Why Estate Lots Are Worth Considering for Every Filipino Family
Most of us don’t like thinking about the inevitable. But if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that planning ahead makes a world of difference for those we love. One of the most practical and meaningful ways to prepare is by investing in a memorial property—specifically, an estate lot. An estate lot is a larger memorial property that offers space not just for a single interment, but for multiple family members. It can accommodate the construction of a mausoleum, a family marker, or a landscaped memorial garden. It’s a space that reflects legacy, unity, and foresight. Why Choose an Estate Lot? Unlike traditional lawn lots, estate lots provide flexibility and privacy. Families can customize the space to reflect their preferences and build structures that can stand the test of time. These lots are usually located in prime sections of a memorial park, offering a peaceful, elevated environment and enhanced accessibility. More importantly, estate lots offer continuity. Instead of purchasing individual lots in separate locations as needs arise, families can ensure that their loved ones are laid to rest together—something that brings both comfort and convenience. Benefits of Estate Lot Ownership Are There Any Downsides? As with any premium investment, the primary consideration is cost. Estate lots require a larger upfront payment than lawn lots. Additionally, maintenance can involve more planning, especially if a mausoleum or structure is built. But for many families, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expenses. Forest Lake Estate Lots Forest Lake offers estate lots in select memorial parks across the Philippines. These premium spaces are located in prime sections of the park—often elevated, landscaped, and carefully planned to provide both serenity and prestige. Each estate lot is designed to accommodate multiple interments and allows for the construction of private family structures, including mausoleums and custom markers. Estate lot owners at Forest Lake enjoy access to full interment coordination services, flexible payment options, and ongoing site maintenance. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking to establish a family legacy, Forest Lake’s estate offerings combine dignity, value, and peace of mind. Final Thoughts If it’s within your family’s means, owning an estate lot is one of the most thoughtful investments you can make—not just financially, but emotionally. It’s about giving your family a beautiful, unified space to remember, honor, and find peace. Forest Lake Estate Lots are built for families who value connection, legacy, and lasting care. We invite you to visit one of our parks and see how estate lot ownership can be one of the most meaningful choices your family ever makes.
A Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with a Death in the Family in the Philippines
The death of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences any family can face. In the Philippines, where family ties and traditions run deep, the period following a death can be overwhelming not just emotionally, but also logistically. This guide aims to walk you through every step of the process, from the moment of death to the legal, financial, and emotional matters that follow. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden loss or preparing in advance, Forest Lake Memorial Parks is here to assist you in navigating this journey with clarity and compassion. What to Do Immediately After Death The first few hours after a death are often filled with shock and confusion. If the death occurs at home, it is crucial to contact a licensed medical practitioner who can pronounce the death and issue a medical certificate. In a hospital setting, this is handled by attending physicians. Once the death is confirmed, immediate family members should be notified. It is during this period that contacting a memorial service provider such as Forest Lake Memorial Parks can be most helpful. Our team is on call 24/7 to provide assistance in body retrieval, preparation of remains, interment planning, and other arrangements. We offer dignified, complete funeral services designed to ease the burden on the family. This section outlines the immediate steps you need to take when someone dies, whether at home, in a hospital, or under other circumstances. 1. Confirming the Death A. Death Occurs in a Medical Facility If the death occurs in a hospital or clinic, the attending physician will officially pronounce the death and issue a Medical Certificate of Death, stating the time, place, and cause of death. B. Death Occurs at Home Call the family physician or barangay health officer to pronounce the death. A medical doctor is still needed to issue the Medical Certificate of Death. If the person was under palliative or hospice care, this process is often pre-arranged with a provider. C. Death Under Suspicious or Violent Circumstances Immediately report the death to the Philippine National Police (PNP). An autopsy may be required. No embalming or burial may proceed without clearance from investigating authorities. 