Funerallink Blogs

Category: Funeral home

The Funeral Industry Adapts to the Pandemic: How to Stay in Business
The funeral industry has changed significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to a number of changes in the way funerals are conducted, including:
- Increased use of technology: Funeral homes have had to adapt to the pandemic by using technology to provide services to families. This includes live-streaming funerals so that loved ones who cannot attend in person can still be a part of the service.
- Increased demand for cremation: Many families have opted for cremation services instead of traditional burial services due to the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Cremation is a more sanitary process and it can be more cost-effective than traditional burial services.
- Changes to funeral rituals: The pandemic has also led to changes in funeral rituals. For example, some families have chosen to have smaller, more intimate funerals or to hold funerals outdoors.
The funeral industry is facing a number of challenges as a result of the pandemic. These challenges include:
- Financial losses: Funeral homes have lost revenue due to the pandemic. This is because families have had to cancel or postpone funerals.
- Increased competition: The funeral industry is facing increased competition from online funeral providers. These providers offer lower-cost services that are often more convenient for families.
- Changing consumer preferences: The pandemic has led to changes in consumer preferences for funeral services. Families are now more interested in personalized and affordable services.
In order to stay in the game, funeral home owners will need to adapt to the changing needs of consumers. This includes offering more personalized and affordable services and using technology to provide services to families. They will also need to find ways to compete with online funeral providers. This may include offering lower-cost services or providing more convenient options for families.

Here are some of the things that the funeral home in the Philippines can do to stay in business:
- Offer more personalized services: Funeral homes can offer more personalized services by working with families to create a funeral that reflects the loved one’s life and interests. This may include providing custom caskets, urns, or headstones. Funeral homes can also offer unique services, such as memorial trees or butterfly releases.
- Offer more affordable services: Funeral homes can offer more affordable services by streamlining their operations and reducing costs. This may include using less expensive, yet quality materials or offering discounts for families who pre-plan their funerals.
- Use technology to provide services: Funeral homes can use technology to provide services to families who are unable to attend in person. This may include live-streaming funerals or providing virtual memorials.
- Partner with other businesses: Funeral homes can partner with other businesses to offer a wider range of services to families. This may include partnering with florists, caterers, or musicians.
The death care industry is facing a number of challenges, but it is also an opportunity for innovation. By adapting to the changing needs of consumers, funeral homes can stay in the game and continue to provide meaningful services to families.

To stay up-to-date on funeral home business trends, we recommend following Pacific Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS) on Facebook or visiting their website. PCAS regularly hosts webinars on how to run a funeral home efficiently and effectively, as well as new embalming techniques and strategies.
March 4, 2023
Different Kinds of Caskets Available in the Philippines and How Much Does It Cost
Caskets are a form of art meant to reflect the personality and life of the person who passed. It helps preserve the body, allowing family and friends to say goodbye to their loved ones. It is a final gesture of love and respect, but also a last act of closure.

Caskets can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or fabric. They can be solid or open-faced, with or without handles. A well-designed coffin can help provide comfort to those who are mourning.

Different kinds of caskets available in the Philippines:
- Wood
Wooden caskets are available in a wide range of styles and price points. It is a popular choice for those who want their loved ones to be buried in an eco-friendly manner. The high-end designs are made with hardwood like oak, mahogany, or maple. There are low-priced caskets, but oftentimes, they are not on display.

Wooden casket price ranges between PHP 3,000 to millions.
- Metal
The price of metal caskets will vary depending on the thickness of the steel used. The thickness of the steel depends on its gauge. The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. This means that it will be more expensive when the gauge decreases.

Metal casket prices range between PHP 16,000 to millions. Some funeral homes offer a warranty for longevity to their select metal casket.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass caskets are made of polymer resin mixed with glass fibers. They are lightweight and durable and can be produced in any shape or size. They are also available in many different colors, which is not typical for other types of caskets.

Other features
- Exterior design
It is common in the Philippines that people to choose ready-made caskets as they are more affordable. However, custom-made caskets are also available, but might cost more.

The casket shell is covered in a protective coating such as lacquer or varnish. Some casket makers accept customization and would paint the casket shell with other colors or wrapped with images to reflect the personality of the deceased. Other external parts of the casket can be customized as well, such as the handles and corners.
- Interior design
The lining inside the casket is usually made from a more economical material like polyester and it serves as a bed for the body. The type of material chosen for this purpose varies depending on factors such as cost and personal preference. A velvet or silk lining, for example, may be preferred by some.

