The Philippine Mortuary Association (PMA) held its highly anticipated annual convention on November 30, 2022, at Woodlane Events Place in Las Pinas, Metro Manila. The three-day event, with the theme “A Leap of Faith” was attended by Tagum Cooperative Funecare (TCF) Manager, Maria April V. Bandala, Member Benefit and Assistance (MBA) Manager, Shiela Jay M. Rubinos, and Research and Development (R&D) Manager, Yna Gracelle J. Amores, MBA, and other funeral home owners, executives, licensed funeral directors, and embalmers from all over the country.
The association’s board and working committee carefully planned the event, inviting top-caliber speakers from the country. The event was a resounding success, with a turnout of over a hundred people. The PMA went above and beyond in selecting a diverse group of speakers for the convention, including industry experts, motivational speakers, marketers, psychologists, and professionals from various fields such as medicine, law, and forensics. The convention showcased a diverse range of perspectives, experiences, and insights. It was certainly an event that one should not have missed, especially when working in the mortuary industry in the Philippines.
The speakers who graced the convention were among the most respected in their fields, including Jonathan Yabut, the proud Filipino winner of the hit Asian reality TV show, The Apprentice Asia. Yabut served as the Chief of Staff of AirAsia for one year after winning the show, reporting directly to Malaysian business mogul, Tony Fernandes based in Kuala Lumpur. During his speech, Jonathan Yabut shared a personal reflection on his win in life. Growing up in a small 40sqm house in Tondo, he wasn’t always the successful person he is now. Yabut highlighted the importance of recognizing that our standards of success are relative and may vary from person to person.
As for funeral home owners and professionals, it is essential to understand that success in the industry is not just about meeting certain standards but also about evolving and improving internal and external processes continually. A growth mindset is crucial in achieving this, which entails a constant drive to learn and develop skills proportionate to practice and effort.
Yabut’s inspiring message is a reminder to funeral home owners that success is not just about achieving a particular benchmark but also about constantly improving and growing. By embracing a growth mindset and continually learning, funeral home owners can thrive and build a successful business that caters to the needs of their clients. The rest of the speakers discussed a wide range of topics, including managing a funeral home during a pandemic, coping with grief, and the legal aspects of the funeral industry.
The convention was an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn from the best in the industry, exchange ideas, and network with other professionals. The event was a testament to the PMA’s commitment to promoting excellence in the funeral industry in the Philippines. The association remains dedicated to providing support and resources to funeral home owners and professionals in the years to come.