2. Obtaining a Medical Certificate of Death This is the first and most essential document in the legal process. Who Can Issue It? Attending physician (hospital death) Licensed physician who verifies death at home Municipal health officer (for cases without a private doctor) Details Included: Name of deceased Cause and time of death Place of death Certifying physician’s signature and license number ⚠️ Important: You cannot proceed to register the death, apply for permits, or arrange interment without this certificate. 3. Reporting the Death to Local Authorities Under Philippine law (Civil Registration Law – RA 3753), all deaths must be reported within 30 days to the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) in the city or municipality where the death occurred. Who Can File? Spouse Parent or child Closest living relative Hospital or funeral home (if authorized) What to Bring: Medical Certificate of Death (original and photocopies) Valid ID of informant Marriage or birth certificate (in some cases) Authorization letter (if filed by a third party) Where to File: Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) – usually inside city/municipal hall Office hours: Weekdays, 8AM–5PM No online filing for deaths currently supported by the PSA 4. Time-Sensitive Considerations Action Timeframe Obtain Medical Certificate of Death Within a few hours of death Register the death with LCRO Within 30 days Apply for cremation permit (if needed) Prior to cremation Inter burial (if without embalming) Usually within 24 hours Request PSA-certified death certificate After registration (2–3 weeks) Special Scenarios A. Death Abroad Must be reported to the Philippine Consulate in the country of death. Certificate issued abroad must be authenticated (Apostille or DFA). B. Sudden or Unattended Death Subject to police investigation and possibly autopsy Delays issuance of Medical Certificate until cause of death is confirmed ✅ Checklist: First 24 Hours Confirm the death through a licensed medical practitioner Obtain a Medical Certificate of Death Notify close family members Contact a funeral service provider Begin reporting to barangay and civil registry (or funeral home will assist) Collect documents and prepare IDs Schedule embalming or cremation in accordance with local laws Legal & Government Requirements Every death in the Philippines must be legally registered with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) within 30 days. The family must secure a Medical Certificate of Death, which is a requirement for obtaining a death certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA-certified death certificate is needed for a host of subsequent transactions, including claiming benefits, transferring property, and processing insurance. If cremation is chosen, additional permits from the local health office and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are required. For burials, a burial permit must be obtained from the municipality or city government. In the case of a death occurring abroad, the death must be reported to the nearest Philippine embassy and later recorded with the DFA and PSA. 1. Registering the Death A. Legal Basis Under Republic Act No. 3753 (Civil Registry Law), all deaths must be registered within 30 days with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of the city or municipality where the death occurred. B. Where to Register Local Civil Registry Office (often located at the city/municipal hall) Some funeral homes assist in the registration process on your behalf C. Required Documents Medical Certificate of Death (original and 3+ photocopies) Valid ID of the informant (family member, hospital, or funeral staff) Marriage Certificate (if spouse is the informant) Authorization Letter (if someone is filing on behalf of the family) D. Timeline Must be registered within 30 days of death. Late registration requires an affidavit of delayed registration and additional documentation. 2. Securing the Death Certificate A. Certified True Copy from LCRO Once the death is registered, the LCRO will issue an endorsed and certified true copy of the death certificate. This document is required for all legal, financial, and insurance
“I Am Forest Lake”: Celebrating the People Behind Our Success
As we reflect on 2024, we recognize that our achievements are rooted in the dedication and passion of our people. To honor this, we launched the “I Am Forest Lake” program—a heartfelt initiative celebrating the employees, sellers, and sales leaders who embody our mission and values. Held on December 3 at Okada Manila, the event was a tribute to the individuals who have been instrumental in our journey. Through personal stories and testimonials, we highlighted the unwavering commitment of our team members who go above and beyond to serve Filipino families with compassion and excellence. One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Mr. Ruperto Rivera Jr., our Group Chief Finance Officer, for his two decades of exemplary service. His dedication exemplifies the spirit of Forest Lake—where every role contributes to a greater purpose. Our leadership team, including Chairman Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., President & CEO Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, and Director of Technical, MIS, and HR Jose Antonio Xerez-Burgos, expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders. Their messages underscored the importance of unity, resilience, and shared vision in achieving our goals. Beyond internal recognition, the program also acknowledged the trust and support of our clients. Their testimonials reaffirmed our commitment to providing dignified and meaningful memorial services that honor the lives of their loved ones. “I Am Forest Lake” is more than a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of our collective identity. As we move forward, we carry with us the stories, values, and aspirations that define us. Together, we continue to build a legacy of service, compassion, and excellence. Further Reading and Media Coverage:
