All Saints’ Day

Here in the Philippines, we have a religious family tradition of visiting the grave of our departed loved ones every All Saints’ Day, which falls on November 1 of each year. It is a tradition that shows how Filipinos are closely knit as a family. As a child, I remember going to the cemetery to visit my grandparents’ grave. It is like a family reunion, when you meet your cousins that you do not see everyday. However, we have stopped observing the tradition eversince I have become a paralytic and my grandparents’ bone remains have been moved to a distant cemetery, in Cavite (a province south of Metro-Manila).

Thus, for the past almost 25 years, we have remained at home during all saints day unless there are church activities to attend.

I remember, Dad observes that it is safe to drive on All Saints’ Day because there are a few vehicles running on the road. I would tell Dad that I wish it were All Saints’ Day everyday because it is good to drive on a clear traffic.

Now, our family has a reason to observe the tradition at all cost; for Dad's memory.

Mom and I went to the cemetery earlier than most people did, October 30. It is just a few hours before storm Santy hits Southern Tagalog region. Mom brought her orchids for Dad and we stayed there the whole morning.