5 unique resting places for the dead in the Philippines

During Undas, Filipino families flock to cemeteries to visit the graves and tombs of their late loved ones.

But did you know that in the Philippines, there are many interesting resting places for the dead aside from the regular burial grounds?

On "24 Oras," Friday, Kuya Kim listed some of these unique grave sites that also serve as attractions for visitors.

1. San Agustin Church, Intramuros

The oldest stone church in the Philippines, the San Agustin Church, is one of the many old churches which served as a home to the remains of prominent people.

According to Fr. Francis Lucas, President and CEO of Catholic Media Network, this was a privilege especially during the period of Spanish colonization.

Among the prominent people interred in San Agustin Church is renowned painter Juan Luna and Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

2. Hanging Coffins of Sagada

The Hanging Coffins is one of the tourist attractions in Sagada, Mountain Province.

According to Prof. Nestro Castro, a cultural anthropologist, this practice of putting coffins on cliff sides is unique.

"Ang kadahilanan dito ay para hindi maabot ito ng mga hayop na maaaring magkalkal sa mga buto ng mga bangkay, hindi lang hayop kundi pati iba pang tao," he said.

3. Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery, Bacolod City

Unlike most cemeteries in the Philippines, which are located in parcels of land, the Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery in Negros Occidental is right in the middle of the street.

It is situated on the intersection of Burgos and Lopez Jaena Streets in Barangay Villamonte in Bacolod City. Due to its location, vehicles pass by the cemetery every day.

4. Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, Laguna

The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Laguna was declared as a national historical landmark in 1973.

According to Sarah Jane Estubo, shrine curator of the Museo ng Libingan sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan, it is a special space enjoyed by elite town members.

It was closed as a public cemetery in 1981 but it is open to visitors, who can enter for free. One interesting trivia is that the underground crypts were used as a secret meeting by revolutionary leaders.

5. Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin

It's easy to imagine an underground mausoleum, but what about an underwater cemetery?

The Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, Camiguin is below sea level, because it quite literally sank to the sea along with parts of the town when Mt. Vulcan erupted in 1871.

A giant cross was erected in 1982 to commemorate the lost people and places in the province.

—MGP, GMA News