The holiday season is for honouring traditions, spreading love and joy, and spending time with loved ones. For many Filipino-Canadians, being apart from loved ones in the Philippines calls for special ways to connect and stay close, no matter the distance.

Enter: The Coca-Cola Balikbayan initiative.

Sharing the joy of the season

Coca-Cola is making it easier for Filipino-Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area to send gifts to the Philippines with beautifully designed Balikbayan boxes and complimentary shipping, available at nine participating Filipino-owned stores, also known as Sari-Saris.

This is the second year of the program and Coca-Cola has seen high demand for this initiative, which is why they're tripling the number of boxes available compared to last year! 

That amounts to 600 boxes to be distributed to members of the Filipino-Canadian community, while supplies last, so that even more families can feel connected during the holiday season.

A beloved tradition

For those who are unfamiliar with the Balikbayan box tradition, it's a package that Filipinos living abroad send to their families and friends in the Philippines. Boxes are filled with items like cherished gifts, personal care items, household goods, and more.

Balikbayan boxes are not just gifts, but also a symbol of the love and care that overseas Filipinos have for their families and friends. The name itself even translates to "returning to one's country."

Over seven million boxes are sent annually, with an increase during the holidays. With help from Coca-Cola, that number is about to become a little bit higher!

How to get your box in the GTA

The Balikbayan boxes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be picked up at KIKO's Restaurant, Pinoy Mini Stop, Mangyan, Manila Bakery, Bernard's Pilipino Specialties, Philippine Oriental Market, two Tagpuan Restaurant locations, and H's Beauty Studio.

Atin-Ito, a well-established Filipino cargo courier and remittance company based in Toronto, will ensure the boxes are delivered safe and sound to their final destinations.

You can check out the full list with Sari Sari addresses and more via the Coca-Cola website.

Plus, Coca-Cola has partnered with The Philippine Oriental Market — a fixture in the GTA Filipino-Canadian community for over 50 years — to transform the Sari-Sari store into a giant Balikbayan box. It's an absolute wonder to behold — and a great way to pick up your box, and support a local business while you're at it.

Spread the magic of the holidays to your family and friends back home, without concerns about the cost of shipping.

Visit one of the nine participating locations to pick up your Balikbayan box, while supplies last!