Umbrellas are out as crowds flock to Manila North Cemetery for Undas. Photo by Isabelle Pechay
MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of Filipinos braved the sweltering heat to visit their departed loved ones at the Manila North and South Cemeteries on Sunday as crowds gathered for All Saints’ Day.
At the cemeteries, visitors sought relief from the heat by staying under trees, using umbrellas, fanning themselves or covering their heads with towels.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the heat index in Manila reached 36 to 38 degrees Celsius by noon.
The weather bureau urged the public to exercise “extreme caution,” as such heat levels can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which are characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and light-headedness.
Prolonged heat exposure may also lead to heat stroke, a serious condition characterized by loss of consciousness, confusion or seizures that can be deadly if left untreated.
At the Manila South Cemetery, the number of visitors had reached 52,350 as of 11 a.m. on Nov. 1, as families gathered to commemorate Undas.
Filipinos pay respect at the grave of their loved ones at the Manila South Cemetery. Photo by Isabelle Pechay
According to Manila City authorities, the number of visitors at the cemetery is expected to reach 100,000 for the day.
Meanwhile, the Manila North Cemetery had recorded approximately 124,800 visitors as of 9 a.m. on Sunday, based on the latest crowd estimate.
Among those who visited their departed loved ones were Zyrelle Tolentino and her family, who arrived early to pay their respects at the graves of her mother and sister.
Zyrelle Tolentino and her family take shelter under the trees at the Manila South Cemetery to shield themselves from the heat. Photo by Isabelle Pechay
“Maaga po kami kasi ayaw po namin sumabay sa dagsa ng mga tao. So ngayon, dumiretso na kami nang mas maaga para mas matagal pa yung stay namin dito. Sakto kasi, mas malilim,” Tolentino said.
(We came early because we wanted to avoid the crowds. We decided to arrive much earlier this time so we could spend more time here. It’s also shadier.)
Hot weather greets Undas crowds entering the Manila South Cemetery. Photo by Isabelle Pechay
The Manila North Cemetery is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1, while the Manila South Cemetery is accessible from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.