Ghost Tears

What is this “ungo” called? What is your personal experience with this “ungo”?

For me, I do not consider it as an ungo. Perhaps the lack of a better term is a lost and grieving soul.

When I was young, my lola used to sell sud-an or food in our place to earn a living. Her home-cooked food will always be one of my favorites. She wakes up at 3 in the morning to prepare and goes to Carbon to buy ingredients. It became part of my body clock to wake up early in the morning as she always let me accompany her in carrying the goods.

One day, I woke up at exactly 3 in the morning and assumed I would run the same errand. To my surprise, my lola was still sleeping. I forgot that she told me last night that it would be our rest day since we are going somewhere. I got up and decided to go to the restroom. When I was about to go upstairs, I saw someone waving at me outside our store. His face was familiar, and I am sure that I have seen him somewhere. I just stared at him while he was waving at me. He smiled at first and afterward began to cry. I did not hear any sound from him, but I am sure he was crying. He wanted me to open the door to let him in, but I refused. I ran upstairs and decided to cover myself with my blanket.

When the sun rose, there was news that they found a lifeless man at the basketball court. He was killed. Our neighbors decided to leave a candle and offered a prayer for him. He was shot at 2 in the morning on that same day. When my lola and I decided to visit his relatives to pay respect, out of curiosity, I checked the coffin. To my surprise, he was the one who waved at me and asked for help. I went to my lola with a cold sweat and asked her if we could go home. After that day, I still can't believe that it happened to me at a very young age. I'm still praying for him that he may rest in peace.

What is something you know about this “ungo”?

I learned from my lola that if someone dies, the soul of that person has enough time to bid goodbye to their family, friends, or from my experience, would perhaps include the neighbors.

How did you feel during this encounter?

I was scared when I learned that it was his soul or spirit who waved at me that early morning. Apart from the fear I felt, I felt sad for him and his family because, unfortunately, they could not catch the culprit. However, since the family is no longer my neighbor, I am uncertain if my departed neighbor has claimed justice.

What would you advise someone if they were to encounter this “ungo”?

Pray for them sincerely as sometimes they relay a message that they will need help so that they will be able to pass on to the next life.