RT/WW: Todos Los Santos

November 1st, in a previous MYM entry about candles, is a big holiday here in the Philippines. Instead of the actual All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, people commemorate their dearly departed loved ones a day ahead, on All Saints’ Day. And because almost every one is in the different cemeteries nationwide, business-minded individuals take advantage of the days leading to, as well as the actual, holiday. When you are in the cemetery, no need to look for a sari-sari (convenience) store if you need something to munch on or drink. There are stores set up by enterprising individuals inside the cemeteries itself. Like the photo above.

MYM – Candles

It seems that prices are shooting up left and right because of the typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng that hit the country. My sister and I bought candles for the coming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. We were both shocked by the tags on the candles. A small round candle costs about 250 pesos (roughly US$5). Ordinarily, that would cost about 50 to 70 pesos (US$1-1.50).

November 1 is a legal holiday here in the Philippines. Most families go to the cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones. We are very big on this celebration so companies selling candles and other items to commemorate the dead are selling like hotcakes at least two to three weeks before the actual holiday. And with the recent calamities, expect the companies to even mark up their commodities to get back some of the profits they lost.