A performer who goes by the moniker “Halloween Diva,” in tandem with her father, provided entertainment inside a cemetery on the observance of “Kalag-Kalag 2024.”

People who gathered at the cemetery in Poblacion, Talisay City, Cebu were treated to a live performance of all-time favorite songs.

The performer is 30-year-old Gretchen Estrada.

Gretchen is a “kontesera,” a so-called veteran in amateur-singing contests beginning with the barangay level since she was three years old only. It is no surprise at all that she is a pro in singing; her combined experiences and exposure to singing contests have sharpened even more her singing prowess.

Since she has four children to support with the help of her fisherman-husband, she used her talent as a tool to nurture her family.

The observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day has created avenues for talented persons like Gretchen to showcase their talent and earn at the same time.

She said that the opportunity to sing to visitors at a cemetery makes it one of her favorite places. She tandems with her father Carlos, her first mentor or from whom she learned to appreciate songs and the art of singing and performing.

Carlos is already 66 years old; his vision had long departed him. He said it was in his childhood when he got very ill that led to blindness. From then on, he found solace in playing the guitar until he demonstrated adeptness. 

Donations from visitors who are pleased by their performances go a long way to help them pull through, the duo said.  

Each time they break into song, they get the opportunity to entertain those who have known loss and have come to live with it. Each time the audience appreciates their performance, they get the opportunity to get by and be able to  “keep the body and soul together."