An influx of cemetery-goers is felt gradually days to the observance of “Tigkalalag 2024.”

CG Arches, for example, is among visitors who went to the cemetery ahead of schedule to clean up and hire the service of individuals who eke out a living by painting tombs.

“Nagpatulong ako sa mga taga-dito. Siyempre para may income sila,” Arches said.

Manong Jovil Marfel who arranges clean-up services and repainting of tombs expect to earn well during the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day because of the high demand from “clients.”

“Kada taon, may mga suki din ako. Ino-obliga ko na lang sila para makapaningil na ako pagdating nila,” Manong Jovil said.

In Pototan town, Iloilo cemetery-goers have also started to flock.

John Lee Paredes, a visitor, said that he just wants to avoid the crowd.

“Para maaga pa at makaiwas sa pagdagsa sa Undas,” Paredes said.

Vending flowers is not that lucrative the past days, according to Juliet Jinon, because of limited flower supply due to the series of weather disturbances.

Of Jinon’s wares, the cheapest is worth P150 that consists of seven stems of flowers. For eight stems, the price rises to P350 while a dozen costs P700.

“Ito nga, mula pa sa Baguio kaya mahal kasi ini-replano [ini-eroplano] pa,” Jinon, a flower vendor, said.

Meanwhile, several flower vendors in Bacolod City have complained about the limited vending space alloted to them.

They argued that business is not doing well because the Local Government Unit placed them far from what used to be their area after food stalls during the Masskara Festival 2024 have been extended to October 31, 2024.

“Ang kanilang ibinigay na space, napakaliit. Saan namin ilalagay ang mga gamit namin?” Lon Condes, one of the flower vendors, complained.