Funerallink Blogs

Category: How to

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
Grief & Loss: How To Check In On Someone Who Is Grieving
Some people might not want to talk about their problems, but it’s worth reaching out to let them know that you are there for them. It’s always important to check in on friends and family members when they are going through a difficult time.

If you’re wondering about how someone is doing and want to show that you care, these tips can help you.
- Ensure you are calm and relaxed
Checking in with someone is a very important part of the process. It is a way for you to make sure that they are not alone in their grief.

However, it can be hard to find the right time to do this. You don’t want to check in when emotions are running high. They might not be able to think straight. So instead, try and find a calm moment when emotions are low and then check in with them about what is going on.
- Start a small talk
We often find ourselves in the position of wanting to support our friends and loved ones, but not knowing how. It can be difficult to know what to say or do when someone is going through something tough. You can start a conversation like:

“It’s been a while. I am just wondering how you are doing. When you are free, let’s catch up!”

“It has been a year. How are you holding up?”

“How have you been doing, really? Things become so overwhelming sometimes – do you feel the same?”
- Give them time to talk, simply listen to what they say
Listening attentively can be a great way of showing that you care about someone and their thoughts. It is also a good way of learning more about the person you are listening to.

It is difficult for some people to express themselves in a way that can be understood by others. They might have difficulty articulating their thoughts and feelings about a certain topic or a situation so you have to be patient and understanding.
- Don’t make any assumptions
It is important to work as a team because it will make the process more efficient. You should ask what they need before trying to solve their problems.

It is best to avoid using medical terms or diagnoses unless they’re diagnosed by a professional and they’re comfortable talking about it. These words can be triggering for some people. Instead, allow them to talk about their specific experience or emotions. You can also share some of your own experience to let them know that if you were able to get through it, they can too!
December 17, 2022
Coping With The New Year After Losing a Loved One
Coping with the memories of a loved one can be difficult at the best of times. It can be especially hard when you’ve lost someone recently.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this. Grief is a natural human response to loss and it is normal for it to take time to get through the grieving process. The New Year is a time when people are typically looking for resolutions to their problems, and the desire to be kinder to themselves is no exception. This can be hard for those who have lost loved ones recently.

These are some tips that may help you make grief a little easier to cope with at New Year:
- Do what feels right for you
We live in a time where we have to be constantly connected. It is not a bad thing, but it can be exhausting. Some people need time to themselves to recharge their batteries and get back on their feet.

It is important that you take care of yourself and do what feels best for you. If it feels right for you to have a quiet night at home with the TV, then that is totally fine.
- Don’t overthink what could possibly happen next
It can be hard to not think about the memories you shared with them and how they impacted your life. But instead of living in the past, try to focus on what is happening in front of you.

We should take a moment to remember their contributions and celebrate their lives by acknowledging what they have done for us.
- Be with the people who understand your grief
The best way to get through grief is to be around people who care about you. It can also be helpful for you to talk about your feelings and memories with others who are going through the same thing.

Do not isolate yourself from people during this difficult time.

The New Year can be a difficult time of the year for those who are grieving. For some, the New Year triggers memories of past celebrations that they enjoyed with their loved ones. For others, it is a reminder that their loved ones will no longer be there to enjoy the upcoming festivities.

It’s important to take care of ourselves during this season and not let our grief get in the way of enjoying this holiday season with friends and family members.
December 11, 2022
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
5 Simple Ways to Spend Your 13th Month Pay
Christmas is a time of the year when we need to buy presents for our loved ones. With so many obligations and so little time, it can be hard to find the perfect gift.

Before the year ends, employees receive an additional full-month pay or a 13th-month pay. Some employers give extra bonuses to their loyal and outstanding staff. There is no wonder that you will see a lot of stores enticing the shoppers with their sale promos- because, yes, they have money to spend.

However, have you paused for a while and thought of how to wisely spend your money?

An oldie but a goodie, this principle is as true now as it was decades ago. The idea is that you should put money into savings before you spend it on anything else. This way, if something unforeseen happens and you need to use your savings, you’ll have plenty of cash available.

The principle of paying yourself first means that no matter what the circumstances are, even if they are dire and life-changing, the first thing that needs to be done is to pay yourself first. This will ensure that at least one person in your family has some resources available to them when they need them most.

Here are 5 simple ways to spend your 13th month’s pay:

Pay off debts

Debt is a huge financial burden and it can really take a toll on your mental health. It can make you feel like you’re never going to get out of the hole that you’ve dug for yourself. The good news is that there are some ways to get out of debt and have a debt-free future.

You can start by paying off your debts, which will give you the chance to have a worry-free future. You might be thinking that this isn’t an option for you because it would take too long or it would cost too much money, but there are some ways to do it without spending all your money or taking years off your life.

