'Embalsamador de Motor,' dokumentaryo ni Kara David (Full Episode) | I-Witness

Summary

This documentary follows the journey of Brother Joel and his team, ‘Team Horror,’ embalmers in the remote mountainous regions of Tiboli, South Cotabato. Despite the harsh and dangerous conditions, they provide crucial embalming and funeral services to isolated communities, ensuring that the dead are treated with respect and properly preserved. Their work is often unrecognized and unpaid, but driven by a deep sense of duty to their people. As they face difficult roads and treacherous weather, the documentary highlights their selfless dedication to serving their community, exemplifying the heroism of those who serve even without recognition or reward.

Takeaways

• 😀 The town of Tiboli, South Cotabato, spans 89,000 hectares but is geographically isolated, making it hard to access.
• 😀 Joel Gindon, a former habal-habal driver, is the first native Tivoli to become a licensed embalmer, serving remote communities for almost four decades.
• 😀 The municipality of Tiboli offers free funeral services for indigents, but due to the area’s remoteness, the embalmers must physically transport coffins to the most distant villages.
• 😀 Team Horror, led by Joel, is a group of embalmers dedicated to providing these vital services in isolated areas, even when the journey is physically demanding and dangerous.
• 😀 Joel’s group serves 25 villages and provides embalming and transport of the deceased despite receiving minimal or no payment.
• 😀 The work of embalmers is crucial for preventing contamination of resources and ensuring proper burial processes in geographically disadvantaged areas.
• 😀 Embalming is done with great care, using a mixture of formalin to prevent decay, especially when the deceased have been exposed for 24 hours before receiving treatment.
• 😀 Despite the dangers, such as difficult mountain roads and weather conditions, Joel’s group continues to perform their work without hesitation, driven by their commitment to their communities.
• 😀 Team Horror occasionally also serves as an ambulance service, especially in emergencies when there is no other option for transportation.
• 😀 Joel and his son Mark are committed to preserving the tradition of providing selfless service, with Mark planning to continue his father’s work despite the hardships involved.
• 😀 The documentary highlights the human heroism of the embalmers who, despite their physical and emotional exhaustion, remain dedicated to their mission to serve their community until the end of their lives.

Q & A

Why is the town of Tiboli difficult to access?

Tiboli is difficult to access because a large portion of the area is mountainous and remote, making it hard to reach, especially for services and deliveries.

Who is Joel Gindon and what role does he play in Tiboli?

Joel Gindon is the leader of Team Horror, a group of embalmers who serve the most remote areas of Tiboli. He is also the first native Tivoli to become a licensed embalmer.

What is the significance of the free service provided by the municipality of Tiboli?

The municipality of Tiboli offers a free coffin service for indigent residents. However, due to the area's difficult terrain, the coffins have to be carried up the mountain, and the service also includes the embalming of the deceased by Joel and his team.

How does Joel Gindon support his community through his work?

Joel Gindon supports his community by embalming and transporting deceased individuals from isolated villages, ensuring that they are preserved properly and helping with funeral arrangements, often without charge.

What challenges does Team Horror face during their work?

Team Horror faces several challenges, including difficult and dangerous terrain, long travel times, and the physical toll of carrying coffins and embalming bodies in remote areas. The weather, including rain and mud, further complicates their work.

How do Team Horror members ensure the deceased are embalmed properly?

Team Horror embalmers, led by Joel, carefully inject formalin into the body to preserve it, ensuring that the mixture is correctly measured and applied. They also massage the body to make sure the formalin reaches all parts of the body.

What does Mark, Joel’s son, think about following his father’s path?

Mark, Joel’s son, is considering following his father’s path, even though he could earn more elsewhere. He is motivated by a sense of duty to continue the important work of his father and serve the community, especially as Joel is getting older.

What role does the weather play in Team Horror's ability to complete their tasks?

The weather, particularly heavy rain, significantly impacts Team Horror’s work. It makes the roads more difficult to navigate, creates dangerous mudslides, and slows down their travel, yet they continue despite these obstacles to complete their mission.

What is the relationship between the community and Joel’s team?

The community deeply respects and loves Joel and his team. Despite not always receiving compensation, the team’s dedication to their work and the help they provide, especially in remote villages, has earned them trust and admiration from the locals.

Why is it important for embalmers like Joel to work in isolated areas?

It is important for embalmers like Joel to work in isolated areas because many people in these regions cannot access funeral services. Without proper embalming, bodies might decompose quickly, which could lead to health risks or improper burials. Joel’s work ensures that the deceased are properly preserved and treated with respect.