Unique funerals only in the Philippines
Call it Filipino ingenuity or Ilonggo creativity at its 'best' but three recent funerals in the provinces of Capiz, Antique and Iloilo certainly redefined mourning and grief.
In the quiet town of Sibalom, Antique, Bombo Radyo made a lengthy coverage on the funeral of a 79 year-old retired teacher laid to rest Saturday with presence of local media and massive turn-out of onlookers and kibitzers. For a good reason too because making it in the town's history was the unique funeral plans insisted by the deceased's husband -- 'bury my wife with our family car.'
As such, a garage-type mausoleum was built in the town cemetery with the normal six-feet under made even deeper and wider to accommodate the newly-painted Volkswagen.
It was to be the grieving husband's plea to his only daughter, a physician by profession. Bury it because it will remind me of your mother, the daughter was told, and bury it because of the many memories I share in it with her.
Local funeral parlor, Lerona Funeral Homes have been in business for decades and never had anything like this before reason why preparations were longer than usual. Designated driver was one of the funeral home staff who could only shrug off the orders.
In the end, the long funeral march was made, the grieving widow comforted by the daughter and other family members. And the family car? Apparently it was parked at the moment in the funeral home's compound as last-minute changes were made and the daughter reported to have decided against burying the Volkswagen with her mother.
Meantime, a longer funeral march too for this one deceased in Roxas City following the "cha-cha" tune played again and again in the course of the parade to the local cemetery. Yet another special request from the deceased who made clear his intentions to be buried with his favorite dance tune. Instead of tears, mourners can't help but 'dance' to the cha-cha with one telling a local reporter, she is doing it in memory of the dead.
And in Iloilo City, a barangay captain was laid to rest early this month to the tune of "Boom Tarat-Tarat," the famous tune made big by noontime game show "Wowowee." Also a personal request prior to the barangay captain's death, family members decided to grant said wish saying what their loved one wants, their loved one gets.
Unique funerals anyone? Only in the Philippines.