Forest Lake State of the Company Address 2024
Forest Lake Memorial Parks closed 2024 with remarkable momentum, achieving ₱3.2 billion in total sales—a new milestone that reflects the company’s continued growth, digital transformation, and customer-first approach. These achievements were highlighted in the company’s State of the Company Address, where Forest Lake’s executive leadership reflected on the year’s progress and looked forward with bold optimism. Nationwide Presence and Expansion Forest Lake has grown its network to 38 operating parks across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with 12 more in various stages of development. The company’s ongoing expansion targets 50 parks nationwide in the near future—underscoring its mission to provide accessible, dignified memorial care to Filipino families in more regions. Innovations in Service and Experience Several new offerings launched in 2024 are reshaping the memorial experience: These innovations place Forest Lake at the forefront of modern, meaningful, and compassionate memorial care. Premier Investment and Financial Impact Forest Lake’s Premier Investment Program continues to provide new opportunities for investors seeking to grow their capital while supporting the company’s expansion. The ₱3.2 billion in sales for 2024 reflects not just growth in customer base, but also confidence among stakeholders—with more customers and agents seeing the value of memorial lots as investments. A Message Rooted in Compassion and Clarity In the 2024 address, Forest Lake leadership emphasized not only service performance but also the emotional weight of the work they do. Preparing for the inevitable is at the core of the company’s mission—and through innovation, expansion, and empathy, Forest Lake continues to help Filipino families honor their loved ones with dignity, peace, and love.
UNDASKO 2024: Honoring Life and Love with Filipino Tradition and Holiday Spirit
We are thrilled to share the success of UNDASKO 2024, our one-of-a-kind event that blends the solemn remembrance of Undas with the warmth and joy of Pasko. This unique celebration reflects Forest Lake’s dedication to honoring Filipino traditions while creating meaningful moments for families during the holiday season. UNDASKO, a combination of “Undas” and “Pasko,” was designed to help families celebrate the lives of their departed loved ones while embracing the hope and togetherness of Christmas. The heart of the event was the simultaneous lighting of Christmas trees in all Forest Lake parks, symbolizing remembrance, unity, and the enduring light our loved ones leave behind. As part of this nationwide celebration, Forest Lake offered exclusive promotions, complimentary services, and giveaways to our valued clients—our way of showing gratitude for the continued trust and support. We also highlighted our key services that make memorial care more accessible and meaningful: Libing Anywhere – Giving families the flexibility to choose interment in any of our parks nationwideLibre Burol – Providing free wake services as part of our interment packagesQRonicle – A digital memorial platform that allows families to preserve and share their loved one’s stories Our President and CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, captured the spirit of the campaign: “UNDASKO is our way of encouraging families to honor their loved ones while sharing in the joy of the holiday season. It’s a unique experience that celebrates life, love, and memories.” The positive response to UNDASKO 2024 has inspired us to continue this as a yearly tradition—one that brings comfort, connection, and celebration to every family we serve. Meta Description:Forest Lake’s UNDASKO 2024 brings together Undas and Christmas in a unique celebration of remembrance, light, and Filipino family values. Tags and Keywords:Forest Lake Memorial Parks, UNDASKO 2024, Undas and Christmas, Filipino family traditions, Libing Anywhere, Libre Burol, QRonicle, end-of-life planning, holiday memorial care, remembrance celebration, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, Christmas tree lighting, memorial park Philippines Further Reading and Media Coverage:
Pagpag: Blending Humor and Culture to Spark Conversations on Death and Planning
