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The patriarch of the family died, and this reunited the four siblings to mourn for their loss.
Reality is not lost however at their time of deep grieving. The house must be cleaned and
prepared while the body is being embalmed in the funeral parlor. They had to cook and
prepare food for those who will pay respect to the dead. Up to the last minute, amidst their
crying, they were faced with the problem of where the coffin will pass through in their small
house. The barangay captain later on decided the window screen must be taken down for the
meantime and shoot the coffin there.
The older siblings (Oropesa, Israel and Alajar) were more steadfast to the old superstitions
and made sure they were followed strictly. I loved Paulate's role as the youngest among the
brood who represented the more liberated and open-minded generation of today. He
continually questioned one superstition after the other, throughout the six days of the wake.
He laughed at the absurdity of it all.
B J Forbes
Bobet
Marilyn Reynes
Charing
Gina Alajar
Mameng
Elizabeth Oropesa
Dolores
Dick Israel
Isidro
Roderick Paulate
Joonee