Celebrating 75 Years: The Legacy Museum at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes

For 75 years, Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes Inc. has stood by Filipino families during life’s most difficult times, providing world-class, five-star service since the 1950s.

As Cosmopolitan marks its 75th anniversary this year, the company is not just reflecting on its storied past, but also looking ahead with the launch of the Cosmopolitan Legacy Museum.

“The Legacy Museum is dedicated to honoring the history of Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes, the families it has served, and the evolution of funeral care in Cebu and beyond," explained Renato "Oly" Dychangco Jr., Chairman of Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels, during the press conference. 

Dychangco added, "The museum will feature photographs, stories, heritage pieces, historical tools, company milestones, and memories that capture the company’s journey through the decades.

He emphasized that discussions about death should not be avoided out of fear or discomfort.

"Death is an inevitable part of life, and honoring those who came before us is among the most human expressions of love," he said.

"With the Legacy Museum, Cosmopolitan aims to gently shift perspectives, helping people move beyond the stigma of death and view remembrance as sacred, healing, and deeply meaningful."

The Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes on Araneta Avenue in Quezon City

He added that the project is not just about preserving the company's story. "It’s also about opening doors for the community to appreciate the value of legacy, family, preparation, and compassion."

Commitment to serve

Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes was established in 1951 with a mission to serve families. By 1960, it had expanded to Davao City and 28 other locations. The Pacific Center for Advanced Studies launched its embalming licensure school in 2004, and in 2017, Cosmopolitan introduced memorial insurance plans, furthering its tradition of innovation.

"What started as a commitment to serve has blossomed into a legacy defined by compassion, trust, and dedication," Dychangco added.

Also present at the media event were the Dychangco sisters, who call themselves "Cosmo Girls"—Sarah, Shelah, Holly Dawn, and Kate—representing the third generation of the family dedicated to helping others plan ahead with care, responsibility, and peace of mind. Their other sister, Christelle, a filmmaker, was unable to attend the mediacon.

"I remember when we were children, we used to pretend to be dead in the hearse on our way to school," recalled Holly, who left her design career to focus on the family business.

She added, "We would tell our driver not to drop us off at the school gate. Back then, our classmates didn’t know about our family’s business—although they probably had some idea."

Cosmopolitan is widely regarded as the premier provider of funeral care in the Philippines, offering funeral services, cremation, and personalized packages.

"Our funeral services are arranged in beautiful settings and delivered by well-trained professionals dedicated to excellence," he said.

For those who choose cremation, Cosmopolitan provides five-star facilities equipped with state-of-the-art, eco-friendly technology.

"We offer the latest hydrogen-powered cremators in the industry. Our packages cover the entire cremation process, including pet cremation, and provide a selection of local or imported urns," he said.

The Cosmopolitan care team also assists families in planning funeral events.

"We recognize that everyone grieves in their own way, but above all, we ensure that everyone is respected, regardless of faith or culture," Dychangco said.

During the media tour, the Cosmopolitan chairman showcased a space featuring a grand piano. "It’s a place where family and friends can hold mini-shows or concerts during wakes," he explained.

Sea Burial Philippines

Cosmopolitan has also launched Sea Burial Philippines, providing an alternative way to honor loved ones’ lives.

"Scattering ashes at sea is practiced in many cultures and religions. It symbolizes uniting your loved one with the infinite cycle of nature," he said.

Sea Burial Philippines offers three packages: Sonnet, Solace, and Serenity.

Sonnet Package: A one-hour sea burial ceremony on a 58-foot private yacht, with a certificate of remembrance, floral arrangements, and light refreshments.

Solace Package: A two-hour sea burial ceremony on a 58-foot private yacht, including a certificate of remembrance, floral arrangements, light refreshments, and two keepsake silver pendants.

Serenity Package: A two-and-a-half-hour sea burial ceremony on a 58-foot private yacht, with a certificate of remembrance, floral arrangements, light refreshments, and two 14-karat gold keepsake pendants.

Each package accommodates up to 10 family members.

"We don’t just keep up with the times—we help shape the future of funeral service," Dychangco said.

Michael Jackson's casket replica

During the 75th anniversary media conference of Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes, a replica of Michael Jackson's casket was unveiled to the press, leaving a strong impression on many attendees.

"This is a 48-ounce casket plated with 24-carat gold. The material is the same as that used in the Statue of Liberty," explained Dychangco. "It is heavy, weighing 48 ounces, and features velvet sourced from the finest materials."

He noted that the casket costs P15 million, depending on the prevailing peso-to-dollar exchange rate.

In the Philippines, Dychangco shared that two customers have purchased the luxurious casket so far. "To date, no one from Luzon has bought the coffin."

Michael died of acute propofol intoxication in Los Angeles, California, on June 25, 2009. Interest in the King of Pop was revived after his biopic "Michael" became the highest-grossing music biopic in history, with over $959 million worldwide.

The main office of Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory is located at 332 Araneta Avenue, Barangay Dona Imelda, Quezon City. Landline: (02) 82425499 and (02) 82425500; Globe: 0917-8038524, Smart: 0949-9939220. Email: cosmopolitan.araneta@gmail.com

Main photo caption: Renato 'Oly' Dychangco Jr., Chairman of Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels, poses with his daughters during a media conference for the 75th anniversary of Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory on Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.