But, when you are in a financial crunch, you might be tempted to spend all your 13th month just to settle all of your debts. Talk to your debtor or creditor. They might be okay that you will pay a portion of your debt. This way, it will be easier for you, and still have money to spend on your Noche Buena.

Start investing

No debt and want to diversify your income?

Investing in the Philippines has become accessible and easy. You can start by asking your HR department about how to invest in PAG-IBIG MP2 and SSS Peso Fund.

When you have time, you can reach out to a financial adviser and inquire about how to build your retirement and emergency fund.

Other investments you can do depending on your risk appetite:
- Mutual funds and Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs)
- Real estate
- Stocks
- Insurance
- Life Plan or memorial plan
Invest in personal growth

The world of work is changing and with it, the skill sets needed to stay competitive. Investing in yourself and your career by taking up new courses is a great way to stay ahead of the curve.

It is never too late to upskill yourself and pursue your career goals. With the help of online courses, you can now enroll in any course that you want, anytime and anywhere. Here are some benefits of upskilling:

– You will be more knowledgeable about your industry.

– You will be able to provide better services to your clients.

– You will have a competitive advantage over other freelancers in the market.

– Your resume will look more professional with the addition of a new skill on it.

Pamper yourself

Spending time on yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. And you deserve to treat yourself to something nice every now and then.

It might be a me-time at the spa, a staycation or even buying something you want but can’t afford. Treating yourself is not a bad thing and should be done as often as possible.

Give back

The Christmas season is a time for giving and sharing. It’s the season of hope, peace, and joy. It’s also a time when people are more receptive to hearing about your blessings.

This is why you should take every opportunity to share your blessings with others, even more so during the Christmas season.

Your money. Your choice. Your thoughts?

The 13th month’s pay is a great opportunity to give yourself a treat or to do something nice for someone else. It’s also a good time to think about your financial situation and plan for the future.

While most of us are busy trying to make ends meet, we often forget that the future is what matters the most. We need to focus on things that will secure our future rather than satisfying our shopping urges that bring momentary happiness.

You should not let yourself get carried away with shopping so much because it can lead to serious financial consequences. Start today and be wiser with your finances- for yourself, and for your family’s future.
November 13, 2022
Grief & Loss: Understanding and Talking About Your Feelings
Coping with a loss is different for everyone and there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to do it. What works for one person may not work for another person, so take time to explore your options before deciding on what will work best for you.

It’s natural for people who are grieving to feel ashamed or guilty when they talk about their feelings. They might think that people won’t understand what they’re feeling or that other people will judge them for how they are feeling.

Grief is a very personal and difficult experience. People go through different stages of the process, and in order to get through it, they need to be able to talk about it.

Here are some simple tips you can do to understand and talk about your feelings when grieving:
- Know how to name your emotions
We often notice how we feel in certain situations or when we are in a certain mood. But sometimes, it can be hard to put your finger on what exactly is making you feel a certain way. Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or sad?

Keeping a journal is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. It is a way to express yourself and help you process your feelings and get them out of your system. Journaling is a way to make sense of the world.
- Talk about your feelings
Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can be a helpful way to process and understand your emotions. You may find it can help to put things into perspective.
- Learn how to use “I”
When we speak of emotions, it is often difficult to put into words how we are feeling. It is easy to come up with an answer that seems like it should be the right one, but in reality it can feel very forced and unnatural. It can be tempting to try to guess what someone else might be feeling, but that is not a good idea. When trying to explain our own emotions, it is best to focus on our own experiences and feelings rather than trying to understand how someone else might feel.

Try saying “I feel” without having to explain it. It helps others understand what you are going through, and it also helps you understand your own feelings better.
- Pause and breathe
When the conversation is not going well, it is important to pause or take a break. This will help you to calm down and manage your emotions.

We can take a few slow breaths, wait until we feel calmer, and then continue the conversation.
- Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help
It’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness. This can be helpful if you want others to know how you want them to react or support you.

When asking for help, it is important not to make it seem like a sign of weakness. It is important to be open and honest about what you are trying to accomplish and why you need the help.
October 16, 2022
How To Be A Licensed Embalmer In the Philippines?
The profession of an embalmer is not as glamorous as it may sound. It is a profession that nobody talks about and one that’s often overlooked. But embalmers are the unsung heroes of our time, especially during pandemics.

Embalmers are professionals who specialize in the preparation and preservation of human remains for burial or cremation. They have to make sure that a body is presentable for viewing by family members and friends at funerals or memorial services. During pandemics, they help to prevent the spread of infection by disinfecting bodies before they are buried or cremated.

Why would someone become an embalmer?
- Parents are embalmers
- The family owns a funeral home business
- Passion
- Income opportunities locally and abroad
How to become a licensed embalmer in the Philippines

To become an embalmer, one must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma.

Certification in basic Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Sanitation and Hygiene, Ethics, and Jurisprudence is required, and one must have at least a year of studying and training in the field mentioned.

