THE FUNERARIA IMPERIAL’S 100TH YR: Faces behind service, our dedicated workers

By Jason B. Neola

IN the solemn world of funerals, where silence often replaces celebration, a unique story of compassion, loyalty, and tradition quietly thrives. At the heart of it is Funeraria Imperial (FI), a century-old family-run funeral business that has not only cared for the departed with dignity, but also honored the living—especially its own people—with profound respect.

Founded in 1926, Funeraria Imperial is not just a business—it is a legacy. And today, that legacy continues under the stewardship of Jesus Martin Lorenzo Torres Imperial, affectionately known as Jess, the 9th sibling in the third generation of the Imperial family.

General Manager Jess Imperial stands proudly with the dedicated team of Funeraria Imperial, marking 100 years of compassionate service.

As the current General Manager, Jess upholds more than just operational excellence. He nurtures a tradition of fairness, generosity, and deep familial care for employees—a culture that sets Funeraria Imperial apart in a world often overshadowed by grief.

Tradition of togetherness

He said that every Christmas season, the hallways of Funeraria Imperial echo with laughter and shared memories—not just from current employees, but also from retired workers and those who have moved on. The annual celebration is more than just a party; it is a powerful reminder that once you become part of the FI family, you remain part of it for life.

“This gesture started from the time the company was founded, and it continues up to this day. It’s our way of honoring the people who have helped build this company,” Mr. Imperial said.

That enduring respect manifests in more than celebrations. The company ensures all government-mandated salaries and benefits are fulfilled without delay—something that he believes is not only a family tradition but an expression of fairness and friendship.

A joyful moment from the 1995 Christmas Party at the newly built FI building, with the late Dodie Imperial, Atty. Bong Imperial, and Jess Imperial among the celebrants.

This reputation has drawn workers to the company—even convincing many to leave private security agencies for permanent roles within FI. Among them is Gregorio Eco Jr., now 64, who first worked as a security guard under a private agency before resigning in 1989 to become an official company guard.

“I worked 12 hours for the agency but received less than those working 8 hours at FI,” Gregorio recalled. “Here, I was paid fairly, and the company always paid its counterpart for our Social Security contributions. That’s why I now enjoy my pension.”

From there, Gregorio evolved into roles as driver and embalmer, a path many others have taken within the company—demonstrating how FI fosters personal growth as much as professional reliability.

“For me, embalming is not a dirty job,” Gregorio emphasized. “It’s legal, dignified, and we always follow the proper process. We’ve never taken anything from the deceased. We treat them with utmost respect.”

More than just work

Employees at FI don’t speak of their roles in terms of paychecks or duties. They speak of family, purpose, and a deep-seated pride in what they do.

“There’s nobility in this kind of work,” said Armando Abion, 74, who joined Funeraria Imperial in 1973 as a janitor and eventually became an embalmer and driver. “We learn to show importance not only to the living but to our departed loved ones as well.”

The indefatigable workforce of Funeraria Imperial—honoring a century of unwavering commitment and excellence.

Armando, who also picked up skills like upholstery and house painting, stayed not out of necessity, but because he found dignity and meaning in every service rendered to grieving families.

Others share his sentiment, like Teddy Salvador Briñas, now 43, who joined the company at just 17 and credits the Imperial family’s generosity for improving not just his life, but that of his nephews who were also given opportunities in the business.

“I hope the younger generation of Imperials never forget the tradition their ancestors started—especially how they treat their employees,” he said.

Work with a heart

This spirit of dedication is echoed by Amado Dacuya Jr., 56, who started as a security guard in 1994 and became a trusted company driver and embalmer. After nearly three decades with FI, he expresses only one hope: “That Funeraria Imperial continues to serve grieving families with dignity and that its workers remain committed to delivering the highest standards in deathcare.”

Jess Imperial believes this unwavering loyalty is rooted in how the family values its people—as essential members of a larger mission, not just workers on a payroll.

“They work with minimal supervision and go the extra mile,” Jess noted. “Our drivers, embalmers, front-liners, janitors, and staff treat their roles with seriousness and heart that can’t be taught.”

Mark Anthony Coral Onsay began working at Funeraria Imperial in August 2007 as a security guard and later transitioned to the role of office driver. What he appreciated most about the company was the discipline among its employees, who typically arrived 15 to 20 minutes before their scheduled start time. He believed this punctuality reflected the employees’ dedication and enthusiasm for their work.

After suffering an injury in a motorcycle accident, Onsay was temporarily assigned janitorial duties by management before resuming his role as a driver. Recognizing his hard work and commitment, the company absorbed him into the position of driver to ensure he remained employed and supported during his recovery.

When asked why they stay, why they keep coming back even after retirement, or why they work on-call despite their age, the answer is always the same:

“We are family here at Funeraria Imperial.”

In a world that often forgets the people behind the scenes, especially in industries shrouded in mourning, Funeraria Imperial shines quietly—but unmistakably—as an inspiration of respect, loyalty, and enduring human connection.

Nearly 100 years on, the legacy of the Imperial family isn’t just about death care. It’s about life, and how we choose to honor one another—while we’re here and even after we’re gone.