Page 269 - Tagalog for Beginners: An Introduction to Filipino, the National Language of the Philippines

When Filipinos go away on a trip, they buy not only souvenirs, but also
pasalubong, or gifts for family and friends from the place they visited. This can be
anything from food, keychains, scarves, T-shirts or any easy to pack items, that
may even be bought in bulk when one is thinking of giving presents to an entire
office or a group of friends.
Heritage learners, have you ever wondered why your parents or grandparents
bring heavy suitcases when they return to the Philippines? It is because they are
somehow expected to bring presents to their relatives and friends. In some
instances, they ask and receive lists of expected presents: M&M’S chocolates,
Adidas rubber shoes, Dove soap, Jergens lotions, or other signifiers of “abroad.”
A recent phenomenon is the “balikbayan box” (a box for the “balikbayan”—
literally, a person returning to his/her country). The boxes come in various sizes
ranging from the mini-box (12" x 12" x 12") to the large box (18" x 18" x 24"), and
can be shipped from many points in the United States to various regions in the
Philippines. The price ranges from 20 to 117 dollars depending on the size of the
box and the destination in the Philippines. Since weight is not considered, this

method of shipping presents is considered economical.
The “balikbayan box phenomenon” has also inspired artwork. On May 8, 2009
the exhibit hall of City Hall in Hong Kong hosted an exhibition entitled “The Box
Unfolded” featuring installations, wall displays, and short videos. Among the
participating artists are Alwin Reamillo, Dada Docot, Eliza O. Barrios, Felix
Bacolor, Arnel S. Agawin, Gene Pendon, Rowena Gonzalez, and Inksurge.

Pagbabasa

Read the following postcard, and then answer the questions that follow. Study the
following words before reading the postcard. You have learned some of the words
in earlier lessons; they are listed here for you to review. You can also refer to the
glossary at the back of the book.

Natanggap Received

Pinadala Sent
Puno ng akasya Acacia trees