Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination

A Thesis Paper

Presented to

the Faculty of the School of International Hospitality Management

WCC Aeronautical & Technological College

North Manila Campus

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management with Flight Attendant Course

By

MARK JUSTIN F. CASTRO

ERINNE JELLE M. CRUZ

KARYLE MARTINA T. LAFORTEZA

RIZAH ABBY G. MENDOZA

MAY 2024
 APPROVAL SHEET

This research entitled “EXPLORING MANILA NORTH CEMETERY: A NEW

THANATOURISM DESTINATION” prepared and submitted by KARYLE MARTINA T.
LAFORTEZA, RIZAH ABBY G. MENDOZA, MARK JUSTIN F. CASTRO, & ERINNE JELLE
M. CRUZ in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science
in Tourism Management with Flight Attendant Course has been examined for ORAL
EXAMINATION.

PROF. ORAL ROBERT B. ROXAS, MBA

Adviser

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

Examined and approved by the Panel of Examiners in an Oral Examination with a

Grade of ___ on May 04, 2024.

PROF. EGEL V. GUMASING, MBA

Chairman

PROF. AMALIA DELA CRUZ GIRON, DBA PROF. JEAN V. RAMOS, DBA
Panel Member Panel Member

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of

Science in Tourism Management with Flight Attendant Course.

PROF. EGEL V. GUMASING, MBA

Dean

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | ii

 ABSTRACT

Title : Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination

Researcher : Karyle Martina T. Laforteza, Rizah Abby G. Mendoza,

Mark Justin F. Castro, and Erinne Jelle M. Cruz

Degree : Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management with Flight Attendant Course

Institution : WCC AERONAUTICAL & TECHNOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Year : 2024

Adviser : Prof. Oral Robert B. Roxas, MBA

The concept of Thanatourism, tourism related to death and the deceased, has gained

attention worldwide. This research explored the potential transformation of Manila North

Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination, examining its current status and feasibility through

various dimensions such as history, authenticity, storytelling, and visitor experience. The study

concluded that Manila North Cemetery held significant potential as a Thanatourism

destination, appealing to a broad demographic range, including various age groups and

stakeholders. It highlighted the cemetery's historical and cultural value, showcasing its role as

a tribute to the Philippines' complex history and notable figures. Despite challenges such as

security issues and overpopulation, the cemetery's management was dedicated to preserving

its authenticity and promoted its significance through initiatives like explanatory plaques and

guided tours. Overall, the cemetery offered an immersive experience in Philippine history and

tradition. The researchers concluded with strategic proposals outlining initiatives to preserve

authenticity and enhance visitor experiences, positioning the cemetery as a premier

Thanatourism destination globally.

Keywords: Manila North Cemetery, thanatourism, destination, history, feasibility

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | iii

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the following

individuals whose contributions were invaluable in the completion of this research:

PROF. ORAL ROBERT B. ROXAS, MBA, research adviser, for his unwavering

guidance, expertise, and encouragement throughout the research process.

MRS. ANGIELYN MACLANG-RAQUEDAN, statistician, for her meticulous data

analysis and insightful interpretations, which have greatly enhanced the quality of this

study.

PROF. EGEL V. GUMASING, MBA, research professor and Dean of the School

of International Hospitality Management, for his support and scholarly insights that

have enriched our understanding of the subject matter.

MS. RIZAH ABBY MENDOZA, the leader of the research team, for her

dedication and leadership.

MS. ERINNE JELLE CRUZ, MS. KARYLE MARTINA LAFORTEZA, and MR. MARK

JUSTIN CASTRO, team members, for their hard work and collaboration throughout the

research process.

ALMIGHTY GOD, for the guidance that sustained us throughout this research

journey, filling us with wisdom, strength, and perseverance.

And to all individuals who have contributed to this research endeavor in various

ways.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | iv

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Title Page……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..i

Approval Sheet…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...ii

Abstract....................……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..iii

Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………………………………..………………..…….......iv

Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….v

List of Tables and Figures…………………………………………………………………………………………………………vii

Chapter 1: The Problem and its Background

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 1
Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Conceptual Framework.................................................................................................... 7
Statement of the Problem................................................................................................ 9
Scope and Limitation of the Study................................................................................. 10
Definition of Terms............................................................................................................. 10

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature and Studies

Discussion of RRL in Thematic Format……………………………………………………………….. 13

Synthesis of RRL…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31

Chapter 3: Methodology of the Study

Methods and Techniques of the Study………………………………………………………………. 33

Respondents of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………... 34
Instruments of the Study……………………………………………………………………………………... 35
Data Gathering Procedure………………………………………………………………………………….. 38
Data Processing and Statistical Treatment……………………………………………………….. 40
Ethical Consideration……………………………………………………………………………………….….. 42

Chapter 4: Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

Results and Discussion………………………………………………………………………………………... 43

Chapter 5: Summary of Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendations

Summary of Findings……………………………………………………………………………………..…….. 62
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..... 63
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | v
 Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………………………..... 66

References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..... 74

Appendices

Appendix A Instrument……………………………………………………………………………………...... 76
Appendix B Reliability Test Result................................................................................. 81
Appendix C Validation Checklist...……………………………………………………………………… 82
Appendix D English Editing Certificate Form.............................................................. 85
Appendix E Statistician Review Certificate Form....................................................... 86
Appendix F Documentation............................................................................................. 87
Appendix G Curriculum Vitae.......................................................................................... 89

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | vi

 LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Page

Table 1. Dark Tourism Indicators………………………………………………………………………………………………36

Table 2. Demographic Profile of the Respondents………………………………………………………………...43

Table 3. Respondents’ assessment to the current status of Manila North Cemetery

as Thanatourism Destination…………………………………………………………………………………………………….46

Table 4. Respondents assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a thanatourism destination concerning history…………………………………...51

Table 5. Respondents assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a thanatourism destination concerning authenticity…………………………..53

Table 6. Respondents assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a thanatourism destination concerning storytelling…………………………...56

Table 7. Respondents assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a thanatourism destination concerning experience…………………………...59

Table 8. Strategic proposals to enhance the feasibility of Manila North Cemetery

as a new thana tourism destination......................................................................................................68

Table 9. Comparison Matrix of Dark Tourism Indicators and Tourists’ Motivations for

Manila North Cemetery as a thanatourism Destination..................................................................70

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework for Promoting a New Thanatourism Destination……………..7

Figure 2. Dark Tourism Spectrum..........................................................................................................70

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | vii

 Chapter 1: The Problem and its Background

1.1 Introduction

People travel to discover new places of interest and learn about various

traditions, cultures, and beliefs. Exploring sites of terrible deaths, tragic events, and

horrible situations became an invasive interest in modern society. Several studies were

conducted to define the term Dark Tourism. Dark Tourism is presently best referred to

as a type of tourism that involves visiting areas relevant to death and suffering. Natural

disasters, wars, massacres, accidents, or terrorist attacks are often involved in

historical or cultural significance at such places (Sampson, 2019).

The idea of developing memorial parks, which were traditionally solemn places

of remembrance, into dark tourist destinations could make a significant contribution to

preserving historical events, tragedies, and the effect that they left on society. Some

tourists might appreciate the opportunity to visit this type of destination, however,

others may prefer less crowded or commercialized sights. When establishing tourism

initiatives for the memorial park, it was essential to examine a variety of perspectives

and balance the preferences of both tourists and locals. However, highlighting the

memorial park's attributes while promoting an empathetic approach to its history

helped potential travelers appreciate its significance and encourages them to visit the

destination (Raine, 2013).

A dark tourism destination, a site should possess significant historical or cultural

importance, often tied to tragic or impactful events. Authentic representation and

preservation of the site's historical integrity was crucial, ensuring visitors gained

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 1

genuine understanding of the past. The destination should offer educational value,

providing insights into the historical context and consequences of the associated

events. Accessibility and well-maintained infrastructure were pertinent for a positive

visitor experience. Ultimately, the success of a dark tourism site hinged on its ability to

balance historical authenticity, educational value, and respectful presentation of the

events that characterize its dark past.

The study reveres memorial parks because they were havens where people

could think and remember things. Visits to locations connected to tragedy, death, or

suffering was known as "dark tourism," and they have gained popularity in recent

years. Examining if the Manila North Cemetery may be positioned as a dark tourist

destination was this study’s goal. Examining the socioeconomic, cultural, and historical

elements that characterized these cemeteries, the goal was to create dark tourist

attractions.

It was essential to research dark tourism for a variety of reasons. In the initial

stages, it provided a distinct perspective on historical events and their lasting impact

on cultures. Dark tourism destinations, like abandoned concentration camps,

battlefields, or disaster zones, act as tangible reminders of historical disasters and

provided a more substantial comprehension of past events than was typically found in

textbooks and scholarly discussions. Second, learning more about the driving forces

underlying dark tourism offered significant insights into psychology, behavior, and

societal reactions to tragedy. Acts as a travel guide providing information about the

concept of Thanatourism, emphasized the significance of visiting sites associated with

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 2

death, suffering, and tragedy. Explained how Thanatourism allowed individuals to

engage with history, culture, and reflection. Described the types of sites that fall under

Thanatourism, such as cemeteries, memorials, disaster zones, and locations of

historical atrocities. Highlighted the educational and emotional aspects of

Thanatourism, as well as the importance of respectful and ethical tourism practices

when engaging in such experiences. It helped clarify why people were intrigued by

locations linked to pain and death and how important it was for us a to face and

reconcile the dark parts of our history (Fabros, et al., 2023). After researching dark

tourism for a thesis paper, it was important to share the results with other academics

and the public through talks. Sharing knowledge with legislators, stakeholders in the

travel industry, and local communities that hosted dark tourism destinations could be

part of this. Promoting accountable and considerate tourism activities was the goal,

and it was accomplished through encouraging discussion and increasing knowledge

of dark tourism's ethical, social, and socioeconomic aspects. The end goal was to

encourage the development of long-term dark tourism approaches that respect the

dignity of those affected by past awful events while placing equal emphasis on

historical memory, education, and moral engagement with the past.

The primary objective of the research study was to evaluate the feasibility of

converting Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination. This involved

assessing the current perception of the cemetery as a Thanatourism site and

examining its viability in terms of historical significance, authenticity, storytelling, and

overall visitor experience. Additionally, the study aimed to formulate strategic

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 3

proposals to enhance the feasibility and appeal of Manila North Cemetery as a

prospective Thanatourism destination based on its findings.

The research study explored the potential of Manila North Cemetery as a tourism

destination, and its ultimate objective was to develop concrete strategies that

promoted this unique heritage and attracted visitors interested in cultural experiences.

First, in the context of tourism, the study examined the current perception of Manila

North Cemetery. This involved analyzing the attractiveness of the cemetery as a place

of historical and cultural significance, remembrance, and traditional practices related

to death to tourists and locals alike.

The assessment of the cemetery's viability as a tourism destination was another

important aspect of this research. Given the cemetery's role in shaping the local

narrative and heritage, this included assessing the historical significance of the

cemetery. Since visitors looked for authentic and relevant experiences reflecting the

true character of this place, authenticity was also an important factor. The study aimed

to determine whether the cemetery's offerings were authentic, preserving and

presenting historical and cultural elements.

1.2 Significance of the Study

This study provided benefits to relevant sectors as outlined below:

Memorial Parks. Increased visitation to memorial parks as Thanatourism destinations

could generate revenue streams through environmental fees, merchandise sales, and

other visitor expenditures as well as donations. The revenue and donations that could

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 4

collected could reinvested into the maintenance and preservation of the parks,

ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Local Government Units (LGUs). LGUs could benefit from this study by gaining insights

into the potential of Manila North Cemetery as a Thanatourism destination. By

promoting it as a new memorial park attraction, LGUs diversified their tourism offerings

and attracted visitors interested in unique and historically significant sites. This could

contribute to economic growth and cultural preservation within the community.

Local Community. Community members may find employment opportunities in roles

that involve engaging with tourists and facilitating their experiences at the memorial

parks. This could include positions as community liaisons, or volunteers who assist with

guided tours, events, or educational programs.

Department of Tourism. Adding memorial parks as Thanatourism destinations

diversifies the tourism offerings of the destination. This helps attract a broader range

of tourists and reduces dependence on traditional attractions, making the destination

more resilient to changes in tourist preferences and market trends.

Tourism Industry. Businesses in the tourism industry, such as tour operators, hotels,

restaurants, transportation providers, and souvenir shops, can benefit from the study

by tapping into the market for Thanatourism and tailored their offerings to meet the

needs of visitors interested in exploring memorial parks.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 5

Thanatourists. Dark tourist destinations often evoke strong emotions in visitors,

including empathy, sadness, and reflection. Thanatourists may benefit from the

emotional engagement facilitated by visiting memorial parks, as it allows them to

connect with the stories and experiences of those who lived through the events

commemorated at the site.

Educational Institutions. Schools, colleges, and universities can incorporate the

study's findings into their curriculum to educate students about the importance of

preserving historical events and tragedies.

Students. The study serves as an educational resource for students, particularly

students taking BS Tourism Management, providing them with insights into the concept

of dark tourism, its significance in tourism studies, and its implications for tourism

development.

