Around 700,000 visitors are expected to pay respect to their loved ones at the Manila Memorial Park in this year’s observance of Undas, its management said Thursday.
The management of Manila Memorial Park told Inquirer in a phone call that this estimated number is based on their recorded number of visitors in previous years.
‘Based on our records, around or more than 700,000 people are expected this year,’ a representative of the park’s management said.
Manila Memorial Park is the final resting place of many prominent figures, including former President Cory Aquino, her husband, former senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr., and their son, former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III.
Celebrities such as Rico Yan, AJ Perez, Paquito Diaz, and Helen Vela are also laid to rest in this cemetery.
Inquirer personally monitored the situation at Manila Memorial Park on Oct. 30, a day or two before the traditional celebration of Undas-Oct. 31 for early-goers and Nov. 1 for the occasion itself.
Preparations were heavy within the park, with both caretakers and the management working hand-in-hand in cleaning and organizing the grounds in preparation for the influx of visitors on Friday and Saturday.
Outside the cemetery, the Parañaque Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has already set up an incident command post in front of the park.
The mausoleum of the Aquinos was also relatively peaceful, with supporters visiting and paying respect every once in a while.
For Oct. 30, Manila Memorial Park will be open only until 6 p.m. However, starting October 31 and on November 1 (both of which are non-working holidays), the cemetery will be open 24 hours to accommodate those observing Undas.
Visitors are then reminded that firearms, explosives, weapons, sharp objects like knives and scissors, alcoholic beverages, gambling materials, loud sound systems, and illegal drugs are prohibited inside the park.