Old Tradition

My sister in law's brother Eddie died from diabetes complications almost 2 weeks ago. He was also a childhood friend of mine and the funeral wake was held at the compound where I stay here in Alfonso which lasted for 5 days. I suddenly realized how little I knew about old traditions here in Alfonso having been away for more than 30 years living in the USA and experiencing a funeral wake within the family. I've seen wakes before but never really witnessed the entire practice - not even for my own mother and elder brother who died couple of years ago.

I was amazed at the amount of praying held by the "manangs"(some kind of a religious group of elderly women)who come to the place where the wake is held and pray loudly for about an hour every morning at 6:30 am. I'm not sure if they are reciting the rosary because I never really paid attention and watched from afar. After the prayer, they are served a nice breakfast and I'm not sure if they go to the next wake for lunch and so on. I don't remember who I was with one morning that she told me that this particular group of manangs are divided into 2 factions because of some personal conflict. It was quite funny that each group ate at separate tables and were not talking to each other although they pray together as one group. I assume that the prayers are for asking the forgiveness of the dead person's sins that he may go to heaven. May he rest in peace.

The fourth day is something more important because the prayers lasted longer and the prepared food was for lunch and much better. The funeral was held on the 5th day. The night before the funeral is called the "big night" where more people came all day and thru the night which was like an all day all night party. People playing mahjong and card games for money. Nobody seemed to be grieving for the dead..or should I say celebrant? And more prayers till the 9th day which is called "pasiyam". This day is also a big day with lots of food from morning till evening. Prayers by the manangs lasted all day and nobody seems to know what was the origin of this old tradition and the symbolism it stands for. 40 days is getting near and another commemoration for Eddie's death is coming. I don't need to write more on this.

Old traditions in Alfonso never die. Most of them I try to comprehend with respect but a lot of them just don't make sense. Some of them I believe are the causes of why the Philippines is still a third world country. One of them is the "compadre" system where people ignore and bypass the normal order of systems where equality and fairness for all should be the way of life. People vote not because the candidate possesses the right credentials but rather because he is my "compadre". Some best friends I know support a corrupt politician because he is their "compadre" who allows them to not pay their fair share of taxes. So sad for my country.