In a country where the majority of the people around you are generally happy or choose to be happy, it is difficult to be lonely or alone, and be sad or grieve and mourn. The Philippines has a growing population of over 108 million. That is a lot of good vibes and smiling faces.
Out of the many countries in the world, the Philippines still ranks in the top 100 happiest people. According to MSN.com, “the Philippines going up two rankings in the latest World Happiness Report.” That is, from 71st to 69th spot in the Gallup World Poll survey of over 156 countries.
As much as there is always a reason to celebrate and enjoy in the Philippines, life always takes its time give us balance. A time to mourn.
A lot of us Filipinos have a hard time comforting a grieving friend or family. Most of the time, a joke would suffice when words don’t come easy. That is why most non-Filipinos who visit wakes are astonished how lively the nightly vigil is. But after the funeral and burial, it is time to grieve.
It doesn’t have to be big words as long as you respect grief itself.
Image source: Pixabay