Hi Annie,
Balikbayan boxes are so precious to me. I’ve been sending them since my Saudi Arabia (1989), Marshall Islands (1997) and currently from the US. I save money, work extra shift, collect coupons, wait for big sale events like Black Friday (stores and online shopping). I even have dedicated cabinets para sa mga naiipon for these BB boxes. Allen would always tell me ” parang dept. store na dito ” (haha!) But, I’d like my family and friends to be happy, to let them know that I care for them. May fulfillment and happiness din on my part. Di ba ganyan ang Pinoy? Maalaga and thoughtful.
I remember, in 2009 Ondoy typhoon. 5 days after that big typhoon, the cargo ship arrived sa Manila together with my 2 boxes. Manila broker told me ” naku ma’am, mabuti na-delay ang barko! Yun mga kahon dito sa bodega namin na for delivery sana, lahat nabasa at naanod ng baha, hindi na namin nakuha pa! Nay ko po!
It’s true when you say “Beyond Balikbayan boxes” There’s a strong emotion and affected lahat ( good or bad) Ako, I worry na baka mawala, baka masira ang kahon at matapon ang laman, baka may kumuha….. I know, OA na ako. haha!!
Clearly, I am so saddened by what’s happening now. I stop muna na magpadala. Sana the Phil.Gov. can do something better about it at sana naman people (sender & recipient) wag abusuhin ang BB box privilege.
Ang haba ng kwento ko, sorry!
Thanks An, ingat!
bes
(Thanks Bessie for sharing your story. You will always be one of my favorite readers. Thank you.)
