No Frills brings back balikbayan boxes for homesick Filipino-Canadians
Loblaw-owned supermarket chain No Frills has brought back the balikbayan box program this year, allowing Filipinos in Canada to send care packages to loved ones in the Philippines.
The program first launched in 2019 at participating No Frills stores. The balikbayan box program works by covering the cost of shipping a care package when a customer meets a minimum purchase amount.
Balikbayan boxes (which translates to “returning to the homeland”) are an important tradition for Filipinos abroad. Balikbayan boxes are large cardboard boxes filled with gifts and essentials that are shipped to family in the Philippines.
Erman Gunes/Shutterstock
“Balikbayan boxes provide a vital way for families in Canada to send gifts and essentials to loved ones in the Philippines,” a Loblaw representative stated in an email to Daily Hive. “More than just boxes, they are heartfelt packages that truly connect families across oceans.”
In 2019, Filipino Canadian couple Emiliano and Ana Hernandez, franchisees of Emiliano and Ana’s No Frills in Etobicoke, Ont., became the first people to offer the program in Ontario, after its success in Winnipeg and Calgary.
“When we first launched, customers were driving from Hamilton just to participate,” said Emiliano.
According to the couple, popular items include chocolates, instant coffee, Pringles, condensed milk, and tuna.
So, how does the program at No Frills work?
Shoppers who spend $150 on goods at participating No Frills stores will receive a free shipping voucher and box at customer service.
From there, you can go to a DHL location with your balikbayan box, items, receipt, and shipping voucher. Redeem your shipping voucher, pack your balikbayan box, and ship it.
The cost of air shipping will be covered for boxes with a maximum weight of 20 pounds.
“Up to $220 (approximately 10,000 Philippine pesos) worth of goods in the box may be exempt from duties and taxes in the Philippines,” stated Loblaw.
Supplied
Boxes with goods exceeding $220 in value could result in the receiver being charged customs duties and taxes, which must be paid before delivery.
You can also include other items in the box as long as they’re not prohibited by the Philippines’ customs. And you might want to hurry — the program is only available until Wednesday, Nov. 19.
According to Loblaw, the program is currently only being offered for shipping products to the Philippines. You can find the list of participating No Frills and DHL locations in Ontario, B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan on No Frills’ website.
“My family loves the instant coffee and chocolates. It’s a taste of Canada for them, and they know it comes with our love,” said Ana. “It makes us feel closer, even when we’re so far apart.”