ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr

Undas

Today, Filipinos from all walks of life troop to the cemetery to visit their dearly departed. Officially, the All Souls' Day is celebrated tomorrow, November 2; but, it has already been a practice by most to visit their dead today, All Saints' Day.

Woke up really early this morning so that we can go to Manila Memorial Cemetery at Sucat, Parañaque. This is in order for our car can still go inside the cemetery and be able to be home early. When my mother was still alive, it has been her practice to visit her sister who is laid to rest there. Now that my mother has moved on, I took it upon myself to visit my aunt.

Normally, we would have brought along flowers and candles. But this year, my cousin took the responsibility of taking the flowers yesterday to our dearly departed relatives. So, lit a candle at my aunt's resting place and said a prayer.

An uncle is also laid to rest at the same cemetery. Unfortunately, I don't know where exactly it is. All I know is after crossing the bridge, you turn right then left (or is it right?). Thus, on the way home, after passing the bridge, just said a little prayer for him.

On the way, we made several detours. First, a very early breakfast at McDonald's. Next, went to Sgt. Mariano Cemetery at Pasay City to light a candle (and say a prayer) for my mother, grandparents and uncles. Although we will still go to the cemetery in the afternoon, I just want candles lighting their resting place early that morning.

When we finally reached home, slept like a log... c",)

In the afternoon, with my niece in tow, went back again to Sgt. Mariano Cemetery.

Oh! While we were at the cemetery, we saw Diego, a gay TV personality who is in the Bubble Gang TV show, doing his "rounds" of the cemetery... ;)

The following were a common site in a public cemetery:

• Teenagers (girls and boys alike) walking to-and-fro from one tomb to another, as if walking on a ramp. Some are even in a skimpy attire. Are they looking for something or they just want to be noticed? :p
• Gays doing the same... And they would not to be outdone with their "look".
• Kids with plastic in hand containing melted candles. Either gathering melted wax or simply getting the candles that was left unattended. I believe they sell for P5.00/kilo.
• The chapel at the center of the cemetery plays music, with a spattering of announcements of missing kids, lost relatives, etc.
• On the outskirts of the cemetery are stalls where you can do your "last minute shopping" of flowers and candles. Food stalls are also prevalent.
• Also, saw one guy hawking a mobile phone at a very low price. Looks like somebody just lost his phone...

posted by ~GFA~ @ 11/01/2005 06:18:00 PM