MANILA, Philippines — Aside from presidents, the Manila North Cemetery also houses the graves of former mayors and senators who were key figures in shaping Philippine politics and history.
As the country observes “Undas” (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day), thousands of Filipinos are back in cemeteries to visit and reminisce about their departed relatives.
Among the local officials you may visit within the 54-hectare graveyard are former Manila Mayors Antonio Villegas, Valeriano Fugoso, Arsenio Lacson, Juan Nolasco, and Manuel dela Fuente.
Senators Mariano Cuenco, Genero Magsaysay, Quintin Paredes, and Claro M. Recto were laid to rest in the cemetery, which is one of the oldest resting places in Metro Manila.
Other personalities buried in Manila North Cemetery are National Artists Amado Hernandez and Honorata de la Rama, as well as film icon and actor Ronald Allan Poe, also known as Fernando Poe Jr.
Tomb of National Artist Amado Hernandez inside the Manila North Cemetery taken on October 29, 2023. INQUIRER.net / TETCH TORRES TUPAS
Tomb of National Artist Honorata de la Rama inside the Manila North Cemetery taken on October 29, 2023. INQUIRER.net / TETCH TORRES TUPAS
Tomb of Philippine film icon and actor Ronald Allan Poe Fernando Poe Jr. inside the Manila North Cemetery taken on October 31, 2017. INQUIRER.net / PATHRICIA ANN V. ROXAS
Known to many, the resting place is also home to famous presidents such as Philippine Presidents Sergio Osmeña, Ramon Magsaysay, and Manuel Roxas.
Osmeña served as the country’s fourth chief executive from 1944 to 1948 and died in 1961.
Tomb of former President Sergio Osmeña inside the Manila North Cemetery taken on October 29, 2023. INQUIRER.net / TETCH TORRES TUPAS
Magsaysay was the seventh president of the Philippines, who served from 1953 until he died in a plane crash on March 17, 1957.
Tomb of former President Ramon Magsaysay inside the Manila North Cemetery taken on October 29, 2023. INQUIRER.net / TETCH TORRES TUPAS
Roxas was the country’s House speaker and Senate president before he became chief executive of the Philippines in 1946. About two years through his term, Roxas died due to a heart attack in 1948.
Tomb of former President Manuel Roxas inside the Manila North Cemetery taken on October 31, 2017. INQUIRER.net / PATHRICIA ANN V. ROXAS