Balikbayan box

[1] In 1973, the government of then-President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr began encouraging Filipino Americans to visit their ancestral hometowns in the Philippines.

Returnees often had gifts for friends and family as a modern extension of the pasalubong tradition, where presents are handed to those at home upon arrival from a journey or some absence.

The first freight forwarder to offer balikbayan box services was Rico Nunga, who started REN International in Los Angeles, California, in 1981.

[9] These two companies are considered the pioneers of door-to-door balikbayan box delivery, which back then were charged import duties upon arrival in the Philippines.

[10] This allowed tax-free entry of personal goods into the country from overseas Filipinos, who then began sending the boxes through homeward-bound family, friends, and colleagues.

[citation needed] The industry was scrutinized by the Philippine Senate in 2015, after complaints were brought to the attention of the public via social media after then-Philippine Customs Commissioner Albert Lina, announced the opening of balikbayan boxes for inspection and additional taxes to be imposed.

[15] A balikbayan box intended for air travel is designed to conform to airline luggage restrictions and many Filipino stores sell them.

The tradeoff is longer transit time by container ship, typically requiring several weeks, and the lack of a definite delivery date.

The balikbayan box is a modern manifestation of the Philippine custom of pasalubong, where domestic or foreign travelers are expected to bring gifts for family, friends and colleagues.