Celebrating Life on All Saints’ Day
Halloween has grown in popularity among Filipinos in recent years, with it generally being most popular in the U.S.A. However, the focus quickly shifts to "Undas" [pronounced “OON-dahs”]. Which is the observance of All Saints' Dayˆ(Nov 1), and All Souls’ Day (Nov 2), a deeply meaningful time for Filipinos to honour the memory of their deceased loved ones.
As morbid as it may seem, some families gather at cemeteries with food, sharing stories and memories in reverence for those who have passed. In honour of this day, we remember Sisinio Montenegro, the father of our founder, Maria De La Cruz.
“Lolo Senen”, as he was fondly referred to, could not resist a game of chess. He was often glued to his computer, battling wits with anyone online that would take up the challenge.
When not engaged in chess strategy, he often lent a helping hand to Maria, supporting her love for gardening. Whether it was trimming plants or simply spending time outdoors, he cherished the small moments.
One evening, Maria’s eldest son Nathan returned home late to hear sound of the explosions coming from Lolo Senen’s room. Concerned, Nathan checked in only to find his grandfather deeply engrossed in a war movie, entirely unaware of the hour or volume. The two of them laughed, sharing Nathan’s McDonald's takeout, and continued watching together, making a cherished memory of an impromptu movie night.
On this All Souls’ Day, we honour Sisinio with gratitude and love by lighting candles in his memory and sharing stories of his life, reminding us to live fully, and cherish moments with loved ones.
If you need assistance in caring for your loved ones, we invite you to learn more about our services and join our mailing list to stay connected as we celebrate his inspiring journey together.
