BY ANTONIO DELOS REYES
The passing of our loved ones is a natural part of life. However, this is still one of the most painful experiences that anyone can go through. By holding a wake, people can say goodbye to their loved ones and process their grief.
Nacional Chapels and Crematory is keenly aware of the need for a proper send-off for the deceased, having been in the mortuary industry for over a decade. To help give grieving families a more comfortable place for them to say their last farewells, the company has opened a new 5-storey center located in Aranete Avenue, Quezon City.
The new facility aims to redefine memorial services with a contemporary aesthetic usually seen only in hotels and condominiums and rarely, if ever, in memorial homes. It is comprised of 15 chapels with various designs and sizes to fit the needs of each family. Nine of these chapels have family rooms with their own bedroom, dining area, and toilet and bath, giving families the much-needed space to rest and take care of other matters, away from the presence of guests.
“The new Nacional was designed to give the Filipino families of today a place where they can spend their final days with their departed loved ones in utmost comfort, convenience, and sophistication,” says Annette Estacion, Managing Director of Nacional Chapels and Crematory.
“We wanted to give them a unique space to celebrate the life of their dearly beloved while, at the same time, making new memories with relatives and friends. All told, the new Nacional Chapels and Crematory is really more about those who have been left behind even as it gives those who have passed on the fitting and dignified venue for the celebration of life,” she adds.
Aside from modern interiors, the facility also takes advantage of modern technology, such as touch-screen displays which helps guide visitors to their destination chapel, LCD screens at the entrance of each chapel displaying the name of the deceased, and other features.
In keeping with the center’s goal of providing a more comfortable place to pay their last respects, cozy lounges with comfy sofas, chairs, and coffee tables were also installed in strategic areas in the building, providing guests and visitors more options to relax, remember, and cherish their memories with their loved ones.
Nacional Chapels and Crematory offers several options for families. They can opt for a direct cremation with 1 day or 3 days viewing, or they can hold a wake for either 1 day or 3 days before cremation. The center also uses new cremation equipment which cuts down the process from 3 hours to only 1 1/2 hours. The full menu of services makes managing memorials as easy and worry-free, so families can focus on the truly important aspects of their final few days with their departed loved ones.
