For some Filipino families, early visits mean a quieter Undas remembrance

MANILA — Some Filipino families are visiting their departed loved ones at Manila North Cemetery ahead of All Saints’ Day, choosing to avoid the expected crowds and spend a quieter moment remembering those who have passed away.

As early as Saturday morning, October 31, cemetery-goers began arriving at the country’s largest public cemetery in Metro Manila to clean graves, arrange flowers and pay their respects ahead of the expected influx of visitors on November 1 and 2.

Around 150 people had entered the cemetery as of 6 a.m. Saturday, according to initial estimates.

Mary Rose David, who traveled from Imus, Cavite and left home at 4 a.m., visited with four other family members to avoid the congestion and have enough time to clean and arrange their loved ones’ graves.

“Para maiwasan yung siksikan tapos napakainit din. Kaya magandang maglakad, exercise muna, then pagpunta doon sa puntod, maglilinis nang kaunti, mag-aayos ng bulaklak,” David said.

“Pagdating ng maraming tao, syempre presentable yung libingan namin,” she added.

For Cecille Santiago, 60, of Sampaloc, visiting on October 31 has become an annual family tradition. She went with her husband and child to pay their respects to her parents, uncle and child.

She said the family prefers visiting before the rush to avoid large crowds, unpredictable weather and possible emergencies.

“Yearly naman na kapag ganitong Undas, nagdedesisyon ang pamilya ko na ganitong date talaga kami pumupunta, kundi after or before. Laging October 31 dahil una, umiiwas kami sa dagsa ng tao. Unpredictable na weather at saka syempre hindi natin masasabi yung mga untoward incident na pwedeng mangyari,” Santiago said.

Despite the convenience of visiting early, Santiago said the occasion also reminds her of how family gatherings have changed over the years as relatives have grown older and started their own lives.

“Kagaya ngayon, medyo limitado na rin yung time namin na mag-stay dito dahil kaunti na lang kami, unlike noon, marami kami noong maliliit pa yung mga bata. Nagiging paraan ito ng bonding dahil kaunti na lang kami… May kanya-kanya nang buhay,” she said.

She also reminded the public that remembering departed loved ones should not be limited to the Undas season.

“Hindi ka naman kailangang makipagsiksikan kapag Undas dahil everyday naman, andiyan lang sila na nag-aantay lang sa iyo,” Santiago said.

Asked if she misses her departed loved ones, Santiago said their absence remains deeply felt, particularly that of her parents.

“Ay sobra. Sobra. Lahat ‘yan, lalo na ang mama ko. Syempre yung araw-araw mong nakakausap kapag may problema… Mahirap mawalan ng magulang pareho,” she said.

“Dati, noong buhay sila, doon kami nagkakaroon ng bonding. Noong nawala pareho, syempre unti-unting nawala lahat ng ganoon,” she added.

Meanwhile, authorities have tightened security at Manila North Cemetery ahead of the expected influx of visitors.

The Manila Police District (MPD) deployed around 280 personnel to secure the cemetery and surrounding areas, with additional augmentation personnel expected to reinforce the police presence.

Six Police Assistance Desks (PADs) have also been established to assist visitors and address security concerns. The Philippine National Police has been on full alert since October 30 and will maintain heightened security measures until November 2.

Across Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office deployed approximately 13,084 personnel beginning October 30. Authorities recorded an estimated 13,500 visitors at Manila North Cemetery on Friday.

Security personnel are also being assisted by volunteer groups and force multipliers from the Manila city government, including the Community Investigation Group Manila, Batang Maynila, Samaritan Action Force Multiplier and Civil Security Group.

Authorities reminded the public that firearms, sharp objects such as knives, cutters and scissors, alcoholic beverages, pets, musical instruments, loudspeakers and sound systems, flammable substances and gambling activities are prohibited inside the cemetery.

Several prohibited items, including cigarettes, vapes and scissors, have already been confiscated.

To help cemetery-goers move around the sprawling grounds, more than 100 electric tricycles have been deployed along the main avenue to provide free rides within the premises.

Manila North Cemetery has been open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. since October 29 and will maintain the schedule until November 2. All types of vehicles are prohibited from entering the cemetery during this period, with regular operations set to resume on November 3.

Authorities continue to urge visitors to follow cemetery regulations and cooperate with security personnel to ensure a safe and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.