Future Researchers. Future researchers can use this study as reference material to

understand the process of conducting thanatourism destinations, specifically focusing

on memorial parks. They can refer to this study's methodologies, data collection

techniques, and analysis methods to design their research projects. Consistency in

results across different contexts would strengthen the validity and reliability of the

conclusions drawn.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 6

1.3 Conceptual Framework

According to Dunkley, R. A., Morgan, N., & Westwood, S. (2007), the creation and

presentation of a conceptual framework of Thanatourism, which aimed to provide

better consistency to this interesting but diverse field of tourism inquiry, is the paper's

major contribution to the subject. While tourists’ fascination with visiting sites were

associated with death and human tragedy received considerable academic and media

attention, the scholarly literature on so-called ‘dark’ or Thanatourism remains

fragmented.

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework for Promoting a New Thanatourism Destination.

This study focused on promoting a new Thanatourism destination six (6) variables

were presented by the conceptual paradigm: education, remembrance, sightseeing,

recreation, family bonding, and curiosity. The (2) circles connecting the boxes from the

top and bottom represent the independent (Planning) and dependent (Current Status)

variables that were obtained from the indicators: History, Authenticity, Storytelling, and

Experience.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 7

 Education was a key aspect that offered visitors an opportunity to learn about

the historical and cultural significance of their destination. It's a beacon, illuminating

the stories in the cemetery grounds and turning ordinary observers into informed

participants as part of an enormous tapestry of tales. A sense of connection and

reverence for the past was fostered through remembrance and education.

Sightseeing was a new dimension in Thanatourism, as was the traditional

element of tourism. It invited the curious traveler to explore not only physical

landmarks, but also the stories engraved in stone and memory, providing a visual and

intellectual journey. A layer of balance and diversity was added to the experience

through recreation, which was often overlooked in the discussion of tourism. It

acknowledged that there was room for leisure and renewal in a context of reflection

on mortality and heritage which created a holistic visitor experience.

Family bonds were considered to be an important factor, as we recognize that

the cemetery was not only a place for individual reflection but also a common space

where shared experiences and intergenerational dialogue took place. Curiosity,

perhaps the driving force behind Thanatourism, fueled exploration and discovery. It

invited visitors to explore the unknown, uncover tales that were unknown and

unexplored perspectives, giving them a feeling of wonder and curiosity.

A comprehensive plan for exploring and promoting Manila North Cemetery as

ThanaTourism Destination offered by the conceptual framework presented. We

unlocked the potential of these unique spaces to inspire, educate, and transform

through understanding and harnessing the interaction between education,

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 8

remembrance, sightseeing, recreation, family bonding, and curiosity in conjunction

with key historical principles such as authenticity, story or experience.

1.4 Statement of the Problem

This research promoted transforming Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism

destination. The study addressed the following specific questions to achieve its

objectives:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents:

1.1 Age

1.2 Gender

1.3 Type of Respondents

2. How do the respondents asses to the current status of Manila North Cemetery as

thanatourism destination?

3. How viable is the transformation of Manila North Cemetery into a thanatourism

destination concerning:

3.1 History

3.2 Authenticity

3.3 Storytelling

3.4 Experience

4. Based on the study findings, what strategic proposals may be recommended to

enhance the feasibility of Manila North Cemetery as a new thanatourism

destination?

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination | 9

1.5 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The research was conducted in Manila City, specifically focusing the on Manila

North Cemetery. A total of 100 respondents were included in the study. The

researchers' time frame included various activities that was comprised of major phases

in the study. The presentation and pre-oral defense week with a panel of Chapters 1-3

were scheduled for March, with data collection planned for the second week of April.

The presentation of Chapters 1-5, analysis, interpretation of data, and final defense

were conducted from April until May.

The study's scope excluded factors such as economic feasibility, environmental

impact assessments, and regulatory frameworks beyond the city's jurisdiction.

Furthermore, perspectives from stakeholders outside Manila City or potential tourists

from other regions or countries were not included. Additionally, aspects like funds for

infrastructure development, marketing strategies, and financial projections for the

transformation lay beyond the research's scope.

1.6 Definition of Terms

Thanatourism: The practice of visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, or disaster

for educational or recreational purposes.

Destination: A place or location that individuals or groups travel to for leisure,

business, or other purposes.

Exploring: The act of traveling through or investigating unfamiliar areas to gain

knowledge or experience.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |10

Cemetery: A designated area where deceased individuals are buried, managed

through processes such as interment, maintenance, record-keeping, and adherence to

regulations governing burial practices and site upkeep.

New: Referring to something recently discovered, created, or introduced.

Demographic Profile: A description of a population based on various characteristics

such as age, gender, income, education, etc.

Age: The length of time a person has lived, typically measured in years from birth.

Gender: The socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given

society considers appropriate for men, women, and non-binary individuals.

History: The study of past events, particularly in human affairs.

Authenticity: The quality of being genuine, real, or true to its origins or intentions.

Storytelling: The art of conveying events or experiences through narrative, often with

the purpose of entertaining, educating, or conveying a message.

Experience: The accumulation of knowledge, skills, or emotions acquired through

direct participation or observation of events.

Viable: Capable of working successfully; feasible or practicable.

Transformation: The process of undergoing a significant change in form, nature, or

appearance.

Strategic Proposals: Plans or suggestions designed to achieve long-term goals or

objectives.

Feasibility: The likelihood of a plan or project being successful based on practicality,

resources, and constraints.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |11

Education: The process of imparting or acquiring knowledge, skills, and understanding

through systematic instruction or study.

Remembrance: The act or process of recalling or retaining in memory, often

associated with honoring or commemorating someone or something.

Family Bonding: The strengthening of relationships and emotional connections within

a family through shared experiences, activities, and communication.

Recreation: Activities pursued for enjoyment, relaxation, and refreshment, typically

during leisure time.

Sightseeing: The activity of visiting interesting or notable places, often for tourism or

leisure purposes, to see and experience new sights.

Curiosity: The desire to know or learn about something new or unknown, often driving

exploration, investigation, and discovery.

Event Venue: A physical location or space designed and equipped to host various

types of events, gatherings, or activities, such as conferences, weddings, concerts, or

exhibitions.

Dark Tourism: Tourism that involves visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, or

disaster, often for educational or morbid curiosity purposes.

Memorial Parks: Places dedicated to commemorating and honoring individuals or

events, often including monuments, memorials, or burial grounds.

Tourist Attractions: Places or landmarks that draw visitors due to their cultural,

historical, natural, or entertainment value.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |12

 Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature and Studies

2.1 Thanatourism

The development and importance of dark tourism and Thanatourism in the tourist

sector was explored by D. Light's article published in 2017. These forms of tourism,

which were considered as a niche until recently, received wider attention and triggered

discussions on various aspects such as ethical issues, politics, demand patterns or

management challenges. Best 2017 examined the emotional experiences of tourists

visiting Norfolk Island's penal facilities, revealing a range of emotions from anger to

sympathy and nationalism.

The study by D. Light (2017) examined two decades of academic research on dark

tourism and Thanatourism, emphasizing the evolving understanding of these concepts

and their increasing prominence within tourism studies. Despite their initial perception

as niche forms of tourism, both dark tourism and Thanatourism gained mainstream

recognition and sparked vigorous debate, particularly in the context of broader

societal interests in death and dying. The study identifieD key themes and debates

surrounding these forms of tourism, included issues of definition, ethical concerns,

political dimensions, demand dynamics, management challenges, and

methodological approaches. However, it highlighted significant gaps and challenges

in the research, including a lack of consensus on definitions, limited theoretical

development, and ambiguity surrounding the distinctiveness of dark tourism and

Thanatourism compared to heritage tourism. Moreover, the study underscored the

multidisciplinary nature of research in this area, drawing on insights from various fields

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |13

beyond tourism studies. Despite the contributions from diverse disciplines, the study

pointed to theoretical fragmentation and a need for clearer conceptual frameworks to

guide future research and practice. It questioned whether dark tourism and

Thanatourism, if it truly represented distinct forms of tourist demand, highlighted the

complexity of visitor motivations and experiences. Ultimately, while the study

acknowledged the importance of investigating the relationship between tourism and

places of death, it raised doubts about the utility of the term "dark tourism" and

suggested alternative labels to describe this research focus more accurately.

Best (2017) delved into the emotional experiences of tourists visiting convict sites

on Norfolk Island, a significant heritage tourism destination. Through the use of arrival

and departure questionnaires along with post-travel interviews, the study revealed a

spectrum of emotions experienced by visitors, ranging from anger and grief to

empathy, pride, and nationalism. Despite encountering narratives of suffering and

harsh treatment, most tourists expressed satisfaction with their experiences, which

indicated a nuanced interplay between positive and negative emotions. The research

suggested that these emotional encounters broaden visitors' thought-action

repertoires, influencing their attitudes and potentially shaping future travel decisions.

By applying Thanatourism frameworks to convict sites, the study identified parallels

between Thanatourism and heritage tourism, offered insights for tourism management

and policy development. Additionally, the study underscored the significance of

understanding tourists' emotional needs and motivations in crafting effective tourism

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |14

strategies, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and contributing to the broader

discourse on Thanatourism's implications for tourism management.

2.2 Dark Tourism

Dark Tourism emphasized how travelers use dark tourism destinations which

were frequently connected to suffering, death, or tragedy for a variety of reasons.

Some sought to understand the past or human experience, while others used it as a

means of dealing with mortality and paying tribute to those affected by these events.

The article also dealt with the elements that influenced visitor experience, such as

interpretation, authenticity of the sites, and media coverage.

Since dark tourism has been around for many years, it wasn't until the late 1900s

that it started being integrated into locations for travel because such a type of

attraction can only be selected by those with a particular interest in dark tourism,

tourism whose history was full of sorrow, agony, blood, and death. Among other things,

those individuals were the ones with a lot of bravery. Due to the increasing popularity

of these kinds of travel activities, dark tourism was deemed one of the increasingly

sophisticated forms of tourism. Travelers visited these destinations for purely organic

objectives, such as excitement and curiosity. They described it as “the attraction of

visitors to tourism sites associated with recent and historic incidents of death &

disaster”.

People of today were drawn to this particular kind of attraction because it offered

information about structures that were uncovered through examining dark tourism,

which piqued their curiosity. Dark tourism was described as travel to places famous for
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |15
death, catastrophe, natural disaster, war, or legendary narratives. The heartbeat of the

“storyteller,” who had an important place that defended to disappear, started to be

heard again in the dark tourism event.

Despite everything, these studies were not interested in revealing either the

anthropological roots of the issue or the representation of founding trauma as

sacralization of the dead. Natural and man-made disasters gave lessons to

communities that were rechanneled by employing the mythical mechanism of

resiliency. From our point of view, tourism appeared to be an endangered sector, but

it serves as one of the numerous instruments that society used to deal with the tragedy

that occurred. Pointed out the elements of tourist attractions, included the tourist

attractions’ interpretation, tourist attractions’ authenticity, and media coverage, which

would further affect the visitors’ experiences in Dark Tourism. It was discovered that

tourists used information and stimuli obtained from other areas to alter or satisfy their

emotional requirements or viewpoints.

There were so many dark tourist sites in the world, most of the tourists tended to

go to the famous and have very dark and painful places that involved sorrows and

death. Visitors reminisced about dark tourism sites to accommodate and cater to their

emotional space apart from tourist attractions. Dark tourism, sometimes referred to as

Thanatourism or sorrow tourism, was the practice of traveling to locations connected

to tragedy, death, or pain. These locations were former battlefields, spots affected by

natural disasters, jails, or even places that were connected to notorious crimes or serial

killers. There were many different and intricate reasons behind dark tourism. Some

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |16

people pursued it as a means of learning about and comprehending the past or human

nature. For others, it was a means of facing mortality or honoring those who endured

or lost their lives in these places.

The potential of dark tourism to memorialize and educate was one of its features.

A very instructive experience was had by visiting historical tragedy sites like Alcatraz

or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This allowed people to think about the effect

of human activity while learning about past events firsthand. This drew millions of

visitors annually, benefiting many groups, particularly local communities of the dark

sites (Lewis et al., 2022; Lv et al., 2022). Among the popular sites associated with dark

tourism were Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, the 9/11 World Trade Centre site, the

Chernobyl nuclear disaster sites, and the Gallipoli War site of World War 1 (Martini &

Buda, 2020). These visits were acts of memory that helped ensure that the suffering of

those who perished remained relevant and that the significance of maintaining peace

and avoiding disasters of the same kind was understood by future generations.

To the people, it must be given the proper information for this kind of knowledge

as this information helped one's mind to be more interested in learning things that have

a dark past. Dark tourism also boosted the local economies of the communities that

surrounded these attractions. Even while it seemed wrong to make money from sorrow.

Tourism helped keep historical places maintained and protected local businesses by

bringing in much needed revenue. Furthermore, a higher number of tourists

encouraged action to address persistent environmental concerns or violations of

human rights.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |17

 The study on dark tourism indicators and tourist motivations in the Philippine

context provided valuable insights relevant to this research study. By examining the

different perspectives and characteristics of dark tourism, the study shed light on the

nature of this form of tourism and its potential implications for destination development.

