Here in the Philippines, Halloween is not very popular until lately. Filipinos celebrate this season religiously in cemeteries to commemorate the death of their loved ones and to pray for their eternal salvation. The All Saints Day and the All Souls Day are two holidays that are more celebrated in the country. Since it is a religious tradition, Filipinos from the Metropolis go to their provinces to light a candle at the cemetery for their departed loved ones. Traffic build up in the streets of the metro is very evident during these times and bus reservations are always full with lots of chance passengers hoping to get a seat. For some, this is also the time when families gather which turn out to be a family reunion. Of course this was also the case before.

As time pass by and Filipinos are getting more and more westernized coupled with financial crisis, this religious tradition is fading and Filipinos are contented staying at home and praying for their loved ones instead of going all the way to the province and light a candle. Also, Halloween parties are very popular these days in the country and that costume parties are celebrated everywhere. Even the salesladies and salesmen are wearing Halloween costumes during the Halloween season to attract customers. There is nothing wrong with this adaptation of the west but I just hope that the traditions of the Filipinos, traditions that are ours should not be exchanged for the western ones and those they should be remain in every Filipinos’ hearts and celebrated, commemorated. For these traditions mark a Filipino. Let’s not forget who we are…