Manila: Each year, the people of Albay eagerly anticipate a unique tradition that unfolds in the public cemetery of Oas town, a display of tomb painting that encapsulates love and dedication for a beloved father who has passed away. The poignant tradition began in 2013 with the Relleve family, who sought a creative way to honor their father's memory.
According to Philippines News Agency, through their artistic expressions, the Relleve family shares significant aspects of their father's life with the community, transforming the somber imagery typically associated with graves into a celebration of love and remembrance. Ken Tabuena, an anthropology graduate from the University of the Philippines - Baguio, reflected on the conventional perception of tombs as solemn, cold, and impersonal resting places. He emphasized that the painted tomb, adorned with vibrant designs and meaningful symbols, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring love the families hold for their departed loved ones.
"This special practice, which has been carried out annually, represents not just death but life itself," Tabuena explained. "Decorating specific tombs with beloved and recognizable imagery is an expression of familial love. While some may find it unconventional, it is essential to respect such diverse expressions of mourning."
As a scholar of social sciences, Tabuena noted that the creative tomb designs are part of a broader cultural landscape. "They find parallels around the globe, where colorful traditions flourish. For instance, in Mexico, families adorn their homes with vibrant flowers during Dia de los Muertos, creating a lively remembrance that celebrates life and evokes cherished memories of those who have passed on," he added.
Tabuena added that the artistic depictions are manifestations of what All Souls' Day represents, a joyful reminder of life and the colorful tapestry of memories woven together by those we love, expressed through art and creativity. Dee Jai Tanji, a visual artist from Albay, holds a deep reverence for tradition as a vital expression of art and culture.
"I wish creative freedom were normalized, even for the resting places of our loved ones," she said. She believed that the design of final tributes should resonate with the unique personality of the deceased. "It's much more meaningful when the design is tailored to reflect the essence of the individual who has passed away," she emphasized, highlighting the importance of individuality even in the context of memorial art.
In an interview, Angelle Roa Relleve fondly recalled her childhood memories of closely observing her mother as she gracefully managed daily tasks, often inviting her children to lend a hand. "One of the essential chores was doing laundry, a task that required considerable effort, especially in the days before automatic washing machines became a household staple. Our mother relied primarily on bar laundry soap, a special detergent that my father bought for her," she reminisced.
She noted that every time her father ventured into the grocery store, he made it a point to pick up that specific laundry soap, which happened to be Tide. Its signature refreshing fragrance permeated their home, infusing the freshly washed clothes with a sense of warmth and comfort. In 2025, they chose to honor her father's memory with a unique motif for his tomb painting, showcasing the Tide brand. This choice serves as a deliberate tribute to the beloved laundry detergent that held a special place in his life.
Over the years, the family has celebrated various brands through their artistic expressions, paying homage to Adidas in 2013, Ferrari in 2014, Starbucks in 2015, Johnnie Walker in 2016, Lacoste in 2017, and Bulgari in 2018. They continued this tradition by honoring M and Ms in 2019, Doublemint in 2020, Alpine in 2021, Jollibee in 2022, Tancho Pomade in 2023, and Citizen Watch in 2024.