The findings highlighted the interconnectedness of dark tourism with other forms of

tourism, such as disaster tourism and heritage tourism (Mendiola 2022) which

underscored the need to understand its multifaceted nature. Moreover, the

identification of dark tourism indicators, including history, authenticity, storytelling, and

experiences, offered valuable criteria for evaluating the suitability of memorial parks

for dark tourism purposes.

Furthermore, the study identified key tourist motivations for visiting dark tourism

sites, such as education, remembrance, sightseeing, and recreation, which informed

their understanding of visitor preferences and behaviors. The study's emphasis on

destination planning, management, and marketing aligned with their strategic

proposal for developing memorial parks as tourist attractions, emphasizing the

importance of leveraging historical significance and storytelling elements to create

memorable visitor experiences. Additionally, the creation of a Philippine dark tourism

spectrum provided a valuable framework for evaluating and classifying dark tourism

sites, facilitating the identification and management of such attractions.

However, there were moral issues with dark tourism as well. Critics contend that

it was abusive or visual, reducing painful locations to amusement attractions. Visitors

must approach these locations with empathy and understanding since there was a thin

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |18

line separating respectful remembrance over sensationalizing. Furthermore, the flood

of visitors could occasionally destroy local communities or destroy places of worship,

emphasizing the necessity of sustainable and ethical tourism practices.

To sum up, dark tourism is a complicated phenomenon that has advantages and

disadvantages. It could boost local economies, offer worthwhile educational

opportunities, and protect historical memory, but it also brought up moral concerns

about observing and exploitation, or cultural sensitivity. In the long run, consumers

have to approach these sites with morality, empathy, and a willingness to critically

interact with the stories they come across.

2.3 Memorial Parks

This collection of research examined the delicate nature and value of cemetery

sites in urban areas, providing insight into a wide range of aspects of their dynamics.

These studies collectively highlighted the diversity of roles and values of cemeteries

in urban environments, from meeting local needs and tourism potential to promoting

personal healing and preserving cultural heritage. In order to maximize the benefits of

cemetery sites while preserving their intrinsic cultural and historical value, it was

essential for stakeholders to understand these dynamics.

The study by Navarra and Peralta (2023) investigated the possibility of

repurposing the San Juan Municipal Cemetery in La Union, Philippines, as a public park

to meet the increasing need for recreational places. The analysis argued that by

leveraging the cemetery's location along the National Highway and harmonizing with

the municipality's cultural and urbanization goals, transforming the privately owned
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |19
cemetery into a public park might serve as a gateway to the municipality's beachside

tourism zone. This study emphasized the need of strategic land use planning in

realizing the full potential of existing spaces to address community needs while

boosting tourism and cultural identity.

Sallay (2020) investigated the value of cemeteries as urban green areas and

potential tourism destinations in Budapest, Hungary. Their research underlined the

importance of cemeteries in delivering environmental services and maintaining cultural

heritage in urban settings. Cemeteries improved tourist experiences while also

contributing to urban greenspace infrastructure by maintaining semi-natural

vegetation and researching tourism-related activities such as guided tours. This study

emphasized the significance of balancing preservation efforts with tourism

development to preserve the long-term use of cemetery grounds.

Matečić, I. et al. (2020) examined underground medieval cemeteries in Zagreb,

Croatia, to investigate the problems and potential connected with creating 'dark' tourist

experiences within these concealed areas. The study's goal was to uncover the

untapped potential of hidden cemeteries as fascinating exploration locations by

utilizing the experience economy model and heritage tourism concepts. The study

illuminated the intricate dynamics of visitor encounters, as well as the intricacies of

perception and response in concealed cemetery tourism, using archival research,

participant observation, and stakeholder interaction.

Dickens & Soligo (2020) conducted a critical examination of celebrity tourism

dynamics within four prominent cemeteries in the Los Angeles area, known as

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |20

"Hollywood memorial parks." Their research explored the motivations driving tourists

to these sites and the unique experiences they sought to encounter, particularly in the

context of celebrity culture. By researching visitor patterns and the monetization of

cemetery spaces for cultural events, the study shed light on how cemeteries were

transformed into dynamic venues catering to a wide range of tourist interests.

Hock's (2020) book explored the tremendous meaning that cemeteries had in the

lives of bereaved individuals, highlighting the function that memorial grounds play in

promoting healing and personal development. Through addressing the often-

disregarded personal values connected to visiting cemeteries, the book advances our

knowledge of sorrow, mourning, and commemoration. It emphasized how cemeteries

changed over time in response to shifting society and individual demands,

underscoring their ongoing value as cultural markers. This study offered insightful

information about the long-lasting use of cemeteries as places in urban settings for

contemplation, community, and memory.

In conclusion, these studies demonstrated the varied nature of cemetery areas

and their importance in urban surroundings. From reusing existing cemeteries to satisfy

community needs to investigating the tourism potential of hidden historical places,

each study shed light on the intricacies of cemetery dynamics. Understanding the

specific problems and opportunities associated with cemetery settings allowed

stakeholders to maximize their potential while conserving their cultural and historical

value. Finally, these studies led to a better understanding of cemeteries as important

components of urban landscapes and cultural heritage.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |21

2.4 Destination

These studies offered an insightful look into a range of dark tourism topics, such

as visitor motivation, behavior, destination development, and recovery tactics. With

information on visitor motivations, behavior, and destination development, these

researches contributed to a deeper knowledge of the black tourism industry as a

whole. Stakeholders utilized this information to advance eco-friendly tourism

strategies, encourage economic expansion, protect cultural heritage, and make travel

destinations more resilient during hard times.

Adelan et al. (2023) emphasized the importance of locations like the Liberty

Shrine in Mactan, Cebu, which represented the spirit of dark tourism by honoring

historical events defined by struggle and suffering. The study underlined the need of

understanding tourist motivations and developing strategic measures to improve visitor

experiences and preserve cultural assets.

Magana et al. (2023) investigated the varied character of destination image and

tourist motivations in the Bicol Region, highlighting the relationship between

satisfaction, loyalty, and destination perception. Their findings highlighted the need of

ongoing research and adaptability to changing customer demands and preferences

when developing tourist programs and services.

Arcipe and Tinga's study (2021) examined the potential for dark tourism in Leyte

province, particularly in the aftermath of disasters. By analyzing the extent to which

development was practiced in areas such as planning, organization, and promotion,

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |22

the study emphasizes dhe need for stakeholder collaboration in effectively promoting

and developing dark tourism activities.

Dayunan's research (2022) investigated visitor motivations and intentions in

disaster-affected destinations, particularly in the Philippines, identifying internal and

extrinsic elements that influenced tourist behavior. The study underlined the

complexities of tourist behavior in disaster scenarios, as well as the importance of

taking demographic aspects into account when assessing post-disaster visitor

tendencies.

Anouti and Kennell's (2022) study looked at the possibility of black tourism to

grow in Beirut, Lebanon, following a series of disasters. Despite the challenges of using

dark tourism's potential as a catalyst for destination recovery, the study emphasized

the viability of developing an urban dark tourism offering and the relevance of

stakeholder participation and destination marketing post-crisis. In essence, the

combined findings of these studies led to a better understanding of dark tourism as a

niche within the tourism sector. By using insights about tourist motives, behaviors, and

destination development plans, stakeholders encouraged sustainable tourism

practices that supported economic growth, cultural heritage preservation, and

destination resilience in the face of adversity. However, resolving the issues associated

with dark tourism, such as stakeholder participation and safety concerns was critical

to realizing its full potential as a driver of destination recovery and regeneration.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |23

 2.5 Historical Interpretation

The study of historical interpretation in memorial parks was to present historical

facts, figures, and stories that were often focused on darker aspects of history to

educate and remember. The research of B Wyatt and A Leask in 2022 specifically

addressed the effects of lighting on visitor engagement and interpretation design at

dark tourist sites. In addition, these research activities reinforced the dialogue on the

ethics of dark tourism and emphasized the responsibility of destination managers and

designers to present historical narratives delicately. The study deepened discussion

on the role of Dark Tourism in memorializing, educating, and commemorating national

parks by looking at how light affected the visitor experience.

Wyatt and Leask’s (2022) research examined the influence of three light-

illuminating visitor destinations, which were added to the study in Dark Tourism research

as new educational sites, on their interpretation design. It also discussed the findings

that were achieved, which not only contributed to the conclusions and recommendations

for future research in the field of Dark Tourism but as well as interpretation.

The findings of this study had a major impact on this research study. They

provided valuable insight for practitioners and researchers alike into the complex

relationship between lighting, interpretation design, and visitor engagement. The

findings of the study were more than an extension to our understanding of dark tourism,

they also offered practical recommendations for strengthening interpretation at such

sites.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |24

 In addition, this research supported ongoing discussions on the ethics of dark

tourism. The study raised the question of responsibility for destination managers and

designers to provide delicate historical narratives, by exploring how lighting influenced

visitor experiences. The discussion on the role of dark tourism in memorialization,

education, and commemoration was deepened by the aspect of research.

Collins-Kreiner (2019) analyzed the development of pilgrimages over recent

decades. In ancient times, pilgrimage was the first kind of tourism mobility. Its

importance declined over the last decades, as other tourism segments gained

popularity. Although modern tourism was often considered a relatively new

phenomenon, its origins were rooted in an ancient tradition of pilgrimage.

In general, its ability to foster understanding, empathy, and remembrance was of

paramount importance when interpreting historical events in the areas of Dark Tourism

and Memorial Parks. Historical interpretation enhanced the visitor experience,

increased the appreciation of history, and contributed to the preservation of cultural

heritage through meaningful dialogue with the past.

Moreover, the interpretation of history was a catalyst for empathy and allowed

visitors to reflect on human stories that underlined tragedies remembered in dark

tourism memorials. The interpretation humanized the past by highlighting individual

experiences, personal stories, and acts of resilience, making them more relatable and

emotionally resonant to visitors.

Another important aspect of historical interpretation was remembrance in the

dark tourism and memorial parks. Visitors were encouraged to reflect upon the

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |25

significance of such events and their lasting impact on individuals, communities, and

societies when visiting monuments, memorials, or artifacts. Remembrances fostered a

sense of shared responsibility to preserve history’s lessons and prevent further

bloodshed.

Layers of darkness were historical and evoked the idea of darkness accruing over

time, much as sedimentation led to geological layers. These layers of darkness usually

left no trace discernible to someone passing through. Perhaps those traces were

buried in the memory of the people affected, themselves now dead.

Overall, historical interpretation was crucial for the promotion of understanding,

empathy, and memory in Dark Tourism and Memorial Parks. Interpretation was a

powerful tool to engage with difficult histories and to ensure that the lessons of the

past were not forgotten, enhanced the visitor experience, increased appreciation of

history, and contributed to the preservation of cultural heritage.

2.6 Collaborations with Historians

In understanding the dynamics of memorial parks as dark tourism destinations,

particularly in the Philippines, the impact of geographical elements on historical

narratives and visitor preferences in Southeast Asia was a key factor. This

understanding was supported by two important studies. These studies provided a solid

basis for understanding and exploring memorial parks as a dark tourist attraction. They

emphasized the importance of effectively positioning and promoting these sites while

respecting historical narratives and visitor experience, took into account spatial design,

cultural dynamics, ethical considerations as well as responsible tourism practices.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |26
Exploring the impact of geographic elements on historical narratives and the diverse

visitors' preferences in Southeast Asia, providing a comprehensive understanding of

both spatial and cultural dynamics. This knowledge enriched our approach to

positioning memorial parks as dark tourism attractions in the Philippines.

Architecture (2023) examined how spatial design and location played a crucial

role in memorial sites worldwide. It analyzed examples such as the Cretto di Burri, a

concrete sculpture representing an earthquake-hit city, and the 9/11 memorial complex

with voids symbolizing demolished towers.

Additionally, Claudine Salmon (2024) explored the variations in the target

clientele of memorial park developers across different Southeast Asian countries.

Specifically, it compared the preferences and considerations in the Philippines, where

developers catered to Westernized Catholics of Chinese and Filipino origins, to

Malaysia, where Chinese customers with diverse cultural and religious characteristics

were prominent.

Furthermore, it was critical to understand the ethical consequences of advertising

memorial sites as gloomy tourism destinations. While these websites were useful

instructional resources and platforms for remembrance, there was a narrow line

between respectful memorials and sensationalizing sorrow for commercial benefit. As

a result, any conversation about promoting memorial sites as dark tourism attractions

must be preceded by a thorough examination of ethical considerations and

responsible tourism practices.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |27

 These studies provided a robust foundation for our research, and ensured that

our exploration of memorial parks as dark tourism attractions was informed by the

researcher's best practices and a deep appreciation of regional cultural dynamics.

2.7 Visitor Experience and Engagement

Collective knowledge from these studies significantly contributed to our

understanding of the cultural, emotional, and educational dimension of dark tourism; it

formed a key contextual basis for examining memorial parks in this changing tourist

environment. We can better comprehend the varied reasons and affective aspects

associated with dark tourism by applying these findings to our research. This

knowledge was essential as we consider ways to market memorial parks as interesting

travel destinations, utilizing their historical relevance and ability to provide guests with

memorable and profound experiences.

Kerr (2020) emphasized the multifaceted cultural, political, and linguistic

representations of dark tourism, with a focus on the educational importance of visits to

Thanatological attractions. Understanding the emotional and revelatory aspects of

young tourists at memorial sites, these studies shed light on the varied responses, from

reflections on history to a deeper sense of patriotism.

