Planning to Retire Soon!

If you are planning to retire in the Philippines soon, I suggest you visit several excellent websites on pro's and cons of retiring in the Philippines. However if you want to retire in the provinces, where life is simple, standard of living cheaper, less traffic congestion and pollution, availability of fresh seafood and vegetables compared to the big cities, my island province is the place for you! If this is your first time in my site, welcome. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. The photo above is the front yard of Chateau Du Mer- Our Retirement Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Saturday, November 2, 2019

How Filipinos Celebrate All Souls Day

My sister Amor and Husband Pol visit our Parents Mausoleum on All Souls Day, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines

Every November 2^nd, people in most parts of the world celebrate All Souls’ Day. It is the day when we remember our loved ones who have passed away. How do Filipinos honor the dead?

Most Filipinos go to the cemetery to visit the graves of deceased relatives and friends. Some prefer to go on Oct. 31^st or Nov. 1^st, while some go to the cemetery for three straight days. Others would spend the night at their loved ones mausoleum. Once we arrive, we clean the tombs, light up candles, offer flowers, and say a prayer for the souls of the departed.

The largest cemetery in the Philippines is the Manila North Cemetery. This is where some of the country’s past presidents and other politicians are buried. It is also the final resting place of many popular celebrities. (Photo from philippines-travel-guide.com)

During this time, schools are on their semester break so it is also an opportunity for families to spend time together. Children would play with their cousins as the adults would exchange stories and play cards or mahjong (a game that originated in China). Back in the 80s, flying kites and catching dragonflies were favorite activities among the young. Filipinos, known for their love of singing, also bring guitars to serve as a means of entertainment while at the cemetery.

As lunchtime approaches, everyone sets the table for the various dishes cooked for that day. It usually includes the deceased loved one’s favorite dish. We place a plate of food in front of the tomb or grave as offering for the soul of our relatives and friends. Priests would also go around the cemetery to offer prayers and bless graves.

A family gathering around the grave of a loved one is the traditional way of remembrance in this private cmemetery, Saint Park;Cebu City;Philippines

(Photo from sanantonioabadparish.com)

Many people go back to their home provinces for All Souls’ Day. If they can’t, they go to the church to light candles. Special masses are also held in memory of the departed.

Aside from honoring the dead, Filipinos also use this time to unwind. On Oct. 30^th or 31^st, many establishments and private companies hold a Halloween party. Malls, hotels, and villages also host trick or treat events for the kids. Some Filipinos go to the beach to relax and recharge.

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Article by Manette Tuvida

Source:https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2015/10/31/how-filipinos-celebrate-all-souls-day/

Here's an article on superstitions and beliefs of Filipinos on All Saints/All Souls Days

https://www.aswangproject.com/superstitions-and-beliefs-surrounding-all-saints-souls-day-in-the-philippines/

Meanwhile Enjoy a Rendition of Bayan Ko from London, UK

/https://www.facebook.com/Phils.Best/videos/2456168688042554/

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Fruit Trees in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer

The Mango Tree-I have three varieties in my Garden-The Indian, Guimaras and Carabao Mangoes My caretaker/gardener informed me last month that due to the El Nino drought in Marinduque, two of my Durian trees died in spite of his vigilant watering. One of the tree was attacked by insects that looks like a big fly but yellowish in color that sucks the sap of the seedling. The roots of the other tree was attacked by ants residing in the soil. However, my other fruit trees, the rambutans( 2), the lanzones(2) and the jack fruits ( 2) trees are doing well. The above eight fruit trees were given to me by Retired General Recaredo Sarmiento of Boac and Lucena., about three years ago. General Sarmiento is the “atid” of my wife. “Atid” is the colloquial term for brother. Evidently, Macrine's father, the late Bernardo Jambalos was the Godfather of General Sarmiento during his baptism and comfirmation. Gen Sarmiento's hobby is orchard planting, reforestation and farming. The other fruit trees in my garden are guayabanos, cashew, avocados, starapples, duhats, ates, guavas, mangoes( 3 varieties) and papayas as well as several varieties of bananas . Of the above fruit trees, my favorite is the guayabanos, also known as soursop tree known for its anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties . The following are photos of the fruit trees. The Durian photo is from the web. Note that it almost look like a jack fruit tree, except that the leaves are bigger and shiny. My desire is to have a passion fruit tree in the near future. You are welcome to visit my orchard and flower gardens any time, if perchance you are in the vicinity of The Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center.

The Rambutan Tree and Fruits

The Lanzone Tree and Fruits

The Jack Fruit Tree

The Durian Fruit Tree