X (Emas) Box

By MZ Coupe

18x18x24 Inch Balikbayan Box

Sorry, not the kid's X-box, but the Filipino gift of love - the 18 x 18 x 24-inch box, periodically sent to families of overseas Filipinos, the mos and best of which are sent for Christmas cheer, opened pronto, unlike the Kiwi Boxing Day.

Aaah, Filipino-sender for sure, one would say at the sight of the ubiquitous box at the airport's queue or pick-up/drop-off point, freight forwarding office, or transport /travel area.

Every parent's desire is to give their kids the best of education which has become the bargaining tool overseas. Pinoys are professionally - armed when they venture overseas.

As you may well be aware, Christmas in the Philippines is by far the merriest and longest celebration in the world. Christmas is not only the culmination of the year but more importantly, the culmination or fulfillment of family/material dreams.

My son will love this X-box². Or the latest DVD player, digital camera, cellphone, signature shoes or watch, plus Cadbury chocolates, Palm corned beef, tinned Anchor butter, new/and hand-me-down gadgets, appliances, wrapped in clothes instead of styrofoam ­ a time of sharing, a taste of something Kiwi.

The Ebox is a thanksgiving to the NZ dream-come-true. That explains why families anticipate the Ebox, the way Christians welcome the Redeemer, Messiah, Saviour, God-made-man Jesus. As early as September, Manila airwaves initiate the Christmas nostalgia that would increasingly dominate the religious, social aura onto Christmas day, till Three Kings Day, first Sunday in January, that officially ends the Season.

The Ebox is an overseas Filipinos away-from-home celebration of events like Christmas. Those luckier in time and finances book flights just after Easter to ensure a seat and avoid the holiday rush. Strong sense of family ties/reunions is made more distinct by Balikbayans (returnees) presence and shouts for almost every form of celebration. They become christening, nuptial sponsors or benefactor to a worthy cause. They do not whinge nor complain (more dollars to spend) to this gesture of recognition and gratitude.

The steady influx of migrants of all ethnicities, and in synch with supply and demand, the freight forwarding business in NZ has grown from strength to strength. Entrepreneurs are in happy and healthy competition expanding their services now to non- Filipinos and various destinations.

So who says jobs are difficult to find? Just like the Ebox initiators, seize the moment, create the business opportunity, fill that need, and send the migrants love-boxes to their roots.

Ingenuity, novelty, adaptability, a positive attitude, and their signature smile have indeed become the Filipinos¹ trademark.

Have you sent your Ebox yet?