Lolo Sayling, a 92-year-old resident of Palanas, Masbate, has made headlines for crafting his own mahogany coffin to save money for his future funeral. A seasoned coffin maker for decades, Sayling decided to personalize one for himself to avoid burdening his family financially after he passes away.
In an episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Lolo Sayling shared that he learned about funeral costs firsthand when his wife died in 2017. After spending P35,000 on her coffin, he resolved not to impose such expenses on his son Willy, who now has his own family in Manila.
Lolo Sayling used wood from a mahogany tree he planted 50 years ago, knowing he would one day use it for his own coffin. He has taken meticulous care of the coffin, regularly placing it in the sun to keep it in good condition.
Not stopping there, Lolo Sayling also prepared his funeral clothes—the suit he wore at his wedding—and placed P1,000 in the pocket for the priest’s fee. He has even composed a song for his wake, reflecting on his life’s hardships.
Though some neighbors are scared of the coffin, Sayling is unfazed. He is content with his life and has made peace with death, knowing his preparations will ease the burden on his family.
The KMJS team also surprised Lolo Sayling with a new cellphone so he can communicate with his son Willy, who works in Manila. An emotional reunion between father and son was arranged, fulfilling Sayling’s wish to see his family once more.