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