It started in the 1970's with the success of a national campaign in the Philippines encouraging people to seek jobs in other countries. This campaign was a way to boost The Philippine economy. To encourage Filipinos living abroad to help poor rural relatives living in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos championed legislation that allowed the millions of Filipinos working overseas to send personal goods tax-free into the country.
The tax-free entry of goods started the modern custom, but balikbayan box history is rooted in the Filipino custom of “pasalubong.” For generations, Filipinos have been bringing gifts home when returning from a trip. Pasalubong evolved to include sending a variety of items by cargo to family and friends back in the Philippines. It became a way to share with loved ones, even if you could not be there in person.
The balikbayan box holds special meaning to me. It is filled with a longing for home and loved ones. It is a physical expression of the connection between the new world and the homeland, a way of giving and sharing.
This inspired the development and creation for my latest digital book, Balikbayan Box: Journey to The Philippines. It has been such a pleasure working with Karen Alleluia to create this. As the title implies, it is about the journey of a balikbayan box and children will be exposed to the concepts of “inside, outside, upside down” in both English and Tagalog “sa loob, sa labas, nakatuwad.”
Considering the climate crisis in the Philippines, with over 4 typhoons devastating many communities, and the ongoing pandemic, I ask that you PAY WHAT YOU CAN for Balikbayan Box: Journey to the Philippines.
100% of the proceeds will be going to charities that directly support organizations rebuilding the livelihood of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, families and vulnerable communities, who are most affected by these natural disasters.
Storybook Activities
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AMOUNT |
HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP: |
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$10 |
provides a family food package good for one week |
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$10 |
covers one month of vitamins for one child |
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$10 |
allows an organization to replenish supplies of a teacher for one month |
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$15 |
covers one month of transportation for one child |
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$15 |
covers a meal and transportation allowance for the Mobile Health Clinic Driver and Technician |
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$15 |
provides psycho-social intervention/counseling to one child |
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$20 |
covers laboratory tests (i.e., x-ray, urinalysis, etc.) for one child |
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$20 |
provides one month of meals to a child who participates in alternative education |
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$25 |
provides allowance to a teacher who facilitates educational assistance among 200 street children |
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$30 |
covers one week of group counseling for 5-15 street children |
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$30 |
covers one-month stipend for a Mobile Health Clinic Coordinator/Medical Doctor to conduct checkups among 800 street kids participants |
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$35 |
provides basic medicines (i.e., cough, cold, headaches, etc.) for one child |
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$35 |
provides 10 days of livelihood/service skills training for 100 street youth that will learn to develop their skills and lead them to have income generating activities and a sustainable job |
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$35 |
provides 10 days of livelihood/service skills training for 100 street youth that will learn to develop their skills and lead them to have income generating activities and a sustainable job |
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$50 |
provides school materials to 200 street children who participate in non-formal basic education |
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$60 |
covers one-month stipend/allowance of a teacher/social worker |
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$125 |
provides one full meal to 200 street children |
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Other |
Any amount will be placed towards building materials, home repairs, food, and hygiene supplies. |