On October 31, 2003 I was in the Philippines and spent the evening in the city of TayTay and observed with pause - children dressed as ghosts, pirates, princesses and devils prancing the streets and collecting candy as they sang songs and laughed amongst each other – yes, Halloween in the homeland. It was a great party. The next day, we traveled back to my father’s hometown of Hagunoy (Metro Manila) to commence the next two days of “All Saints and All Souls Day” celebrations (recognized in the P.I. and in other countries). My Auntie Oning explained it best, “Anak (son) it is simply to honor our families, ancestors and Saints. It will be quite an experience for you.” We spent the day cleaning the tomb of our relatives, eating traditional foods, recounting stories of the deceased and overall enjoying the camaraderie of friends and family. It’s pretty extraordinary talking to your aunties and uncles about the mischief and good times that your Dad had “back in the day”. The pictures almost cast themselves out like a film. We did not spend the night, as is tradition at graveyards all over the P.I., but we did come back the next day for more of the same and Auntie Oning was spot on – it was quite an experience.
I still recall the day shortly upon my return stateside when I spoke to my father of spending those poignant moments with his brothers, sisters and extended family and how he smiled from ear to ear leafing through the pictures and I could even sense a glint of envy and pride that I had spent such quality time with those he loved and missed so very much.
Last night, I took a stroll through my neighborhood with precocious beagles, Pernfors and Quezon, in tow and admired the Halloween costumes, gleeful energy of youth and the neighbors who participated fully in decorating their homes and welcoming visitors. There was a nice energy of a time-honored tradition in America that I had only been a mild participant in years past but its juxtaposition just before another custom every November of other cultures inspired the walkabout.
Today, I was slightly melancholy, partly because it was a workday Tearsday, but mostly in a state of reflection of those three days in the homeland. I was particularly tinged by the fortunate circumstance to have been bettered in life by those who have since left but also mulling different stanzas of joy and wanting made this a bittersweet day.
Halloween in the Philippines would have made my Pops smile in a curious way but knowing that I have been celebrating “All Saints and All Soul’s Day” with a certain kind of zest since that trip would have really made him happy. Rest in Peace Pops.
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