What's Da Buzz?

The shopping list I am speaking of is one many of us are fully aware of. It is the Pinoy Pasalubong which usually ends up in the need for a balikbayan box.

For the English only crowd, pasalubong is a wish list given to the Filipino who is living abroad and about to return home for a visit. That wish list contains the requests of items to be purchased and brought back on the return trip. Often the amount of stuff requested is so great that a balikbayan or a large shipping box that can hold about 90 lbs is needed. Sometimes, a few of them are needed.

The Pasalubong is very short list for me as my immediate family only has a few minor requests ranging from t-shirts with Wisconsin on them, some mp3 players and Twix. It is also quite common that chocolate is requested as that is a very rare treat for many. (Ahhh I look forward to Swiss Tsokolate! hehe)

However, a false assumption is made or we can call it an assumption based on incomplete knowledge. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find something that is “Made in the USA.” So purchasing items here loses much of their meaning and value especially since the label usually says “made in China.” I feel I am much better off purchasing things in the Philippines for them at the significantly reduced rates.

Since travel home takes me through Manila, the chocolate can be purchased free of duty charges at the Duty Free store in Manila. Then the yummy stuff can be taken to your destination at a much lower cost than buying it here. With how the economy is spinning out of control, I have no idea how much that will cost by the time of my trip.

Outside of a few USA only things, I am more than happy to purchase the quality items that are made in the Philippines. May kasabihah o there is a saying …. “Mahalin ang sarilin atin!” (Love or support your own product made in Phils)

Thank you,

Anah

photo credits from http://www.pasalubong.com