Remembering our Departed Loved Ones

Every 1^st to the 2^nd of November yearly, Filipinos would visit departed loved ones at various memorial parks and cemeteries. Customarily, the occasion is being observed nationwide by surviving family members taking with them flowers and candles as offering to their departed loved ones. 

Those with bigger family members visiting would have tents. The tents are to protect themselves from the bright sunlight at daytime. Likewise shield from possible rain as they vigil overnight.

Family members would bring food for them to partake during the visit. In some memorial parks, fast food operators would take advantage of business opportunity. They cater food to the family members who do not have time to prepare food. It is a family reunion to most Filipinos as they gather together at the resting place of their departed loved ones.

Most of us prefer to visit on the 1^st of November, being All Saints Day, some would visit the 2^nd being the All Souls Day. It is also acceptable if we visit early to avoid the traffic jam.  In my case, I prefer to visit my parents resting place before the 1^st of November.  Prior to the occasion, family members would clean up the tomb, freshen up with new coats of paints and make sure the epitaph on the head stone are readable.  For those who can afford to pay, they would hire someone to do the job.

Despite the influence of Western culture that is celebrating Halloween. Most of us Filipinos would spend for candles and flowers for our departed loved ones rather than spending for Halloween parties.  Due to some imposition from private offices and shopping malls some of us are hook up on preparing costumes for Halloween.  I have nothing against those who celebrate Halloween parties. But, to be honest I do not like to see grotesque figures of dead people, zombies and the like.   It is not that I am scared of them but for me it connotes negativism.

I am glad that majority of us, Filipinos do not really buy the idea of Halloween parties. Rather continue the cultural tradition of spending money and time in remembrance of our departed loved ones. This tradition has been handed down from generation to generation all over the Philippines. This occasion in addition to Christmas brings Filipinos together as a family

Remembering our Departed Loved Ones

Every 1^st to the 2^nd of November yearly, Filipinos would visit departed loved ones at various memorial parks and cemeteries. Customarily, the occasion is observed nationwide by surviving family members taking with them flowers and candles as offering to their departed loved ones. Those with bigger family members visiting would have tents. The tents are to protect themselves from the bright sunlight at daytime. Likewise shield from possible rain as they vigil overnight.

Family members would bring food for them to partake during the visit. In some memorial parks, fast food operators would take advantage of business opportunity. They cater food to the family members who do not have time to prepare food. It is a family reunion to most Filipinos as they gather together at the resting place of their departed loved ones.

Most of us prefer to visit on the 1^st of November, being All Saints Day, some would visit the 2^nd being the All Souls Day. It is also acceptable if we visit early to avoid the traffic jam.  In my case, I prefer to visit my parents resting place before the 1^st of November.  Prior to the occasion, family members would clean up the tomb, freshen up with new coats of paints and make sure the epitaph on the head stone are readable.  For those who can afford to pay, they would hire someone to do the job.

The Essence of Christmas

Christmas fever had subsided a bit. What were probably left under your Christmas tree are empty boxes and empty gift bags. These are proofs of fun and excitement for the whole family. While your ref is still loaded with ham, pasties, all sorts of food stuff. Some are presents from your neighbors, office mates and some friends who believed giving food stuff is sign of abundance. Some Filipino families believed, when you have plenty of food at this time of the year. You will never go hungry the following year.

My 11 years old niece and cousins from her mommy side.

While my nieces and family kids are enjoying stuffs we could afford to give them. I felt sad for children roaming around the streets of Manila asking for some coins passersby could give them. Their presence actually reminded me of my childhood. I had to share a doll with my sister. My father could not afford to buy each one of us toys. My older brother got a little lucky. He enjoyed a toy all to himself. There was several years gap between my sister and my youngest brother. When our youngest brother was born, my sister and I would spare some of our school allowance so Santa Claus could fill the plastic bag he would hang on Christmas Eve. He liked the plastic bag because he wants bigger gifts that will not fit into a sock.

Christmases had changed when we all graduated from college, found jobs. My siblings had married. Both our parents are not with us physically to open their Christmas presents. I know from where they are, and if given a chance to say – hello from heaven. - They would be happier to see everyone of our family member has gifts for everybody and still enjoying the spirit of giving. The essence of Christmas! ♥