Often times in the Philippines we do that thing. Its just a one way of emphasizing that the person who have died had done a good things during his year when he/she is still alive. And its like just reminiscing his deeds to other, be it good or not. And i see no harm in doin it because its just a simple talk. However, it is pretty unrelated if you talk of things that are not presently related at the situation. So might as well give our last praise to the person, though dead. But on the other hand, there are some people who are not used to it coz it'll only reminds them of their loved one during alived.

Hm...No? At this funeral I went to for my great-grandfather, a bunch of different people who were friends and related to him went up and talked about him on a more personal level, and people related to him got served first and stuff. Interesting question. Your questions are so different. ^.^

No. nobody does that in my country. It is a moment when everybody should be quiet. Or cry. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen in other countries ;). Anyway, i find your question at least very original. :))

no. it is seen as a very strange thing. but as usa films show it maybe some are doing it, in fact in tv dramatic series they scenify it now. but still sounds unnatural, at least for elder generations cause there is (or was) a popular saying that people only speaks good of someone after he/she is dead, so it sounds as a large string of falsities.