From dead bodies dumped by the roadside to victims of stabbing and shooting incidents, accidents, and heinous crimes, there the embalmers will be - ready to serve.

Juanito Adug, 42 years old from Pandan, Antique, who is residing in Barangay Dos, Bacolod City has two decades of expertise in embalming and restoration.

“Nire-restore ko, nilalagyan ng matang artificial, yung walang ilong, lalagyan ko ng ilong. Art naman yan,” Adug said.

Instead of tinkering car engines being a graduate of automotive servicing, he is attending to cadavers.

He holds a certification on restoration of the face and body parts.

“Special skill ko ang restoration. Bihira ang kakayahan ng embalsamador,” Adug said.

He said that though he is used to his job, there were several times that sadness shrouded him while attending to dead bodies of children.

“Tumutulo rin ang luha ko. Katulad sa mga batang maliliit na kasing edad ng anak ko. Tumutulo ang luha ko,” Adug added.

Further, he said that the Adug family is into funeral services. Five of his seven siblings are morticians. Aside from him and his brothers, he has uncles and cousins in Metro Manila who are also embalmers.

The endeavors of embalmers, like Juanito, are a proof of the respect that one man can give to his fellowman. His talent and ability may not proffer justice to victims of crimes, but these uphold deep respect for the deceased, regardless of the backstory.