What Is A Balikbayan Box? A Guide by Atlas Shippers International

Hello from the Atlas Shippers International team, where we understand the significance of staying connected with your loved ones across the seas. In this article, we delve into the beautiful tradition of sending Balikbayan boxes, a practice deeply rooted in Filipino culture, symbolizing love, care, and connection.

What is a Balikbayan Box?

A Balikbayan box is more than just a package; it's a bundle of joy, filled with love, care, and thoughtfulness that connects families across the miles. These cherished boxes are sent by overseas Filipinos, often working abroad, to their eagerly awaiting families back home, serving as tangible expressions of affection. Typically, they contain a mix of daily essentials and special treats – from canned goods and toiletries to stylish clothing and accessories, and sometimes, heartfelt handwritten notes that bridge the distance with warmth and reassurance.

The History and Cultural Significance

The tradition of sending Balikbayan boxes began in the 1970s when many Filipinos, driven by economic opportunities and a yearning for a better future, started working abroad. The word 'Balikbayan' itself can be defined literally as “return to country” which is a term that is reserved for people, however over time the word has been used to define the box that comes with a Balikbayan. Whenever a Balikbayan flew back home to the Philippines, they often would carry boxes full of goods for not only their own family members, but items for other people as a favor. So what you’d often see is a Balikbayan coming back home to the Philippines with a huge box and dispersing goods to everyone in the village. These boxes became such a huge present for everyone and were only a privilege to those who were capable of flying back home. These boxes, brimming with carefully selected items, transformed into a tangible expression of love and connection, allowing families separated by oceans to share a piece of their lives with each other.

Balikbayan boxes are no longer just a privilege to those who fly back home, but can be sent by anyone. They are a symbol of giving, of care, and a tradition that not many other cultures share. These boxes truly encapsulate the deep-rooted desire for connection and continuity, signifying the heartfelt return to one's roots and the preservation of cultural ties.

Why Send a Balikbayan Box?

Sending a Balikbayan box is more than just a simple act of giving; it's a ritual that serves as a lifeline for families separated by distance. It’s an act that shows selflessness, love, and the unwavering affection of Balikbayans who are navigating life far away from their roots. These boxes stand as a means of shifting and sharing their victories, no matter how grand or modest, with those back home for whom they hold near and dear to their hearts.

How Atlas Shippers International Facilitates This Tradition

At Atlas Shippers International, we resonate with the important tradition of sending Balikbayan boxes, a practice that lies at the core of Filipino culture and heritage. It's a tradition built with love, care, and the unbreakable bonds of family, transcending oceans and continents. In every Balikbayan box lies a story — a narrative of love, longing, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino family unit, extended family, the barangay, and the Filipino community altogether. We, at Atlas Shippers International, do not see simple boxes with names and addresses on them; to us, they are carriers of joy, hope, and family connections, bridging miles with smiles, and hearts with memories.

In providing our services, we infuse each step of the process with the same affection and dedication that you put into packing each item. Our team, deeply rooted in the Filipino values of 'kapwa' (shared identity) and 'malasakit' (compassion), understands the profound emotional value each Balikbayan box holds. We handle them not just with efficiency and dependability, but with an unparalleled level of care and respect. As we ship these boxes across the waters and islands, we do so with a sense of pride, knowing that we are part of a beautiful tradition that keeps families connected and the Filipino spirit alive, no matter where life takes us.

Tips for Packing a Balikbayan Box

Packing a Balikbayan box efficiently and thoughtfully requires skill and careful planning. Here are five tips to enhance the process:

1. Choose the Right Box: Select a strong and durable box that can withstand the journey. The size should be appropriate for the items you plan to send, ensuring there's enough room but not so much that items will shift during transit. Atlas Shippers has boxes of all sizes from the smallest (Junior box), a medium size (Ate box), a Regular size, and a Large size (Macho box). Additionally, you may also use different boxes or ship irregular size items or containers, however an extra fee may be charged if the item requires more than one person to carry the box/item.

2. Categorize and Organize: Organize your items by category - clothing, toiletries, food items, and gifts. This helps in packing them systematically and makes it easier for your recipients to sort through them. Adding a contents list on the inside of the top box flaps could help the consignee to know what to expect.

3. Protect Fragile Items: Wrap breakable items with bubble wrap or newspaper and secure them in the middle of the box, cushioned by softer items like clothing. It's also wise to use sealable bags for any liquids or perishables to prevent spillage (see FAQ for an instructional video on this).

4. Maximize Space: Utilize every inch of space effectively. Roll clothes instead of folding to save space, and fill shoes with small items. This approach allows you to fit more into the box and ensures a snug fit, reducing movement. Bonus tip: One of our favorite space fillers is toilet paper because they can be squished, can be used, and don’t weigh a lot!

5. Add a Personal Touch: Include personal items like handwritten letters, family photos, or children's drawings. Perhaps even take the time to wrap gifts and presents that are being sent. These tips can add emotional value to the box, making the unboxing experience more special for your loved ones.

Simply put, mastering the art of packing a Balikbayan box involves strategic planning and thoughtful execution. Start with selecting the right size box(es) and methodically organize your items, categorizing them for efficient packing. Extra care is necessary for perishables and delicate items, ensuring their protection throughout their journey. Send your next Balikbayan box through Atlas Shippers International today!

Keeping the Tradition Alive

In conclusion, it's clear that Balikbayan boxes transcend the ordinary definition of parcels; they are vessels filled with love, packed with care, and rich in the cultural tapestry that weaves the Filipino diaspora together. Each box is a testament to the enduring spirit of 'Bayanihan', a cherished Filipino value that reflects community support, unity, and the strength of collective effort. At Atlas Shippers International, our pride in being an integral part of this heartwarming tradition is immeasurable.

We are more than just a shipping company; we are a bridge, a connection, a thread that binds you to your family, ensuring that no matter the miles that stretch between you, the heartstrings of familial bonds remain as strong and unbreakable as ever. Our commitment is to keep these bonds alive and thriving, making sure that every Balikbayan box sent through us carries not just goods, but the warmth and essence of your heart, straight to your loved ones' doorsteps.