Hilton (2023) delved into dark tourism, where visitors, fueled by curiosity and

fascination with aspects of history, were motivated to explore locations associated with

tragic events. The study exploredd the potential transformation of memorial parks into

dark tourism attractions, recognizing tourists for unique and thought-provoking

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |28

experiences related to historical tragedies. The concept was driven by people's

interest in the darkest elements of human history.

Constructing imagined communities and associated meaning-making also

enabled empathy and resolution, which was significant given the demanding and

confronting nature of the subject matter projected at these sites. Imagining

communities also created a more visceral and affecting memorial experience as it

contextualized meaning in a way that was highly appropriate, significant, and

personal.

The addition of these insights extended our understanding of the complex

motivations and emotional aspects associated with dark tourism, providing valuable

context for our research into the promotion of memorial parks as engaging tourist

attractions.

2.8 Storytelling

This strategy fits with current trends in which immersive storytelling and

experiential learning were essential for holding audiences' attention. It also drew

attention to the fine line drawn between offering worthwhile educational opportunities

and honoring the subject's sensitivity. In the end, these observations advanced our

knowledge of how tragic storylines can be powerfully told through dark tourism sites

while still interacting with guests in a responsible and meaningful way.

Learning and understanding took place at the site where suffering and death

occurred; likewise, attractions were (re)created to further showcase the stories and

tragic events. These sites and attractions where death and suffering were present
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |29
focused on education- and/or entertainment-based experiences as a precursor to

encourage consumer engagement. As Jacobsen (2016) suggested, death was now a

spectacle, an experience witnessed from a safe distance, but rarely experienced

directly. People were interested and fascinated by death, but people did not want the

pain that came with death.

2.9 Authenticity

The preservation of the Pentagon Memorial was examined through the prism of

two memorial grammars: the inclusion of civilians in the commemoration language of

heroic victims during the War on Terror and the aspirations of modern society for

disaster sites to exemplify "authenticity." The paper contended that these memorial

grammars used gendered statecraft logic to shape the Pentagon Memorial. The

memorial was presented as a reaction to 9/11's abrupt entry into American territory and

the violent mixing of military and civilian casualties at the crash site. The way the

bodies of the "protectors" and the "protected" were entwined during the sad incident

was highlighted by the design, which captured this moment of intrusion.

The article argued that the Pentagon Memorial was itself curated by two

memorial grammars: contemporary expectations that disaster sites resonated with

‘authenticity’; and that civilians were incorporated into commemorative rhetoric of

heroic victimhood, during the War on Terror. These memorial grammars constituted the

Pentagon Memorial through the gendered logic of statecraft. The memorial was a

crafted as a response to the sudden violation of the domestic realm on 9/11, as well as

the violent entangling of civilian and military victims at the crash site. Its design
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |30
encircled this moment of violation, where the bodies of ‘protectors’ were entangled

with those of the ‘protected’.

2.10 Synthesis

Dark tourism, also known as Thanatourism or sorrow tourism, involved traveling

to places associated with tragedy, death, or pain. The existing limited research in the

embodiment of dark experience mainly focused on examining the one-way “body to

mind” effect, that was, the influence of tourist sensory experience on their

psychological experience (Krishna & Schwarz, 2014; Lv et al., 2022). This type of

tourism gained popularity in the late 1900s, and appealed to individuals with a

particular interest in history filled with sorrow, agony, blood, and death. Travelers were

drawn to these destinations out of curiosity and sought excitement and a deeper

understanding of past events. Dark tourism sites ranged from former battlefields and

areas affected by natural disasters to locations connected to notorious crimes.

The phenomena of dark tourism were multifaceted and had advantages as well

as disadvantages. On one hand, it promoted regional economic growth, provided

worthwhile educational opportunities, and protected historical memory, and affected

tourist dark experience (Lv et al., 2022). It also brought up moral concerns regarding

exploitation, voyeurism, and cultural sensitivity.

Most tourism research in sensory experience examined the embodiment and

place encounters or senses in destination marketing (Agapito, 2020, Lv et al., 2020).

People visited these sites for various reasons, including learning about the past,

confronting mortality, or honoring those who suffered there. Despite criticisms, dark
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |31
tourism served as a way for society to cope with tragedy and learn from historical

events. The experiences of visitors were influenced by factors such as interpretation,

authenticity, and media coverage of the attractions. Overall, dark tourism offers visitors

a unique opportunity that explored the darker aspects of human history and the

resilience of communities affected by tragedy.

Through an innovative analysis of visual darkness, this study experts a new

approach to dark experience research, shed light on previously unexplored

dimensions of tourist motivations and perceptions. The research delved into the

fascinating realm of dark tourism, revealed the complex interaction between the mind

and body in shaping tourists' experiences. By including the concept of the "mind-body"

connection, the research provided a fresh perspective to the field, hard traditional

notions that mostly emphasized cognitive processes in understanding tourist behavior.

To sum up, dark tourism provided an opportunity for education, remembrance,

introspection, and preservation. People learned more about the past, honored the

victims, developed empathy, and supported their communities by visiting these

locations. Dark tourism was a powerful tool for teaching people about history and

forging significant interactions with those moments that shaped our world, but must be

approached sensitively.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |32

 Chapter 3: Methodology of the Study

3.1 Methods and Techniques

In this study, an exploratory research approach was employed, utilized a mixed-

method strategy that integrated both qualitative and quantitative techniques to

investigate the promotion of Manila North Cemetery as a new thana tourism attraction.

This approach gained a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the

park’s potential as a Thanatourism destination by engaging with caretakers, local

residents or informal settlers, visitors, as well as the Local Government Unit (LGU).

The qualitative component was first conducted and involved interviews related

to Manila North Cemetery's potential as a Thanatourism attraction. These interviews

provided rich insights that informed the development of the survey instrument for the

quantitative component. Subsequently, the quantitative component involved

administering surveys to the respondents focused on gathering numerical data that

analyzed factors such as visitor satisfaction levels and perceptions of tourism

development in Memorial Park. This approach allowed for a triangulation of findings,

ensuring the validity and reliability of the results obtained from both qualitative and

quantitative data.

The study utilized an exploratory research design because it aimed to uncover

and understand the underlying factors that contributed to the promotion of Manila

North Cemetery as a new Thanatourism attraction. This design enabled researchers to

go beyond merely describing phenomena and instead explored the relationships

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |33

between variables, uncovering the reasons behind certain behaviors, perceptions, and

experiences related to the park's tourism potential.

3.2 Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study were divided into four (4) main categories:

caretakers, visitors, local residents or informal settlers, and representatives from the

Local Government Unit (LGU). A total of 100 respondents were included in the study.

Caretakers represented individuals responsible for the management and

maintenance of the memorial park, including maintenance staff and other personnel

involved in park operations. Visitors encompassed individuals who frequented the park

for various purposes, such as paying respects to deceased loved ones, participating in

cultural events, or enjoying recreational activities. Residents consisted of individuals

living in the vicinity of the memorial park, who were interested in the park’s impact on

the local area. The LGU representatives were officials or personnel from the local

government tasked with overseeing and managing the development and promotion of

tourism initiatives within the area, provided valuable insights into the broader

governance and policy considerations related to the promotion of Manila North

Cemetery as a Thanatourism attraction.

The researchers settled on 100 respondents, considering factors such as the

study's scope, resource availability, and practicality. This sample size offered sufficient

data to draw meaningful conclusions while fitting within time constraints. It ensured

statistical significance and diverse perspectives without overburdening participants or

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |34

resources. Additionally, the choice aligned with precedents in similar studies, ensuring

comparability and relevance of findings.

Chassan (1979) stated that 20 to 25 subjects per IV group would appear to be

an absolute minimum for a reasonable probability of detecting a difference in

treatment effects. Some methodologists insisted upon a minimum of 50 to 100 subjects.

As explained by Akman (2023), when the population is large, 100 participants were

typically considered the minimum sample size. The majority of statisticians agreed that

a sample size of 100 was necessary to obtain any kind of significant results.

3.3 Instruments of the Study

The study employed two primary instruments: face-to-face interviews and the

survey questionnaires. Face-to-face interviews served as the initial instrument,

allowing for a more in-depth exploration of respondents’ perspectives and

experiences. Conducted with audio recordings, these interviews offered a platform for

capturing nuanced insights, motivations, and perceptions related to the feasibility of

Manila North Cemetery as a Thanatourism destination.

Complementing the face-to-face interviews, the survey questionnaire functionED

as a structured tool designed for the systematic collection of quantitative data from

respondents. Through the gathering of numerical data, the questionnaire enabled

researchers to quantitatively analyze factors influencing the feasibility of Manila North

Cemetery as a new Thanatourism destination. Its structured format ensured

consistency in data collection and facilitated the comparison of responses across

different respondent groups.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |35
 The questions included in both the face-to-face interviews and the survey

questionnaire were carefully crafted by the researchers to elicit specific information

relevant to the feasibility of Manila North Cemetery as a Thanatourism destination.

This approach ensured that the data collected were targeted towards understanding

the various factors influencing the potential success of the cemetery as a Thanatourism

site.

Table 1. Dark tourism indicators.

Dark Tourism Indicators Description

History origin of the attractions/destinations;
the significant event that happened related to the history of the
country or destination;
the tourism site must have a historical value;
the tourism site must be able to facilitate insightful realization
in the midst of and despite its morbid nature events that
happened in the American and Spanish eras that have a
significant impact on Philippine history,
and places that can reveal different scenarios that might use
for identification of the destination.
Authenticity actual or associated place of the death and suffering
the unique story of death
the history of the site must be proven authentic
the existence of authentic relics related to death and suffering
Storytelling the information shared by the tour guide
how the tour guide shared the stories about the dark tourism
sites in a more compelling way
the use of tangible things such as tombs, crosses, angels, and
dungeons in storytelling
another way of educating younger individuals on the history of
the country.
Experience customer delight is known as a memorable experience
expectations from the stories shared by the tour guide
added services to the expectations of the tourists
beliefs and culture of Filipinos related to the eerie, creepy, and
ghostly places as dark tourist sites

History played a crucial role in identifying dark tourism sites, with experts

emphasizing several key elements in assessing their historical significance. These

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |36

included the origin of attractions, significant events related to the country or

destination's history, the site's historical value, its potential to facilitate insightful

realizations despite its morbid nature, events from different historical periods impacting

local history, and the ability of the site to reveal various scenarios for destination

identification. For instance, the Manila North Cemetery, originally part of La Loma

Cemetery, held historical significance dating back to its establishment in 1904. During

the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, the cemetery witnessed

atrocities, becoming the site of brutal killings by Imperial Japanese forces. Beyond its

somber history, the cemetery served as a cultural landmark, hosting the graves of

prominent figures in Philippine history and showcased diverse architectural styles

reflective of different historical periods.

In assessing dark tourism sites, authenticity emerged as another vital indicator.

Authenticity was determined by the presence of unique death stories associated with

the attraction, which involved the actual place of death and suffering or locations

closely linked to such experiences.

Storytelling also played a significant role in shaping perceptions of dark tourism

sites. As a service industry, tourism relied on effective storytelling to enhance visitor

experiences. Tangible elements within the attractions, such as crosses in cemeteries,

dungeons, and tombs, accompanied by narrative accounts from tour guides,

contributed to the appeal of these sites to tourists. Tour guides played a pivotal role in

providing insights into dark tourism sites, utilizing tangible artifacts as visual aids to

engage visitors and convey historical and cultural significance.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |37

 The overall experience at dark tourism sites was a key factor in their appeal.

Memorable experiences were created through the combination of historical

authenticity, engaging storytelling, and the presence of tangible artifacts. Despite the

somber nature of these attractions, visitors were drawn to the opportunity for insight

and reflection offered by their exploration. Efforts to address challenges such as

overcrowding and maintenance issues were essential for preserving the heritage of

dark tourism sites and ensured their continued significance for future generations.

3.4 Data Gathering Procedures

The data-gathering procedure involved conducting face-to-face interviews and

distributing structured survey questionnaires.

Face-to-face interviews were conducted first to gain a deeper understanding of

respondents' perspectives and experiences regarding the feasibility of Manila North

Cemetery as a new Thanatourism destination. Clear instructions were given, and open-

ended questioning encouraged respondents to express their thoughts freely. Audio

recording devices ensured accurate documentation of responses.

Following the interviews, structured survey questionnaires were distributed in

person to targeted respondents at designated locations within or near Memorial Park.

Clear instructions for completion were provided, ensuring consistency in data

collection. Once the surveys were completed, the gathered data were compiled for

analysis.

Interpreting data from interviews involved several key steps aimed at deriving

meaningful insights. Initially, recorded interviews underwent transcription to ensure

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |38
accurate conversion of spoken words into written text. Thematic coding was then

employed to analyze the transcribed interviews, identifying key themes, topics, and

patterns within the data. Additionally, the interpreted interview data were integrated

with findings from the structured survey questionnaires. Statistical analysis of the

survey data employed techniques such as reliability testing and Cronbach's alpha to

explore relationships, differences, and the reliability of the survey instrument.

