BACOLOD CITY—Gravestone designing has evolved over the years. From manually engraving epitaphs onto marble, messages — even images — can now be digitally printed.

This high-tech way of sketching on memorial stones involves a huge printer made for granite slabs, with digitally made gravestones costing at least P6,000 depending on the design.

One such digital designer, Nonong San Miguel, said: “This is (the dead's) last moment on earth and they deserve the best. Why not give them the best honor and remembrance?"

Some gravestone-makers are reluctant to adapt the new ways wholesale.

Fidel Casiple, who can also make digital gravestones but without photos, said he's not worried about the competition.

“It does not bother me at all. Digital is OK but we have loyal customers who keep coming back," said Casiple, who said some clients are budget-conscious and can afford only a third of the price tagged on digital gravestones.

San Miguel said he predicts the high-tech approach will take off and soon become the norm.

“We're going towards that direction already and time will come when most gravestones will be digital," he said.