CREMATION
Frequently Asked Questions
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The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The remaining bone fragments are known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in a temporary container provided by the crematory or placed in an urn purchased by the family. The entire process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labeling system ensures correct identification.
The optimum temperature range is 1400 degrees to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit for the cremation chamber.
Cremating at the optimum temperature (1400-1800 degrees), the average weighted remains take 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. Several more hours may be required before the cremated remains are available to the family.
Yes. State law generally provides that only one body may be cremated at a time. However, in some states, the remains of family members may be cremated together with the consent of the next-of-kin.
Yes, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or other container and then placing the casket or container into a cremation chamber or retort, where they are subjected to intense heat and flame.
In the Philippines, cremation can only take place after the death has been officially confirmed. Generally, a death certificate must be issued, and cremation may require a permit from the local government or relevant authorities. For certain cases, such as when the cause of death is under investigation, a waiting period may be required. Your funeral service provider can guide you on the necessary paperwork and any waiting periods applicable.
It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices be removed prior to cremation. They may explode when subjected to high temperature, which can be hazardous to crematory staff and equipment. In addition, any special mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Anything you wish to keep should be removed by the funeral director before the casket or container is transferred to the crematory
A complete cremation is a two-step process. First, the body is exposed to intense heat and flame, and after this process, the remains are mostly ash, except for certain bone fragments. These fragments are processed into a uniform powder-like texture, which is then collected as the cremated remains.
Due to the irreversible nature of cremation, most states require a waiting period before the actual process may begin. Unless a body is embalmed, refrigeration is the only alternative available that will retard tissue decomposition. Refrigeration is a necessity that protects family and friends, the crematory operator, and the general public from potential health hazards.
No. In most cases, it is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body, whether there is to be a funeral service, or whether there is refrigeration available. Embalming may also be necessary if the body is going to be transported by air, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.
We offer a variety of ceremonial caskets for viewing or funeral services prior to cremation. The ceremonial (or rental) casket is specifically designed to provide a very aesthetically pleasing, affordable, and environmentally prudent alternative to purchasing a casket for a cremation service.
Yes — It would be advisable that you discuss this situation with your cremation provider prior to the cremation. The size of your urn will be of great importance if you plan to have all of the cremated remains included in this container.
Arrangements can usually be made through the funeral home or crematory for relatives or representatives of the deceased to witness the cremation.
No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.
The cost of cremation in the Philippines can vary depending on factors such as location, the funeral service provider, and additional services requested. Basic cremation services may start at around PHP 30,000 to PHP 40,000. However, additional costs may arise if the family chooses a more elaborate urn, memorial service, or other customized services. Funeral homes can provide detailed price lists and packages to help families make informed decisions.
Yes. In certain cases, cremation can be delayed due to legal requirements, such as if the cause of death is under investigation or if family members request additional time for mourning or preparation. There may also be delays in obtaining the necessary paperwork, such as death certificates, permits, or clearance from authorities. Families may request a temporary holding period before the cremation takes place. We can work with the family to coordinate such delays.
No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement, and dignity, many crematories require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, leak-proof, rigid, covered container. This does not need to be a casket as such. What is required is an enclosed, rigid container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified handling of human remains. The type of casket or container selected is really a personal decision. Caskets and containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple cardboard containers to beautifully handcrafted oak, maple, or mahogany caskets.
A columbarium, often located within a mausoleum or chapel, sometimes free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, is constructed of numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold urns containing cremated remains.
Yes. Cremated remains can be divided among family members or loved ones who may want to keep a portion of the ashes in a small keepsake urn or jewelry.
Because of the human need to have a place to go and reflect, a cemetery or memorial provides a place for survivors to feel connected to their loved one’s memory.
Yes, cremation is a safe and dignified process. Crematories are highly regulated by government authorities to ensure proper safety standards are maintained. Cremation is conducted using specialized equipment that operates at extremely high temperatures to ensure the complete reduction of the body to ashes. The cremation process is performed by trained professionals who follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of all involved.
No – actually only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units.
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home, or in a crematory chapel.
It’s completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by having a traditional service first – to be followed by cremation.
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot (earth burial), retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased (it would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place). Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process—the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.
As long as it is permitted by local regulations, the cremated remains can be scattered in a place that is meaningful to you. This can, however, present difficulties for your survivors. Some people may find it hard to simply pour the mortal remains of a loved one out onto the ground or into the sea. If you wish to be scattered somewhere, it is therefore important to discuss your wishes ahead of time with the person or persons who will actually have to do the scattering. Another difficulty with scattering can occur when the remains are disposed of in an anonymous, unmarked, or public place. Access to the area may be restricted for some reason in the future, undeveloped land may be developed, or any of a host of other conditions may arise that could make it difficult for your survivors to visit the site to remember you. Even if your cremated remains are scattered in your backyard, what happens if your survivors relocate sometime in the future? Once scattered, cremated remains cannot easily be collected back up. Having your remains placed, interred, or scattered on a cemetery’s grounds ensures that future generations will have a place to go to remember. If remains are scattered somewhere outside the cemetery, many cemeteries will allow you to place a memorial of some type on the cemetery grounds, so survivors have a place to visit that will always be maintained and preserved.
Cremation in the Philippines is governed by specific regulations requiring authorization from the local government or relevant authorities. The process typically requires the submission of a death certificate and a permit to cremate, which may need to be accompanied by a medical certificate depending on the cause of death. A permit is also required from the local police in cases where there may be a legal investigation. We are well-versed in these processes and can guide families through the necessary documentation and formalities.
After the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains are collected and processed to remove any metal fragments. They are then placed in an urn or another container chosen by the family. The family may choose to keep the urn, scatter the remains, or place the ashes in a memorial setting, such as a columbarium or cemetery. Some families may choose to divide the remains among multiple family members.
Yes, in most cases, cremation is generally more affordable than a traditional burial, as it eliminates the need for a cemetery plot, a headstone, and other burial-related costs. However, the final cost depends on the specific services chosen, such as the type of urn, memorial service, or location for the scattering of ashes. It is advisable to consult with funeral service providers to understand the full range of options and their costs.