Dealing with the death of a loved one and/or a family member is difficult for everyone, and to be able to participate in the wake and funeral and burial services is part of the grieving process which makes viewing one of the most important part of the process – to say your last goodbyes and at the same time paying respect and comfort to those left behind.
Unfortunately, not everyone can join these services and wakes. With over 2.3 million Overseas Filipino workers as of 2017, according to the Philippine Statistics Association, distance and work commitments are the main reasons a family member or a friend miss the funeral.
However with today’s technology and faster communications, one can now have the option to “attend” the funeral service without being physically present. Live streaming the wake, viewing and burial rites has been popular for popular personalities, both politicians and big celebrities. A big television company will cover the service for the whole day or days. But with the internet nowadays, even common people can provide this option to their loved ones abroad. Those who prefer to check pictures instead can choose to wait for photos uploaded by a family member after the burial.
According to the Internet World Stats, Philippines has over 67 million internet users, 62 million of that are Facebook users. With Facebook Live, there is no reason to get left behind every celebration – from baby showers to weddings and funerals. Majority of the foreign workers, especially in the Middle East, “watch and attend” the Sunday church mass online. The streaming video is saved for those who miss it, which makes accessible and convenient for viewers in cases for those in different times zones.
Although the Philippines still has one of the slowest internet services in Asia, this does not stop users from being active in social media. https://www.manilatimes.net/phs-economic-competitiveness-is-slow-internet-a-factor/403610/https://www.manilatimes.net/phs-economic-competitiveness-is-slow-internet-a-factor/403610/
Majority of the funeral homes that are listed in Funerallink have this option – that is, free use of their wifi within the chapel. But if the wake is done at home, the family will provide the internet or wifi service if they consider live streaming services.
Though physical presence is important, live streaming through any social media platforms is cheap and practical. Having this option makes everyone feel their part of the whole rite and watchers are usually happy that they are given the chance “to be present”.
Filipinos are showy and sentimental but they are also open-minded and sharing when it comes to experiences. Live Streaming funeral services have become the new trend and has been added to a much modern funeral prepayment package. It is flexible and the bond and connection to loved ones all over the world are now easier.
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