Portrait studies #8: Mausoleum caretakers at the Cebu Chinese Cemetery
Angeli, 25 & Julie Ann, 28
Trining, 55
Simeon, 40
Early this morning, I met with Joseph and Arnold Carl to check on some cemeteries within Cebu City for some heritage elements as Filipinos all over flocked in droves to honor the dead in time for All Soul’s Day tomorrow. We walked from the Basilica del Sto. Niño bone chamber/ossuary, the private and public cemeteries in Carreta, Mabolo and then to the Chinese Cemetery.
The latter was the quietest compared to the rest and what struck me were the small mausoleums lining the streets. Photos of dead ancestors were hung above the sepulchers as red candles emblazoned with a red dragon were lighted. The air was also filled with the sweet scent of joss sticks and on some mausoleums, offerings of fruit and food were placed on top.
Before some families arrived to offer their prayers, some caretakers were still cleaning the floor, arranging flowers and making the place presentable to the owners. And it was this instance that I figured to take portraits of these people. With a little coaxing, they obliged.
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