UNDAS 2016

October 31, 2016

The whole world have different ways of celebrating this holiday. Some were wearing costumes and creeping everyone, knocking door to door for treats, attending costume parties and some maybe just don't observe anything at all. But here in the Philippines, it is our very tradition over the years to visit our deceased loved ones at the cemetery at the same day. Yes, THE SAME DAY. So do you imagine what our cemetery looked like on that day? Of course it will be different on every cemetery. Some are spacious, some are too packed and I can't even imagine the other places anymore.
It is my first time to stay here in Manila and go to cemetery for All saints day since we usually go to our province, Isabela. On a normal basis, we are fond of spending the day at amusement parks during the holiday rather than the cemetery. If we would have the chance to visit the cemetery, it is not to visit the lost one but to help my grandmother. She would usually build a stall of goodies, snacks and drink and we're the ones helping her. This time, our visit if to reminisce the precious memories we had before she left.

As I said earlier, when we were young, we would always go to amusement park, specifically Star City every all saints day or all souls day with the whole family. And we haven't gone back as a family when we grew up. I don't know why but maybe because of money or maybe we don't fit for the rides anymore (but I believe no one is too old for amusement parks).

I always go with my grandmother since I love selling when I was young. I was only a kid that time and she will bathe me at her stall and just cover me with some cartons. We stay there for at least 2 days since it is the time where most people go. We sell at Manila, as well as in Batangas. But that was before when she's still alive.

And today, I've experienced a whole new thing and that was to stay here in Manila for all souls day and I was glad about it. You may say that I should be sad about it because I've lost someone but we always think that God has a plan on why it happened. Today, it was all new to me. I saw how different it is when it was in province and here in city. It was also different since it is always daytime when we go there while here, we stayed until nighttime. In province, we just eat and stay for awhile before going home. It was a close area, so it is hot but in here, it was open and we don't just eat and waste time but we also have the chance to bond and cope with every one's daily lives.

I am not that observant towards my surroundings since I was young but when I grew up, I started to be sensitive. I now notice every detail of the things I see. Like today, I noticed that not all people here in cemetery does the same thing. Some lit candles and reminisce, some sell goods, some bond and catch up, everyone have different purposes on coming here but I think you can't avoid reminiscing when coming here. This cemetery also has various shops like Shakey's, cafés, KFC, stalls that sell flowers, stalls that sells chips, and many many more to the point that some block the road and causes heavy traffic. But my aunt said that the shops built are lesser now than last year and it may be because more people come and visit here. The road also got narrow because they made detours so that it won't cause heavy traffic but still, we're still in the Philippines and traffic jam will always exist wherever and whenever.

Tips when going:

• Bring your food already since buying foods might take your time
• Bring umbrellas or tent (for sun or rain)
• Bring fans (in case the weather is hot)
• Bring mat (so you have a mat to sit on or lay down)
• Bring other necessities (tissues, alcohol, sanitizer, wet wipes)
• Know the rules of the cemetery (E.g.: No pets allowed, no loud sounds)

I've experienced many things this year. First is that we celebrated our new year here in Manila which we don't do since we usually celebrate it at our province. And now, we stayed for all saints day (even though it is the exact date but we consider it). And I expect to experience more as time goes by.

Sorry for not posting any pictures because i wasn't able to bring my DSLR.