Undas 2021: Here’s how and when to pay tributes to the dead in Metro Manila
With cemeteries and columbaries closed during Undas week, it’s a painful reminder that we won’t be able to honor our departed loved ones for the second time since the pandemic.
Twenty-nine public cemeteries in Metro Manila will be closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, in a bid to prevent mass gatherings that could trigger COVID-19 spread.
In a press briefing on Oct. 12, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos reiterated that Filipinos can still physically visit the graves of their loved ones earlier than Oct. 29 or later than Nov. 2, subject to the prescribed 30% venue capacity.
Even if it’s not the first time we’re commemorating Undas away from our loved ones, here’s how and when you can show your respect to the dead in Metro Manila.
Pasig City
As cemeteries and columbaries will be closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, the LGU announced that the following cemeteries will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Pasig Catholic Cemetery
- Pasig City Cemetery (Barracks)
- Santolan Cemetery
- Sta. Clara De Montefalco Columbarium
- Evergreen St. Peter Life Plan and ChapelsCemetery
Caloocan City
The LGU announced that cemeteries will remain open until Oct. 29 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Taguig City
In a Facebook announcement, the LGU urged visitors to visit cemeteries, memorial parks, columbariums, and other similar establishments from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m, subject to 30% venue capacity.
San Juan City
The LGU recently launched its online appointment system for those who want to visit the cemeteries in San Juan City.
Visitors can book their appointment on this website or contact 7728-9818 or 09151627152. Those with confirmed appointments will receive a text from San Juan City which must be presented at the entrance of the cemetery together with their ID.
Visitors can select from any of the following time slots:
- 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- 10:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m.
- 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The facilities are open from Oct. 18 to 28 and Nov. 3 to 7. A maximum of 300 people will be allowed inside per time slot.
Pasay City
The LGU announced that cemeteries, columbariums, and memorial parks will follow a visitation schedule from Oct. 18 to 28 and Nov. 3 to 10.
Manila Memorial Park
The memorial park announced that the following branches will be open until Oct. 29 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
- Manila Memorial Park - Sucat
- Manila Memorial Park - Holy Cross
- Manila Memorial Park - Santa Rosa
- Manila Memorial Park - Dasmariñas
- Manila Memorial Park - Bulacan
St. Peter Chapels
Visitors are recommended to pay respect to their departed loved ones through the St. Peter mobile app. The app includes features like sending virtual flowers, lighting virtual candles, saying a prayer, and more.
St. Therese Columbarium (Pasay City)
In compliance with the IATF, St. Therese Columbarium released a “recommended visitation schedule” for those who want to pay respect to the dead. Only three visitors will be allowed per vault with a 15-minute time limit.
The Heritage Memorial Park (Taguig City)
In a Facebook announcement, the Heritage Memorial Park will remain open until Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will resume operations on Nov. 3.
Manila North Cemetery (City of Manila)
Per a Facebook announcement, Manila North Cemetery will be open until Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following protocols should be observed:
- No vehicles are allowed
- Observe social distancing
- Bring alcohol or hand sanitizer at all times
- No facemask, no entry
- Visitors aged 18 years old and below, and 65 years old and above are not allowed
Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph (Las Piñas City)
The Bamboo Organ Church is scheduled to hold an Undas Mass on the following dates:
Parish Center
- November 1 - 7:00 a.m. (via Facebook live and onsite)
- November 2 - 7:00 a.m. (via Facebook live and onsite)
SEMO
- November 1 & 2 - 3:30 p.m. (open to the public)
Forest Lake Memorial Park
Forest Lake Memorial Park will be hosting an online memorial festival "Music and Memories: A Celebration of Life Through Music" to pay respect to the families and loved ones of those who passed away. The festival includes prayer requests and heartfelt serenades from Ice Seguerra, Kuh Ledesma, Wency Cornejo, and Bugoy Drilon, among others.