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Now in its third year, Forest Lake’s annual UNDASKO celebration brought families and communities together on October 15, 2026. Combining Undas and Pasko, the initiative encourages families to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and prepare thoughtfully for the future.
Organized by Forest Lake Development, Inc., the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer, with Total Memorial Care, the celebration unfolded at Forest Lake Biñan in Laguna. The program featured “Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,” followed by the Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites and a free concert at Biñan.
“UNDASKO 2026 brings our vision to life: creating places where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living. By bringing Undas and Pasko together, we give families an opportunity to appreciate those with them today and keep departed loved ones part of their Christmas traditions. Celebrate Life. Remember with Love. Prepare with Care. This message also reflects our commitment to personalized service: understanding what matters to each family, helping them create meaningful experiences, and encouraging thoughtful preparation as an expression of love,” said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President & CEO of Forest Lake Development, Inc.
A highlight of the Biñan program was “Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,” a living funeral planned and organized by Forest Lake. Unlike a traditional funeral, which takes place after a person’s death, a living funeral brings family, friends, and loved ones together during the person’s lifetime to share stories, express appreciation, and create memories with the honoree present. The person being celebrated can hear these expressions of affection, respond to them, and share their own gratitude, making appreciation a two-way exchange.
As each gathering is personal, Forest Lake offers personalized consultations to help families plan and coordinate an event that considers the honoree’s wishes, comfort, and privacy. A memorial chapel is the recommended setting for these gatherings, providing a space for loved ones to come together and celebrate the person’s life. Specific arrangements and services may vary by location.
“As part of UNDASKO 2026, ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay’ gave a personal expression to our message of celebrating life. Forest Lake helped plan and organize the gathering around appreciation, relationships, and gratitude. More broadly, a living funeral creates space for someone to hear what they mean to loved ones and express thanks in return. Alongside the tree lighting and free concert, it reflected UNDASKO’s purpose of bringing people together to share meaningful moments,” said Carlos Miguel V. Locsin, National Sales & Marketing Head of Forest Lake Development, Inc.
Juancho Xerez-Burgos, and Sheena Syyap
Later that day, Forest Lake held its Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites. Lighted trees and Christmas decorations marked the occasion across its memorial parks, giving visitors a festive setting for the season. While the nationwide lighting took place on October 15, other Undas activities at individual sites followed their respective local schedules.
“Across our parks, UNDASKO creates a welcoming Christmas setting where families can spend time together while remembering departed loved ones. The lighted trees and Christmas décor help keep them part of the season’s traditions. The nationwide tree lighting brought our communities together, while Forest Lake Biñan’s free concert added an evening of music and laughter. Each site’s Undas activities follow its local schedule, with the same commitment to a meaningful visitor experience and respect for families who come for quiet remembrance,” said Gambi Dizon, Chief Operating Officer of Forest Lake Development, Inc.
At Forest Lake Biñan, the festivities continued after the tree lighting with a free concert featuring Ate Gay, alongside guests Henry G., AJ, Boobsie and friends, with special guest AZTER. Admission to the Biñan tree lighting and concert was free, allowing visitors to enjoy an evening of music and entertainment as part of the UNDASKO celebration.
UNDASKO and Forest Lake’s personalized approach to living funerals reflects its vision: “To build a better place where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living.” Through its Total Memorial Care offerings, Forest Lake continues to emphasize value, innovation, and personalized service, helping families create meaningful experiences and prepare for the future with care.
To learn more about UNDASKO activities and personalized memorial care, connect with Forest Lake through its official channels: Facebook (@ForestLakeMemorialParks) and Instagram (@forestlakememorialparks). Celebrate Life. Remember with Love. Prepare with Care.