We’re excited to share our latest campaign video, “Pagpag,” the fourth installment in our ‘Di Mo Inexpect No’ series. This lighthearted Halloween-themed video explores the Filipino tradition of “pagpag,” where mourners avoid going home directly after a wake to prevent the spirit of the departed from following them. While the video brings humor to this cultural practice, it also conveys a deeper message: death is an inevitable part of life, and preparing for it can bring peace of mind. As our CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, states, “True peace of mind comes not from avoiding the topic of death, but from accepting it as an inevitable part of life and preparing for it in meaningful ways.” This campaign encourages Filipinos to embrace end-of-life planning, ensuring that their loved ones are spared unnecessary stress during difficult times. Our services, such as Libing Anywhere, Libre Burol, QRonicle, and our Customer Portal, are designed to provide comprehensive support and convenience for families. Further Reading and Media Coverage Learn more about the impact of Forest Lake’s Pagpag video campaign through these media features and articles:
“Paliwanag” Shines a Light on Memorial Planning with Humor and Heart
We’re proud to introduce our latest digital campaign, “Paliwanag,” a short video that blends humor and cultural relevance to shift how Filipinos talk about death and memorial planning. Set in a police precinct, the video follows a man told to “magpaliwanag ka sa presinto”—a common Filipino phrase for giving an explanation. But in a clever twist, he takes the instruction literally and begins to emit light, surprising everyone around him. The concept is simple but powerful: life is unpredictable, and death often arrives without warning. The campaign uses wit to disarm discomfort and encourage reflection, reminding us that conversations about death don’t need to be grim—they can be grounded in love, readiness, and family care. As our President and CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, shared, “Death is something we all face, but it doesn’t have to be something we must all fear.” That’s what “Paliwanag” is about—shedding light on the importance of preparation so that when the time comes, families can focus on celebrating life, not scrambling with logistics. We hope this campaign opens doors to meaningful conversations around end-of-life planning. By being prepared, we lighten the emotional and financial burden on our loved ones. It’s a message that’s always been part of Forest Lake’s mission—to help families through compassionate and practical memorial care. Our services, such as Libing Anywhere and Libre Burol, are built to provide support when families need it most. Whether you are honoring a loved one close to home or from afar, we are committed to making memorial care more flexible, dignified, and accessible. Through “Paliwanag” and our ongoing campaigns, we continue to reshape how people see memorial parks—not just as places for endings, but as spaces for remembrance, legacy, and love. To learn more about our services, visit us on Facebook or Instagram: @forestlakememorialparks
“Itim na Pusa” Video: A Humorous Take on Life’s Unexpected Turns
Forest Lake Memorial Parks has released a new video titled “Itim na Pusa,” which humorously addresses common Filipino superstitions, particularly the belief that encountering a black cat brings bad luck. The video features two individuals who, upon seeing a black cat while crossing the street, immediately associate it with misfortune—a nod to a superstition passed down through generations. This lighthearted portrayal serves as a reminder to not let age-old beliefs dictate our reactions to everyday occurrences. By blending humor with cultural commentary, Forest Lake encourages viewers to reflect on the superstitions they hold and to approach life’s uncertainties with a more open and positive mindset. The “Itim na Pusa” video is part of Forest Lake’s broader initiative to engage with the community through relatable content that resonates with Filipino culture and values. By addressing superstitions in a comedic light, the company fosters a sense of connection and prompts conversations about the beliefs that shape our daily lives. For more information about Forest Lake Memorial Parks and their services, visit forestlakeparks.com. Find us on Manila Bulletin
Forest Lake celebrates 25 years of revolutionizing total death care in the Philippines
Forest Lake celebrates 25 years of revolutionizing total death care in the Philippines https://youtu.be/9oVr4xdlvAI Manila, Philippines – The country’s largest total death care provider Forest Lake marks its 25th anniversary by recognizing its top-performing sales force through a National Sales Convention (NSC) held on June 8, 2022 at Okada Manila. Since 1997, Forest Lake has empowered not just its bereaved customers but also its employees and sales teams by revolutionizing total death care—one that goes beyond offering memorial lots for sale. With a nationwide footprint that spans Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, Forest Lake now has over 25,000 registered sales agents in more than 35 locations in the Philippines. Forest Lake President Alfred Xerez-Burgos, Jr. shares, “Over the last 25 years, Forest Lake has fulfilled its brand promise of being A Better Place in a multitude of ways. Our vision is to build a better place where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living and our mission