The famous phrase best describes the collective culture of the Filipinos. While others work hard to earn a living for themselves, the Filipino migrant workers do so with the thoughts of their loved ones in the back of their heads. With the current harsh economic conditions, the family-oriented Filipino has chosen to work far from home in regions that would provide better financial opportunities for their families. And it is through circumstances like this that padala evolved.
Every Filipino is familiar with the concept of pasalubong. A small gift from a parent to his child as he comes home from a work, a small token from the mall given to a family member or a souvenir from a relative or friend who came from a trip out of town are types of pasalubongs that we have received growing up. These gifts are simple ways of reminding a loved one how much he is appreciated. Recent times has caused families to live apart for financial reasons. Hence, pasalubong is not sufficient to meet their needs and padala has become a bigger part of the Filipino family.
Every Filipino is familiar with the concept of pasalubong. A small gift from a parent to his child as he comes home from a work, a small token from the mall given to a family member or a souvenir from a relative or friend who came from a trip out of town are types of pasalubongs that we have received growing up. These gifts are simple ways of reminding a loved one how much he is appreciated. Recent times has caused families to live apart for financial reasons. Hence, pasalubong is not sufficient to meet their needs and padala has become a bigger part of the Filipino family.
