You’re PINOY If…

Also known as All Saints Day, Todos los Santos and Araw ng Namayapa, the Undas is celebrated by Filipinos throughout the country. This is the time of the year when everyone goes to the cemetery to honor the departed friends or relatives. Originally intended to be a solemn day, Filipinos have transformed this day into a day of celebration.

Every year, millions of Filipinos would flock cemeteries throughout the country to clean and visit the tombs of their loved ones. After that, families would hold a picnic above the grave. It has also been a tradition for some to hold a family reunion and general merry-making on what is supposed to be a solemn day. Drinking and gambling has also been a tradition for some families, especially in provincial cemeteries where the bantays (guards) are more lenient.

Aside from visiting their kin, Filipinos would also visit the graves of their movie idols in the hopes that they would catch a glimpe of other famous actors and actresses who are also paying their respects.

When visiting the cemetery, one should always bring a first aid kit and lots of patience. Expect heavy traffic and candle and flower peddlers who sell their goods for five times the original price. Food won’t be much of a problem as some cemeteries even have fast food stalls that offer cold drinks, burgers and pizza.

No matter how much the government pleads for a solemn celebration, it always falls on deaf ears year after year.