Balikbayan Boxes: For Better or For Worse

This is a thoroughly delightful book that will be fun reading for all Filipinos and their friends, neighbors, coworkers and other associates. In this collection of sixteen entertaining essays, the author presents a splendid explanation of scores of quaint characteristics of traditional Filipino customs, words, family names and sounds - including tongue twisters. The title essay contends that the big majority of the almost 12 million Filipinos overseas who send Balíkbayan boxes full of goodies are displaying misplaced compassion since it develops in their relatives an eternal dependence on others. There are amusing travel stories and light social commentary.