Christmas surprises for families back home have been prepared by Filipino residents in Dubai, who have prepared everything from Barbie dolls and cell phones to canned food and chocolate.
They adhere to the custom of balikbayan, or returning residents. Instead of spending the holidays at home, the majority of expatriate workers will pack cartons full of food, electronics, clothing, and sweets to open beneath the Christmas tree.
Many people gradually add to the box every few weeks after saving for months. In order to give their family and children a taste of what they enjoy in the UAE, they stock up and wait for sales.
With over 50,000 packages, weighing between 30 and 100 kg, shipped by freight to the Philippines between October and December, the Emirates is one of the world’s largest hubs.
“My kids have always been thrilled to open packages and see the clothes and chocolates inside,” said 45-year-old Sharon Toribio, a housemaid in Dubai.
“I purchase Ferrero Rocher or Toblerone during sales, and occasionally I include a cell phone so they’re delighted to find it.”
“I added groceries, meat or fish in cans, and sausage made from chicken or corned beef.
“I want them to appreciate what I’ve got in Dubai.”
A wish fulfilled
Ms. Toribo, a resident of the southeast town of Guinobatan, works as a part-time babysitter to supplement her income from three children in the 20–25 age range.
The family of Ms. Toribio will cherish this year especially.
Though the UAE resident will be in the Philippines in December for her first Christmas break in 14 years since she started working, balikabayan boxes are frequently sent because expatriate workers are unable to be at home.
She explained, “I didn’t go to the Philippines for a holiday for many years because I lost my job during the pandemic.”
“This year, I will be spending Christmas with my daughters as per their request.”
She includes household supplies in her box as well so her family can experience UAE goods.
Coffee, sugar, flour, pasta, detergents, and dishwasher soap are among the items I include. I know you can get these in the Philippines, but I still like to send them.
Santa’s elves LBC Express, a 75-year-old courier business in the Philippines, has hired more personnel, and its warehouses in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are now loading boxes.
Head of sales and marketing for LBC Express Middle East Allan Bautista remarked, “We are like Santa’s elves; this is a busy time for us.”
“The origins of Bagibayan can be traced back to the generations when Filipino immigrants sent gifts for their family members back home.
“A returning resident, or balikbayan, is someone who is returning home. This is what keeps balikbayan boxes in demand.
Depending on how far away the location is, the company can deliver 50,000 packages from the Emirates to more than 7,500 Philippine Islands in a duration of 30 to 60 days.
For boxes weighing 30 kg to 100 kg, the prices range from Dh115 to Dh370.
He stated, “We try to get the boxes home before Christmas Eve.”
“On average, it takes people two to three months to complete the boxes.
“Our busiest time of year is Christmas. Our largest market in the region and one of the largest globally is the United Arab Emirates.
Kristine Suico, 37, a resident of Dubai, purchased gifts for the family as well as Barbie dolls and pink dresses for her young daughter.
Shopping for Barbie memorabilia for her six-year-old child and her daughter’s friend is made easier by the variety of toys that are available.
“I explore the city to find the best deals. The hotel industry employee Ms. Suico stated, “There are a lot more options here in Dubai.”
“It’s less expensive than in the Philippines because I can buy wholesale goods in Dubai.”
She claimed that while packing the gifts, she feels at home.
“They love that gesture, and they get excited when they get a parcel that comes from me,” she remarked.
“This will be under the Christmas tree when they open their gifts at midnight on December 24. I won’t be there.”