BALIKBAYAN BOX : a carton shipped to the Philippines from another country by a Filipino who has been living overseas, typically containing items such as food, clothing, toys, and household products.
Now that we got that out of the way, as to add sentiments behind what goes on (bargain hunting and hauling, wrapping) when filling the box with essentials, let's get to the real reason why we (Filipinos) do it in the first place....
The shipment isn't the fastest, so the waiting game towards hearing the many gratitudes from your family overseas will take about 6-8 weeks, depending on which province you send it to. Manila and surrounding is always the fastest as the ship docks in Marikina, segregated and then shipped once again to neighbouring provinces. The higher the grass and nature, 8 weeks or more is likely for the delivery date.
But that's not even the painstaking wait we endure with this magic brown box. WE HAVE TO FILL IT TO THE TOP to make the $95 shipment fee worth it.
With what is completely up to you.
My case, the receiver of my box is my 85yr old grandmother who currently resides with my uncle (mom's brother) who has 3 kids and lives in a compound with other relatives nearby, which means lots of rice and canned goods to make the unboxing worth it. And that I do! I wait for sales and deals and then little by little, takes me roughly about 6 weeks to get everything I need, I send it off.
Others from different cultures is baffled by the concept. I too, was. I grew up in Dubai, moved here when I was 13 and would rather send money for extended help if anything and save me the hassle of grocery hauling etc. Until, I went back home for a family vacation and realized that essentials like shampoo and canned goods are more affordable here than anywhere there. Granted that there are local brands that sell for a reasonable price, it still doesn't beat sipping hot Nescafe coffee from Costco (AT NO COST!!)
I mean, I do send money, but this box ensures that the money goes where it is needed.
So the company I ship my boxes with is Forex Toronto, for the past two years now. All boxes have been shipped out in perfect condition, including the box I sent to 'MYSELF' as I vacayed back in the December 2018 and we didn't want to have a heavy carry-ons. And all my fellow Filipino peeps can relate, when we travel, there's no such thing as travelling light! We have to haul everything because each first, second, third and nearest to the toe degree cousin must taste chocolate from abroad. No, really! No exaggeration!
So, I sent it September 2018 and arrived in our condo in Mandaluyong by December 5 2018. I packed olive oil (a bottle is worth about $15 at Power Plant mall!!!! ) tissue paper (always had one in the car for our long drives), my son's formula, diapers and baby wipes, as well as an umbrella stroller and his car seat (which I then left with my relatives to avoid bringing any excess luggage back ofcourse).
The chocolates didn't melt, which means these guys use proper cooling storages, so keep that in mind. Among the items I always send are small kitchen utensils from the dollar store like chopping boards as they are produced with more quality here.
But rice is always the winner, my Lola loves the smell of it. She says it's different and insists on only cooking it when guests come over, so cute! My box can supply a household's needs for about 2 months and up,
and I believe that the happiness it gives means much more than the reaction I get.
Forex is great, the reason why it's a 4 stars is because again, (DRUMROLL PLEASE) my kababayans (fellow filipino peeps) lack costumer service in areas which can be simply avoided through proper induction training. Meaning, being able to assist over the phone when updates are needed, without the hassle and compromise. I mean, isn't that part of what we pay for, the service?
I called in today to find out the status of my box, and I was asked for an invoice number. Couldn't find it, so when I called back after 10 mins of panic looking, Ruby gave me an alternative option (which could've saved both of us saliva cells) by asking for my phone number to look up the shipment status. So there, simple things like that can offset anyone's mood and question why the world hasn't fallen yet! I know, a tad bit excessive but this type of repetitive behaviour can be and should be avoided at all costs, wether you are dealing with a costumer, foreign or not.
So, yes a trusted company to ship with 100%. But if you happen to speak to a sassy Ruby, take a dose of 'patience pills' and you'll get through the day, I promise! read more
