We decided (just a week ago) to send a balikbayan box to my in-laws in the Philippines. It's our first time doing such a thing, and we have no idea what to get and how to do it, but we chugged along.
We started the day in Costco, where we purchased many things we think they're going to enjoy - a personal favourite is the box of 40 (10 pieces of 4 different hot chocolates!). Of course, we also got the usual like Spam, body soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Then, we head to Superstore. I shopped for our food for the week since I am not getting HelloFresh delivery this week. Hubby also got tea and chips (limited edition Pringles and ketchup flavour chips), which we can include in the box.
Before heading to lunch, we stopped by Manila Cargo Express to buy a balikbayan box and ask about the process of sending a package and its costs.
Then, we drove all the way to Ironwood for lunch because my parents love Pho37.
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| 11. Special Beef Noodle Soup (Pho Dac Biet) Special beef noodle soup with medium-rare beef sliced, beef brisket, meatballs, tendon and tripe. |
The soup is much sweeter than what I am used to from other pho places. The combination plate (especially the spring rolls) was good, but I thought the one from Thai Son near Walmart was better. Though, the desserts are delicious! The next time we're back in the Ironwood area, I'll ask my parents to try the nearby Chinese Restaurant.
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| 32. Lemongrass chicken, spring rolls, and minced shrimp on sugarcane with rice |
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| 1. Regular Spring Rolls |
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| Deep-fried Banana |
After our late lunch, we went back to my parent's place to pack and finalize the balikbayan box. Unfortunately, it was too late to drop it off at the Manila Cargo Express warehouse, so we headed home, and my parents will drop it off on Monday.
When we got home, we had to unpack all our groceries from both the Superstore and Costco. It was an exhausting day, but I am grateful.
