Due to the continued increase of memorial plot prices and other costs associated with funeral parlor services and traditional burials, cremation and columbary ownership has increased in popularity since the Vatican approved it in the early 60’s.
In early 2011, Zen Gardens Crematorium & Columbarium (ZGCC) was established by business partners Allan Cobb and Francis Gerard Balmeo to give affordable cremation services and columbarium ownership packages to the masses, at prices even lower than traditional burial services.
“We do not try to compete with the mainstream funeral parlors who offer very expensive rates. The company targets middle and low income families who make the majority of the Philippine population, which makes the company adaptable to any region of the country,” Francis Gerard states.
The partners took it even one step further. Located in a 1,400 square meter facility along B. Mariano Street, Brgy Sta. Ana, San Mateo Rizal; which has an overlooking view of the San Mateo mountain range, ZGCC has many unique features that others in the same field do not have.
They are the first crematorium to have an automated machine which makes the cremation process even faster. Relatives could view the process before, during and after cremation via a window in the room. Another first is The Zen Gardens theme is Japanese inspired thus it has a Zen garden, which is based on Japanese inspired Zen (dry rock) gardens and will hahave a bridge with a Koi pond beneath it. This is aimed at keeping the kids busy, as feeding can be effectively done all day long. The vaults are imported and very well secured unlike any other columbary vault in the country. “We really wanted the columbarium to be different from the others the moment you step inside. Yes, it’s classy with a high end ambience to it but at the same time, we have the most affordable rates in the industry today. When we started, our main goal was to really give the people, more value for their money,” according to Allan, who knows what class and ambience is all about, having been involved in the hotel industry for many years.
As Manager Jeffrey Terso puts it, “Zen Gardens Crematorium and Columbary will definitely revolutionize cremation services and columbary ownership in the Philippines.” For more details on their services please call 297-3797 or text 09235506963 and 09196415176.