Some caskets have gaskets. The gaskets provide a seal between two objects to cushion or isolate them from the outside environment. Caskets are closed with a lid and then sealed with a gasket, which is a piece of rubber or other material. Gaskets may help preserve the body for an extended period, however, it doesn’t stop the body from decomposing.
- Internal compartment
A memory compartment is a special place where the family can put in small items that they want to go with the deceased. This could be pictures, messages, or something special.

Planning for the future is a difficult task, especially when it comes to funeral expenses. With rising costs and limited budgets, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make sure that funeral costs are covered. Fortunately, there are ways to make funeral planning more affordable. By taking steps such as investing in a pre-need life plan, individuals can ensure that their loved ones are not burdened with expensive funeral expenses after they pass away.
January 8, 2023
Celebration After the Pandemic: 15th Philippine Mortuary Association Annual Convention
The Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA) was founded to create a space for funeral home owners and professionals to mingle and learn from each other. Since its inception, PMA has been at the forefront of many initiatives that aim to raise awareness about the latest strategies and techniques in managing a funeral home. They are also providing support for funeral homes in terms of marketing, human resource development, and many other aspects.

The association has been holding an annual gathering for over a decade. The event always takes place in a different city every year. However, the pandemic forced them to put the event on hold in 2020.

15th Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA) Annual Convention: A L.E.A.P. of Faith

On November 30, 2022, PMA held the much-awaited convention in Woodlane Events Place, Las Pinas, Metro Manila. It was a 3-day event (November 30 – December 02, 2022) attended by funeral home owners, executives, licensed funeral directors, and embalmers.

This year’s theme: A LEAP of Faith

The association has been a stronghold for many funeral home owners and professionals, especially during the pandemic. The goal of the convention was to celebrate the successes and at the same to learn, engage, adapt, and professionalize the funeral profession. Thus, PMA invited speakers not only from the funeral industry but also from other fields to inspire and motivate the members to be better both in their professional and personal life.

Top-caliber speakers in their field

The association’s board and working committee carefully planned the event, inviting top-caliber speakers from the country. The event was a success, with a turnout of over a hundred people. It was an excellent event with the best speakers who left the audience with great insights.

PMA did a good job of getting speakers from the industry, and also invited motivational speakers, marketers, psychologists, and more. They even invited doctors, lawyers, and forensic experts. It is certainly an event one should haven’t missed, especially when you are in the mortuary industry in the Philippines.

Raffle prizes that blew everyone’s mind

The Philippines Mortuary Association didn’t also hold back from preparing lots of raffle prizes for all those who attended the annual convention. The prizes ranged from home appliances to imported caskets. The cost of the caskets was between PHP 50,000 – 2 million. Everyone was super excited about the grand prize, which was a casket from Batesville.

Thank you, @titakeii, for hosting the event and for this video.

Generous sponsors

The event wouldn’t have been a success without the generosity of our sponsors and the loyalty of our active members.

There was an exhibit hall prepared for the sponsors to showcase their products and services. Early bird registrants had the first dibs in the hall and some were lucky to get some merch from our generous sponsors. Funerallink, for example, gave camera covers for laptops and umbrellas. All registrants received a kit, certificate, and renewal certification documents.

The event sponsors were the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS), Cosmopolitan Climb Life Plan Inc. (CCLPI), Batesville, Funerallink, DODGE, IPI, Woodlane Events Place, Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels, The Philippine Star, Diwa Metal Caskets, and a lot more.

Being an active PMA member gets to enjoy the following perks:
- Get a 10% discount at PCAS Continuing Embalmers Education (CEE) program
- Get a 10% when purchasing supplier products for DODGE
- Get a discount group rate for attending international conventions
- Get a chance to win a prize during the annual convention
- Most importantly, you get to rub elbows with the best in the mortuary industry
How to become a Philippine Mortuary Association member?

Talk to their friendly admin through the PMA – Philippines Mortuary Association official Facebook page

Or, call Ms. Febbie at 0923 737 7981
December 6, 2022
Funeral Hearse in the Philippines
Funeral cars are the most common type of vehicle used in a funeral procession. They can be either a hearse or a limousine, depending on the needs of the family. A person’s choice of transportation to a funeral can hold various meanings. It can show the type of relationship they had with the person who died, their position in the family, and how they want to be remembered.

