness is a heavy lift when the wounds are deep, but I sought the grace to unburden my spirit.
2. A Grateful Heart: I prayed to never overlook the “small wins.” From the friends who support me to the simple fact that I survived another day, I want to live in constant recognition of these mercies.

3. A Contented Heart: In a world that always asks for more, I prayed for the peace of being satisfied with the blessings already resting in my hands.
4. A Patient Heart: Waiting has never been my strength. I asked for the grace to endure the “in-between” times without anxiety, trusting that things will unfold as they should.

5. A Faithful Heart: There are moments when my trust in the plan wavers. I prayed for a faith that remains anchored, even when the shore is out of sight.
6. A Steadfast and Hopeful Heart: When challenges loom like shadows, I prayed for a light that won’t flicker—a hope that remains defiant in the face of problems.
7. A Gracious Heart: Whether a blessing is a monumental breakthrough or a tiny kindness, I want to receive it with genuine grace and humility.

8. A Persevering Heart: I asked for the “grit” to just keep going. No matter the obstacle or the exhaustion, I prayed for the will to take the next step.
9. A Kind, Good, and Loving Heart: Finally, I prayed for the most important thing: to choose kindness. Not just for those around me, but for myself.

As I stood in Pacdal for the final mass, I felt a profound sense of completion. My visual disability may change how I see the world, but it hasn’t changed the warmth of the community or the power of the liturgy.
These nine days weren’t about a “wish.” They were about building a strong-willed, grateful, and hopeful version of myself. The road has been incredibly difficult lately, but as the sun rose over the mountains on the ninth day, I felt a renewed certainty: everything will get better in His time.