is to offer accessible and affordable memorial parks and services managed by a professional team dedicated to providing value, innovation, and personalized service.” Revolutionizing total death care As a total memorial care company, Forest Lake provides not just memorial parks, but also cremation and interment services as well as chapel services which includes retrieval of a beloved one’s body, embalming, casketing, and viewing rooms. The intent is to provide clients with the highest quality of service and convenience and through the efficient integration of these memorial care services. Through this, Forest Lake becomes the one-stop memorial care provider. As an added bonus, Forest Lake lot owners are entitled to receive P45,000 worth of Libre Burol services which includes body retrieval, embalming, casketing and chapel viewing, all completely free of charge through the the Libre Burol Program. There is a qualifier however: Libre Burol is offered only where there is a Forest Lake Chapel in the Forest Lake Memorial Park and comes free for every interment service. Therefore, every lot owner who avails of the interment service is entitled to Libre Burol. This means that lot owners, for as long as an interment service can be performed, can avail of memorial services which include pickup, preparation, coffin and viewing for one night – amounting to at least P45,000 – for free. For Forest Lake Managing Director of Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Chapel Services Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, death care is an investment, not just financially but emotionally, as well. “Filipinos want more than just a memorial lot, chapel, a coffin, and a memorial service. When you invest in total death care, you’re investing in emotional support during your time of grieving. Every Filipino deserves to celebrate and immortalize the memory of their loved ones in a dignified manner,” said Xerez-Burgos III. Power of the Past, Force of the Future: Forest Lake’s 8th National Sales Convention With a theme, “Power of the past and Force of the Future” the NSC focused on remembering and honoring Forest Lake’s notable origins and encouraging its people to look forward to the incredible growth in the coming years. Forest Lake also unveiled its Digital Transformation updates through its upgraded customer digital portal, MyForestLake, as well as its business expansion plans for 2022. MyForestLake will allow Forest Lake lot owners to manage their memorial lot investments, purchase lots, pay their monthly amortizations, and access customer information and services, all from the safety, comfort, and convenience of their homes or anywhere they may be. The program, hosted by celebrity hosts Sam YG and Wacky Kiray, was nothing short of a star-studded affair. Forest Lake’s rich history was brought to life through El Gamma Penumbra’s interpretative dance number and famous OPM artists such as Ogie Alcasid and Jonalyn Viray took the stage. The evening included other performances from Buganda and Beast House. Between performances, Forest Lake also paid homage to its sales representatives who have shown incredible dedication and love for the company. Among these are those who have been with Forest Lake for over 20 years such as Pablo Layog who began his career in Forest Lake 25 years ago. “As much as we give importance to our past and our future, we also hold in high regard those who have dedicated their lives to helping the families of those who have passed on. It’s part of our vision and mission to create better places for Filipinos – not just for the bereaved, but for those who have the heart to help them through total death care, as well,” says Forest Lake Chairman Antonio V. Syyap. Forest Lake Senior Sales and Marketing Manager Carla Crisostomo shared as she introduced the tribute video, “Memories are more than just a link to the past. Sometimes they are all that we have that will last. As we celebrate our victories tonight from the challenges of the pandemic towards full recovery, towards the light of a new day, let us take this time to honor and remember the lives of our Forest Lake family members who have transitioned to their new eternal lives. We thank them for the lives they have touched, for their hard work, and contributions. Their memories will forever be in our hearts.” 25 Years of Being a Better Place Forest Lake’s signature personalized service, and family-friendly nature-themed parks have established it as one of the Philippines’ leading, trusted, and preferred memorial parks. In 2015, Forest Lake opened its first memorial chapels in Forest Lake Binan, Laguna for viewing chapels. With high occupancy levels in 2018 and 2019, a second building housing 10 additional viewing rooms were opened in March 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. In 2018, Forest Lake launched its grief counseling services which began as a partnership with grief coach, Cathy Babao for bereaved clients in Forest Lake Binan, Laguna. In 2020, Forest Lake planned to take the workshops nationwide, however, due to the pandemic, these face-to-face sessions were cancelled. Thus, the birth of Creating Better Days Webinar Series. Knowing how the pandemic brought
Inspire Special Edition 2020
