Living among the dead in a Manila cemetery

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Jocelyn De Los Santos uses an elevated tomb as a stepping stone every time she wants to leave or enter her home. Her makeshift house sits atop a mausoleum in Manila North Cemetery, in one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The cemetery is home to thousands of the Philippine capital’s poorest people. Many eke out a living by selling candles and soft drinks, or by cleaning tombs for a small stipend from crypt owners.

00:00 Intro
00:49 Jocelyn De Los Santos
04:45 Walk in the rain
05:53 Lalaine M. Igua

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[AnthonyPrince]

@2:07... 25 pesos is about 45 cents, not $1.23

[angelmarwa]

Fear of ghosts doesn’t matter when you’re poor

[Soi-zk]

Just like her, I used to live there too, specifically in South Cemetery. My parents still live there, along with most of my family—my cousins, my parents' brothers and sisters, and even their grandparents. I still visit from time to time because I enjoy spending moments with my family and catching up with my cousins.

When I was a kid, I was often bullied because of where I lived, especially by others who were in the same situation as me, like those who also lived in squatter areas. But surprisingly, most of the friends who accepted me came from well-off families—those who could afford three meals a day. I’m grateful for them because, despite my living situation, they would visit me at the cemetery just to play or hang out. They even talked about how happy the place seemed.

Deep down, I knew it wasn’t really happy for me. I wanted to leave. I couldn’t imagine starting a family there or spending the rest of my life in that place. That’s why, after graduating from senior high school, I started looking for a job right away. After working for a year, I told my parents that I wanted to move out. I explained that I was an adult now and needed to experience life on my own. That’s when I decided to leave.

Right now, I’m living in Quezon as a working student, pursuing my dreams and working hard to build a better future. I’m determined to help my parents leave that place someday—not because I’m embarrassed to introduce someone to my family, but because I want to break the cycle and create a brighter future for all of us.

[shounakherekar]

By seeing this, I can only say that I am grateful for what is being provided to me by my parents

[qilin-vu]

I have visited there before. In fact, cemetery communities are cleaner and more orderly than slums, but the environment is a bit unique, ,

[trolleymctrollsen]

Tabi tabi po means “excuse me or pardon me” for any disturbance she may cause the spirits, not “get out of the way”

[Mirek_zzo]

The mental resilience is insane despite the dreary situation. They're able to cope up and continue to thrive to survive.

[JaniceMcKay]

I watched a documentary recently where a French woman travelled to The Philippines and spent time with a family in Manilla. She visited a cemetery where people are living and running small businesses from. No judgement here. Sometimes you have to do whatever you can to have a roof over your head.

[Bunny]

My only concern was seeing that First Lady having to climb up and down those high ledges. I just hope she and nobody hurts themselves. I’m glad they have a close community to look out for each other

[ChesterliewYT]

For this you can see how the Philippines government failed their people’s. The poor get poorer and the rich get richer.

[teelesynclair]

I slept in Glasgow necropolis when I was homeless, I treated it with respect, didn't litter and used nearby 24 hour facilities for washing and for the bathroom. It was much safer than trying to sleep in Glasgow city centre. I always thanked the earthly departed residents for letting me sleep peacefully 😅

[Pumptack]

I would love if my resting place was used as a home for others. Helping people even after I was gone is a gift.

[sabandalnielgabrielm.]

Poverty is a way scarier situation to be in than ghosts

[collegevolleyball]

They’re not afraid of the dead, but the living people.

[jaxghost]

When I see something like this, I am reminded of how blessed and fortunate I am. I'm not rich by any means but I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and food. God bless them for their tender hearts and gentle souls ❤️🙏🏻

[silrod]

I admire the ones who live through adversity and make a way of living.

[afifi.zawawie]

I'm speechless after watching this. The resilience of the families living in Manila North Cemetery is incredible, but the poverty is just devastating. This documentary has left me completely stunned.

[TheTechCguy]

I remember being here in Manila, as a kid, back in 1999. Seeing this video now brings tears of memories back to my mind, RIP to the dead and condolences. My heritage land, no matter where I am in the world.... :')

[UserAme]

Filipino: Can you build a cheap rental housing?
Government: No.

[whapakkouch]

I volunteer here, helping kids to practice reading. The residents are nice and pleasant.