A time to remember

The Manila Memorial Park in the south of Metro Manila is a busy spot during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, important holidays celebrated by Christians around the world. At the Manila Memorial Park, one of the oldest and the biggest in the country, lie in peaceful slumber Pres. Cory Aquino and her husband, Sen. Ninoy Aquino.

Their grave sites have become favorite destinations visited by both local and foreign tourists. People who come to pay their respects bring flowers, and sometimes have their souvenir photos taken on the site. As early as Oct. 31, the eve of All Saints’ Day, people flock to the cemetery to avoid the rush and the traffic.

“We set up tents. It is like setting-up house. We bring food, water, plates, chairs, kulang na lang plantsahan. We sleep there not just overnight but for the days that All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are marked,” says Almed Garcia of Backroom.

“It is always a happy occasion for us, some sort of a reunion. I believe my father would have wanted it that way. Besides, we visit his grave in Manila Memorial regularly,” she adds.

But are we celebrating All Souls’ Day correctly or properly? We have asked a number of people and here are their answers: Read on.

Jeman Villanueva, online publisher of www.orangemagazine.ph: “Not really. Because All Souls’ Day became a yearly grand Halloween party to most of us. Some prepare more on how they will achieve the perfect zombie look or the sexiest monster or character they could portray. Some have forgotten that this is the day we pay respect and remember our departed loved ones.”

PJ Go, commercial model: “OK naman. This is the time of the year na dinadalaw natin at pinagdadasal yung mga nawala nating mahal sa buhay and I think kasama nadin yun sa culture natin.

Sunny Ku, president, Masterminds Asia: “Each to his own because of the diversity of lifestyles and beliefs. We visit our loved ones one week before the actual All Souls’ Day to avoid the rush and the traffic. But we enjoy our solemn time and our family get-togethers praying and reminiscing without the stress.”

Lalen Calayan, Calayan Surgicentre: “No. Instead of prayer offerings, getaways and good time ang nangyayari.”

LJ Reyes, actress: “If celebrating it correctly means celebrating it traditionally, then I guess a lot of people have missed the practices already. However, if it means remembering our loved ones, then I guess we still do celebrate it correctly in our own ways.”

Tintin Bersola-Babao, host: “I think people are still celebrating All Souls’ Day properly. Some people may have opted to visit the graves of their dearly departed not on the day itself to avoid traffic and congestion in the cemetery, but that’s okay. What’s important is the intent, and that we offer prayers and fond thoughts from our heart, and light a candle for our loved ones.”

Lance Raymundo, singer/actor: “All Souls’ Day is defined as a day of prayer for the dead, particularly but not exclusively one’s relatives... So, the Filipino tradition of visiting the cemetery to pray for the departed is a good way of spending the day. But of course, praying for our dearly departed need not only be done in the confines of the memorial park, so, even if we opt to spend the day just home or out of town with family and friends, etc., as long as we keep all of those spiritual intentions in our hearts and put them into practice, I would still consider any of the above as correct ways of spending All Souls’ Day.”

Former Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor Gazmen: “No, because they are all busy socializing and prefer to be drunk. It has to be solemn, peaceful and quiet. No one is even praying for the souls of their loved ones who passed away.”

Doy Tan, entrepreneur farmer/environmentalist: “No, because they go on All Saints’ Day. In the provinces, All Souls’ Day is Nov. 2, which is the right day. Sana umuuwi ang mga tao sa province para dalawin at dasalan ang mga ninunu nila. Bonus lang yung bakasyon. Yun naman ang meaning ng All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

Bemz Benedito, MYNP Foundation managing director/LGBT rights advocate: “It is not for me to say if people are celebrating All Souls’ Day correctly because we all have different ways in remembering those who have gone before us. In the end, to each its own in coping, loving and being nostalgic. Some would want to celebrate it in prayer and quiet remembrance of those good old lives who touched us, while others would want to celebrate it in a merry-making manner with all the modern means available. But personally, my own correct/proper way is to celebrate it in a peaceful, noiseless way through prayers, recollection of his/her life and some good food. We remember best the lives who had been a part of us without the unnecessary noise and distractions.”

Nerrisa Volante, IT analyst: “People around the globe celebrate All Souls’ Day differently. It doesn’t matter how as long as we celebrate it solemnly, remembering our deceased loved ones. How we extend our efforts through prayers, alms-giving and the Mass.”

Lou Ventigan, blogger, LemonGreen Tea: “No, they’re not. Instead of praying and offering flowers for the dead. It has become the new picnic and party ground with loud grunge music and booze all over the place. It’s the sad truth.”

Ed Uy of Whereiseduy.com: “Sadly, I think All Souls’ Day is slowly losing its meaning due to the commercialism of Halloween, and honoring the dead has become secondary to dressing up in costumes and attending Halloween parties.”