Online Burial

Along Quezon Avenue, a huge signboard warrants attention. It says, “ONLINE’ BUROL”. The advertisement is made by the company, St. Peter. Passersby can only get curious and bewildered.

Not too long ago, Philippine Star heralded the notion of a multimedia coffin. In its October 2007 issue, it featured this invention by Antonio Andes which has the capability to enable relatives in other places to express their condolences to grieving families in the Philippines at real time when connected to the Internet. Its display panel showcases a video stream of messages of those who are unable to attend the wake, a pre-edited presentation of memoirs of the deceased, last wishes as well as accompanying music or video during the wake or funeral.

I do not know what my grandmother would say to these developments especially in light of what I heard her utter before: that she would not believe one relative dead if she did not see the coffin. I dare not ask what she would opine regarding people getting buried and grieved upon this way.

But the advertisement along the road can not get any more conspicuous. We really are living in different times. And while science fictionists still have a lot of ideas to toy with, technology is making big steps proving that what once was only a figment of imagination, is already possible and better still, available for all.