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Manila’s North Cemetary Where the Living Reside Among the Dead

Michelle

The Manila North Cemetery (or Cementerio del Norte formerly known also as “Paang Bundok”), which measures 54 hectares, is considered the biggest and one of the oldest cemeteries in Metro Manila.  There are typically anywhere between 70 to 80 funerals a day here.  The cemetery is owned by the Manila city government and has initiated an expansion program to build more “apartment tombs” and a crematorium.

Apartment tombs are pretty much what it sounds like.  Rent must be paid for the use of the space.  If rent is not paid, then the occupant (a corpse) must then be evicted to allow the next occupant to move in.

The cemetery is also notable because of the numerous families living inside the more commodious mausoleums.  The video below provides more details.

I have to admit… I have always been fascinated with cemetaries – especially older ones.  In the past, I have done a few tombstone rubbings.  The photography opportunities in old places, such as this one, are endless.  One of my goals is to visit the cemetaries in New Orleans with camera in hand.

One thing I noticed in this video, which is baffling to me, is at 2:15, there is a potato chip bag in the tomb he just opened next to the skull… Huh????  Death from Trans Fat???


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Skull and bones from an evicted corpse. Source: Damn Cool Pictures

 

A family's residence within the cemetary. Source: Damn Cool Pictures

 

A Filipino custom says that children must carry coffins. It is thought that this will keep the children safe from any ghost or vengeful spirit. Source: Damn Cool Pictures

 

A vacant mausoleum can be a place for relaxation or entertainment. Residents in this area can come to this one and drop five pesos to sing karaoke. Source: Damn Cool Pictures

 

A resident gets a haircut in front of apartment-style tombs inside the Manila North Cemetery October 28, 2011. REUTERS/John Javellana

 

Family living among the apartment tombs. Source: Chance Multimedia

 

The south side of the cemetary. Source: Xplorerboyz

 

A residence among the apartments. Source: Xplorerboyz

 

Photo Sources:

Damn Cool Pictures
Reuters photo
Xplorerboyz
Chance Multimedia

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6 responses to “Manila’s North Cemetary Where the Living Reside Among the Dead”

  1. PiedType Avatar
    PiedType

    Bizarre what cultural differences and poverty can produce. I’m not superstitious about ghosts, but I would have problems with very real corpses. As for the guy who was “evicting” corpses – his gloveless approach really grossed me out.

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    1. She speaks.... Avatar
      She speaks….

      The volume of “traffic” (the dead) in this cemetery is what really got me. And I have to agree with no gloves… ewwwww. But, this post got me motivated to get out of the house and explore some of our old cemeteries (with camera) here in Albuquerque. That… and I seriously need a haircut. 🙂

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  2. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    Amazing! I was stationed in the Philippines for 18 months and even traveled to Manila once. I saw many cemeteries similar to this, but had no idea of the specifics. Like you, I’m one who enjoys photographing cemeteries and there are a couple here I’ve had my eye on but just haven’t gotten out to photograph yet. Seriously fascinating video!

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    1. She speaks.... Avatar
      She speaks….

      That post got me motivated so went to Fairview Cemetery yesterday on Yale. Working on the photos now. But something about having the houses in the background just kinda ruin the whole thing. We need to get to some ghost towns and old cemeteries sometime. There’s one cemetery up on Hwy 14 on the way to Madrid that I love!

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      1. Rose Avatar
        Rose

        I think that Fairview is one of the one’s I’ve had in mind. There’s also one on Gibson just beside the freeway that I’d love to photograph; very old and very small. It always intrigues me. The one you may be thinking of on 14 before Madrid is probably the little one in Golden. It’s very cool, but it’s usually closed off. Is it the one by the church? You know me, I’m game as long as schedules and weather cooperate.

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        1. She speaks.... Avatar
          She speaks….

          Bingo on everything! I love the little one off of Gibson right next to the interstate. And yes, Golden. It’s been so long couldn’t remember off the top of my head. And I do love that old pueblo church next to it.

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