SO WHAT IS A BALIKBAYAN BOX?

A balikbayan box (literally return to one's homeland box) is a ubiquitous corrugated box containing any number of small items and sent by an overseas Filipino known as a "balikbayan". Though often shipped by freight forwarders specializing in balikbayan boxes by sea, such boxes can be brought by Filipinos returning to the Philippines by air.

These boxes might contain nearly anything that can fit and that the sender thinks the recipient would like, regardless of whether those items can be bought cheaply in the Philippines, such as non-perishable food, toiletries, household items, electronics, toys, designer clothing, or items hard to find in the Philippines.

Shipped boxes are delivered directly to the recipient, nearly always the family of the overseas Filipino.

Part of the attraction of the balikbayan box is economic. If the items were sent individually or in smaller boxes through postal services, the cost could be significant. The trade off is a long transit time by container ships, typically taking several months, and the lack of a solid delivery date.

Another part of the attraction is the cultural expectation that returning travelers will bring gifts to family, friends and colleagues left behind in the Philippines. In this way, it is related to the practice of "pasalubong" or a souvenir brought for loved ones or friends.

Balikbayan box started with the law enacted by former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos during the 1980s during the resurgence of Filipinos working overseas. The Philippine Bureau of Customs Circular allowed the entry of personal goods to the Philippines from Filipinos overseas, tax free. This was done by asking friends and co-workers who were coming home to the Philippines to bring gifts with them.

The balikbayan box business started in 1981 in Los Angeles, California by Mr. Rico Nunga who at that time was working in a shipping company and started REN International. Mr. Nunga brought up the idea to Mr. Monet Ungco who at that time was based in New Jersey and put up Port Jersey Shipping.

Why did I go to my favorite resource Wikipedia to bring you the history and definition of the balikbayan box? Because Aaron and I are preparing to send one over by the end of September. We would love for anyone who would like to participate and send items over to please join us. Since it will hopefully arrive in time for the holidays a note can be put in for the home's director Purie to put items away to be used as Christmas presents. Just imagine the arrival of a big box just stuffed full of things for everyone?

 
Since my travels there I put together a list of items I know they would like or could use. Regarding any food items remember it's a long trip over. Be mindful of items that could spoil, expire or melt. And since they love getting mail, cards and notes are always welcome for inclusion. These are suggestions if you have other ideas we'd love to hear them.
 
FOOD ITEMS:
Canned foods: corn, meats, Spam etc
Spaghetti
Hard candies, pixie sticks etc

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT
Jigsaw puzzles
DVD movies: list available of what they already have compliments of Sebio
Balls

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Shampoo, hair products
Toothpaste, toothbrushes
Dove Soap
Toilet paper

GENERAL ITEMS
Funnels
Ice cube trays
Tools
Nails, screws etc
Kitchen towels
Wash cloths, bath towels

Dog & Cat treats, toys

Plastic totes

Long wooden matches

Aluminum Foil (Reynolds)

Ziploc Bags

Saran Wrap

Candles (taper kind)

Silverware

CLOTHING

Boys/men's small items

Girls/women’s small

Anything you care to contribute to put a smile on the faces of the children and staff at God's Town will surely be appreciated. I can say that with all certainty. The shipping cost is not cheap but we will take care of that.  If you have items for the box please give them to me or Aaron by September 24th.

From Aaron and I we say thank you and from those at God's Town, they would say Salamat.

** And if you live in PA and are a member or associated with PUCC, my other 2 travel companions; Ma'am's Linda and Becky are also collecting and preparing a box for shipment. See one of them for details regarding their box and deadline for submission.