The feeding of the 1,000+

Filipinos in America might have adapted to the American culture but they certainly have retained much of their own. One of the cultural/religious practices they brought with them is the celebration of “Simbang Gabi” (Night Mass). 

The observance of this religious gathering here in America takes a different approach. Unlike in the Philippines where Simbang Gabi are held daily from December 16-24, the American version (at least here in Chicago) is held only once before December 25. 

The mass is usually followed by a huge reception where Filipino foods are served. There are also renditions of Filipino folk songs and dances. The celebration is attended not only by Fil-Ams but by other North American Catholics who are very delighted with Filipino food and entertainment.

We at Mabuhay Restaurant are privileged and happy to have taken part in this celebration. We were chosen to cater two big churches: St. Patrick in St. Charles, IL and St. Matthew in Glen Ellyn. We fed more than a thousand people.

St Patrick Church ordered 550 pieces of fresh lumpia, 550 pieces of turon and 500 pieces of palitaw. These delicacies are individually prepared by hand. The main entrees were eight large catering trays chicken afritada and eight trays of pork adobo. My team and I took two days of prepping and cooking. It takes an oversized wok, a huge “paddle” and a lot of guts to cook for hundreds of people. 

St. Matthew Church ordered 500 pieces of fried chicken, 500 pieces of pan de sal, 1,700 pieces of lumpia shanghai (egg rolls), eight large trays of pancit and four large trays of chop suey. We labored two days to prepare for this catering order. 

My real gain and profit in doing these catering events were more than monetary. I certainly gained new circles of friends who are now my “Suki” (regular and faithful customers). Also, I learned some new processes and techniques in volume prepping and cooking. And best of all, Mabuhay Restaurant earned some valuable respect from the local Filipino community for the delicious food and efficient and timely service.  Both St. Patrick and St. Matthew Churches clearly indicated that Mabuhay Restaurant will be their caterer for next year’s Simbang Gabi.