There’s something deeply moving about waking up before dawn for Simbang Gabi. The quiet streets, the crisp air, and the anticipation of gathering with others under the soft glow of church lights create a moment that’s both peaceful and filled with hope. It’s not just about tradition—it’s a quiet yearning for something meaningful, a belief that completing the novena might bring a long-held wish to fruition.
But it’s more than the rituals. Simbang Gabi is a time to pause, reflect, and look back on the rollercoaster of the year. It’s about finding gratitude amid chaos and nurturing hope for what’s to come. In these sacred moments, the usual judgments fade away, leaving only a collective longing to be thankful, to grow, and to keep moving forward.
For some, simply showing up to Simbang Gabi, or stepping foot into the church, is a quiet act of resistance. To be queer, to be different, and to claim a place within this tradition is a powerful statement. In the end, aren’t we all searching for the same thing? Light in the darkness, hope in uncertainty, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. Faith and queerness don’t have to clash—they can coexist in respect and love.
As we close the chapter on 2024, Metroscene Mag offers a message of hope, inclusivity, and faith. In this December issue, featuring TikTok icons Sassa Gurl, Neo, and Paul Allen, we celebrate the beautiful truth that Simbang Gabi reminds us of: spaces of faith can also be spaces of inclusion. It’s where we see each other, feel seen, and come together to embrace this simple truth: Hope, faith and love are for everyone.
Nandito Na Kami, We’re Here
The conversation between being queer and being religious is a uneding cycle, especially in a country like the Philippines, where religion is deeply rooted in daily life. For many in the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, the struggle of balancing two parts of ourselves—our faith and our identity—can seem impossible.
For Sassa Gurl, this struggle has been particularly reflective. She shared that, despite being queer, she never lost her faith. She recalled how, as a child, it was difficult for her to find someone who could explain her queerness, especially since she was far from the community. At the same time, her religion viewed her identity as sinful and wrong, which made the journey even harder.
Meanwhile, for Paul Allen, his experience was somewhat different. He was enrolled in a Catholic school from elementary through college, and fortunately, he was part of a generation where teachers were more open about SOGIE. As a result, it wasn’t difficult for him to be openly gay at school. Although the teachers were considerate, there were still limitations in terms of expressing oneself—like the need to follow rules regarding clothing. Despite these constraints, he appreciated that the school accepted LGBT students openly. However, outside of school, the world was different. He acknowledged that many people, especially the elderly, continue to be closed-minded and discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community.
When asked how he handles those who use religion to invalidate queer identities, his answer was simple but powerful: "Respect." He said it firmly. "It’s hard to change someone’s opinion, especially if they’re blinded by their own beliefs. But we are human too—we share the same capacity for love and faith. If they can’t accept us, they should at least respect us. And in return, we’ll do the same for them." For many queer individuals, stepping into a church or attending Simbang Gabi is not just about practicing their faith—it’s a bold affirmation of their place in a space that hasn’t always embraced them. It’s a quiet but powerful stand for visibility, belonging, and inclusion within a long-standing tradition.
Neo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of representation. “Sobrang halaga na may representation at visibility,” They shared. “Pero kadalasan kasi kapag naghahangad tayo ng visibility, mga bakla feel ko mas natatarget tayo sa discrimination, lalo na sa mga ganitong spaces kung saan maraming homophobic at transphobic. Kaya naman ang mas mahalaga ay hindi lang puro representation at visibility ang panawagan natin. Sobrang dami ng bakla sa Pilipinas—I think WE ARE ALL VISIBLE—pero hindi talaga tayo inaacknowledge. Kaya ang dapat na panawagan natin ay tuluyan tayong tanggapin, na mahalin ang mahal natin, at malaya dapat tayong nakakapag-express ng gender identity natin.”
N4nd2 n4 k4M1 J3j3! H3re We G0!
Going back to the setting of Simbang Gabi, there’s something truly peaceful about it— a calm that seems to wash over you, a quiet that feels like the world slows down for a moment. In that stillness, it’s as if we’re all gathered together, united by something bigger than ourselves. It felt like the perfect setting to convey the message we want to end the year with: a reminder that we are not alone, that we should be here for each other, and that hope is something we all share. But beyond the religious aspect, Simbang Gabi also holds cultural significance, especially in the way it reflects the evolution of Filipino identity. One example is the rise of Jejemon fashion in the early 2010s. This unique subculture became a defining feature of that time, and it’s a representation of how we express ourselves during Simbang Gabi. It’s a time when we present ourselves in the best way we can, unapologetically embracing who we are. While Jejemon style became the subject of jokes, it’s undeniable that this fashion trend became iconic for its boldness and individuality. It symbolizes the freedom to wear what we want without fear of judgment, attending the mass not just to fulfill a tradition but to celebrate our faith and hope. We wanted to capture this free, no-judgment zone in our portrayal—where people can be unapologetically themselves, just as they are. That’s why the reference to Jejemon was important, as it exemplifies that spirit of authenticity and self-expression that transcends societal norms.
At the Intersection of Religion and Queerness
“Na ang pananampalataya ay para sa lahat, walang sexualidad na pinapaboran ang Diyos, kaya sino tayo para gawin yun. Faith is built with love, not hate,” says Sassa Gurl, emphasizing that faith isn’t about judgment, but about love and acceptance for everyone. "May faith padin ako, naniniwala padin ako sa Diyos, mas matibay ang faith ko ngayon, narealize ko na hindi ang Diyos ang mali, yung mga tao pala," Sassa added.
And it’s true—there’s a strength in community, in knowing that others are walking this path with you. Paul Allen shares a message of encouragement:
“I just wanna tell them na if you are struggling to reconcile with faith, just look at other countries who have fully accepted us, and let’s hope na we’ll have it here too. It’s not too late to reconcile. Let’s show them that we are worthy too. Don’t you ever think that you’re a sinner just because others said so. You know who you are, and God knows how beautiful and pure your heart is. Your fellow LGBT brothers and sisters are here for you! You are not alone!”
Neo echoes this sentiment with heartfelt and unapologetic perspective, "Para sa akin, ang faith ay isang masayang selebrasyon ng pagmamahalan, pagiging totoo sa sarili, at the same time ay may connection with a higher being, which is si Lord. So, kung ang faith ay isang celebration, edi mas masaya ang celebration kapag marami ang bakla! Dapat bakla, masaya pag may bakla, mahal ko ang mga bakla, gusto ko ang mga bakla, dapat may bakla! Ika nga ni Eugene Domingo."
Kidding aside, as we close the chapter on 2024, Metroscene Mag extends a heartfelt message of hope, inclusivity, and faith. This December issue celebrates a beautiful truth that the holiday season brings into focus: spaces of faith can and should be spaces of inclusion—a reflection of love that knows no bounds. Faith teaches us to embrace one another, to see beyond our differences, and to come together in the spirit of compassion. After all, as written in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This timeless verse reminds us that in the eyes of faith, there is no hierarchy or division, only unity and love. This season, let us be inspired to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, where faith uplifts instead of alienates, and where love—pure, unconditional, and inclusive—remains at the center of it all. As we gather in moments of reflection, let us remember that hope, kindness, and belonging are gifts meant for everyone.
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Metrocene Mag December 2024 COVER: NANDITO NA KAMI
Featuring Sassa Gurl (@itssassagurl), NEO (@iceeneoo), Paul Allen (@saintpaulallen)
📍Shot at Rocket Design Studio (@rocketsets)
Special Thanks to
Chicken Chingu (@chickenchinguph)
