Jaehwa Bernardo

Forest Lake makes Total Memorial Care accessible for Filipino families. Handout

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Memorial care brand on burial vs cremation: ‘A reality that every family will eventually face’

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781069714851image0.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Forest Lake makes Total Memorial Care accessible for Filipino families. Handout"/>Forest Lake makes Total Memorial Care accessible for Filipino families. Handout</div>As much as people wish they could live forever, life has an end.Every Filipino has a special understanding of death. Some try to avoid it because of the pain it will bring their loved ones, while others embrace it wholeheartedly.And with each final goodbye, those living loved ones know in their hearts that the most beautiful manner to commemorate the departed is to honor and remember them till the very end – in whatever way they wish, whether burial or cremation.In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Carlos Miguel Locsin, National Sales &amp; Marketing Head of Forest Lake Development Inc., said that while traditional burial is still preferred, cremation is growing more popular among Filipinos.“Filipinos still generally choose traditional burial over cremation. This is deeply rooted in our culture, family traditions, and Christian beliefs. While cremation is becoming more accepted, especially in urban areas, burial remains the preferred choice for many families because it gives them a physical place to visit, remember, and honor their loved ones,” Locsin told ABS-CBN News. “For Filipinos, memorial care is not only about disposition; it is also about family, remembrance, and continuing bonds.”Further discussing burial vs cremation and the outlook for the memorial care industry, he said, “The memorial care industry remains steady and resilient because it addresses a permanent need. Death is a reality that every family will eventually face, so demand will always exist.”“What is changing, however, is how Filipinos prepare for it,” he added.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781069754891image1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Forest Lake founder Alfred Xerez-Burgos III delivers his speech. Handout"/>Forest Lake founder Alfred Xerez-Burgos III delivers his speech. Handout</div>According to their studies of consumers, more Pinoys now understand that planning ahead of time helps lessen stress and other problems.“More families are becoming aware of the importance of planning ahead, securing memorial properties early, and choosing services that reduce the emotional and financial burden on their loved ones. So while the need has always been there, the industry continues to grow as more people understand the value of preparedness,” he said.The Forest Lake executive also addressed a question from ABS-CBN News about why advance memorial care can be unsettling for many Filipinos, as it is often associated with preparing for death.“I would tell them that advance memorial care is not about inviting death; it is about protecting the people we love. Death is something none of us can avoid, but the stress, confusion, and financial burden left behind can be reduced through preparation. It is actually scarier to leave everything unplanned and have our loved ones make difficult decisions while they are grieving. Planning ahead is an act of love, responsibility, and care for the family we leave behind,” he explained.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781069774691image3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Forest Lake celebrates new milestone. Handout"/>Forest Lake celebrates new milestone. Handout</div>Recently, Forest Lake Development Inc. gathered more than 550 guests at Okada Manila for its 12th National Sales Convention, a celebration that honored its people, partnerships, and shared values behind the company’s continued nationwide growth and record-breaking achievements in 2025.The convention, themed &quot;THRIVE: Ani ng Tagumpay,&quot; celebrated Forest Lake&#x27;s ₱5.5 billion sales production in 2025, a huge rise from ₱3.8 billion in 2024 and the company&#x27;s highest milestone yet.“This celebration is not only about record-breaking sales–it is about the people behind those achievements,” said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, president and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc. “Our sales agents and leaders are the heart of Forest Lake’s success, and their dedication allows us to continue serving Filipino families with dignity, compassion, and care.”Among the brand’s enhanced services are Libre Burol or Libre Haya nationwide, Libing Anywhere, memorial chapels, cremation services, columbarium developments, interment services, and future-ready memorial innovations.

With each final goodbye, those living loved ones know in their hearts that the most beautiful manner to commemorate the departed is to honor and remember them till the very end – in whatever way they wish, whether burial or cremation.

With each final goodbye, those living loved ones know in their hearts that the most beautiful manner to commemorate the departed is to honor and remember them till the very end – in whatever way they wish, whether burial or cremation.

Burial vs cremation: How Filipino families are rethinking end-of-life planning

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Burial vs cremation: How Filipino families are rethinking end-of-life planning

Josh Mercado

Published June 10, 2026 05:26 PM PHT

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