Where are Filipinos headed on Undas weekend?

MANILA, Philippines – Every year, on the last week of October, many Filipinos travel far to honor and pay respect to their departed loved ones during Undas.

Over the years, this yearly ritual has evolved alongside changing travel habits — blending remembrance with recreation, as Filipinos find ways to honor the past while enjoying a well-deserved break.

A survey conducted by MOVE, AirAsia’s online travel agent, revealed where Filipinos are headed this Undas. Unsurprisingly, the top picks remain local destinations — from provinces and beach spots to bustling cities in the metro.

Domestic travel habits

According to the survey, more than 80% of air travelers are flying to different parts of the country, with Manila, Caticlan (gateway to Boracay), Cebu, Iloilo, and Tacloban as the most popular destinations. Manila’s inclusion is largely attributed to the Manila North Cemetery — one of the largest cemeteries in Metro Manila where over 100,000 departed are buried. Around 2 million visitors are expected there from October 30 to November 1 (All Saints’ Day).

The other areas on the list are considered “major hubs” that connect travelers to nearby cities and municipalities. For instance, Iloilo City serves as a gateway to Guimaras Island, while Tacloban City in Leyte links visitors to Biringan City in Samar.

Interestingly, the same destinations also make up the top points of origin, with Caticlan in Aklan, as an exception, replaced by Bacolod on the list.

Anticipating a surge in flights, most travelers came prepared, securing their bookings at least two weeks ahead of Undas, while others finalized their plans as early as a month before.

Though this travel habit has long been ingrained in Filipino culture, it still speaks volumes about the importance placed on tradition.

Nearly half of the respondents (49%) planned a three- to four-day break, suggesting that most local travelers aim to make the most of the long weekend, likely by reconnecting with family in their hometowns and squeezing in a bit of leisure or local exploration.

Most travelers secured their bookings two to four weeks in advance, with nearly 34% finalizing their plans 15 to 30 days before departure. The busiest travel day was October 30 — a day ahead of the official long weekend.

Bound overseas

While most travelers booked domestic flights, some took advantage of the long weekend to finally check off international destinations from their bucket lists.

A total of 19% of respondents are going abroad. Those who booked flights from October 30 to November 2 are headed to travel spots around Asia, including Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.

The surge in local flights this Undas is proof that Filipinos’ custom of remembering and respecting the dead remains, to this day, alive and thriving.– Deanne Imperial/Rappler.com

Deanne Reese Imperial is a Rappler intern studying journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.