DAY 54, 2008: Adieu Ma Tantine... Adieu...

Salut tout le monde! What's up, folks? This day's quite long day. Now, I give you, the details:

DAY 54, 2008: Adieu Ma Tantine... Adieu...

Route Marker No. 1
Destination: Baras, Province of Rizal
Stop-Over: Crossing, Mandaluyong City
Tribute: Interment

This post is dedicated to:
Ludivina Isip Vallestero
June 28, 1937 - February 20, 2008
You're forever loved and cherished!
Adieu Ma Tantine... Adieu...

I was awakened by the knocks and shouts of Auntie Florinda. I opened the door and let Auntie Inday, as what she is usually called, inside the house. He told Daddy that we are supposed to leave at 8 am. It's around 8:30 am. I suddenly remembered that today is Auntie Luding's interment. I told Daddy that I too, want to attend Aunt's funeral. I insisted, and as always, I win. Hahaha! I then dressed up in black. Dad told me that Auntie Benjamina, or Auntie Mina, will be joining us too. Then, we went to Auntie Inday's house . We waited for both of my aunties to go out of their houses. While waiting, I went back to our house ro get my longsleeve shirt and the jacket, Ate Elvie lent me. Our house is really a corner away from my aunt's house. I realized that the funeral will be at 2 pm and the sun is still above us. Since I am wearing black, which absorbs and not reflects light, it will be really hot. The jacket on the other hand, was Kenneth's, my nephew, and was lent to me by Ate Elvie, which happens to be my cousin, last Thursday when we went to Baras. When we're all prepared, we headed on out to EDSA. We just walked. We then rode a bus to Crossing. While on the bus, I and Auntie Mina chatted. When we arrived at Crossing, we headed towards the Jeepney Park. We are supposed to ride the earliest jeep to depart, but that jeep cannot accommodate all four of us. We then resorted ro the next jeep. After almost an hour, the jeep we are in, finally departed. I and Auntie Inday sat on the front, beside the driver, while Daddy and Aunt Mina were at the back. We then chatted and chatted. We talked about our lives, as usual, and the places in Rizal. Then, when we are at Baras, I told the driver to stop the jeep because I know, we are at Auntie Luding's house. Daddy disagreed. I just let him decide and prove him wrong. We asked the driver where is Sitio Iloco, Barangay Evangelista. He told us that we just passed by Sitio Iloco. So, we walked for about 500 meters to our destination. We then met our other relatives. After having lunch, some chitchats and such, it's now 1:45 pm. The family then prepared for the burial. We then walked for about a kilometer towards the town cemetery. As per trasition, people in provinces walk towards the cemetery. When we arrived at the cemetery, Auntie Luding's casket was opened for final viewing. Lots of tears were shed, including mine. Aunt is so kind. She's one of the kindest person I've ever met. After around three minutes, The casket was then put inside the niche. The niche was then covered. (FYI:Here in the Philippines, we don't usually bury dead people 6 feet under. Niches are made for "covenience". Niches can pile up to 9-10 layers as in "apartment types" that reach up to 10-11 feet high.)
We then went back to Auntie's house. After some refreshments, we decided to go home. The details? Tomorrow or so... Oh btw, the title means "Farewell Auntie... Farewell..."