From UAE to Philippines: Sending Balikbayan box with love
The Filipino Times highlights the OFW tradition of sending Balikbayan boxes, a symbol of their dedication and affection for their families back home. As the anticipation of the – ber months grows, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE are gearing up to send their families Balikbayan boxes, one of the most cherished gifts of the Christmas season. With time, it has become one of the distinguishing markers of being an OFW. About 12 million Filipinos live abroad, and over a million of them are based in the United Arab Emirates; these boxes symbolize OFWs’ love of family—carrying tales of determination and sacrifice.
The Meaning and Significance of the Balikbayan Box
The term “balikbayan” means “returning home,” and for Filipinos who can’t make it to their homes this Christmas, the balikbayan box serves as a proxy to help them make their families feel their presence and love. Dubai-based OFW Jannet Gajitos, originally from Marikina, shared: “Para sa akin, kaya madalas magpadala ng balikbayan box ang mga Pinoy OFW dahil nabibigyan nila ng kasiyahan ang kanilang pamilya. It’s one way of showing your love, thoughts, and care.”
Mark Joseph Limon, hailing from Valenzuela City, shared that he carefully packs these boxes with items his family truly needs. “This holds great significance since it greatly helps fulfill my family’s necessities. I believe it’s even better to occasionally provide them with things they desire. Seeing them happy with what I send brings me joy,” says Limon. His box typically contains basic essentials like sugar, soap, shampoo, oil, and other everyday items.
For Dubai-based OFW Kim Locsin, originally from Bicol, the joy that she felt in opening boxes with her family is what motivated her to send her first-ever balikbayan box. She said: “Masarap sa pakiramdam na alam mong yung pagod at lungkot mo dito sa UAE, ay sobrang saya yung kapalit para sa family mo. Sulit.”
A Tradition Passed Through Generations
The balikbayan box tradition lives on, passed from early overseas Filipinos to today’s 3rd and 4th OFW generations. Danah Magno, now in Dubai, feels the enchantment in these corrugated cartons. “I grew up eagerly awaiting the arrival of those boxes,” she recalled. For Danah, balikbayan boxes mean more than things; they’re about family and love over oceans. “Culture na din kasi before kami yung nakaka-receive ng box and ‘yung feeling na may na-receive kang item from your loved ones ‘yun din ‘yung gusto namin na ma-feel ng mga nabibigyan namin. Kaya ngayon kami naman ‘yung magpapada to send our love,” said Danah.
Guide to Sending Your Balikbayan Box
The initial crucial step is to be aware of the schedule for sending out boxes to ensure their timely arrival for Christmas. With freight forwarders estimating that at least 50,000 boxes per month will be dispatched from the UAE to the Philippines, early sending is advised. If you’ve yet to experience the joy of sending or receiving balikbayan boxes, this comprehensive guide is your key to discovering the magic and meaning behind this cherished tradition.
Available Box Sizes and Shipping Rates
Based on the provided reference for shipping to the Philippines, here are the common box sizes and rates:
| Box Type | Dimensions | Manila (SGD) | Luzon (SGD) | Visayas/Mindanao (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulilit Box | 24"x14"x14" | 55 | 65 | 75 |
| Sulit Box | 24"x18"x20" | 75 | 85 | 95 |
| Up Size Box | 20"x20"x35" | 90 | 100 | 115 |
| Jumbo Box | 24"x24"x30" | 100 | 110 | 125 |
For delivery timelines, the following estimates apply for Bulilit boxes:
- Manila: 14 weekdays
- Luzon: 18 weekdays
- Visayas/Mindanao: 25 weekdays
Across oceans and cultures, these boxes hold more than mere items – they’re vessels of connection, bridging hearts across miles.
