I had the chance to shoot at the Davao Catholic Cemetery since last weekend up to the All Souls Day — November 2. And it was my first time to shoot the cemetery and it was my first to roam around the cemetery since I moved here in Davao.

What really caught attention was the high wall that divides the public and private cemeteries –the San Pedro Memorial Park. My former colleague, the late Gene Boyd Lumawag, dubbed it as “The Great Divide.” When I was at middle of the tombs at the Davao Catholic Cemetery(also known as Wireless Cemetery) , I tried to look for the highest spot where I could take an overview shot that would show both graveyards.

As I was on top of one of the concrete roofs, I did not only see the disparity of the tombs and the look of the cemetery but I’ve also seen different moods of the people visiting their loved ones.

At San Pedro Memorial Park, you could see colorful tents and lovely flowers. While at Wireless Cemetery, all you could notice are the white tombs and rusty roofs. Nothing colorful compared to the other side of the wall — the landscape is so green while at Wireless is nothing but a sea of white tombs.

While those at San Pedro Memorial Park are offering pastas and cakes for their loved ones, at Wireless they brought puto, bihon and biko — all traditional foods.

It’s not only that wall that divides them or differentiates them, but it’s also the way we show our love to those who have departed.

The wall stands as a symbol of economic disparity.

More Wireless Cemetery photos here.

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