Bulong: These incorrupt corpses are believed to grant the wishes of the living

In many cultures, death is considered a loved one's final farewell and departure from the world.

But in the Philippines, there's a superstition that family members can whisper their wishes to the deceased and these will be carried on to heaven.

Many may take this practice lightly, but there are some Filipinos who believe that the dead still listen to their prayers.

Lolo Jose

A lifeless body is kept in a small chapel in San Luis, Batangas, and it is believed to grant the wishes of visitors.

"Lolo Jose," who is said to have died over five decades ago, is known in their village for not appearing to have decomposed.

As seen on GMA Public Affairs' "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," most of the body appears to be complete and some of the tissue remains intact.

Lolo Jose, who was once a farmer, now lies in a glass case inside a chapel where he is being cared for by his descendants.

According to Apolonio Mendoza, his grandfather died suddenly while taking a walk and was simply laid to rest without being embalmed.

One day, Lolo Jose supposedly visited his granddaughter in her sleep and asked that he be exhumed from his grave.

"Napanaginipan ko na siya na raw ay kuhanin sa libingan naiinitan siya … na siya ay hukayin doon,” said Luzviminda Mendoza.

Instead of being sealed in a coffin, Lolo Jose lies in a case that can be opened by some who come to "whisper" their prayers.

One of his frequent visitors is German Cortez, a barangay chairman who asks him for help to win the local election.

Cortez, who had served as barangay kagawad for eight terms before becoming chairman, said he had Lolo Jose to thank for his victories.

“'Yun pong kauna-unahan, hindi pa siya nahuhukay, talo po ako noon," the local official said.

"Ako nagpunta doon uli at nakiusap na ako ay kanyang tulungan … ibinubulong ko na lang sa kanya, hindi po ako naalis sa puwesto."

Baby Fernando

Meanwhile, in Naga City, Cebu, the lifeless body of an 11-month-old child lies in an open grave.

Much like Lolo Jose, the corpse of "Baby Fernando" also appears intact after several decades and is believed to answer prayers.

According to Baby Fernando's remaining family, the child died way back in 1949, and the remains was discovered to be still intact in 1975.

KMJS talked to the body's caretakers and learned that several people have come to ask for its help in matters like business and health.

"Bumubulong talaga sila," said caretaker Teresita Rosel. "May pumunta dito, nagpagamot ... gumaling!"

Now wrapped in a gold blanket and adorned with a cross necklace, the corpse of Baby Fernando is kept in a small tomb that can be opened for those who wish to see it.

With the belief surrounding "incorruptible" bodies, an expert laid out a scientific explanation as to why corpses don't decay.

"One is anaerobic condition," said James Patrick Ovejera, president of Professional Embalmers Association of the Philippines.

"ibig sabihn, 'yung dead body, noong siya ay ilibing, ay hindi siya exposed sa oxygen in the environment kaya hindi nagkakaroon ng process ng decomposition."

Another expert also reminded the public that all corpses were potentially infectious and those who had come into contact with them should follow certain precautions.

Nevertheless, keeping the dead "close" is not at all new to Filipino culture.

"Matagal na ang paniniwalang ganito sa lipunang Pilipino," said cultural anthropologist Dr. Nestor Castro.

"Kasi dapat nating alalaanin na bago dumating ang mga Kastila naniniwala na tayo sa konsepto ng mga anito … ang yumao nating mga ninuno. Meron tayong koneksyon sa kanila kahit na sila ay pumunta sa kabilang buhay," he said. –  Margaret Claire Layug/RC, GMA News