It's 61 days before Christmas and most OFY's around the world schedule their trips home during this festive season. Of course, who doesn't miss the smell of bibingka and puto bumbong on Simbang Gabi and the carolings of neighboring children in the streets? Families would go parol-hunting as early as September to make sure the houses are decked with lights and tinsels.
But for an OFY, one of the most important annual event in their OFY life is preparing the Balikbayan Box. Some even buy the boxes at the start of the year so they have a whole year to fill it up, while some cram up to the last minute to make sure that their boxes are filled up to the kilogram limit of the airline.
Nowadays, not everyone brings home a balikbayan box, some opt to do their shopping home and let their ralatives pick out what they want, but for most OFY's, nothing beats the joy of seeing excitement in our loved ones' faces when they see the limited edition Nike rubber shoes (that you got on sale) , the (50% off ) complete Clinique make-up set, or the (buy one take one) Hershey's Kisses.
At the end of the day, it's more than material stuff... cliche as it is, it's celebrating the spirit of giving- OFY style.
Top 5 Popular Balikbayan box items
1. Imported Chocolates and Candy
2. Imported Groceries like Coffee, Corned Beef and Peanut Butter
3. Electronics - LCD TV, cellphone, Ipods
4. Signature Clothe, Bags and Perfume
5. Rubber shoes (deserves its own spot)
How about you ? What's in your Balikbayan Box? let us know at ofyuppies@gmail.com
