What Went Into This Year's Balikbayan Box — Epoche A2
Dear Nanay, The balikbayan box is sealed and the driver took it this morning. It is the big brown box that goes home by sea, and it comes in without duty. There are limits: up to three boxes a year, and a limit on the total value as well. It is cheaper than the post office and slower than everything. I packed it in order of what matters, heaviest first: Medicines for Tatay — three months of the tablets, in the middle where nothing can crush them. Two pairs of school shoes for Jun, one size up, because he will grow before they arrive. Coffee, chocolate and tinned things, in the corners. The blue jacket you asked for, and towels round the edges as padding. Sweets for the children next door, on top, so you can hand them out first. It should reach the port in about six to eight weeks, and then a few days more to the house. If it is late, it is late; the sea does not hurry. Do not wait for it. Open it when it comes, and tell me what was broken. Love, Marilyn