Reliability testing assessed the consistency and stability of the survey

questionnaire. This involved analyzing the internal consistency of the questionnaire

items using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A high alpha value indicated greater

reliability, suggesting that the items were measured the same underlying construct

consistently.

Before conducting the actual survey, pilot testing was undertaken to evaluate the

feasibility and efficacy of the survey instruments and procedures. The validation

checklist form was signed by experts, including a tour guide, Manila North Cemetery

management staff, and a research expert. In terms of the results obtained from SPSS

using Cronbach's Alpha, a value of .855 signified a high level of internal consistency

reliability among the survey questions, indicating that the survey items were

dependable for assessing the intended construct (see Appendix B).

Purposive sampling was utilized in selecting participants for both the face-to-face

interviews and the survey questionnaires. This method involved selecting participants

based on specific criteria relevant to the research objectives. Individuals of various age

groups were included to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. Participants were also

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |39

chosen based on their familiarity with dark tourism concepts and their involvement with

Memorial Park. Lastly, local residents and visitors to Manila North Cemetery were also

included to provide valuable insights into the appeal and significance of Memorial

Parks as destinations for dark tourism. Using purposive sampling enhanced the validity

and relevance of the data collected.

3.5 Data Processing and Statistical Treatment

The study utilized reliability testing, such as Cronbach's alpha, to ensure the validity,

consistency, and reliability of the collected data.

Reliability Testing

Reliability testing evaluated the internal consistency of the survey

questionnaire by determining if the items measured the same underlying construct

consistently. It was crucial to ensure that the survey instrument reliably measures

intended constructs, such as respondents' assessment of the current status of Manila

North Cemetery and their perceptions toward Thanatourism. Reliability testing,

performed by calculating Cronbach's alpha, measured the average correlation

between all possible item combinations within a scale. A high Cronbach's alpha value

(typically above 0.7) indicated strong internal consistency implied that the items within

the scale were closely related and reliably measured the intended construct.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |40

Cronbach's Alpha

Cronbach's alpha, a measure of internal consistency, assessed the reliability of

a scale or composite score composed of multiple items. It indicated how closely all

items within a scale or construct were interrelated and measured the same underlying

concept. In this study, Cronbach's alpha was computed for scales or constructs

included in the survey questionnaire, such as understanding toward Thanatourism or

perceptions of the viability of transforming Manila North Cemetery. Statistical software

was used for calculation, and a high alpha value (typically above 0.7) suggested strong

internal consistency.

Interview data underwent a meticulous transcription process, converting

spoken words into written text to ensure accurate capture of all responses. Thematic

analysis was then used to identify recurring themes, patterns, and topics within the

transcribed data. Patterns and trends across interviews were subsequently identified

to understand commonalities and variations in participants' responses, shed light on

differences based on demographic groups or individual experiences.

Eventually, insights from interview data were integrated with findings from

structured survey questionnaires, providing a comprehensive understanding of the

research problem through triangulation of data sources, validation of insights, and

deeper contextualization of findings.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |41

3.6 Ethical Consideration

In the study, Republic Act No. 10173, commonly known as the Data Privacy Act of

2012 (DPA), was utilized to ensure the protection of personal data collected during the

research process. The DPA established guidelines for the handling, processing, and

safeguarding of personal information in both government and private sectors.

Compliance with the DPA was paramount to safeguarding the confidentiality and

privacy of participants' data collected through surveys and interviews. Additionally, the

establishment of the National Privacy Commission (NPC) under the DPA will served as

a regulatory body overseeing the implementation of data privacy policies and

procedures.

Furthermore, the National Research Act, enacted in 1974, informed the ethical

conduct of research involving human subjects. This legislation led to the creation of

the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and

Behavioral Research, which identified fundamental principles for research ethics.

Adherence to these principles, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and

protection of participants' rights, guided the research process to ensure ethical

practices were upheld throughout data collection and analysis.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |42

 Chapter 4: Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data

This chapter presented, analyzed and interpreted the data gathered through

survey questionnaires. The data were analyzed and presented in statistical tables

based on the statement of the problem in Chapter 1.

Table 2. Demographic Profile of the Respondents.

Table 2 provided a detailed breakdown of the demographic profile of

respondents and their classification as the potential Thanatourism destination of

Manila North Cemetery. It highlighted the distribution of respondents across age

groups, genders, and types, offered valuable insights into the potential visitor base and

stakeholder engagement. This analysis aimed to understand the demographics of

those interested in exploring the cemetery and provided foundational information for

future marketing and development strategies.

Particulars Frequency Percentage

1. Age
18-25 years old 16 17.78%
26-33 years old 17 18.89%
34-41 years old 15 16.67%
42-49 years old 19 21.11%
50-58 years old 13 14.44%
59-66 years old 6 6.67%
67-77 years old 5 5.56%
2. Gender
Male 48 53.33%
Female 42 46.67%
3. Type of Respondents
Caretakers 22 24.44%
Loval Residents/Informal Settlers 22 24.44%
Local Government Units (LGUs) 18 20.00%
Visitors 28 31.11%

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |43

 The data provided a thorough perspective on the demographics and types of

respondents associated with the potential Thanatourism destination of Manila North

Cemetery. When examining the age distribution, the most significant group of participants

was found in the 42-49 age bracket, with 21.11% of the overall total. This was closely

followed by individuals aged 26-33, with 18.89%. This suggested a notable enthusiasm

among those in their middle-aged years, which indicated a demographic with a

pronounced tendency towards exploring history and culture. Nevertheless, it was

important to acknowledge the inclusion of younger participants, as the age range of 18-

25 with 17.78% of the responses indicated a wide appeal among various age groups.

Regarding gender, the data indicated that there was a little majority of male

respondents, with 53.33% of the total, while females constitute 46.67%. The gender

distribution of visitors to the cemetery impacted marketing and promotional initiatives, as

it was important to ensure that these efforts were inclusive and appealed to both genders.

The data indicated a varied composition of respondents. The survey results

showed that both caretakers and residents/informal settlers each made up 24.44% of the

respondents, demonstrating a substantial level of local participation and stakeholder

interest in the cemetery. Furthermore, 20.00% of the respondents were local government

units (LGUs), which indicated their involvement and possible assistance in tourism

development projects. Significantly, visitors made up the largest demographic at 31.11%,

suggested a considerable interest from those outside of Manila or tourists in visiting the

Manila North Cemetery as a location for Thanatourism.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |44

 The demographic distribution indicated that there was a wide interest in

investigating Manila North Cemetery among various age groups, with a notably high

attraction among those in their middle age. This suggested a chance to create specific

instructional and promotional materials that strongly appealed to the interests and

preferences of this population. Furthermore, the substantial number of visitors

emphasized the possibility of the cemetery being a prominent destination for

thanatourism, emphasized the need for the construction of infrastructure, informative

signs, and guided tours to improve the experience for tourists. Overall, the data offered

helpful insights for parties interested in marketing Manila North Cemetery as a culturally

affluent and historically significant tourism destination.

Table 3. Respondents’ assessment to the current status of Manila North Cemetery

as thana tourism destination.

Table 3 provided a detailed analysis of respondents' perceptions regarding

Manila North Cemetery as a Thanatourism destination. It covered themes such as the

cemetery's historical significance, dark tourism elements, stories and legends

associated with it, preservation measures, and additional insights shared by

respondents based on their experiences. The table highlighted the complex history of

the cemetery, its role as a repository of national memory, challenges including security

concerns and urban encroachment, and management efforts to balance accessibility

with preservation. Overall, it emphasized the intricate nature of memory and

remembrance embodied by Manila North Cemetery and its significance as a Thana

tourism destination.
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |45
 Themes In Vivo Statement Sources Participant
“this is Manila North, which has been
00:36 1
here since 1904”
“it was primarily used as a hiding
place for soldiers during the Japanese 00:42 1
occupation”
“in terms of development, the focus
seems to be mainly on infrastructure 00:47 1
every year”
“all I knew previously was that this
00:50 2
area used to be part of La Loma”
“it's also considered highly historical
because many of our past presidents 00:54 2
were buried here”
“there's also the Mausoleum of the
Veterans; if you've visited, it's
considered a national monument
01:10 2
Insights into the origin of dedicated to Filipino revolutionaries
Manila North Cemetery dating back to the 1890s, during the
time of the Philippine Revolution”
and its development over
the years. “many former presidents, soldiers,
00:44 3
and others are buried here”
“all I know is that numerous
presidents, as well as politicians, are 00:52 4
buried here”
“as time passes, the regulations
vary—sometimes strict, sometimes
lenient. There are days of extreme
stringency, especially during 00:49 6
demolitions, and during the State of the
Nation Address (SONA), it's a nightly
occurrence”
“my grandmother also mentioned
that during the war, this area was a
hiding place for the Japanese, and
00:44 8
many soldiers, actors, and politicians
are buried here, including Magsaysay,
Fernando Poe, and many others”
A memorable experience “I’ve only heard stories, but I'm not
really sure if they're true. It depends on 01:42 1
that reflects the essence
the person”
of dark tourism or
historical exploration. “when it comes to the dark tourism you
mentioned, well, those things I
02:00 2
mentioned earlier... I think there is an
essence of dark tourism there”

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |46

 “they say that on All Souls' Day here at
the North Cemetery, many spirits
01:27 3
appear, and there are more children
running around the graves”
“since many are buried there, the
niches are getting higher, and it's
01:22 4
becoming overcrowded. It's difficult to
visit and join in on All Souls' Day”
“when I was a child, my mother used to
tell me that I always had a playmate
around this area of the cemetery. Then
they would be surprised because 00:57 9
sometimes they wouldn't see anyone I
was talking to, but they said I was
laughing”
“during the time of Marcos, during
martial law... my father was born, and
01:16 10
there were soldiers everywhere. It was
forbidden to go out”
“they always say here that it became
a place for brutality. Many died here, 02:39 2
both soldiers and innocent people”
Stories, legends, or
“in the past, this place used to be a
anecdotes about Manila
mountain extending to La Loma. But
North Cemetery’s history.
according to what my ancestors told 01:28 7
me, this was supposedly a hiding place
for the Japanese during the war”
“as I mentioned, the graves of our
former presidents and well-known 03:12 1
deceased individuals”
“if you explore it, you'll see many
03:25 1
graves with information”
“yes, for me, it's better if we study
03:06 2
what's here in North Manila”
“yes, for me, because there's also
02:26 3
Contribution to the history here, and it's interesting.”
understanding and “some people are, but others are
emotional connection of 02:59 6
even more afraid”
the visitors. “perhaps because there's also the
history of the Japanese who hid here
02:17 8
during that time, and there are buried
presidents and politicians”
“yes, because there's history here
that can help increase the knowledge
of those who come here, like the fact 01:44 9
that the Japanese reportedly hid here
in the past”

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |47

 “I also work as a tourist guide here,
and tourists from past years are
03:24 10
interested in the history here, like the
American army”
“we do place informational markers,
03:50 1
both in front and near the office”
“we aim to showcase history,
focusing on our former presidents, 04:00 1
politicians, and the 29 martyrs”
“when it comes to history, we still lack
sufficient sources; we really need 04:12 1
primary sources”
“regarding history, some may be true
Measures taken by the while others may not be, which is why I
management to preserve mentioned the need for deeper study 04:29 2
the authenticity and to determine the authenticity of what's
historical integrity of being said here”
Manila North Cemetery. “the ways they've implemented can be
seen by people, indicating that former
presidents, soldiers, and others buried 02:58 3
here indeed left their mark on our
history”
“I think their management is active in
maintaining areas like the grave of
Fernando Poe; it's well-maintained, 02:34 5
including those of soldiers from back
then”
“the common issue here inside is the
presence of informal settlers who
04:40 1
frequently return despite efforts to
prevent them”
Additional information
“there are also times when there are
shared by the
hold-ups, making it risky inside and
respondents based on 04:48 1
diminishing the solemnity that a
their experiences. cemetery should have”
“the current policy here is good...
they're not strict, they just ask vendors 04:01 6
to leave when the mayor arrives”

Pertaining to the table above, it showed that the Manila North Cemetery was a

significant historical site with a complex history, established in 1904 as a refugee camp

during the Japanese occupation. As time has progressed, it transformed into a

substantial repository of national memory, bore witness to the clash of political

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |48

regimes, and functioned as the ultimate resting place for notable individuals including

presidents, soldiers, and revolutionaries. Dark tourism flourished exclusively within its

confines, enticing tourists to confront the eerie aspects of history and relive the

significance of bygone narratives. Nonetheless, obstacles including security concerns,

overcrowding, and urban encroachment threatened to obfuscate its significance,

requiring ongoing efforts to strike a balance between accessibility and preservation.

