“Kalag-kalag” in Talakag

Just been to the cemetery to celebrate “kalag-kalag” (All Souls Day) and remember the lives of our beloved relatives and friends who have passed on. Saturday has been spent clearing around the graves and painting the tombs. Yesterday and today we went back to light candles, offer flowers and prayers.

When I left Talakag to go abroad, my father was still alive and even before that we always went to celebrate “kalag-kalag” in Cagayan de Oro where most of our relatives who have passed on were buried. So this is really my first “kalag-kalag” in Talakag.

For two days, Talakag cemetery was full, glowing and lively. You bump into so many people you haven’t seen for a long time. There’s a party atmosphere with people singing, playing, eating and drinking. Across the cemetery and under the shade of the rubber trees, vendors set up selling flowers, candles and refreshments. Barriers were set up at both ends of the cemetery to provide pedestrian only areas while the PNP were around to keep the peace and order. I must confess it’s no different from celebrating in Cagayan de Oro, except that I think Talakag is a lot cooler, less crowded and more organised.