Each year, ever since my grandparents died, we would gather at the cemetery and it felt like Christmas. Lots of food, laughter, mahjong, piat-piat and teasing that does not end until someone cries. The same thing happens each year. And the teasing continues from where we left…
Funny but we actually look forward to Kalag Kalag day with the same excitement as waiting for Christmas and New Year.
Mom emailed narrating how it was sad that they did not put up a tent this year. They did not have the usual revelry. The family have become smaller. Popoy, Karen and Keiko now in the US. Us here in Auckland while Dino is out there somewhere.
Because we are a small family, one person not showing up matters in a big way.
My sister, Micmic, who usually organizes the activities of the day have lost heart. For her, it is not the same. She doesn’t even feel like celebrating Christmas this year. Putting up the parol has become a tradition but then again, she may just do a mini one this year.
Yes, we are a melodramatic bunch. It just didn’t seem the same anymore without everyone in attendance.
Last Sunday, we made a list of our dearly departed. We were shocked to have filled up a long list. Wondering, if they have met one another up there. Masses will be offered in their behalf for the month of November.
Yes, it was a sad non-event Kalag Kalag day for us here as well.
I wish we could somehow rise above this change in circumstances. We need a major Kalag Kalag uplift. mmmm, what to do? a Kalag Kalag net conference perhaps? Do they have WIFI sa Cempark? Just isn’t the same. It is occassions like this one when the miles separation intensifies.
Together now! WAAAAH
i feel you chi…its not the same when everyone’s together…=)
lahi ra gyud ang kalag kalag sa atoa chel sa?
Comment by chelo — November 4, 2009 @ 7:09 pm |
tumpak! lahi ra jud ang soul-soul diri. magkatigom og magka-kita2x jud ang mga kaparyentehan. =)
ps in regards to a kalag-kalag net conference, chi, why not? naa na man gani online haya. :hide:
oh, yes, akong friend nga namatyan ug papa was telling me naay online haya. i told her that was too eerie for me to witness. i suppose in the end she decided not to pay for that online haya kay tihik man pud. twing!
Comment by JiN — November 5, 2009 @ 1:43 am |
We also celebrated kalag-kalag, Chi and it was something I looked forward to every year. Until now, I still prefer that tradition over costumes and trick-or-treating!
here dili kaayo big thing ang halloween. ilang easter hinuon kay serious kaayo nga celebration. lahi pud.
Comment by Liza — November 5, 2009 @ 6:45 am |
I can totally relate, Chi. Kalag kalag is a big deal for us, too. It’s like family reunion for us. Days before, we’d put up a tent, too. Magmeeting pa gyud mi days before to discuss what food to cook and bring to the cemetery.
*hugs* Chi.
you gave me so much comfort. thanks, birthday girl.
Comment by Aileen — November 5, 2009 @ 10:10 pm |