As the world observes All Saints’ Day, we are reminded of the importance of sanctuaries offering comfort in times of profound loss. Property Report spoke with the family behind Arlington Memorial Chapels, a family-owned institution that has transformed property into a compassionate business. Committed to helping families navigate life’s most challenging moments, Arlington stands out as a haven where care, empathy, and a legacy of service have been cultivated over three generations. Led today by Rafael “Raffy” S. Jose, President and CEO, Arlington is more than just a traditional memorial service provider—it’s a legacy of empathy and care cultivated over three generations.
The beginnings of a legacy
Founded in 1982 by Nestor L. Jose, Arlington Memorial Chapels began with a unique vision of service. After years of supplying caskets and equipment to the funeral industry, Nestor saw a need for a space centered around personalized care and comfort for grieving families. His passing in 1992 marked a pivotal transition, with his children continuing his dream of treating every client like family. Now led by Raffy, along with key family members Bettina Margarita V. Jose, managing director of the Customer Care Group, and Isabella Jose Gregorio, Certified Memorial Celebrant and head of The Arlington Tribute Center, Arlington remains guided by its motto, “One Team, One Family.”
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Raffy shares, “Our father built this business with the aim of creating a comforting space for families in need. He would always say, ‘Treat everyone as you would treat your own family.’ That’s a philosophy we live by every day at Arlington.”
A generational approach
Transitioning to new leadership, Arlington retains its dedication to service while embracing innovation. Raffy leads with a deep commitment to a standard of care in which every memorial reflects both the respect and empathy that have become the hallmark of their services. Alongside Raffy, Bettina and Isabella bring fresh perspectives to Arlington’s offerings – Bettina focuses on ensuring client satisfaction, while Isabella works closely with families to create heartfelt, personal tributes.
Speaking to the significance of a family-run business, Raffy notes, “The third generation is often seen as the ‘make or break’ phase for family enterprises. We’re fortunate to have established a family constitution that guides us forward. It’s a commitment to preserving our father’s legacy while ensuring the business remains relevant and forward-thinking.”
Adapting services to honor every story
With each generation, Arlington has expanded its services to reflect the changing needs of clients. From hotel-like accommodations in their Quezon City chapels, which allow families to stay close to their loved ones, to digital solutions like live-streaming for distant relatives, Arlington has adapted while preserving its family-oriented ethos. These updates, which include customizable playlists on Spotify, demonstrate Arlington’s commitment to honoring each individual’s life in meaningful ways.
“We’ve developed what we call the ‘Tatak Arlington’ standard of service, where every aspect of a memorial is designed with care and sensitivity,” Raffy says. “We want families to feel that their loved one’s memory is respected and celebrated in a way that’s both meaningful and intimate.”
Community support
Arlington’s commitment to community support extends well beyond the services it offers within its walls. Over the years, Arlington has initiated numerous outreach projects, from medical missions and educational drives to environmental efforts like river clean-ups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arlington was one of the few funeral homes to partner with local governments, offering much-needed refrigeration storage and cremation services for victims, highlighting its dedication to public service during times of crisis.
Among Arlington’s most cherished traditions is the annual Yuletide Remembrance Tree event, which began in 2002. Held during the Christmas season, this event brings families together to honor the memories of their loved ones. This year’s theme, “Padayon”—a Visayan term meaning “to carry on”—embodies resilience, allowing families to find strength in remembrance. The event, featuring a fundraising bingo night and a mini-bazaar, will benefit Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, supporting a broader community purpose.
“Padayon is about helping families find strength after loss,” Raffy says. “It’s a reminder that while our loved ones may no longer be with us, their memories remain, giving us the courage to carry on.”
Additionally, Arlington prioritizes the mental health of its employees, holding regular sessions that provide support and coping strategies in what can be a challenging work environment. “We understand that our staff also deal with emotional demands,” Raffy shares. Arlington also hosts grief support groups facilitated by grief and spiritual counselors to help client families navigate their grief.
Expanding the legacy of compassion
Arlington’s future remains rooted in Quezon City, where it continues to renovate and enhance its facilities to create an even more welcoming environment for grieving families. The family envisions expanding their reach to more communities, despite the challenges posed by rising costs and operational demands. “Arlington is continuously looking to the future, excited to work toward the sustainability and growth of the business. With ongoing innovation and the same level of dedication from the founding generation to the present third generation, we hope to offer Arlington’s personalized and heartfelt services to a larger audience, extending beyond the borders of Quezon City,” says Raffy.
In an industry that can often feel impersonal, Arlington Memorial Chapels stands as a testament to true, compassionate service. This All Saints’ Day, Arlington is a story of a company that stands not merely as a business but as a sanctuary of care, a place where property is transformed into a foundation for healing. Through the unwavering commitment of the Jose family, Arlington Memorial Chapels exemplifies how properties can indeed be more than buildings—they can be businesses that support people during their most vulnerable moments, and in doing so, create a legacy that endures through generations.
