MANILA — On the eve of All Saints’ Day, Filipinos have started gathering at Manila North Cemetery to honor the memory of their loved ones.
For Emily Camino, who flew in from the United States, visiting her husband’s and parents’ graves is a cherished tradition. More than Christmas or birthdays, she values Halloween and All Saints’ Day — locally known as “Undas” — as a time to reconnect with family in the Philippines.
“Mas gusto namin ang Undas kasi gathering din ng mga magkakamaganak and at the same time nadadalaw rin ‘yung mga wala na. Kasi ‘pag Pasko yung mga [buhay] lang ang masasaya.
Ngayon masaya rin sila dahil kasama namin,” she said.
(The beauty of Undas is that it brings families together, allowing us to remember and be with those who have passed.
Christmas brings joy to the living, but during this time, we feel that our departed loved ones are with us too.)
As traditions evolve, Camino hopes that the practice of gathering to honor their ancestors continues to be passed down to future generations.
The Manila North Cemetery, one of the country’s largest and most visited cemeteries, anticipates around 1.5 million visitors from Metro Manila and nearby regions this year.
To enhance the experience, the cemetery has introduced a no-vendor policy to maintain cleaner pathways and is offering free rides from the main entrance to various points within the cemetery.
Visitors can bring their own food and drink, but certain restrictions remain — weapons, alcohol, loudspeakers, and gambling items are prohibited. Unlike past years, the cemetery now closes its gates by 7 p.m. for overnight cleaning.
“Makakapag-stay pa po ang mga tao rito hanggang 9 ng gabi. Tapos ia-advise na sila ng mga kapulisan na lisanin na ang sementeryo para naman po makapaglinis kami ng sementeryo para sa mga dadalaw kinabukasan.
Hindi natin pinpayagan ang pagoovernight ngayon kasi, para ma-maintain natin na malinis ang sementeryo,” explained Manila North Cemetery Director Roselle Castaneda.
(Visitors can stay until 9 p.m. Afterward, police will encourage them to leave so we can clean the cemetery in preparation for the next day’s visitors.
We’re not allowing overnight stays to maintain cleanliness.)
With an increased number of visitors, the Philippine National Police has heightened security measures. Approximately 12,000 officers are stationed across cemeteries in the National Capital Region to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance, according to PMGen Sidney Hernia, director of the National Capital Region Police Office.
While no specific threats have been identified, Hernia emphasizes the need for caution, noting, “Yung threat is general.
Sabi ko nga pag may mga ganitong okasyon, lagi po nating iisipin na may iba diyan na may masasamang intensyon. Kaya nagdedeploy tayo ng personnel para naman ma-prevent yung mga binabalak nilang gawin.”
(Threats are general, but on occasions like these, we remain vigilant as some individuals may have harmful intentions. We deploy personnel to prevent any incidents.)