Maria Katrina Paras

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<p>We often overlook the delicate art behind death care, especially when it comes to the professionals who prepare our loved ones for their final journey. But for those in the funeral services industry, especially <strong>embalmers</strong>, this highly specialized profession demands both technical expertise and an enormous amount of compassion.</p><p>In 2023, the Philippines recorded nearly 2,000 deaths each day, leading to a rising annual death toll alongside a steady population growth. As a result, the funeral services industry is experiencing significant growth, predicted to surpass a billion dollars annually within the next five years, as stated by <a href="https://bonafideresearch.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bonafideresearch.com</a>. With this increase in demand, there’s a rising need for highly trained embalmers to ensure that loved ones are cared for with dignity.</p><p>Despite their critical contributions, embalmers frequently go unrecognized. One of their most significant challenges is the high cost of quality cosmetics required for the embalming process. “Simply put, high-quality makeup is expensive. However, there is a considerable difference between premium and inferior makeup, in terms of pigmentation and coverage,” lamented <strong>Katrina Mercado</strong>, a <strong>licensed embalmer</strong>, Luzon admin, and instructor for <strong>PCAS</strong>.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194256395pink bg petals.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><p>The meticulous craft of applying makeup to the deceased requires precision and skill, making top-tier products essential, yet these tools come with a hefty price tag. This is where <strong>Heaven Palette</strong> comes in, an ingenious initiative poised to transform the industry.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A New Meaning for Old Makeup</strong></div><p>Launched in 2023, Heaven Palette is a collaboration between the <strong>Pacific Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS)</strong> and renowned celebrity makeup artist <strong>Jigs Mayuga</strong>, with creative direction from <strong>TBWA\SMP</strong>. The goal? To provide embalmers-in-training with essential makeup products through donations, helping them perfect their craft while simultaneously addressing a growing environmental issue: the wastefulness of unused or expired cosmetics.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194318034Screenshot 2025-04-23 at 2.34.54 PM.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Jigs Mayuga</span></span></span>The concept is simple but impactful: Instead of letting old makeup languish in drawers, why not donate it to help embalming students hone their skills? It’s a win-win—embalmers get the tools they need to create lifelike, serene looks for the departed, and at the same time, we’re all doing our part to reduce waste.</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194486659pcas.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><p>For makeup enthusiasts like Jigs, it’s an opportunity to let go of those unused beauty products with a new sense of purpose. “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,” said the influencer on his post.</p><p>The Heaven Palette initiative has since received an outpouring of support, with donation boxes filling up regularly with everything from barely-used blushes to full, unopened palettes. These cosmetics are sorted, sanitized, and reassembled into <strong>Heaven Palettes—kits designed specifically for embalmers-in-training</strong>. Once packaged, the palettes are distributed to students, offering them the quality products they need to succeed in their craft.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194593401pcas2.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><p>Since its initial launch in late February, The Heaven Palette has experienced a consistent influx 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,” shared <strong>Sarah Dychangco-Reyes, President and owner of the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies</strong>.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Art and Science of Embalming</strong></div><p>Embalming is far more than a technical process; it’s a delicate art that requires a highly specialized skill set. Embalmers must undergo extensive training in anatomy, chemistry, hygiene, and microbiology—skills that go well beyond what most people might expect. It’s a deeply scientific profession, and when combined with the artistry of makeup, it becomes even more complex.</p><p>“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,” shared Katrina. After all, the satisfaction comes not from recognition or praise, but from knowing they’ve done their job with grace.</p><p>Beyond the know-how, embalmers need a rare mindset and a heart full of 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,” Katrina added. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194666740white roses.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>How You Can Get Involved</strong></div><p>Do you have makeup that’s collecting dust in your vanity? Why not give it a new life by donating it to Heaven Palette? Whether it’s an eyeshadow palette you barely used or a lipstick that didn’t quite match, your donations will help embalmers perfect their craft and reduce waste in the process.</p><div>You can find more details about how to donate on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=23887885914146568&amp;set=pcb.23887939470807879" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PCAS Facebook page</a> or visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pcasphl/posts/pfbid02EWtUba3Ucw9cjWADekYm9bxbpHNqvUwNWs4TyMkxmGV2PGjuh3nYBCDtndQW9Bkl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs</a> to learn more about the ongoing project. And if you’re in the mood for a good deed (and maybe a little closet clean-out), there’s no better time than now to contribute to this meaningful initiative.<br/><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747194740542pcas 1.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><p>Through each donation, we’re not only helping students become more skilled but also contributing to a more sustainable and empathetic future. It’s a small gesture that can have a profound impact on the people who help make our goodbyes a little more beautiful.</p>

<p>Do you have makeup that’s collecting dust in your vanity? Why not give it a new life by donating it to Heaven Palette?</p>

Do you have makeup that’s collecting dust in your vanity? Why not give it a new life by donating it to Heaven Palette?

This Heaven-Sent Project Is Giving Pre-Loved Makeup A Purpose

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This Heaven-Sent Project Is Giving Pre-Loved Makeup A Purpose

Leigh Sofia Lazo

Published May 14, 2025 11:55 AM PHT

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Updated May 14, 2025 11:59 AM PHT

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The Heaven Palette

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