Christmas balikbayan boxes from Hawaii arrive 8 months after

Lower rates may not be the best option when sending balikbayan boxes to the Philippines. This was the experience of Hawaii-based Filipinos whose Balikbayan boxes they sent for Christmas 2010 started to reach their Philippine destinations only this month. Many of the boxes were not immediately delivered since the original company, Phil Box Express (PB Direct), filed for bankruptcy, Hawaii's KITV reported Wednesday. While the boxes containing food and clothes are finally being delivered by Waipahu freight forwarder Millennium Express, the senders have to pay extra. “I’m telling my fellow Filipinos, be wary of choosing your moving company don’t be hooked even if it is cheaper by five or ten dollars," said Waipahu resident Cesar Ramirez. He paid Phil Box Express $450 for nine boxes, but he needed to pay another $830 to have the boxes finally delivered by Millennium Express. “So our problem now is how do we get our money back," he said. “We work hard at two and three jobs to have some money to buy things for our relatives. Just a bottle of coffee is appreciated, Even a can of coffee creamer is appreciated," he added. Flora Morin of Aiea spent $500 to ship Christmas gifts to relatives in the Philippine last December, but the items arrived only a few weeks ago — or eight months later. Worse, Morin said, half of a jumbo-sized box was missing. “I usually buy on sale, the oil, the corned beef, and sausage. I even send some sugar," she said. Deal with licensed companies State consumer protector Bruce Kim advised Filipinos to deal with a company that is licensed and bonded through the Federal Maritime Commission. “Make sure the people tell you they are licensed and bonded, and if necessary ask them to see the license," Kim said. He said the company in this case was bonded, but it wasn't clear how much relief customers will see. Kim advised those who believe their boxes are still docked in the Philippines to call the forwarding company. Receipts will be needed to help the state make a case for getting back some of the money lost. “We need that inventory to make an accurate list of the potential claimants, so we can make a claim against that bond," Kim said. — VS, GMA News