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Story of a Crypt Keeper

By Wein P. Gadian

The heat of the sun was burning my skin as I kept up with with my friend, Gina, inside the Jaro Cemetery. Heads turned when we passed through alleys because we were total strangers in the place. Some people who were cleaning and repainting tombs were curious especially since we told them we're looking for a crypt keeper. I told them I was making a story - and that I wanted to interview the crypt keeper or anyone of them about their humble profession. Of course, I got cold shoulders but nevertheless I had to have a story knowing well that I gave my word to my editor.

So off we went deeper into the place until I found Mr. Alejandro Dumaga as he was sweeping talisay leaves off the ground. A warm smile was all I remembered when I asked if he could share with us his story.'Ale' as he's called by the people around him is already 68-years old and has been a crypt keeper for more than 40 years. It may be a pity that the old man is still a crypt keeper but he has so many blessings worth sharing. He has six all-male children, two are professionals and all the rests were only high school graduates. He's married to the late Clarita Cantomayor whom he met in the cemetery in his younger years as a crypt keeper. 'Gusto ko nga sepulturero lang ako hasta san-o,'he said beaming with a smile. (I want to be a crypt keeper as long as I can).

How it began

Like all stories everything has a beginning. With Ale, he started as a utility boy of the Lopez-Vito, Asencio - Doronela family. He used to be a utility boy for them. He would do carpentry, plumbing and others things he knew he could do. Then when the family donated a hectare of land for a cemetery in the 1970's, they wanted Ale to take care of the small area they left for their deceased relatives. He was happy that they trusted him with this, so he gave his best in taking care of the area.

It is a creepy job for most, digging up dead bodies and transferring bones from one tomb to a another. Some may even feel 'yucky' holding dead flesh in their hands. But Ale has a different outlook. His years of experience has taught him patience and loving his work. He said, 'Gapati ko nga ang ila kalag nagakalipay man kon ginabantayan...kag bal-an ko nga buligan man ko nila-indi man subong kundi kon ako magtaliwan na.' (I believe that their souls are happy when they somebody tends to them. And I know that they will help me too. Maybe not at this time but when I'm gone).

A Profession

To be a professional generally means having graduated from some degree. It entails a certain training. Like professionals in their fields, Ale considers his work a profession. He explained it is not about how much earning you get but is about obligation. In his years serving these tombs, he expressed he has found fulfillment. Knowing that the dead could not harm him rather they are there to protect him unlike the living who could inflict pain or even cause death.

As a crypt keeper, he focuses on his area of responsibility. Maintaining the cleanliness of the area, mowing the grass or sweeping the whithered talisay leaves on the ground. It would also include painting and repainting the tombs. At times, burning the brown leaves or lighting a candle and praying for the dead. He enjoys doing his job. It is one of the most memorable parts of his life. 'Gatulog ko gani sa ibabaw sang panchon sang bag-o lang na lubong. Gusto ko mabal-an nila nga bisan patay na sila wala sila gina pabay-an.' (I even sleep on top of their tombs, especially above those who were newly buried. I want them to know that even if they are dead someone is taking care of them).

What's Next

Ale may have not finished school or he may not have the kind of luxury we have but he has something we don't have. He has compassion for the dead whether he is paid for it or not. What really moved us about him is the way he is living his life without complaint, a life without a trace of pain or self -pity. His story is really a love story. He believes life is beautiful and the graces just poured over him.

His love for his work has also gained him trust and confidence from his bosses.

'Makit-an ko na gakalipay ang akon mga amo sa ubra ko, nalipay man ko.Wala man ko sang pangayo-un pa kay ang akon kabataan maayo man ang nadangatan, kag wala gid ko nagtinunto.' (I find dignity in my work. Seeing my bosses happy with my work makes me also happy. I don't ask for anything else. My children are in good hands and they haven't done against against the norms of the society).

Looking back at my assignment, I have cleared my doubts and complains in life, thanks to Ale. It has strengthened my faith and that I have more reasons to live. Like Paulo Coelho's story of the Alchemist he says our treasures could not be found anywhere but within us. For Ale life's miracles happen everyday and that he thanks his bosses, the Lopez-Vito, Asencio-Doronela families, for making him part of their lives. He speaks his mind with a simple principle that keep him up to this day: 'Kon ano ginpanggas mo amo man imo anihon.' (What you sow is what you reap).

Everything in life comes as a gift, big or small. It is simply a matter of perspective on how we want to live our life. Career, money, luxury etc...will never give us contentment until we too make a sacrifice of giving ourselves...of sharing.