This time of the year a lot of Filipinos, living and/or working abroad, are visiting their home country to spend Christmas with their families.
In the Philippines it is a customary that home comers are bringing presents. It is called pasalubong. These gifts are very much appreciated because they are ‘imported’.
And IMPORTED (that is: NOT fabricated in the Philippines) is important in the eyes of Filipinos. Every Filipino likes to have imported stuff. Maybe that’s also one of the reasons that one can buy so many FAKE IMPORTED clothes and other items here. Just go to a well known market like Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City or the street markets at Quiapo or Baclaran and you can find lots of them. Check also my earlier post about fake items HERE.
When you travel to the Philippines this time of the year it is fun to see the large ‘balikbayan’ boxes all the Filipinos are bringing as extra bagage. They are loaded with gifts for their family members.
balikbayan boxes
When you like to visit the Philippines, and you like to bring gifts for your (extended) family (actually they expect that you bring PASALUBUNG), take care that the items are European or American made. It’s not important that they are not expensive, as long as it’s IMPORTED !
Filipino time:
What a nice custom, my wife(philippina) and I are laughing about that. Where do you find genuine products nowadays that are not made in Chna??? Made in Asia reimported to Asia, what a way to waist your money….
Klaus,
When you look at it closely, it is very funny. But Filipinos like it that way.
It is a way of showing their families that they love them and have thought about them while being away. Ask your wife, she will admit it.
Dunno if that applies to every Filipino.
I remember my mom brought a lot of stuff to Philippines the first time she went home. Something for everyone. Everyone was happy.
As the years went by, and we go for a visit almost every year, we don’t bring anything anymore but our family are still very happy to see us.
But it must be a headache for others to think about what to bring. Good luck with that!
Hi Felicor,
Thanks for your visit and your comment.
Many Filipinos who have family abroad expect something when they come home to visit. Maybe not all families, but a lot.
Filipinos abroad also send many ‘balikbayan’ boxes home with presents and other goods, it is more or less the same thing.