The Department of Health (DOH) is the government agency that is responsible for regulating and overseeing the embalming profession. It is also responsible for licensing examiners and registering apprenticeships.

The Department of Health has a list of requirements that must be met before one can be licensed to practice embalming in the Philippines.

These requirements include:
- Application form
- NSO Birth Certificate
- Barangay Clearance
- NBI/___ Police Clearance
- Medical Certificate from a Government Physician
- Certified Tru Copy of Diploma or Transcript of Record (College Diploma or High School Diploma)
- Marriage Contract of Female Married Applicant
- Passport Size Picture with Name Tag (5 copies)
Cosmetology class in PCAS

Embalmer school in the Philippines

Philippine Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS) is a learning institution located in Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City that specializes in the mortuary profession. It is the first embalming school in the Philippines that offers courses to help students become licensed embalmers in the country. It is a Department of Health CEUE Accredited Training Center.

The school was founded by Sarah Dychangco-Reyes. She studied mortuary business in the USA, is also a professional licensed embalmer, and is a licensed instructor. The school is based in Cebu City but accepts students from all over the Philippines. They also have students from Malaysia, Singapore, and China.

Education is changing, and PCAS is responding to the changes and adapting to the times. The new system offers hybrid education where students can take theoretical classes online (live sessions via Zoom) for three weeks. On some weekends, there will be face-to-face lessons. Students will then take their practicum in partner mortuaries of PCAS for two weeks.

Additionally, PCAS also offers one-on-one coaching to all of their students before the DOH licensure embalmer’s exam. This is to ensure that their students pass the written, oral, and practical exams.

Pacific Center of Advanced Studies (PCAS) is a premier and the top embalming school in the Philippines with 100% passing in the DOH embalming licensure exam.

To inquire about their embalmer’s licensure review program, you can contact them through their Facebook page: PCAS Philippines

Or call their friendly admin, Nina, 𝟬𝟵𝟲𝟬 𝟮𝟴𝟰 𝟮𝟴𝟱𝟯
October 9, 2022
Depression: After Losing a Loved One And What You Should Know
Depression is a mental illness that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness. It can be treated with psychotherapy and medications.

To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience the following symptoms for at least two weeks:
- Feeling sad or irritable most of the time
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling guilty about oneself or one’s future
- Trouble concentrating on things
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Appetite changes (either increased appetite or weight loss)
Don’t be sorry or feel bad about having depression.

There are many misconceptions about depression that make it difficult for people to seek help when they need it most. Some people may think depression is a sign of weakness or a personality flaw and not be willing to get treatment for it. Others might believe that they can overcome their depression on their own without treatment because they know how to “fix” themselves.

It’s important to understand the symptoms of depression and how it affects you as an individual. There are many different ways of treating depression such as therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and more. You deserve to be happy and healthy, so don’t feel bad about having depression!

Reach out to a family member or trusted friend.

Depression isn’t something that should be ignored, instead, it should be talked about. It is an illness that can be treated with therapy and medication.

If you’re experiencing depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support.

Consult a professional.

Depression is treatable with therapy or medication. If you have depression, it is important to get treatment because it can lead to other problems like anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, and suicide.

The best place to start is to seek help from your local healthcare worker or doctor. They will be able to diagnose you and provide treatment options for your depression.

Join activities you enjoy and connect with people.

When you are sick or feeling unwell, it is easy to let your family and friends slip away. You might not be able to go out and do the things that you used to enjoy when you were good. It is important to make an effort to stay in contact with them. They can help keep you up-to-date on what is happening in your life and remind you of the things that are important.

You should also try to keep up with activities that you used to enjoy when you were good. It might not be as much fun as usual, but it will still make a difference in your mental health.

Keep tabs on your overall health.

Regular exercise has been shown to promote a variety of health benefits such as weight loss, improved heart health, and reduced risk of diabetes. It also promotes better sleep quality. Sleep is crucial for a healthy body; it helps the body repair itself from the day’s stresses while also preventing chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Document your emotions and thoughts.

Keeping a journal is an excellent way to stay on top of your mental health. Journaling has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even help with depression. You can also keep track of things that you’re grateful for in your life or any other positive thoughts that come up throughout the day.

This is a great way to get into a positive mindset. It’s also a good practice for mindfulness.

There are many factors that contribute to the stigma that surrounds depression in the Philippines. One of these factors is the lack of awareness about mental health and depression. It may not be openly talked about as an illness in the Philippines, but it is still a reality for many Filipinos. However, non-profit organizations like Kauban will help you with your mental health.

Coping with the death of a loved one can be an overwhelming experience. It is not easy to accept the reality of their passing and it takes time to get back on your feet. You will go through a series of stages as you process your grief and move on with your life.

The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The process that you go through depends on how close you were to the person who passed away and how much they meant to you.

When things are too difficult for you, know that you are not alone and talk to a trusted person or seek professional help if there’s a need.
September 11, 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