For the millions of Filipinos working abroad, one of the most heartbreaking situations is being unable to physically attend the wake or funeral of a loved one back home. Distance, visa constraints, work obligations, or the speed of events often make it impossible to travel in time. Fortunately, technology now makes it possible to participate in a meaningful way — even from thousands of kilometers away.
How Online Lamay (Wake Streaming) Works in the Philippines
An increasing number of Philippine funeral homes now offer live video streaming of wakes and funerals. Here's how it typically works:
- The funeral home sets up a camera or uses a phone/tablet to broadcast the chapel.
- Family members abroad receive a private streaming link (and often an access code for privacy).
- OFW relatives watch the live stream from any device — smartphone, laptop, or smart TV.
- Many platforms also allow viewers to leave digital condolence messages visible to the family in the chapel.
What Technology Is Used?
Different funeral homes use different platforms. Some use private video streaming integrated into their funeral management system. Others may use Facebook Live (on a private group), Zoom, or similar tools. The quality of the stream and the ease of access varies by provider.
More advanced funeral management systems like Memoria Digital have built-in live streaming — providing secure, private broadcasts with access codes, digital guestbooks, and real-time condolence messages — all without requiring any app download from the OFW viewer.
What Can You Do During an Online Wake?
- Watch the vigil and prayers — including the Rosary, novena, and tributes
- Watch the funeral Mass — if the chapel has streaming coverage
- Leave a condolence message — digital messages can be displayed to the family in the chapel
- Send flowers digitally — some funeral homes accept requests for floral arrangements sent on behalf of OFWs
- Video call with family — many families set up a dedicated device in the chapel so OFW relatives can be "present" via video call during key moments
How to Ask the Funeral Home About Live Streaming
Not every funeral home offers streaming. When the family is selecting a funeral parlor, the OFW relatives should specifically request this service. Questions to ask:
- Do you offer live streaming or online streaming for the wake?
- Is there an additional charge for this service?
- Is the stream private? Can we protect it with a password?
- Can family abroad leave condolence messages?
- How reliable is the internet connection at your chapel?
Tips for OFWs Watching a Wake Online
- Check the time difference — Philippine time (PHT, UTC+8) can be 6–16 hours ahead of where you are. Coordinate with family on when key moments will happen (Mass, final prayers, procession).
- Use a stable connection — if possible, use WiFi rather than mobile data for a longer stream to avoid interruptions.
- Coordinate with family — let your family in the Philippines know you'll be watching, so they can include you in moments like tributes or prayers.
- Record it if possible — if you miss part of the stream, ask the funeral home if a recording is available.
What If the Funeral Home Doesn't Offer Streaming?
If the chosen funeral home doesn't have live streaming capability, some alternatives:
- Set up a free Facebook Live on a private group, broadcast from a phone in the chapel
- Use Zoom or Google Meet for specific moments (final night prayers, funeral Mass)
- Have a family member dedicated to video-calling OFW relatives during the wake
These informal options work, but purpose-built streaming through a funeral home's system offers significantly better quality, privacy, and reliability.