What is a funeral hearse?

A hearse is a vehicle that is used to transport the dead from the place of death to the location of burial or cremation. It is also called a funeral coach. These vehicles are usually driven by funeral professionals or pallbearers.

Funeral cars have been around for centuries and their design has evolved. Some funeral cars are specially designed so that they can be driven straight into a church or crematorium.

What are the commonly used funeral hearses in the Philippines?

Hearses are not made by the car manufacturers themselves. They are usually made by conversion companies that customize existing passenger vehicles.

The earliest hearses were horse-drawn, but they were replaced by motorized vehicles in the early 20th century.

In some cases, the body of an existing car is used as a hearse by being extended with a compartment for carrying coffins or caskets. This is usually done to accommodate larger coffins and caskets or to make the vehicle more imposing.

But hearse is not just vehicles that have been customized to perform as hearses over the years, but also models of cars.

Here’s a list of models that have been customized to perform as hearses over the years:
- Cadillac XTS
- Cadillac DTS
- Lincoln MKT
- Lincoln Continental
- Buick Enclave
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Jaguar XJL
- Rolls-Royce Phantom
Funeral homes in the Philippines have developed creative ways to make funeral services more affordable. They have a top-of-the-line fleet of Starex and other Korean/Japanese-made cars.

However, if you wish to have a feel of traditional funeral service, the family can choose a carriage to take the deceased loved one to their final resting place. San Fernando Funeral Homes, for example, offers this kind of funeral hearse.

Philippine Hearse Rental provides funeral hearses and other specialty vehicles. You can reach out to them through their Facebook page.

The latest trend is the motorcycle hearse that is being offered in one of the premier funeral homes in the country. They provide the first Harley Hearse in the Philippines. This is perfect for someone who loves motorcycles and adventure. Check out their Facebook page here.
November 6, 2022
5 Best Funeral Homes in Quezon City

These are the 5 top searches on Google with 5-star reviews when you are looking for funeral homes in Quezon City.

St. Ignatius Funeral Homes Inc.

Location: 117 Col. Bonny Serrao Rd., Quezon City
Tel. number: 0927 660 5877

San Fernando Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc.

Location: 167 Kaingin Rd., Balintawak, Quezon City
Tel. number: (02) 3411 8292

Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory

Location: 332 Gregorio Araneta Ave., Quezon City
Tel. number: 0917 803 8524

Dio Memorial Chapels

Location: 622 Congressional Rd., Project 8, Quezon City
Tel. number: 0975 509 1328

Almo Funeral Service

Location: Alfred, 606 A Carlos St., Novaliches, Quezon City
Tel. number: 0932 857 7074

Other funeral homes in Quezon City that are also rated 5.0 on Google:

St. James Memorial Chapel

Location: 2 B J.P. Rizal St., Brgy. Marilaag Proj. 4, Quezon City
Tel. number: (02) 8994 1655

Imperial Funeral Services

Location: Quirino Highway, Novaliches, Quezon City
Tel. number: (02) 3417 1915

Vivs Funeral Homes

Location: 322 Manila Gravel Pit Rd., Quezon City
Tel. number: 0907 068 4578

AA De Guzman Funeral Services

Location: Mendez Rd., Quezon City
Tel. number: (02) 7264 4565

Sauyo Funeral Services

Location: 8 Greenview Ave., Novaliches, Quezon City
Tel. number: (02) 8935 6238

*All photos are from Google Street View.

Should you want to reach a wider audience and have an online presence? You may list your funeral home business on Funerallink. Please go here.
You may also email us at support@funerallink.com.ph

September 4, 2022
5 Reasons You Need to List Your Funeral Home Business in Funerallink

The Internet has become a necessity in the 21st century. It is a source of information, entertainment, and communication. In fact, people rely on the Internet for pretty much everything. They buy products and services online using a computer or cell phone. They use it to find information on anything under the sun.

Imagine people booking a funeral service online!

The traditional way of doing business in the funeral industry is still alive and well in the Philippines. Customers are not always able to take time off work to visit the funeral home. Or, leave their grieving family to visit your office. This can be frustrating for them.

The solution is that funeral homes should have an online booking system, so customers can book services on their own time, at their convenience.

Born out of passion

The founders of Funerallink have been in the industry for many years and have seen how inconvenient for customers to book a funeral service.

Funeralink is a startup that wants to disrupt the funeral industry. It is a platform that will enable people to book a funeral service in an easier way. Users can search for funeral homes in the Philippines and find services, prices, and reviews all in one place.

The goal is to have an avenue for funeral industry owners to showcase their businesses. For the customers to find a funeral home near their location that is affordable, and convenient.

Here’s why you need to list your funeral home in Funerallink:

Ability to promote your business on social media.

In a country where over 90% of the population has access to the internet, it is no surprise that social media is a dominant force in Philippine culture. While maintaining a social media page can be tedious, it is necessary for a business to stay on top of trends.

Funerallink has already established its presence online. Listing your funeral home means you are tapping into Funerallink’s network and reaching a wider audience.

Have an online platform without creating a website.

Having a website is not a necessity for any business, but it does provide an opportunity for businesses to create their own identity and establish themselves as an authority in the industry.

There are many benefits of having a website. It lets your customers find you easily and provides them with all the information they need about your business. It also helps you build trust with potential customers because they know that you are serious about your business and it shows them that you care about what they think. A website also helps people find out more about your products or services and how they can use them in their lives.

The process of building a website can be complicated, expensive, and time-consuming for those who don’t know what they’re doing.

Funerallink was created to provide an easy and hassle-free way to establish your business online without creating a website. It only takes 15 minutes to list your business on Funerallink. Super easy, and convenient to use.

Reach a wider audience.

Traditional marketing is still a powerful tool. Imagine when you combine it with online marketing and the potential of your business goes up exponentially.

Funerallink is an online funeral home directory that helps people find funeral homes in the Philippines. It provides listings for funeral homes and allows visitors to search for them either by location or by the name of the business.

Provide convenience to your customers.

Calling a landline number is expensive. In this day and age, it is so much easier to contact people on their smartphones. Mobile phones have become an extension of our bodies and we use them for everything.

Funerallink is the easiest way to book a funeral online – it doesn’t matter what time of day it is, or what day of the week. It only takes 5 minutes for customers to book a funeral service without having to call you. Once the booking is complete, you instantly be notified via text and email.

Free forever. No monthly dues.

Funerallink is an online booking portal for funeral homes that helps customers find out about services and prices, as well as make bookings without having to speak on the phone or go through any other process.

You can list your business on Funerallink for free… forever! What’s more? For new partners, you get five free links. After that, you pay PHP 1,000 per link for every successful booking.

How do you list your business? Go here.

For more questions about Funerallink, you can visit the frequently asked questions here.

You may also send an email to support@funerallink.com.ph

August 28, 2022
How Important is the Funeral?

Funeral rituals are a very important part of the death process. They are designed to help the family and friends of the deceased cope with their loss and remember them for years to come.

It is often a very personal and emotional event for many people. For most people, this can be a time when everyone in the family and friends comes together to remember someone they loved dearly, or it can be an opportunity for people who have never met before to come together in solidarity and support for those who have lost someone close to them.

Where to hold a funeral?

Most funeral homes offer funeral chapels which are often included in their funeral package. You may also choose to hold the funeral in your residence or a religious venue.

But… why is a funeral important?

Shared grief is lessened grief

The funeral is a ceremony that honors the life of the deceased. It’s a chance for people to come together, share memories, and say goodbye. It’s also an opportunity for loved ones to come together in support of each other.

Sharing our grief and the loss of our loved ones with others can help us heal and find acceptance. The more we share our grief, the easier for us to accept the death of a loved one and the healthier it becomes for us to walk through this bereavement process.

A time of sorrow

Psychologists and researchers have found that funerals are important for the grieving process.

When someone dies, people often feel a sense of disbelief and shock. They are in this state of numbness and don’t know what to do. The person might also feel as if they cannot even move from the place where the tragedy happened. It is important to not let these feelings get too strong, so that the person can get back on their feet and start living again.

One way to counter these effects is by participating in a funeral for the person who died. This helps them come out of their numbness and start feeling like they can live again.

Public recognition in life and death

There are many reasons why people like their privacy. However, there are people whom you don’t know that would also pay their respect. They could be a former colleague, a club member, or someone they helped. After all, the funeral is a time for the community to come together and grieve.

Holding a funeral can be costly. Most funeral homes offer pre-need life plan to make the funeral service affordable for everybody. Planning your own funeral might sound morbid; one must remember that it is for the family- not for you.