The cemetery's impact on visitors' comprehension and emotional attachment cannot

be overstated, as its transformation from an ordinary hill to a sanctuary for those

fleeing conflict was reflected in the legends and anecdotes that surrounded it. The

management implemented informational markers, guided tours, and the upkeep of

significant gravesites to conserve the site's authenticity. However, further investigation

was still required to substantiate historical assertions. However, practical concerns

such as problems with informal settlements and sporadic security threats continued to

exist. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the administration continued to be proactive in

preserving the cemetery's dignity and solemnity, thereby guaranteeing its continued

function as an essential conduit to the nation's history. The Manila North Cemetery

serves as a poignant example of the intricate nature of memory and remembrance,

beckoning individuals to delve into its profound depths and reflect upon the

interconnected strands of human history. The preservation of this entity served as a

tribute to the sacrifices and legacies of those who came before us, in addition to

protecting the past.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |49

 The study by Adelan et al. (2023) highlighted the significance of dark tourism sites

like the Liberty Shrine in Mactan, Cebu, which symbolized historical struggles and

attracted visitors interested in exploring such narratives. It emphasized understanding

tourist motivations and implemented strategies to enhance visitor experiences while

preserving cultural significance. This parallels the assessment of Manila North

Cemetery as a Thanatourism destination, where similar considerations about visitor

motivations and preservation efforts were crucial. Both studies underscored the

complexities of managing historically significant sites for tourism, stressing the need to

balance visitor experiences with cultural integrity. The study served as a valuable

reference for addressing the challenges of developing and managing Thanatourism

destinations like Manila North Cemetery.

Table 4. Respondents’ assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning history.

Table 4 presented respondents' assessments on the viability of transforming

Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination based on its historical

significance. It highlighted various aspects, including its role in preserving the memory

of historical figures, connected visitors with the city's past events, and contributed to

the appreciation of the Philippines' cultural heritage. The primary statement

underscored the cemetery's association with prominent Philippine leaders as a key

factor in its potential as a Thanatourism attraction. These findings suggested a strong

recognition of the cemetery's historical importance and its potential for cultural and

tourism development.
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |50
 Weighted Descriptive
History Rank
Mean Equivalent
1. The Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Revolution in
Manila North Cemetery contributes significantly to
3.03 Agree 5
preserving and honoring the memory of historical
figures from the revolution.
2. Manila North Cemetery is a resting place for
Strongly
prominent Philippine leaders which enhances its 3.47 1
Agree
viability to become a thana tourism attraction.
3. Manila North Cemetery, including its role as a burial
site for victims of natural disasters and epidemics,
3.21 Agree 4
helps visitors connect with the stories and events that
have shaped the city's past.
4. Manila North Cemetery, such as the Philippine
Strongly
Revolution and World War II, contributes to the deeper 3.44 2
Agree
appreciation of Philippines’ cultural heritage.
5. Manila North Cemetery's historical role, particularly
the Battle of Manila in 1945 during WW2, contributes Strongly
3.42 3
significantly to understanding the cultural and social Agree
evolution of Manila.
Strongly
Overall Mean 3.32
Agree
Legend: 3.25 – 4.00 Strongly Agree (SA); 2.50 – 3.24 Agree (A); 1.75 – 2.49 Disagree (D);
1.00 – 1.74 Strongly Disgaree (SD)
Legend: WM Weighted Mean DE Descriptive Equivalent R Rank OM Overall Mean

Pertaining to the data above regarding the respondent’s assessment of the

viability of the transformation of Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism

destination concerning history. It showed that Manila North Cemetery was a resting

place for prominent Philippine leaders which enhanced its viability to become a thana

tourism attraction on rank 1 with a weighted mean of 3.47 and interpreted as “Strongly

Agree”. Followed by Manila North Cemetery, such as the Philippine Revolution and

World War II, contributed to the deeper appreciation of Philippines’ cultural heritage

ranked 2 with a weighted mean of 3.44 and interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. On ranked

3, Manila North Cemetery's historical role, particularly the Battle of Manila in 1945

during WW2, contributed significantly to understanding the cultural and social

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |51
evolution of Manila with a weighted mean of 3.42 and interpreted as “Strongly Agree”.

Manila North Cemetery, including its role as a burial site for victims of natural disasters

and epidemics, helped visitors connect with the stories and events that shaped the

city's past on ranked 4 with a weighted mean of 3.21 and interpreted as “Strongly

Agree”. Lastly, Use of informative and entrancing words in convincing customers with

a weighted mean of 4.75 and interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. Overall, the

respondent’s assessment of the viability of the transformation of Manila North

Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning history corresponded to a

weighted mean of 3.32 and was interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. This indicated a

profound recognition of the historical importance of Manila North Cemetery and its

potential as a destination for Thanatourism. The primary statement highlighted the

cemetery's connection with notable Philippine leaders as a crucial aspect of its

attractiveness. These findings emphasized the need to preserve historical places and

promote cultural heritage sites such as Manila North Cemetery to develop tourism and

foster cultural comprehension.

The study by D. Light (2017) examined dark tourism and Thanatourism emphasized

their significance in tourism studies. These insights were key in evaluating Manila North

Cemetery's potential as a Thanatourism destination, especially in its historical context.

The study also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and robust

conceptual frameworks for guiding future investigations and practical efforts. This

interdisciplinary approach was crucial for effectively developing Manila North

Cemetery as a Thanatourism site, necessitating a nuanced understanding of various

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |52

perspectives to inform decision-making. In essence, the study supported considering

Manila North Cemetery as a viable Thanatourism destination due to its historical

significance and emphasized the importance of holistic approaches in transforming it

into a compelling tourist attraction.

Table 5. Respondents’ assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning authenticity.

Table 5 evaluated various aspects such as the preservation of historical events

and figures, maintaining solemnity amidst development, preservation of artifacts and

structures, accuracy of design and layout reflecting the time period, and the balance

between modern maintenance practices and historical preservation.

Weighted Descriptive
Authenticity Rank
Mean Equivalent
1. Manila North Cemetery preserves the authenticity of
the historical events and figures commemorated within 2.82 Agree 4
its premises.
2. Manila North Cemetery maintain its authenticity as a
solemn place of remembrance amidst its development 2.84 Agree 3
into a thana tourism destination.
3. The preservation of historical artifacts and structures
within Manila North Cemetery, such as gravestones,
3.12 Agree 1
sculptures, and architectural elements is an authentic
characteristic of the cemetery.
4. The design and layout of Manila North Cemetery
accurately reflect the architectural style and cultural 2.96 Agree 2
context of the time period in which it was established.
5. The Manila North Cemetery effectively balances
modern maintenance practices with the preservation of 2.67 Agree 5
its authentic historical character.
Overall Mean 2.88 Agree
Legend: 3.25 – 4.00 Strongly Agree (SA); 2.50 – 3.24 Agree (A); 1.75 – 2.49 Disagree (D);
1.00 – 1.74 Strongly Disagree (SD)
Legend: WM Weighted Mean DE Descriptive Equivalent R Rank OM Overall Mean

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |53

 Pertaining to the data above regarding the respondent’s assessment of the

viability of the transformation of Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism

destination concerning authenticity, showed that the preservation of historical artifacts

and structures within Manila North Cemetery, such as gravestones, sculptures, and

architectural elements was an authentic characteristic of the cemetery on rank 1 with

a weighted mean of 3.12 and was interpreted as “Agree”. Followed by the design and

layout of Manila North Cemetery accurately reflect the architectural style and cultural

context of the time period in which it was established ranked 2 with a weighted mean

of 2.96 and interpreted as “Agree”. On ranked 3, Manila North Cemetery maintain its

authenticity as a solemn place of remembrance amidst its development into

a thana tourism destination with a weighted mean of 2.84 and interpreted as “Agree”.

Manila North Cemetery preserves the authenticity of the

historical events and figures commemorated within its premises on ranked 4 with

weighted mean of 2.82 and interpreted as “Agree”. Lastly, The Manila North Cemetery

effectively balances modern maintenance practices with the preservation of its

authentic historical character with a weighted mean of 2.67 and interpreted as “Agree”.

Overall, the respondent’s assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning authenticity corresponded

to a weighted mean of 2.88 and was interpreted as “Agree”. This implied that

respondents understood the necessity of retaining physical historical aspects for site

authenticity. Respondents also agreed that Manila North Cemetery's design and

layout matched the period's architecture and culture. This showed appreciation for the
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |54
cemetery's physical historical authenticity. However, the rankings revealed some

areas for improvement. While respondents believed that the cemetery remains a

solemn site of memory despite its expansion into a Thanatourism attraction, it scored

significantly lower. This suggested respondents' concerns about tourism development

affecting the cemetery's authenticity.

The current study examined the feelings associated with Thanatourism by

concentrating on the unique perspectives of visitors and the function of the

Thanatourism location, also known as the Thanatoplace. Fifty in-depth interviews with

travelers who were both close to and far from tourist destinations were used in the

research. The results showed that feelings related to Thanatourism were understood

as being at the nexus of "mental space" and "physical place." The degree to which a

visitor recognized the importance and worth of a Thanatoplace was referred to as the

perceived Thanatourism aura. (Christou & Hadjielia Drotarova, 2022).

The first part dealt with respondents' perceptions of the viability of Manila North

Cemetery as a tourism destination, focused on authenticity aspects such as historical

preservation and architectural style. It showed that while adapting to the needs of

tourism, a generally positive attitude towards the preservation of historic integrity was

maintained. The relevance of physical locations and the feelings they aroused were

highlighted in both paragraphs. Visitors' sense of authenticity and emotional

connection to Manila North Cemetery was influenced by its historical treasures and

melancholy atmosphere. In essence, both extracts focused on the interplay between

physical elements, such as historical preservation in the cemetery, and mental

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |55

perceptions, such as the Thanatourism aura, in shaping visitor experiences and

perceptions of authenticity in thanatourism destinations.

Table 6. Respondents’ assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning storytelling.

Table 6 displayed the weighted descriptive ranks and mean scores for various

aspects related to storytelling, such as tales of lost souls, local myths, and the

presence of notable graves. The overall mean score indicated a generally strong

agreement among respondents regarding the potential of storytelling to enhance the

cemetery's appeal as a Thanatourism destination.

Weighted Descriptive
Storytelling Rank
Mean Equivalent
1. Tales of lost souls wandering the Manila North
Strongly
Cemetery contribute to its reputation as a haunted 3.38 1
Agree
location.
2.Local myths and legends associated with the Manila
Strongly
North Cemetery reflect the cultural heritage of the 3.33 4
Agree
Philippines.
3. The graves of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces
Strongly
attract tourists and fans, enriching the experience of 3.37 2
Agree
those who visit Manila North Cemetery.
4. The presence of the graves of Presidents Manuel L.
Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Ramon Magsaysay, and
Strongly
Elpidio Quirino in Manila North Cemetery contributes to 3.34 3
Agree
the recognition of the cemetery as a place of national
significance.
5. Stories of paranormal encounters in the Manila North
Strongly
Cemetery contribute to its allure as a thanatourism 3.27 5
Agree
destination.
Strongly
Overall Mean 3.34
Agree
Legend: 3.25 – 4.00 Strongly Agree (SA); 2.50 – 3.24 Agree (A); 1.75 – 2.49 Disagree (D);
1.00 – 1.74 Strongly Disagree (SD)
Legend: WM Weighted Mean DE Descriptive Equivalent R Rank OM Overall Mean

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |56

 Pertaining to the data above regarding the respondent’s assessment of the

viability of the transformation of Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism

destination concerning storytelling. It showed that Tales of lost souls wandering the

Manila North Cemetery contributed to its reputation as a haunted location on rank 1

with a weighted mean of 3.38 and was interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. Followed by

The graves of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces attracted tourists and fans, enriching

the experience of those who visited Manila North Cemetery ranked 2 with a weighted

mean of 3.37 and was interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. On ranked 3, The presence of

the graves of Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Ramon Magsaysay, and

Elpidio Quirino in Manila North Cemetery contributed to the recognition of the

cemetery as a place of national significance with a weighted mean of 3.34 and was

interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. Local myths and legends associated with the Manila

North Cemetery reflect the cultural heritage of the Philippines on ranked 4 with a

weighted mean of 3.33 and wasinterpreted as “Strongly Agree”. Lastly, Stories of

paranormal encounters in the Manila North Cemetery contributed to its allure as a

Thanatourism destination with a weighted mean of 3.27 and interpreted as “Strongly

Agree”. Overall, the respondent’s assessment on the viability of the transformation of

Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning storytelling

corresponds to a weighted mean of 3.34 and interpreted as “Strongly Agree”. This

showed that Manila North Cemetery's paranormal stories attracted tourists seeking

mystery and eeriness. Respondents strongly agreed that the cemetery's local myths

and legends reflected Philippine culture, showing admiration for the storytelling

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |57

traditions that enriched the cemetery's narrative. The tombs of Fernando Poe Jr., Susan

Roces, and former Philippine presidents enhanced the visiting experience and

establish Manila North Cemetery as a national landmark.

The important ideas covered in the book's later chapters were summarized in this

introduction. The book used online activities to depict a contemporary death scene

surrounding an ancient burial place. In contrast to a fairly specific type of black tourism

among foreign tourists, it wildly described varied and unclear responses in the locally

impacted area. The Official Historic Office of England, English Historic, examined the

issue of cemetery conservation in this book. The various legacies of death evolved with

time in terms of form, substance, and impact. Furthermore, it was worth noting that a

rising number of events, including death, were modified and heritagized to fit the needs

of the travel business. (Feuchtwang, Rowlands, & Sun, 2020).

