The number of Filipinos around the world has dramatically increased throughout the years. This rise is due to the desire to find green pastures or seek jobs so that one can send money to family members left in the Philippines. This brave leap of faith has labeled OFWs as modern heroes. But did you know that one of the iconic indicators of having an OFW family member is receiving what they call a “Balikbayan Box”?
What is a “Balikbayan” box?
A Balikbayan box is simply defined as a carton transported to the Philippines that came from a Filipino who lives or works in another country. This box contains various items that include:
- Chocolates and biscuits: Most Filipinos abroad love to send these sweet goods via Balikbayan because it allows their family members to taste chocolates and biscuits that are not available locally. These give them a taste of the country where they came from and can be shared with family members and neighbors. If you are planning to send these, make sure you place them inside a box to avoid getting squashed during transportation.
- Toys: Kids will always find great joy in opening gifts through the Balikbayan box. What makes this experience more memorable is when they open boxes that contain toys from other countries, such as puzzles, remote-controlled cars, stuffed toys, and educational toys. Vacuum zip bags are the perfect container for toys, as they can protect them and properly fit inside a Balikbayan box.
- Clothes: These are the most common items found in the Balikbayan box, ranging from new or slightly used t-shirts, pants, dresses, and shorts that can be used on a daily basis. You can use clothes as a gap filler or cushion at the bottom of the box or as a protective layer to protect delicate items.
- Shoes and apparel: Aside from clothes, shoes, and apparel like bags and vests are also common items inside a Balikbayan box. This is because branded shoes and bags are more affordable in some other countries, which makes them more cost-effective to buy and send to the country. For shoes, you can keep them inside their original boxes or tie the shoes together with an elastic band to avoid them getting misplaced.
- Cosmetics and Perfumes: If there are items for the kids, there are also items for the titas, mamas, girls, and girls at heart: cosmetics and perfume. From signature perfume that can last all day to cosmetics that enhance their Filipina beauty, these items are also present in the balikbayan boxes. Make sure you wrap them with bubble wrap or inside the box to prevent them from leaking and getting damaged.
- Canned goods and foodstuffs: With their long shelf lives and unavailability in the country, different brands of canned goods like spam, corned beef, and luncheon meat are also present in Balikbayan boxes. The packaging of canned goods is a good fit in Balikbayan boxes, as long as you put the same sizes and shapes together to save more space.
- Medicines and food supplements: The Balikbayan box is a hodgepodge of items for kids, adults, and even parents and older members of the family, as seen in the presence of medicine and food supplements. These are over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamine creams and tablets, vitamins, and others that can be used daily or in an emergency. They come in tablet and cream forms, making them easy to insert, but if they come in bottles, make sure you seal the cap with packing tape.
- Toiletries: We Filipinos are known for being practical, which is why even toiletries like shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shower gel are included when sending balikbayan boxes. With their everyday usage, family members and friends would love to receive such items or make them as gifts during holidays or birthdays.
What is not allowed in a balikbayan box?
Balikbayan boxes offer Filipinos abroad the chance to send different items to their loved ones in the Philippines. But one should be informed that there are certain things that can’t be placed inside these boxes. Some of these are:
- Drugs and alcoholic drinks
- Cultural artifacts like pottery
- Firearms and guns
- pornographic materials
- Pirated items such as DVDs and CDs
- Hazardous materials
- Meat, poultry, and livestock
- Pets, soil, plants, and seeds
- Fruits and vegetables
For those who are first-timers when it comes to sending Balikbayan boxes, it is important to do some research on what items can’t be placed inside them.
What is Balikbayan Box Privilege?
Balikbayan box privilege refers to the privilege provided to qualified Filipino citizens (resident Filipinos, non-resident Filipinos, and overseas Filipino workers) while abroad to send Balikbayan boxes to family members and relatives duty-free and tax-free.
There is no limit to sending Balikbayan boxes unless one avail of the Balikbayan box privilege. For those Filipino citizens who want to avail themselves of this privilege, they can only do it three times, or up to three shipments within a calendar year, with an amount not exceeding 150,000 pesos.
How to label the Balikbayan box?
Once you put all the items inside the Balikbayan box, the next crucial step is labeling it. Use a permanent marker pen to avoid getting erased or smeared during its transportation. Make sure you write legibly; it is advisable to write in all caps and in the print script. Write the full name of the receiver as well as the correct and complete delivery address. You can also write a phone number so that a local courier can contact it when looking for directions. Documenting the details on white sheet paper is also a good option, as long as it is wrapped with transparent tape to prevent it from getting torn and damaged.
How to wrap and tape the Balikbayan box for shipping?
Another important thing to remember when sending Balikbayan boxes is wrapping and taping the boxes properly. You can use strong packing tape to securely close the top and bottom parts of the box. Avoid using duct tape as it tends to run over everything at once, but if you do, make sure you use clear or smooth tape to secure it. After securing the top and bottom parts, the box needs to be sealed by using durable sealing tape to keep the box intact.
How to choose a balikbayan box company?
There are numerous Balikbayan box companies abroad that our fellow Filipinos can choose from. But before opting for one, they can conduct research on the services they offer, how they ship these Balikbayan boxes, and what types of moving services they provide, whether door-to-door or others. They can also ask fellow OFWs who have tried sending Balikbayan boxes about the freight provider they use. Furthermore, ensure that this company has balikbayan boxes for sale to have access to durable and strong ones.
The Balikbayan box is a symbol of the hard work and sacrifices of our fellow Filipinos abroad. The items inside the box are not just material things but emblems of their enduring work and being away from home. Sending these boxes home is one of the multitudes of ways to celebrate success and show love to their loved ones.
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