Filipino-Americans Countdown to Christmas

In some parts of the U.S. we are still enjoying the balmy weather of “Indian Summer” while other areas are noticing the leaves turning crimson and gold as the crisp air signals that autumn is here. Traditionally in the U.S., the day after Thanksgiving is the official launch of the Christmas shopping season, but for many Filipino-Americans, the countdown to Christmas begins much earlier.

In this newsletter, we talk about some of the early preparations for the holidays.

Have you made holiday plans for the Philippines?
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 For Filipinos in the U.S., Christmas Preparations Start Early

The Philippines has earned the distinction of having one of the world's longest Christmas seasons with brightly colored parols appearing in homes and carols heard as early as September. For Filipinos in the U.S., there are practical reasons to get into the Christmas spirit early – it takes advance planning to be sure that holiday travel arrangements are made and gifts arrive in the Philippines in time for Christmas.

September/October

Those who plan to go home for the Christmas holidays need to purchase tickets to the Philippines by September to avoid the dramatic increase in airfares as it gets closer to the peak travel season. Mid-November is the beginning of the peak travel season, not only because of the Christmas holidays, but also because it coincides with some of the best weather in most parts of the Philippines.

If you are not going home to the Philippines, it's still important to start Christmas planning early. Balikbayan boxes (which hold pasalubong and gifts for Christmas-giving), especially those destined for the Provinces, the outlying areas of the Philippines, should be shipped from the U.S. by early to mid-October in order to assure delivery in time for Christmas. “Balikbayan” is a Filipino term meaning “return to homeland”, but it usually refers to overseas Filipinos who return to visit the Philippines. So a “balikbayan box” is a care package sent or brought home to the Philippines by a Filipino living abroad. Because the shipping fee for a balikbayan box is a flat rate per container (weight doesn’t matter) and it can take up to eight weeks for shipping, popular items include non-perishables such canned foods, linens, and clothing, and treats such as chocolates and nuts.

November/December

November and December are big shopping months for Filipino-Americans who are flying home for Christmas. Many Filipinos in the U.S. take advantage of post-Thanksgiving sales to stock up on gifts, but it is important to keep weight limitations in mind when planning purchases. Most airlines limit economy class travelers to two checked pieces of luggage, not to exceed a combined 62 inches (height + width + depth) or 50 pounds (23 kg) each. So, a standard 20“ x 20“ x 20“ balikbayan box can be used as one or both pieces of luggage, so long as it is within the weight limitation. It is advisable to check with your airline for their specific checked baggage requirements.

For more up-to-date information as you prepare for your trip, here are some links to U.S. and Philippine government websites that provide helpful tips related to Traveling to the Philippines.

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in the Philippines

Question: I see that your service allows me to make deposits to “all major banks in the Philippines”. So I want to know which banks are considered to be “major banks” and how do I know if my recipient’s bank is on the list?

Answer: remithome allows you to make deposits to all Commercial Banks and Savings Banks in the Philippines, which includes both Philippine banks and foreign banks operating in the Philippines. You can also deposit to One Network Bank, which is a large Rural Bank with broad coverage in Mindanao. Click here for a list of banks that remithome allows you to make deposits to.

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