Forest Lake takes on a new meaning to ‘paliwanag’
Let’s say someone approaches you and tells you, “Magpaliwanag ka!”, what would you do? One would instantly recall what they did wrong and put together an explanation. After all, those words mean, “Explain yourself.”
But a witty ad by Forest Lake Memorial Parks, titled “Paliwanag,” explores another unexpected way to interpret “magpaliwanag”—that is, to light up.
“Paliwanag” is a clever take on the Filipino trope of a suspected criminal claiming innocence to a pulis or cop who replies, “Sa presinto ka na magpaliwanag.” In the ad, the cop takes the suspect from a store to the police station. Moments after the cop seats the suspect, the latter stands, grins and glows, stunning every single person in the precinct. A voiceover then goes: “Di mo in-expect, no?” (You didn’t expect it, did you?).
The script finally segues to a discussion on death, a topic Filipinos often evade. It notes that the circumstances leading to our death are unexpected but the fact of death is inescapable. Thus, unpreparedness would be irresponsible, especially to the grieving loved ones who would need to organize all the many rituals.
While “Paliwanag” is comedic, it clearly stresses our agency over the hardship of those whom we leave behind: how we can make the tasks more manageable and less confusing.
The video reminds us to hold a healthier view of death, said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, president and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc.
“Death is something we all face, but it doesn’t have to be something we must all fear,” he said.
That better perspective can best be expressed through the right preparation for one’s end-of-life concerns, such as by availing of the services of Forest Lake, now the Philippines’ largest memorial care brand with more than 30 parks nationwide.
“At Forest Lake, we help families prepare so they can focus on what really matters—celebrating life and preserving memories,” said Xerez-Burgos.
Forest Lake makes the experience less stressful through innovative, personalized and customer-centric options. These include “Libing Anywhere,” which allows one to use memorial lots in any Forest Lake park; and “Libre Burol,” which provides free funeral services with internment.
And what would be a more fitting way to remind Filipinos of the need to plan ahead and choose the very best options available, than with wit and humor.
“We hope to remind Filipinos that confronting the issue of death isn’t an encumbrance; it’s an act of care for our loved ones. Thus, our ‘Paliwanag’ video strives to shine a light on how important preparation is,” Xerez-Burgos said.
Knowing there’s a brand offering “a better place” for when the moment comes, being unprepared merits no “paliwanag.”
To watch the video visit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ watch/?mibextid=WC7FNe&v= 517194427862880&rdid= VWK9ivYqSmaSLvkd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/ DBFdjYGuxEo/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ forestlakeofficial/video/ 7425261839862271250
For more information, view Forest Lake’s official Facebook page at fb.com/forestlakememorialparks and Instagram @forestlakememorialparks. Check out the viral video on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok
