Christmas is a time for sharing so I think yes, I believe it is important to send balikbayan boxes to our family in the Philippines. It does not need to be those expensive things, what is important and what matters is our thoughtfulness and our love for them that goes with it. Knowing that they appreciate my efforts warm my heart, give me inspiration to keep working here abroad. — Anne Atienza
For me sending a balikbayan box is a must for loved ones back home at Christmas. Collecting items for three months before sending it home gives me a good feeling. Through these boxes, we let our family or loved ones feel that we are malayo man-malapit din (far apart yet also near). These boxes not only bring them joy or happiness of the things they find inside, but also help them in their needs specially in times of crisis like typhoons. — Mary Jane Bacolod
Being far away from home, a Christmas box is one form of letting our family know and feel that we love them. It is also a way for giving them the opportunity to have a taste of the foods and some material things we have here abroad. Sending a Christmas box is not easy. I need to save some of my allowance just to be able to buy things for them, plus the stress and difficulty in packing, but it is really a sacrifice we are willing to do for them. — Merlita Balubal
For me the size of the balikbayan boxes does not matter, it is all about the love we give to them. As an OFW, sending a box is not easy but all these sacrifices is because of my great love for my family especially to my two young kids. I know how happy they are when they receive the box and I can see it in their faces as they call me immediately and ask if they can open it. Their happiness is more than mine. — Guia Domaraog
Giving gifts during Christmas is important to me. For me I don’t send a balikbayan box for my family members in the Philippines, but I usually send money as a gift. They can make use of the money to buy whatever they need or want. This is more practical and convenient. — Grace Lingan
Some people in the Philippines or our family are so choosy and they are into trends. When we buy a certain item or clothes that can be expensive, they just use it once or twice. As a sender, we would feel hurt. I think we must be very wise in spending money and if the item is not needed then don’t send. We have so many department stores and malls already in the Philippines where they can buy such branded clothes and items. Just send them enough money for them to buy the things they want rather than sending jumbo boxes for them. — Elena Lomboy
For me it is not only Christmas that I am sending balikbayan box to my family in the Philippines because most of the time my employer always share their blessings to me. Before they dispose something they always ask me first if I like it or not. Some of the items can still be used and some are still new so I send them as door to door and my employer pays the cargo fees. From collecting things through packing and sending a cargo box is a proof of great love of overseas workers to their loved ones. We are happy to send and to see how excited our family is to open the box of love. —Shane Tan
I consider sending balikbayan box to my family during Christmas a must, since this is the time to share the spirit of giving and sharing. This is one way of expressing my love. The box will make us closer and bring smiles even we are miles apart. — Leticia Bermas
