Houston, TX (PressExposure) October 11, 2010 -- One popular practice in which OFWs or overseas Filipino workers or the simple overseas Filipino have constantly perform for as long as anyone can remember is the practice of sending gift to the Philippines. Other than sending remittances or money back to their loved ones in the Philippines, many overseas Filipinos and OFWs have also sent gifts back home, normally sent through the use of balikbayan boxes.
Traditional Method of Sending Gifts Balikbayan boxes are widely known today as packages used for sending gift to the Philippines. However, before it was used as packages for this purpose, the first balikbayan boxes were used as packages when overseas Filipinos would return home from abroad.
Because of its size, which is larger compared to other forms of packages, returnees could easily stuff in a number of gifts for their loved ones as well as their own belonging. The advantage of this is the cost, which is far less expensive compared to using smaller, individual boxes.
Eventually, many overseas Filipinos have come to use the same package to send gift back to the Philippines. And similar to its original purpose, overseas Filipinos have also used this because of its cost-efficiency compared to the use of smaller packages. However, there are several disadvantages to using balikbayan boxes.
Disadvantages One of the most apparent disadvantages of using balikbayan boxes is the time and effort it requires for an overseas Filipino to arrange and send a balikbayan box. Another is its delivery. According to many overseas Filipinos, sending a balikbayan box normally takes a lot of time in delivery, typically taking weeks to even a month.
Although many overseas Filipinos have gotten used to the fact that sending a balikbayan box really takes a lot of time compared to other forms of packages, many of those have also wished a new method which they could use to send gifts easily and conveniently. This is the reason why online shops were founded across the Philippines to offer overseas Filipinos a chance to send gifts back to their loved ones easily and conveniently.
Modern Methods of Sending Gifts The advantage of using online shops over the use of balikbayan boxes is its convenience. Compared to the usual process it takes to arrange and organize a balikbayan box, overseas Filipinos would only have to take a few minutes to send gift to the Philippines via online shops based in the Philippines. Its convenience also gave them the chance to send gifts while working or while relaxing at home.
Another major advantage of using online shops is its speed of delivery as well as its collection of gift items. Compared to sending a balikbayan box, online shops are known for their faster delivery service which normally takes 2 to 5 working days, while other online shops, such as Myflowerdepot.com, are known for their 24-hour delivery service, which is known as the fastest delivery service in the Philippines.
Other than its convenience and delivery, online shops are also known for its wider collection of gifts, including gifts which are normally impossible to send through the use of packages and balikbayan boxes, such as bouquets of flowers, foods, home appliances, and many others.