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  • A Guide to Filipino Gift Giving Etiquette

    10 November 2022


    A Guide to Filipino Gift Giving Etiquette

    Christmas is always in the hearts of Filipinos, and this is evident in the uniqueness and preparations of “Paskong Pinoy.” We tend to go big on Christmas traditions such as simbang gabi, Christmas carols that last for four months, Misa de Gallo, Noche Buena, parol, and, most importantly, Monito-Monita—the Filipino version of Secret Santa!

    With Monito-Monita, gift-giving is all about finding that unique, thoughtful present and making sure your recipient feels appreciated and loved. But before putting a lot of pressure on yourself to brainstorm the best gifts for your loved ones, read these tips and tricks on how you can give great presents that don't break your wallet.

    What is Monito-Monita?

    “Monito-Monita” originated from Mexico where “manito” means a close and solid friendship. As such, a monito or monita is usually your friend, loved one, or workmate and is chosen by drawing names. Whoever you pick must be kept secret and receive a gift every day or every week, depending on the amount, frequency, and theme agreed upon by the participants.

    The theme makes the gift-giving more exciting, as you have to set rules with the group regarding what type of gift item to get for your monito or monita. It can be “something red,” “something sweet,” or “something that will keep you safe.”

    Once the revelation day arrives, you give a final present and reveal yourself to your monito or monita! While participating in this tradition could mean additional expenses, it doesn’t have to break your wallet as long as you follow the tips in the next section.

    7 Tips to Be a Better Gift Giver During the Holiday Season

    1.   Try gifting experiences instead of things

    Experiences are often more thoughtful and memorable because they create touching moments and emotional bonds. The anticipation is greater with experiences than physical objects, too. As psychologists say, money spent on doing can provide longer-lasting happiness than money spent on having.

    That said, gifting your loved one with a savings and life insurance plan can help create a long-lasting impression, letting them know you value their life and well-being. While it may not be as exciting as a two-week vacation to Palawan or Boracay, an affordable life insurance plan that provides optimal benefits such as BPI AIA’s Life Ready Plus can give your recipient the priceless comfort of living with ease and achieving their long-term financial goals.

    2.   Go for gift cards instead of cash

    If you are unsure of what to give, a gift card instead of cash is your best alternative. Apart from making sure that your recipient gets something they want, a gift certificate also prevents your money splurged on buying unvalued presents from going to waste.

    In contrast to a rushed, generic gift or cash, which can be offensive in some cultures, gift cards convey kindheartedness. As a tip, remember to add a thoughtful note to the present! This shows your friend, family, or loved one that you were thinking of them and not just going through the motions of gift-giving.

    3.   If you have time, opt for homemade gifts

    Go extra by giving a homemade, personalized gift, which can make your loved one feel touched. It also establishes a stronger connection between you and the receiver.

    Although homemade gifts are sometimes challenging to think of and create, they don’t always have to be so luxurious. A simple yet meaningful letter will, for sure, send love and appreciation to your giftee!

    4.   Avoid gifts that are size-dependent

    Giving size-dependent presents such as T-shirts, clothes, necklaces, belts, or other wearable items can be problematic if you are unsure of the recipient’s size. Moreover, you have to know what’s appropriate or likable for your friends or family; otherwise, you might end up giving something impersonal. However, if you want to give size-dependent objects, secure an official receipt in case you need to return or exchange it.

    5.   Know who you’re gifting to

    It is crucial to find the perfect present that fits the person you picked, even though you have no clue what they would like. This is true especially if you get randomly assigned to a person you don’t know that well. Of course, a little snooping about their favorite things won’t hurt and can steer you in the right direction.

    As a rule of thumb, shop for what they would get for themselves. Keep in mind that the gift is not about what pleases you but the person you are giving to.

    6.   Spend more than you would for yourself

    Christmas is a season of giving, making it one of the most—if not the most—joyous seasons of the year. As long as you can manage your finances, spending more on others can give you more happiness and contentment than being a cheapskate and splurging on yourself.

    7.   Gift outside the box

    With multiple products, seasonal gimmicks, and timely online services, it can get difficult and overwhelming to decide what to give. Thus, thinking outside the box using your strengths and talents can be a game-changer.

    Consider designing coloring pages, creating art with your nephew or niece, signing your family up for workshops, or getting life insurance for your loved ones. Indeed, your unique gift possibilities are just limitless!

    Equip your loved one with the gift of a lifetime

    With gift-giving embedded in Filipino Christmas traditions and monito-monita being a significant part of our holiday celebrations, the pressure of finding the perfect gift is real. In looking for a thoughtful and memorable holiday present, remember to always think about what your recipient would like or benefit from.

    For instance, buying a savings and life insurance plan is an outside-the-box, unique, practical, and relevant gift for your loved ones (or even for yourself). BPI AIA’s Build Life Plus makes it easy to get insured amid the ongoing pandemic. Talk to one of our Bancassurance Sales Executives online today to equip your loved one with a lifetime of ease, security, and freedom.

    Did you know?

    You can buy a life insurance at any BPI branch nationwide! Talk to a bancassurance sales executive now!

    RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

    Life Ready Plus

    Protection

    Get the power to protect yourself and your family with an affordable life insurance plan. Life Ready Plus is easy on the budget, but offers coverage of up to 30 times your yearly payment to support the financial needs of your loved ones.

    The plan gives you fast access to coverage and benefits and can match your long-term financial goals when maintained within an appropriate term.

    Philam Life Vitality

    Critical Care Max

    Health

    Critical Care Max will help you make more memories by providing financial aid during the early stages of a critical illness. This unit-linked life and health insurance plan offers assistance on your recovery. You can build a health fund that grows over time, depending on your chosen investment, to pay for other medical costs.

     

    In addition, it comes with a hospital confinement benefit that will replace lost income due to hospitalization. This daily cash benefit may also come with optional benefits like cash payout for surgery-related expenses, allowance for consultation fees, and many others.

    Philam Life Vitality

    Build Estate Plus

    Life Protection

    Let your loved ones enjoy the fruits of your labor even when you’re no longer around. Build Estate Plus is a unit-linked protection plan that will cover your estate taxes after your passing so that you can ease your family’s burden.

    It doubles as an investment savings fund that builds Account Value as you pay. It is also integrated with AIA Vitality that provides additional upfront coverage of 20% to your policy and add-ons.

    Philam Life Vitality

    CRITICAL CARE PLUS

    Health

    Be in good hands in times of sickness. Let Critical Care Plus, a unit-linked health and life insurance plan, take care of you with financial aid in case of a major illness, so you can focus on getting better and spending more time with your loved ones.

     

    It even gives you more benefits for having good health through the AIA Vitality program that adds 20% upfront coverage and supplemental benefits on your policy. 

     

     

    Philam Life Vitality
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    CONTACT BPI AIA

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