Pinoy invents ‘multimedia coffin’

The Filipino inventor of rent-a-coffin is back with another creation: a coffin with multimedia capability wherein Filipinos abroad can express their condolences in real-time to those who lost their loved ones back home.

Antonio Andes yesterday said one of the features of his newest invention is a multi-function display panel and through the use of the Internet, it can provide video stream of messages from relatives who can’t make it to the wake.

“During the wake period, we usually witness strips of ribbon where names of the family members of the deceased are written and with the aid of a safety pin, it is pasted at the inner cover of the coffin. A single picture frame of the deceased may be displayed atop the full glass cover of the coffin,” said the 42-year-old Filipino inventor.

Andes said the multi function display panel is “detachable or fixed on the inner or outer coffin cover that will provide a pre-edited presentation of pictures, videos and memoirs of the deceased with his family and friends taken during those happy days when he was still alive.”

The multi-function display panel can also be used to show videos of the deceased’s last wishes and other screen text messages about the interment schedule, family tree and place of burial, he said.

The invention also provides entertainment in form of music or video being played during the wake.

Andes said the rental for the flat screen monitor is P5,000 and above for five days of wake, adding the price depends on the length of time and type of presentation the relatives want.

In a previous interview, Andes said since many poor Filipinos cannot afford metal caskets for their departed loved ones, he has come up with the idea of renting them out.

Andes said his invention is made of two caskets – one inside another. The interior coffin is made of wood while the outer part – the one that can be rented – is metal.

Andes pointed out that renting a metal casket is practical, with a fee of only P8,500 – way cheaper than its usual commercial price of P60,000 or higher.

Andes has received funding assistance of more than P500,000 for his invention from the Technology Application and Promotion Institute, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

He said the patent of his invention was released last year.

Aside from his coffin rental business, Andes has also launched his invention of a customized casket.

Andes said those who are interested in the service may reach him through telephone no. 6102041 or at mobile nos. 0915-3729455 and 0922-8187774.  – Helen Flores