The assessment of the literature emphasized the varying and ambiguous

reactions to cemetery conservation and the changing shape, content, and significance

of death legacies in regionally impacted locations. This was in line with the

respondent's acknowledgement of the variety of factors that made Manila North

Cemetery appealing, including paranormal experiences, cultural myths, historical

people's graves that had national significance, and the narrative that provided an

immersive experience for visitors. Death heritages might be authorized or unapproved,

formal or informal, according to the research review. This was supported by the

respondent's assessment, which noted that Manila North Cemetery's overall appeal

as a Thanatourism site was enhanced by the acknowledgment of historical

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |58

personalities' graves (official legacy) coupled with regional legends and paranormal

encounters (informal heritage). The relationships between cultural heritage, tourism,

storytelling, and the changing opinions of death-related areas in modern settings were

highlighted by both the respondent's assessment and the literature review.

Table 7. Respondents’ assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a thanatourism destination concerning experience.

Table 7 presented respondents' assessment of the viability of transforming

Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination based on their experiences. It

outlinesd various aspects such as interacting with local residents, discovering unique

graves, and exploring historical sites within the cemetery.

Weighted Descriptive
Experience Rank
Mean Equivalent
1. Interacting with local residents and hearing their
stories about life in Manila North Cemetery offers
3.21 Agree 1
tourists a more personal and intimate perspective of
the site.
2.The storytelling aspect of the cemetery, including
legends and folklore, adds an intriguing dimension to 3.20 Agree 2
tourists.
3. Tourists discover that coming across graves with
distinct epitaphs or symbols in Manila North Cemetery
3.16 Agree 3
piques their curiosity and encourages them to delve
into the personal stories of the deceased.
4. Tourists discover that coming across graves adorned
with religious symbols in Manila North Cemetery offers
them a glimpse into the varied religious beliefs and 3.04 Agree 5
practices that
have influenced Philippine culture throughout history.
5. Exploring the Mausoleum of the Veterans of the
Revolution offers visitors a poignant reminder of the
3.11 Agree 4
struggles and triumphs of the Filipino people during the
fight against colonial rule.
Overall Mean 3.14 Agree

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |59

 Legend: 3.25 – 4.00 Strongly Agree (SA); 2.50 – 3.24 Agree (A); 1.75 – 2.49 Disagree (D);
1.00 – 1.74 Strongly Disagree (SD)
Legend: WM Weighted Mean DE Descriptive Equivalent R Rank OM Overall Mean

Pertaining to the data above regarding the respondent’s assessment of the

viability of the transformation of Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism

destination concerning experience showed that interacting with residents and hearing

their stories about life in Manila North Cemetery offered tourists a more personal and

intimate perspective of the site on rank 1 with a weighted mean of 3.21 and was

interpreted as “Agree”. Followed by The storytelling aspect of the cemetery, including

legends and folklore, adds an intriguing dimension to tourists ranked 2 with a weighted

mean of 3.20 and was interpreted as “Agree”. On ranked 3, Tourists discover that

coming across graves with distinct epitaphs or symbols in Manila North Cemetery

piques their curiosity and encourages them to delve into the personal stories of the

deceased with a weighted mean of 3.16 and was interpreted as “Agree”. Exploring the

Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Revolution offers visitors a poignant reminder of the

struggles and triumphs of the Filipino people during the fight against colonial rule

ranked 4 with a weighted mean of 3.11 and was interpreted as “Agree”. Lastly, Tourists

discover that coming across graves adorned with religious symbols in Manila North

Cemetery offers them a glimpse into the varied religious beliefs and practices that have

influenced Philippine culture throughout history with a weighted mean of 3.04 and was

interpreted as “Agree”. Overall, the respondent’s assessment of the viability of the

transformation of Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning

experience corresponded to a weighted mean of 3.14 and was interpreted as “Agree”.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |60

The data revealed that giving tourists tailored and immersive experiences that

engaged them with Manila North Cemetery's culture and history improved their visit

and deepened their appreciation for the site.

Yuillie (2003) researched on the motivations of dark tourism visitors which was

the Holocaust Museum Houston was very important in allowing the readers to

understand the underlying sentience behind why people want to visit such sites.

Therefore, it investigated the overall dark tourism giving all dimensions of dimensions

may they be black, white, or gray including site management and visitors' overall

experience. Connection with our study discussed a potential transformation of Manila

North Cemetery into a unique Thanatourism place that existed at the point of interest

devoted to various approaches as well as the understanding of people’s visits to the

“death and disaster” designated areas. Both researchers were aware of the worldwide

spread of such visits required understanding and comprehension of the reasons and

approaches for the visits.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |61

Chapter 5: Summary of Findings, Conclusion, and Recommendations of the Study

This chapter includes the summary of the findings, the conclusions drawn from

the findings, and the researcher’s recommendations.

Summary of findings

1. Demographic Profile of Respondents

Manila North Cemetery's demographics were diverse, with most participants aged 42-

49 and 18-25. Men made up 53.33% of respondents, while women made up 46.67%.

Local government units made up 20.00% and local residents and informal settlers

24.44%. 31.11% of visitors indicated a strong interest in the cemetery as a Thanatourism

attraction. Middle-aged people were interested, thus instructional materials and

infrastructure was suited to them. Data showed the cemetery might become a major

Thanatourism attraction.

2. Respondents’ assessment of the current status of Manila North Cemetery as a

Thanatourism destination

The Manila North Cemetery, established in 1904 as a refugee camp during Japanese

occupation, evolved into a significant national memory repository. It served as a resting

place for notable figures and attracted dark tourism. Despite challenges like security

concerns and overcrowding, the cemetery's significance remained undeniable.

Management implemented informational markers, guided tours, and significant

gravesite maintenance to preserve its authenticity. However, further investigation was

needed to confirm historical claims. Despite these challenges, the administration was

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |62

proactive in preserving the cemetery's dignity and solemnity, preserving the past and

honoring past sacrifices.

3. Respondents’ assessment on the viability of the transformation of Manila North

Cemetery into a Thanatourism destination concerning History, Authenticity,

Strorytelling and Experience

Manila North Cemetery, a historical and authentic site, had the potential to become a

Thanatourism destination. The cemetery's connection to prominent Philippine leaders,

such as the Philippine Revolution and World War II, enhanced its appreciation of the

country's cultural heritage. The Battle of Manila in 1945 during WW2 helped visitors

connect with the city's past. The preservation of historical artifacts and structures, as

well as the accurate design and layout, reflected the architectural style and cultural

context of the time. Despite its development into a Thanatourism attraction, Manila North

Cemetery maintained its authenticity as a solemn place of remembrance. The

cemetery's haunted reputation was further enhanced by tales of lost souls, the graves

of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces, and the presence of Presidents Manuel L.

Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Ramon Magsaysay, and Elpidio Quirino. Providing tailored

experiences that engaged tourists with Manila North Cemetery's culture and history

enhanced their visit and appreciation.

Conclusion

Thanatourism, or dark tourism, involves visiting sites associated with death,

tragedy, or suffering, often for educational or commemorative purposes. The study

examined the potential of Manila North Cemetery as a tourist destination, highlighting

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |63
its appeal across all age groups and strong community involvement. It noted the

particular interest of older visitors and suggested tailored infrastructure and

educational tools to enhance their experience. Despite challenges, efforts were

underway to preserve its authenticity and emphasize its importance as a national

repository of memories.

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. Manila North Cemetery's demographics showed broad interest as a potential

Thanatourism destination. The bulk of participants were 42-49 and 18-25 which

indicated cross-generational appeal. Men slightly outnumbered women, yet both were

interested in the cemetery. Local government units and residents/informal settlers

were also engaged in cemetery development, suggested stakeholder involvement.

Visitors, 31.11% of respondents, showed tremendous interest in Manila North Cemetery,

confirming its potential as a major attraction. Since middle-aged people were most

interested, instructional materials and infrastructure were tailored to their demands.

Providing interesting educational tools and accessible amenities improved visitors'

experiences and inspired sustained interaction with the cemetery's history and

culture. Manila North Cemetery became a key Thanatourism site that attracted varied

demographics, according to the data. Strategic infrastructure, instructional materials,

and promotional activities coordinated with visitor interests boosted the cemetery's

appeal and made it a top cultural heritage site in Manila.

2. At the end of the Manila North Cemetery served as a powerful tribute to the complex

and interconnected history of the Philippines. Beginning as a place of safety during the
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |64
Japanese occupation, this location evolved into a highly respected burial site for

notable individuals, symbolizing the strength and determination of the Filipino

population. Although it encountered obstacles like as security issues and

overpopulation, its importance as a reservoir of national memory remained

unwavering. The management's devotion to honoring the past was evident via its

efforts to preserve the cemetery's authenticity, which included initiatives such as

explanatory plaques, guided tours, and gravesite maintenance. Nevertheless, the want

for additional inquiry to verify historical assertions emphasized the continuous

endeavor to comprehend the complete scope of its storyline. Notwithstanding these

difficulties, the administration's proactive strategy in maintaining the cemetery's dignity

and solemnity guaranteed that it remained a powerful reminder of previous sacrifices.

The Manila North Cemetery served as a symbol of remembering, prompting visitors to

contemplate the interconnectedness of history and mankind. It paid tribute to those

who passed away and encouraged future generations to value and safeguard our

shared cultural legacy.

3. Manila North Cemetery had great potential as a Thanatourism destination due to its

historical and authentic value. Its connections to significant Philippine leaders, pivotal

events like the Philippine Revolution, World War II, and the 1945 Battle of Manila

provide tourists with a deep grasp of the country's culture and the city's past. The

cemetery's preservation of historical objects and structures and accurate design and

layout represent its time's architectural style and culture made it a cultural landmark.

Despite being a tourist attraction, Manila North Cemetery remained serious and
Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |65
respectful. Legends of lost souls and noteworthy figures like Fernando Poe Jr., Susan

Roces, and former Philippine presidents made the cemetery intriguing. These

components, together with specialized experiences that engaged travelers with Manila

North Cemetery's rich culture and history improved the visit and respect for the site.

Manila North Cemetery offered an immersive experience of Philippine history and

tradition with its unique blend of historical relevance, authenticity, and cultural

fascination. Strategic development and careful maintenance made it a top

Thanatourism destination that drew tourists from around the world for years.

In summary, this research explored the potential conversion of Manila North

Cemetery into a tourist destination, and aimed to provide significant insights and

recommendations for its development. This included assessing public perception,

evaluating viability, and developing strategic proposals.

Recommendations

The findings of the study offered valuable insights that will be the basis for proposed

strategic proposals that may be recommended to enhance the feasibility of Manila

North Cemetery as a new Thanatourism destination are the following:

1. Develop interpretive infrastructure such as signage, guided tours, and multimedia

exhibitions that are suited to the interests and preferences of different age groups,

with a focus on middle-aged tourists who are most interested. These brochures

should emphasize the cemetery's historical relevance, cultural history, and ties to

notable Philippine figures and events.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |66

2. Community Engagement Programs. Encourage alliances and engagement with

local governments, citizens, and informal settlers to ensure their ongoing

participation in cemetery development and preservation activities. This could

include community-led efforts like volunteer programs, cultural events, and

workshops to raise awareness of the cemetery's history and importance.

3. Launch focused promotional initiatives to increase awareness of Manila North

Cemetery as a thanatourism destination. Use a variety of marketing tools, including

social media, travel websites, and tourist guides, to reach potential visitors and

emphasize the cemetery's unique experiences and attractions.

4. Take steps to conserve and protect the authenticity and historical integrity of

Manila North Cemetery. This could involve conservation efforts to preserve

historical objects, monuments, and structures in the cemetery, as well as actions to

prevent vandalism and unlawful changes.

5. Create efforts to improve the visitor experience, such as storytelling sessions,

cultural performances, themed events, and workshops, that allow visitors to learn

about the cemetery's history and culture. In addition, invest in infrastructural

enhancements to improve the cemetery's accessibility and visitor amenities.

6. Work with educational institutions to provide educational programs and resources

that incorporate Manila North Cemetery into the curriculum. This could include

guided field tours, research projects, and instructional materials that help students

comprehend Philippine history and tradition through the lens of the cemetery.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |67

Table 8. Strategic proposals to enhance the feasibility of Manila North Cemetery

as a new thana tourism destination.

Table 8 outlined strategic proposals aimed at enhancing the feasibility of Manila

North Cemetery as a new Thanatourism destination. Each proposal was designed to

achieve specific objectives and goals, offered advantages such as an engaging

learning experience, strengthened narrative appeal, enhanced accessibility, improved

comfort and convenience, preservation of the cemetery's atmosphere, and increased

security measures to deter vandalism and theft.

Strategic Proposals Objectives and Goals Advantages

Interactive • Develop informative • Engaging Learning
Educational materials highlighting the Experience.
Materials cemetery's historical • Longer visits and
significance and cultural positive word-of-mouth
heritage. promotion.
• Introduce audio guides or • Convenient access to
mobile apps providing information.
detailed information about
notable figures and
historical events.
Further Historical • Confirm historical claims to • Strengthens narrative
Investigation enhance authenticity. appeal to visitors
• Collaborate with historians seeking accurate
and experts for validation. experiences.
Infrastructure • Upgrade pathways and • Enhanced accessibility.
Improvement signage to accommodate • Comfort and
visitors and ensure easy convenience.
navigation.
• Install benches and resting
areas for visitors to take
breaks during tours.
Alternative Housing • Provide alternative housing • Preserves the solemn
Solutions for Informal options outside the and respectful
Settlers cemetery, ensuring that they atmosphere of the
are safe, accessible, and cemetery.
suitable for the needs of the • Reduces clutter and
informal settlers. improves the visual
appeal of the cemetery.

