Remembering My Lola

All Souls Day 2006 made me miss my lola more. A special day indeed, my lola used to wake the whole family up.. making phone calls as early as 4 am. Cranky and still feeling sleepy.. all of us would ofcourse be in panic mode knowing lola who always wants to be in the Chinese Cemetery to visit our great grandfather as early as we can possbily be. I can still picture all of the things we used to bring to the cemetery before.. Flowers, Thai-kong's picture, Pillows, Banig, Cadles, Insense, piles of special paper we fold then burn, delicacies from DEC to offer our great grandfather, Board Games, Walkman, Ham sandwich, and lots of snacks. November 1 has always been one of the fondest days in my life.. and whoelse but my lola is the star! She is the master of everything.. buying what we need 5 days before.. making sure everything is complete.. and even though she's not chinese.. well.. she knows the chinese traditions better than anybody else in the family. Lola the Chinese Cemetery "GURU" will always pick a "kariton" (bawal kasi car sa loob) and instantly transfer all things from the car with the help of our "boy helpers". Then she will lead the parade to Thai-Kongs tomb, making sure everything is placed where it should be placed coordinating every details including where should everybody sit and in most cases.. sleep. All souls day is always fun specially with lola around.

The same happens every year untile my lolo past away. From Chinese Cemetery, the venue for All Souls Day transfered to Everest Memorial. But nothing changed.. my lola still is the captain with the additional task of making sure that the tents and chairs are setup. But this year.. nobody made that early morning wake-up-call anymore.. the loud voice I so love to hear suddenly gone.. and I find myself lighting my insense in front of Lolo and Lola. Lola is not with us anymore.

We did our best to make sure all of lola's favorite cememtery tasks when she was still with us were carried smoothly. This time.. each family is assigned to bring something. A grand reunion with lolo and lola.. and though her presence will surely be missed.. her memory will always be with me specially during All Souls Day.