For those of you new to the Fil-West experience, a "balikbayan box" is simply a big box full of stuff you send to family in the Philippines via one of dozens of balikbayan box services around the world. The boxes vary in size, but the ones (yes, we have two...) my wife and I are loading up are 24"x24"x20". They are what in America we'd call "care packages."
What's in such a box? Well, of course this varies, but very often they include things like canned meat (SPAM, Vienna Sausages, Corned Beef), soap, toothpaste, second-hand clothes, tools and minor electronics. At some point, you (if you are the male) will almost certainly say, "Honey, can't they just buy all this in the Philippines? Why don't we just send them the money?" And your wife will reply, "Because they like American-made, the stuff in the Philippines is counterfeit."
My wife is firm in her belief that any product sold in the Philippines is of inferior quality to products sold abroad. She has claimed, for example, that the canned chili has less meat in it, and that the meat in SPAM in the Philippines is of lower quality than that canned in the U.S. The clothes in the Philippines fall apart more easily, she says, and the tools break. The soap doesn't lather up properly.
This all goes back to deep-seated distrust on her part of the government and businesses of the Philippines, who she believes will steal every last peso from Filipinos while giving nothing in return except marginal goods and services.
I am highly suspect of some of these claims, in particular the one about Americans having superior canned meat. I find it hard to believe that the ground up pig privates in our canned meat is that much better than the ground up pig privates in theirs. I guess that gives American pigs something to brag about, if true.
At any rate, we're already sending money each month, she'll point out, so the box is like a special treat.
After we buy all the stuff she wants to put in our latest box, she sets to labeling each item with the name of the person she intends it for. She says she does this so there's no arguments on the other side of the pond when two or more of our family want an item. This is probably wise, because while I can't believe there'd be fights over Vienna Sausages, there could be some disagreement over who's supposed to get the tools, pots, and pans, for example. When it's all labeled, we fill out our declarations form - this is internationally shipped, after all - seal the box up, and drop it off. The box will normally arrive in 45-90 days. Sometimes never, but that's the chance you take with low-cost ($100 is the norm) international freight shipping.
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5 comments:
I am very happy to see a blog in the ASAWA web site!
I am from the Philippines, and I have been in close correspondence with a westerner for several years. I respect all foreigners who show respect for my people, country and culture. So far, from what I can tell, you are just that kind of person. I appreciate the web site and I intend to purchase your book in the future. Although my situation does not fit into the typical Filipino-American couple scenario, I enjoy reading and learning about it. Thanks for the hard work. Keep it up, please!
Hi Bob,
I have enjoyed perusing your archived forum at asawa.org/forum.htm; however, I've been disappointed to find that it is no longer available at that site. Is it available else where? Is there anyway you could make it available again, as there are many, I'm sure, like myself who greatly miss the dialog and conversation it contained. It is over 10 years of invaluable history. Thank you for your help.
Im from the USA and have a relationship with my fiance for over 1 1/2 years now. I have found your book and Web site so usfull and educational. I was able to avoid stupid mistakes i would have made with the advice you offer. Thanks for your help and please take care and keep up the good work.
If i told you how much your book and web site have helped me i dont think you would believe me, I ased my fianca to marry me last month and gave her the ring and you helpe dme to avoid life long mistakes with her so far. I thank you for your help and the information you provied. Take care and keep up the good work.
Quite a few years ago I visited your site often. I recently came across it again (my nephew is thinking of a relationship). I am glad to see you are still around. I know your sage wisdom helped my get through the early years, it will be 20 years come this Dec. for my asawa and I.
Enjoyed the balikbayan comments. I too have repeatedly pointed out that we are sending clothes with labels "made in the Philippines" to the Philippines. My wife likewise is certain that these are of superior quality. I have learned to just smile and watch her write a check. A small price to pay for what we have.
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