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Tag: Funeral

  • How Coronavirus Changed the Funeral Traditions in the Philippines

    How Coronavirus Changed the Funeral Traditions in the Philippines

    The coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the world. From businesses closing to the economy going down, up to the people panicking everywhere, crisis indeed brings out the best and the worst in people. One significant change that coronavirus brought to this world is how families say goodbye to the unfortunate individuals infected by the virus.

    In the Philippines, traditions have paved the way for holding a funeral before a beloved deceased is sent off for a final farewell. However, following the Department of Health’s instructions, such commemoration is disallowed. This is due to the possible deadly transmission of the coronavirus from the deceased’s body to the remaining family members and friends.

    We at Funeralink took the time and opportunity to ask some funeral insiders on how this pandemic changed the well-practiced funeral traditions in the Philippines. Here are the questions we asked, and listed below are their tragic answers.

    What Changes Have You Noted During This Pandemic that Affected Your Industry?

    Along with the directive from the Department of Health, most families follow the preferred cremation choice. There are no wakes, no extended viewing times, and no time for mourning before they bid final goodbyes.

    “Imagine how hard it would be to have a family member bid you farewell as a precaution because of underlying symptoms, and when the results come, they were identified as positive. Then, you won’t be able to visit them, comfort them in time of pain, and the next thing you know, they are already gone.” The funeral insider added, “We are at risk as well due to the virus, but it’s heartbreaking to have family members break down and cry outside our facilities, and there’s nothing we can do but obey protocols.”

    Coronavirus

    What Measures Are You Implementing to Ensure Employees’ Safety?

    A funeral insider assures the public that employees handling the deceased body strictly adheres to the guidelines set by the Department of Health. Moreover, they are provided with refresher training on proper handling, proper protocols, and the legal basis for such measures.

    They are given masks, face shields, bodysuits, proper hand-washing areas, and their physical well-being are monitored. We wouldn’t want our personnel to be at risk of the virus, and this is the reason why we follow strict protocols.

    Does this Pandemic Threaten to Change Filipino’s Ways of Funerals?

    Although this tragic event tried and tested our capabilities as a facility, we know that Filipinos can surpass such challenges. The funeral tradition is unlikely to be lost because of this shift. Filipinos see the value of commemorating their loved ones, and they know how important it is to remember a departed one.

    “I doubt that such an unorthodox method will be the mainstay option for Filipino families. We saw how some of these unfortunate families wept, and we know how critical a funeral is for their grief and acceptance,” a funeral insider proclaimed.

    We encourage everyone, especially at this time of crisis, to follow authorities and stay at home to flatten the curve. In this time of the pandemic, grief and death come in a sudden jolt that leaves families heartbroken.

     

    Photos: Pexels.com

  • Do’s and Don’t’s of Food Prep in A Beloved One’s Wake

    Do’s and Don’t’s of Food Prep in A Beloved One’s Wake

    Filipinos love food. Because of this admiration and fondness, food has become a crucial aspect of every celebration or gathering. When a soul departs this world, mourning family and friends don’t leave the wake with an empty stomach. Whether it’s a combination of coffee and biscuits or a more elaborate set-up, here are our dos and dont’s of food prepping.

    Consider the Size and Access to Kitchen

    Filipinos love home-cooked meals. We can never tell if this is the reason most families opt to have their beloved one’s wake at their residence instead of a funeral parlor is it because of other practical implications.

    When you hold a wake at home, chances are, you’ve allotted a specific space for the viewing and the guests’ area. The always-present monobloc chairs and tables go well with a serving of macaroni soup, pancit, or meals that goes in pair with rice. This food prep is made possible because of the full access to the kitchen and everyone’s helping hands.

    Prepping food servings in a funeral parlor can be troublesome. Chapels or rooms can get crowded from the overflowing number of visitors, and it’s not feasible to bring soups or other pasabaw in the area. For this situation, it is best to purchase single-wrapped biscuits, bread, packed drinks or sandwiches and offer them to the guests.

    Choose Food Items that are Edible Even When Cold

    Wakes naturally last until the wee hours of the morning. When family members don’t have the time and energy to prepare freshly-cooked meals, the best option is to provide meals that taste great even when cold. Sandwiches, chips, ensaymada, bread, and other biscuits are your best bet.

    Dos and Donts

    Provide Ample Amount of Drinks

    A guest’s best partner during a funeral wake is an overload of hot and tasty coffee. This goes beyond the Filipino’s tradition. If you have water dispensers, then great! Guests can use it for a cup of cold water or hot coffee. If not, bottled water comes next. Don’t forget to provide other options aside from coffee such as cocoa sachets, tea or single-packed juices.

    Practice Respectful Etiquette When Eating

    Family members are obligated to make their guests feel at home as a way of thanking them in time of mourning. As privileged as it may sound, guests should not forget their etiquettes. For example, it is okay to help yourself with another serving of a scrumptious meal.

    Provided that there is more left, but taking more than what you can consume is a disgrace and disrespect to everyone who prepared it. Plus, how about those that have not yet partaken the food?

    Pay Your Respects Before Pigging Out

    When you go to a funeral wake, eating should be the last thing on your mind. After all, you don’t go to a funeral wake to eat. There are other appropriate times for that. Extend your heartfelt and sincere condolences to the grieving family and reach out to them in a comforting manner. Funeral wakes aren’t about food. It’s more of the last celebration before bidding adieu towards eternal life.

     

    Photos: Pexels.com