There must be over a million Filipinos all around the globe. I couldn’t blame them. These immigrants left the country to search for greener pasture. The large concentration of overseas-Filipino-worker (OFW) and permanent settlers are in the Middle East and in the United States. But since, Pinoys’ heart will always be in the Philippines, our "kababayans" [fellow-Pilipino] continuously find ways to show their lovedones, the people they left behind, that they are not forgotten. One of the many ways to show their unending love, support and remembrance is what’s known today as “balikbayan box.”

Balikbayan box, comes from two adjoined Pinoy words, “balik” which means return and “bayan” which means homeland. So the literal translation of balikbayan is “a returnee to one’s homeland” or simply “returnee.”

The very first balikbayan boxes must have been sent to the Philippines during the 1970’s. The earliest boxes then were discarded computer box and other equipment that were stuffed with "pasalubong" [gifts] such as canned goods, chocolates, clothing, other grocery items that immigrants and OFWs brought home with them. (Well, that’s because they’re obliged to bring home something.)

In the mid-1980’s, some Filipino-American entreprenuers started to manufacture standardized carboard boxes which they labeled as “balikbayan boxes.” Unlike the previous containers, balikbayan boxes were designed to conform to airline regulations. The size of each box range from medium (3.0cu/ft, 18”x18”x16”), to large (4.5 cu/ft, 18”x18”x24”) to extra-large or sometimes called jumbo (6.0 cu/ft, 24”x18”x24”). These boxes are usually sold at Pilipino stores. You can check U-HAUL for your packaging needs. You should be charged between $35-$95 when sending boxes to the Philippines. Some of the freight forwarders that accommodate this service are Manila Forwarders, A.C.E. Balikbayan Boxes Direct (1-877-327-8900) and MABUHAY Cargo (mabuhaycargo@hotmail.com).

How to send these boxes?

Just in case you’d want to surprise your in-laws or girlfriends in the Philippines, here’s the overview of what you’ve got to do according to Manila Forwarders:

• Your first step is to purchase your balikbayan box. MF can forward this empty box to your house and pick it up later. You can get one from U-Haul (man they should pay me for this!)


• When you finally receive your empty box, stuff it with the things you’d like to send. Contact your forwarder to inquire about the goods that are allowed and not allowed to be shipped.


• Have your box and other pertinent documents ready. You can download the forms from their website.


• Next, when your box is ready, call your MF so that they could pick it up. Note this deliver-and-pick-up is not available in some areas. In areas in which MF doesn’t have representatives, you will be asked to send the packages to them via US Postal Service and UPS or FedEx Ground.

You can view the more detailed information regarding this on their homepage.

Proper Packing of boxes (MF)

• Tape the bottom flap of the box. Place tape horizontally and vertically on the flaps and connecting corners. Keep the top open.


• Place a large trash bag inside the box to provide protection.


• Get the packing list and pen to write down the items that you place inside the box.


• Begin packing by placing neatly folded items that would serve as cushion.


• Protect other items in case of spill by placing bottled spillable items like shampoo, oil, etc inside a plastic bag. Secure the caps with tape before closing the grocery bag.


• Maintain a neat stack. Keep manufacturer's packaging for fragile items, they are made to protect it.


• Place padded matrials on the sides.


• Do not make the box so heavy for easy and safe handling. If possible, spread out the heavy items to other boxes. People will handle that. Not carabao.


• Cushion the top with padded materials. Place plastic bag or magazines on top to protect the items inside from tape adhesive.


• Place a copy of the packing list on top of the plastic liner before closing thebox. Make sure you only use a copy since the original forms is needed for Homeland Security and Philippine Customs documentation.


• Secure the large trash bag liner with a knot or tape.


• Legibly mark down the box with the shipper's and consignee's information using permanent marker. Make sure you provide the Name, Complete address, Telephone Number, Cell Phone, or even a map sketch for hard to find address.

Why do Filipinos love these boxes?

For the sender it’s a way to keep their “ties” to their homeland alive. Sending these boxes means that they are sharing your blessings to your relatives. It’s a generous act.

On the part of the receivers, well basically, Pinoys are fond of imported items so sending goods from the states is like manna from heaven. These items could give them something to brag about to their friends and neighbors. But most important, they view these boxes as gifts, pasalubong and a reminder that they are not forgotten.

Credits:

Wikipedia, Manila Forwarders, Bibingka.Com, Nanay ko [my mother]

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