MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In a country where nearly 2,000 Filipinos bid farewell daily, the funeral services industry is poised to cross the ₱50 billion annual threshold within the next five years. Yet behind each peaceful visage at a wake stands an unsung hero wielding not just formaldehyde but foundation, blush, and eyeshadow.
Enter Heaven Palette – an initiative by PCAS embalming school and creative agency TBWA\SMP that’s giving pre-loved makeup a meaningful second act while supporting the next generation of funeral service professionals.
Recently unveiled through the social media star power of celebrity makeup artist Jigs Mayuga, Heaven Palette taps into the overflowing makeup collections of beauty enthusiasts across the metro. The campaign encourages donations of gently used cosmetics to embalmers-in-training who require these tools to perfect their craft.
In addition, the initiative hopes to make an environmental impact by encouraging the repurposing of makeup that would otherwise simply go to waste. In his post for Heaven Palette, Jigs Mayuga says, “At least hoarders like me, no longer need to feel bad about letting go of old eye shadow, old powder, used lipstick because we now have a meaningful purpose for it.”
“Similar to the medical profession, embalmers also undergo training in Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Hygiene and Sanitation, Instrumentation, Ethics, and Jurisprudence, among other subjects,” explains Sarah Dychangco-Reyes, President and owner of the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies.
“Embalming is a science, and learning anatomy and physiology is crucial in knowing how to handle cases with different causes of death. Learning cosmetics is also important because the families want their departed loved ones to look at peace and resemble the photos and videos that they have,” shares Katrina Mercado, licensed embalmer, Luzon admin, and instructor for PCAS. Even after a job well done, embalmers stay in the background and consider themselves lucky when they overhear mourners compliment their work.
These professionals must master both science and artistry, remaining perpetually in the shadows while creating moments of solace for grieving families. Beyond the skills, though, embalmers must have a rare mindset and a large capacity for empathy. “It takes a great deal of mental fortitude and resilience to be an embalmer, and we do not take this profession lightly– it’s a calling. We are faced with mortality with every retrieval and embalming we do, and we do grieve with you over your losses,” Mercado adds.
Putting makeup on human remains is a skill that requires practice, and using good makeup is vital, so this is often a pain point. “Simply put, high-quality makeup is expensive. However, there is a considerable difference between premium and inferior makeup, in terms of pigmentation and coverage,” laments Mercado.
From the time of its first posting in late February, The Heaven Palette has received a steady stream of donations: “Our donation boxes are continuously filled with assorted cosmetics. Some cosmetics are used, while others are still in pristine condition. Our PCAS admin has been receiving continuous personal drop-offs, as well as many deliveries via courier,” says Dychangco-Reyes. The donations are evaluated, segregated, and arranged into actual Heaven Palettes, which are then distributed to students.
The Heaven Palette is an ongoing project. For details on how to donate, go to: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=23887885914146568&set=pcb.23887939470807879. You may also check the FAQs of the initiative via PCAS’s Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pcasphl/posts/pfbid02EWtUba3Ucw9cjWADekYm9bxbpHNqvUwNWs4TyMkxmGV2PGjuh3nYBCDtndQW9Bkl