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 • Opens up opportunities
for infrastructure
development within the
cemetery, such as
interpretive centers or
guided tour routes.
Security Personnel • Increase trained personnel • Offers immediate
presence to deter vandalism response and deters
and theft. criminal activities.
• Implement regular patrols
for prompt response to
security concerns.
Surveillance Systems • Install cameras strategically • Enhances monitoring
for enhanced monitoring. capabilities and
• Ensure proper maintenance provides evidence.
for optimal effectiveness.

These strategic proposals enhanced the feasibility of Manila North Cemetery as

a Thanatourism destination by focusing on preservation efforts, infrastructure

improvements, cultural programming, and community engagement. By addressing

these key aspects strategically, Manila North Cemetery offered a compelling

Thanatourism experience while respecting its historical significance and honoring the

memories of those laid to rest there.

Table 9. Comparison Matrix of Dark Tourism Indicators and Tourists’ Motivations for

Manila North Cemetery as a Thanatourism Destination.

The comparison matrix for evaluating the qualifications of Manila North Cemetery

as a Thanatourism site was based on the motivations of tourists visiting dark tourism

sites, alongside the dark tourism indicators. Tourists' motivations were used as an

additional basis to evaluate dark tourism sites in selected cities in Metro Manila

(Fabros, et al, 2023).

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 Figure 2. Dark Tourism Spectrum.

Table 9 presented a comparison matrix detailing various dark tourism indicators

and tourists' motivations for visiting Manila North Cemetery as a Thanatourism

destination. It highlighted how the cemetery's historical significance, storytelling

elements, and educational opportunities aligned with visitors' desires for education,

remembrance, sightseeing, recreation, family bonding, curiosity, and event venue

options. Additionally, it evaluated the cemetery across different criteria and spectra,

demonstrating its suitability as a compelling Thanatourism destination.

Tourists’ Dark Tourism Indicators

Motivations History Authenticity Storytelling Experience
Education Manila North The cemetery’s The storytelling Tailored
Cemetery offers preservation aspect is educational
rich historical efforts, enhanced by experiences,
insights, informational the cemetery’s such as guided
including its role markers, and connection to tours and
as a refugee maintenance of notable figures instructional
camp during historical and events in materials, allow
Japanese artifacts ensure Philippine visitors to
occupation and an authentic history, offering immerse
its significance in experience, educational themselves in
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 Philippine providing narratives that the cemetery’s
history, making it valuable engage visitors history,
an ideal educational and deepen fostering a
educational opportunities for their meaningful
destination. visitors. understanding learning
of the past. experience.
Remembrance Visitors can pay The cemetery’s Storytelling Meaningful
homage to solemn elements, such remembrance
prominent figures atmosphere and as tales of lost experiences,
buried in Manila well-preserved souls and the such as
North Cemetery, gravesites graves of participating in
honoring their create a notable commemorative
contributions to reverent space personalities, events or
Philippine for evoke emotions leaving tributes
society and remembrance. of remembrance at gravesites.
preserving their and reverence
memory for among visitors,
future enhancing their
generations. connection to
the site.
Sightseeing Manila North The cemetery’s The storytelling Engaging
Cemetery’s authentic design aspect adds sightseeing
historical and layout depth to the experiences,
significance and provide a sightseeing such as self-
architectural visually striking experience, guided tours or
features make it backdrop for offering themed walks,
a visually sightseeing, narratives that allow visitors to
captivating allowing visitors highlight key explore the
sightseeing to appreciate its historical events cemetery’s
destination, architectural and notable grounds at their
attracting visitors beauty and individuals own pace,
interested in cultural associated with taking in its
exploring its significance. the cemetery. sights and
unique heritage. sounds while
learning about
its history.
Recreation While primarily a The cemetery’s The storytelling Recreational
place of tranquil element adds experiences,
remembrance, ambiance and intrigue to such as picnics
Manila North well-maintained recreational or photography
Cemetery offers environment activities, sessions, allow
recreational offer offering visitors visitors to relax
opportunities recreational unique insights and unwind
such as leisurely amenities for into the amidst the
walks amidst its visitors seeking cemetery’s cemetery’s
historical a quiet and history and serene
surroundings, contemplative cultural landscape,
providing a escape, away significance fostering
peaceful retreat from the hustle while they moments of
from urban life. and bustle of engage in reflection and
city living. leisurely enjoyment.
pursuits.

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Family Bonding Manila North The cemetery’s The storytelling Family-friendly
Cemetery’s authentic aspect activities, such
historical atmosphere and enhances family as interactive
narratives and respectful bonding tours or
picturesque environment experiences, scavenger
setting provide create a offering stories hunts,
opportunities for conducive and anecdotes encourage
families to bond space for that capture the participation
while exploring families to come imagination and and
its grounds, together and spark collaboration,
fostering engage in discussions strengthening
meaningful conversations among family familial ties and
connections and about history, members as creating lasting
shared heritage, and they explore the memories for all
experiences. the importance cemetery members.
of together.
remembrance.
Curiosity Visitors drawn to The cemetery’s The storytelling Curiosity-driven
Manila North authentic aspect fuels experiences,
Cemetery out of features and curiosity, such as themed
curiosity are preserved offering visitors tours or
rewarded with artifacts pique glimpses into interactive
intriguing the curiosity of the lives of exhibits, cater
historical visitors, inviting those buried to visitors’
narratives and them to delve within the inquisitive
captivating deeper into its cemetery and nature,
stories, satisfying history and the events that providing
their desire for unravel the shaped their opportunities
exploration and mysteries legacies, for deeper
discovery. surrounding its inspiring further engagement
past. exploration and and learning as
inquiry. they satisfy
their thirst for
knowledge.
Event Venue Manila North The cemetery’s The storytelling Event-specific
Cemetery’s authentic element adds experiences,
historical ambiance and depth to events such as themed
significance and well-maintained hosted at the ceremonies or
spacious facilities offer cemetery, historical
grounds make it event infusing them reenactments,
a unique and organizers a with historical elevate the
memorable versatile and context and ambiance and
venue for special culturally rich cultural atmosphere of
events, providing setting for significance, gatherings held
a distinctive hosting various creating at the
backdrop for occasions, memorable cemetery.
weddings, photo enhancing the experiences for
shoots, and overall participants and
cultural experience for guests.
gatherings. attendees.

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 Criteria

Spectrum
Tourists’ Motivations
Evaluation Equivalent

Education Education Oriented Dark

Remembrance History Centric Dark

Perceived Authentic
Sightseeing Dark
Product Interpretation

Entertainment
Recreation Light
Oriented/Heritage Centric

Family Bonding Entertainment Oriented Light

Curiosity Education Oriented Dark

Event Venue Heritage Centric Light

The table indicated that Manila North Cemetery possessed the necessary

qualities to qualify as a compelling Thanatourism destination, effectively appealed to

tourists' motivations while meeting the criteria set by dark tourism indicators.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |73

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 APPENDIX A
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES

Dear Respondents,

With hopes for peace and prosperity!

We, the students of Tourism Management at WCC Aeronautical and Technological College
North Manila are conducting a research project on “EXPLORING MANILA NORTH CEMETERY:
A NEW THANATOURISM DESTINATION”. In the context of memorial park, this study aims at
exploring the complex dynamics of dark tourism.

Participation in our research is of the utmost importance for its success. Please cooperate with
the completion of this questionnaire, as it will give us an important insight into emerging tourism
trends. Please be assured that the information provided will be treated with utmost
confidentiality, and only used for academic purposes.

Your time and cooperation have been greatly appreciated. In the development of knowledge
in our field, your valuable contribution is vital. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully yours,

MR. Mark Justin F. Castro

MS. Erinne Jelle M. Cruz
MS. Rizah Abby G. Mendoza
MS. Karyle Martina T. Laforteza

Researchers

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Part I. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Direction: Kindly respond to the following questions by putting a check/slash (/)

opposite each column that corresponds to your answer.

Name (optional):

1.1 Age:

1.2 Gender:

Female

Male

Others (Kindly Specify)

1.3 Type of Respondents:

Caretakers

Local Residents

Local Government Units (LGUs)

Visitors

Part II. Viability of transforming Manila North Cemetery into a Thanatourism

Destination.

Direction: Please note the descriptive scale of the viability of Manila North Cemetery

as a thanatourism destination by using the Four-point Likert scale.

Options Verbal Interpretation Description

4 Strongly Agree SA
3 Agree A
2 Disagree D
1 Strongly Disagree SD

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 4 3 2 1
2.1 HISTORY
(SA) (A) (D) (SD)
1. The Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Revolution in Manila
North Cemetery contributes significantly to preserving and
honoring the memory of historical figures from the revolution.
2. Manila North Cemetery is a resting place for prominent
Philippine leaders which enhances its viability to become a thana
tourism attraction.
3. Manila North Cemetery, including its role as a burial site for
victims of natural disasters and epidemics, helps visitors connect
with the stories and events that have shaped the city's past.
4. Historical events associated with Manila North Cemetery, such
as the Philippine Revolution and World War II, contributes to a
deeper appreciation of its cultural heritage.
5. Manila North Cemetery's historical role, particularly the Battle
of Manila in 1945 during WW2, contributes significantly to
understanding the cultural and social evolution of Manila.
4 3 2 1
2.2 AUTHENTICITY
(SA) (A) (D) (SD)
1. Manila North Cemetery preserves the authenticity of the
historical events and figures commemorated within its premises.
2. Manila North Cemetery maintain its authenticity as a solemn
place of remembrance amidst its development into a thana
tourism destination.
3. The preservation of historical artifacts and structures within
Manila North Cemetery, such as gravestones, sculptures, and
architectural elements is an authentic characteristic of the
cemetery.
4. The design and layout of Manila North Cemetery accurately
reflect the architectural style and cultural context of the time
period in which it was established.
5. The Manila North Cemetery effectively balances modern
maintenance practices with the preservation of its authentic
historical character.
4 3 2 1
2.3 STORYTELLING
(SA) (A) (D) (SD)
1. Tales of lost souls wandering the Manila North Cemetery
contribute to its reputation as a haunted location.
2. Local myths and legends associated with the Manila North
Cemetery reflect the cultural heritage of the Philippines.
3. The graves of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces attract
tourists and fans, enriching the experience of those who visit
Manila North Cemetery.
4. The presence of the graves of Presidents Manuel L. Quezon,
Sergio Osmeña, Ramon Magsaysay, and Elpidio Quirino in Manila

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |78

North Cemetery contributes to the recognition of the cemetery as
a place of national significance.
5. Stories of paranormal encounters in the Manila North Cemetery
contribute to its allure as a thanatourism destination.
4 3 2 1
2.4 EXPERIENCE
(SA) (A) (D) (SD)
1. Interacting with local residents and hearing their stories about
life in Manila North Cemetery offers tourists a more personal and
intimate perspective of the site.
2. The storytelling aspect of the cemetery, including legends and
folklore, adds an intriguing dimension to tourists.
3. Tourists discover that coming across graves with distinct
epitaphs or symbols in Manila North Cemetery piques their
curiosity and encourages them to delve into the personal stories
of the deceased.
4. Tourists discover that coming across graves adorned with
religious symbols in Manila North Cemetery offers them a glimpse
into the varied religious beliefs and practices that have influenced
Philippine culture throughout history.
5. Exploring the Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Revolution
offers visitors a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs
of the Filipino people during the fight against colonial rule.

Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |79

 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

1. May I know what your age is?

2. Visitors. How often do you visit Manila North Cemetery?

Local Residents. How long have you been living inside the cemetery?
Caretakers. How long have you been working as a caretaker in the cemetery?
Local Government Units (LGUs). How long have you been working as a member of the Local
Government Units (LGUs) responsible for conserving Manila North Cemetery?

3. Can you share any insights into the origins of Manila North Cemetery and its development
over the years, based on your experience or knowledge?

4. Can you describe a memorable experience you or others have had while visiting Manila
North Cemetery, and how it reflects the essence of dark tourism or historical exploration?

5. Are there any particular stories, legends, or anecdotes about Manila North Cemetery's
history that are commonly shared among caretakers, local government officials, residents,
and visitors?

6. If so, how do you believe the stories communicated within Manila North Cemetery contribute
to visitors' understanding and emotional connection to the site?

7. In your opinion, what measures has Manila North Cemetery taken to preserve its authenticity
and historical integrity over time, particularly in the face of modernization and development?

8. Is there anything else you can share about your experiences and stories you've heard about
Manila North Cemetery?

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 APPENDIX B
RELIABILITY TEST RESULT

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 APPENDIX C
VALIDATION CHECKLIST

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Exploring Manila North Cemetery: A New Thanatourism Destination |83
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 APPENDIX D
ENGLISH EDITING CERTIFICATE FORM

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 APPENDIX E
STATISTICIAN REVIEW CERTIFICATE FORM

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 APPENDIX F
DOCUMENTATION

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 APPENDIX G
CURRICULUM VITAE

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