Holiday No More

It has been a life-long tradition for Filipinos to celebrate All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day every year. As far as I can remember, this annual holiday is celebrated for 2 straight days from November 1 to 2. For most part of the world, this is a time for creepy Halloween costumes and trick or treats. But for the more traditional Filipinos, November 1 & 2 is a faithful time for remembering the dead. This is the time when Filipino families huddle together and even sleep over at the graves of their faithful departed. That’s why we were shocked with PNoy not declaring November 2 as a holiday. It was the first time in years, if not the first time ever! This declaration got an upset response from everyone especially those who are employed. Personally, I was really dismayed with PNoy’s announcement because I knew one day will never be enough to visit our deceased loved ones.

We at the office were lucky because as a private organization, our management had the option to declare November 2 as a Non-Working Holiday. We wouldn’t have any clients on that day anyway, so why waste the company’s resources? So fortunately for us, we enjoyed the long weekend. I sure did!

Much to everyone’s disappointment, it rained the whole afternoon of November 1. The drizzles lasted until late in the evening so most families were unable to visit the cemetery. November 2 was sunny already so more people made their visits on that day. Eventually, most of those who had regular office on November 2 didn’t report for work; they were either too tired from yesterday or haven’t visited the cemetery yet. So much for cutting the holiday short. It defeated whatever purpose PNoy had in mind.