When Balikbayan Boxes Arrive At Home

When you open the balikbayan box (cargo box) also open the happiness of the family receiving the gifts. The kids are jumping in rejoice, the father is looking the promised shoes or jeans, the mother taking checking all the goods, clothes, things and then organize and put them together. All in the family are eager what’s inside. All are happy to get what they can fit them or share their sweets.

This is the season of arriving of the balikbayan box again. Balikbayan box is what Filipino commonly called to the cargo box that was sent from other countries by their family members, relatives or friends. These boxes coming from United States, Canada, London, Middle East countries, Singapore, Hongkong among other countries where Filipino work as Filipino Overseas Worker.

The boxes are big that the size could be one meter cube, larger or smaller. The box is so full of things and gadgets that mostly are clothes and shoes; foods like canned goods, chocolates and sweets like candies, noodles, condiments and spices; kitchen utensils and kitchen wares; gadgets like game consul, used mobile phones; school supplies and toys and many more.

The box may take more than one month to three months, depending in the shipping company services and shipment of cargo by plane or ship. During this time of the year is the common day of sending the boxes. For example it is send in the month of October and will arrived in the home of the receiver in the month of December. Just the right time for the family because it’s Christmas Day.

It maybe one two or three or even more than of these coming. Depending on the capabilities of the sender. But mostly are one balikbayan only.

Sending and receiving balikbyan boxes have been part of the tradition of the Filipino family. Why? Because it bridges the long distance relationship of the family, friends and countrymen. This is one way of communication and making everyone happy.###