August 14, 2022
8 Questions You Should Ask to A Funeral Director
Many people feel that they would find it difficult to arrange a funeral for themselves or for a loved one. However, this is not the case. Choosing to work with a funeral director can help to make the experience of arranging a funeral a more comfortable one.

Funeral directors are experts in their field and will be able to guide you through the process of arranging a funeral. They have all the knowledge and experience needed to do this and access to resources that may not be available elsewhere.

It is important to ask the right questions when looking for a funeral director. Ask them about their experience, their fees, and if they have any guarantees. Find out what services they offer and how much time they will spend with you.

Here is a checklist of questions you should ask a funeral director:
- What kind of funerals do you offer?
- How do the prices for your services compared to other funeral homes in your area?
- Do you have a funeral package? What are the inclusions?
- Can I see pictures of your facilities?
- What kind of caskets or urns do you have? Can I buy from another company or funeral home?
- What are documents needed? Can you assist us?
- Do you have a florist that we can work with?
- Would you be there to help us through the process? How can we reach you?
Funeral directors are responsible for the funeral process and they will provide you with all the information you need. They will help you plan the funeral, arrange a date, and make sure that your loved one is buried or cremated.

They want to ensure that you know exactly what is going on so that it doesn’t cause any additional stress for family members who have lost a loved one.

Funerallink has partnered with top funeral homes in the Philippines, ensuring you get the best service you deserve. All of their funeral directors are licensed and trained professionals.
August 7, 2022
Which is more eco-friendly, burial or cremation?

Cremations and funerals contribute to the enormous environmental impact that funerals have.

At some point in our lives, many of us would have recycled countless reams of paper, cardboard boxes, glass bottles, and beer cans. We may have made a conscious effort to turn off the lights as we leave the room to minimize our impact on the environment. As we become conscious of the carbon footprint we leave behind in life, modern funeral homes and crematoriums strive to reduce the environmental impact of death.

Your carbon footprint stretches into the afterlife. In 2020, 37.5 percent of American corpses were laid to rest. Fifty-six percent were cremated.

Many people opted for cremation because they assumed it had a less environmental impact. That doesn’t necessarily apply. When determining whether to bury or cremate, you should be aware of the distinctions between the two. They both contribute to carbon dioxide, but they have different impacts on other parts of the environment.

Below is your quick guide to these impacts.

Burial

Traditional burial methods involve digging a six-foot piece of soil. The body of the person is in a wooden coffin, which the undertakers descend and cover with soil. A vault surrounds the coffin, then a headstone is placed on top of marking the grave.

It’s very resource-intensive. Each year, Americans bury 73,000 kilometers of hardwood and 1.5 million tons of concrete in cemeteries. The average cemetery has enough wood to build forty different houses.

If you choose to go underground, you can reduce your environmental impact by refusing embalming fluids. This will allow your body to break down naturally in the ground. You can then choose an alternative way to contain your body. You may wrap your body in a shroud. It will decay with time. Alternatively, you can select a shallower tomb. Burying a body in three feet keeps it from being taken by animals while allowing bacteria to break it down.

The last thing you can do is ask for any flower at the top of the grave. A lot of florists use pesticides and too much water to grow those flowers. If others want to put bouquets, you can ask them to gather theirs in the neighboring fields.

Cremation

Traditional cremation consists of putting a body in a cardboard box or a flammable box. The box is then slid into a crematorium, which functions at elevated temperatures. The body is reduced to fragments of bones and ashes, which are placed in an urn.

The crematorium utilizes neither wood nor concrete. There is no need for embalming fluids. It has an environmental footprint, though. Many crematories are dependent on natural gas, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It may also release mercury from dental fillings. Vaporized mercury can rise in the air and cause acid rain. Ask your mortician to remove your fillings ahead of time.

Pick a coffin made from non-toxic materials like recycled cardboard. If you want to bury the ash, put it in a box made of biodegradable substances. The more common are wicker. Lastly, when spraying the ashes, make sure to spread them. Too much ash can make it impossible for plants to receive oxygen and sunlight. Avoid sprinkling ash onto fish streams.

Burial or cremation: which is more eco-friendly?

There are pros and cons whether you chose the traditional burial or cremation. In other countries, there are several options for you to have an eco-friendly burial, but not quite in the Philippines – not just yet. However, you may discuss your concerns with your funeral director to find a solution that may have less impact on the environment.

April 21, 2022