Holoprosencephaly: The Manila Chinese Cemetery

Monday, October 27, 2008

The Manila Chinese Cemetery

The Manila Chinese Cemetery (founded in 1879) is the second oldest cemetery in Manila after the La Loma Cemetery, and was designated as the resting place for the Chinese citizens who were denied burial in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial period. In later times, however, even the Chinese who had converted to Catholicism were allowed to be buried here. It was also designated as a cemetery for people who died of communicable diseases.

Through the years, as more of the Chinese rich interred their dead here, the cemetery was acquired by the Chinese-Filipino Association, and became a private cemetery. It is one of the three cemetery complexes in the area that includes the La Loma and the North Cemetery.

During the Second World War, the Japanese turned it into a bloody execution spot--a killing field. My grandfather, the late Alfredo Santos, was executed by the Japanese as the American forces were on the drive for the liberation of Manila in 1945. He was one of the many Filipino and Chinese martyrs whose bodies were interred here.

Chong Hock Tong Buddhist Temple. Built in the 1850s, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Manila. Two Chinese stone lions serve as permanent guardians, typical of Chinese temples and pantheons.

Lee See Tong Martyrs Hall. Built in the early 1950s in honor of the Chinese community leaders who were executed by the Japanese during World War II. Japan invaded the country in 1941 and one of the first things they did was to round up prominent Chinese community leaders and executed them. Having been enemies even before World War II commenced, the Japanese were wary of the trouble the Chinese community would cause on the plans when they invaded the Philippines.

I am not sure to whom this memorial belongs, but asking the tomb caretakers around, I was told that it was the tomb of one of the early presidents of the Chinese Cemetery.

The Tanunliong Family Mausoleum

Ma Mon Luk's mausoleum. I am proud to say that my father built this mausoleum in the 1970s (It was actually built even before Ma Mon Luk's death). His son Robert now manages the two remaining Ma Mon Luk stores in Quiapo and Quezon Avenue. A crown on top of the mausoleum signifies his being the original Mami King.

A typical look of the inside of a Chinese mausoleum

....and another.....with a Yin-Yang symbol in its gate

This whole family perished during the deadly August 2, 1968 earthquake in Manila. Also known as the Ruby Tower Earthquake. I offered a prayer for them.

The original resting place of our Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini . I always think of him as the greatest hero of our country. His remains was later transferred to Tanauan, Batangas, his hometown.