In 2023, nearly 2,000 Filipinos died daily on average according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, with steady population growth throughout all of recorded history, the number of annual deaths in the country is also on the rise. It is no small wonder then that the funeral services industry is set to break the one billion dollars a year barrier in the next five years according to Bonafideresearch.com. That industry will need a steady stream of trained professionals to keep up with the growing demand.
Easily one of the most underappreciated jobs in the world is an embalmer. Preparing a body for a wake safely, and in a way that will help alleviate the sense of loss of a grieving family, can be a daunting task. It is certainly not for the faint of heart, and it requires specialized and extensive training.
Recently launched together with social media posts by celebrity makeup artist and online influencer Jigs Mayuga, Heaven Palette is a joint project of the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS) embalming school and ad/PR agency TBWA\SMP.
PCAS is a training center accredited by the Department of Health Committee of Examiners for Undertakers and Embalmers that focuses on embalming education and training. It aims to provide local embalmers with knowledge and technology that meets global standards.
The initiative aims to enable embalmers-in-training to hone their craft by helping with a large recurring expense — that of cosmetics. Heaven Palette calls for donations of pre-loved makeup to be used by embalmers in training, to help them learn how to do their job well.
In addition, the initiative hopes to make an environmental impact by encouraging the repurposing of makeup that would otherwise simply go to waste. In his post for Heaven Palette, Jigs Mayuga said: “At least hoarders like me, no longer need to feel bad about letting go of old eye shadow, old powder, used lipstick because we now have a meaningful purpose for it.”
Over-qualified, under-appreciated
The skillset required of those in the funeral services industry is highly specialized and broader than most imagine, and embalming in particular, is a highly technical profession.
“Similar to the medical profession, embalmers also undergo training in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, hygiene and sanitation, instrumentation, ethics, and jurisprudence among other subjects,” explained Sarah Dychangco-Reyes, president and owner of the PCAS.
“Embalming is a science and learning anatomy and physiology is crucial in knowing how to handle cases with different causes of death. Learning cosmetics is also important because the families want their departed loved ones to look at peace and resemble the photos and videos that they have,” shared Katrina Mercado, licensed embalmer, Luzon admin, and instructor for PCAS.
Even after a job well done, embalmers stay in the background and consider themselves lucky when they overhear mourners compliment their work.
Beyond the skills though, embalmers must have a rare mindset, and a large capacity for empathy.
“It takes a great deal of mental fortitude and resilience to be an embalmer, and we do not take this profession lightly — it’s a calling. We are faced with mortality with every retrieval and embalming we do, and we do grieve with you over your losses,” Mercado added.
The cost of getting good
Putting makeup on human remains is a skill that requires practice, and using good makeup is vital, so this is often a pain point.
“Simply put, high quality makeup is expensive. However, there is a considerable difference between premium and inferior makeup, in terms of pigmentation and coverage,” lamented Mercado.
From the time of its first posting in late February, Heaven Palette has received a steady stream of donations.
“Our donation boxes are continuously filled with assorted cosmetics. Some cosmetics are used, while others are still in pristine condition. Our PCAS admin has been receiving continuous personal drop-offs as well as many deliveries via courier,” said Dychangco-Reyes.
The donations are evaluated, segregated, and arranged into actual Heaven Palettes, which are then distributed to students.