Manila:Filipino comedian and singer Gil Aducal Morales, widely known as Ate Gay, made headlines by opting for a "living funeral" before his passing on November 1. This event, held on October 15, challenged the cultural taboos surrounding mortality in Philippine society.
According to Philippines News Agency, a living funeral, also known as a pre-funeral or living wake, is an event organized to honor someone while they are still alive. Although this practice is embraced in countries like Japan and South Korea, it remains uncommon in the Philippines due to cultural sensitivities regarding death.
Psychologist Salvacion Villafuerte explained that while living funerals are not a traditional practice in the Philippines, they align with Filipino values of family, remembrance, and honoring loved ones. The event allows individuals to celebrate presence rather than mourn absence, fulfilling psychological needs for connection and appreciation.
Villafuerte noted that Filipino values such as utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and pakikisama (fellowship) may influence the decision to hold a living funeral. However, factors like hiya (shame) and religious beliefs might deter some from embracing the practice, as it can be perceived as inviting death or causing unnecessary worry.
Living funerals allow individuals to confront death anxiety and provide an opportunity to express unsaid feelings, aiding in grief navigation. While it does not eliminate grief, the practice can offer peace and acceptance. As BU Literature teacher Viveth Morcozo remarked, it transforms anticipated loss into a celebration of life, allowing people to express appreciation before it is too late.
