Coca‑Cola's Balikbayan program returns for a second year to make it easier for Filipino Canadians to send heartfelt gifts to the Philippines. The company is proud to continue its support of the cherished tradition with beautifully designed Balikbayan boxes and complimentary shipping to help bridge the distance between loved ones during the holidays.

In partnership with nine participating Sari-Saris (Filipino-owned stores) across the Greater Toronto Area, Coca‑Cola will provide 600 custom-made Balikbayan boxes (three times more than the inaugural year) that can be filled with cherished gifts, household goods, personal care items and more. Coca‑Cola understands the crucial role Sari-Sari stores play in the community, serving both as local businesses and gathering places which is why the company has partnered with several Sari-Saris to help distribute this year’s boxes.

"Coca‑Cola is committed to supporting the Filipino-Canadian community in celebrating the Balikbayan tradition and what it stands for," said Stephanie Eddy, Cultural Marketing Lead at The Coca‑Cola Company. "Through this initiative, we hope to bring real magic to the holiday season and allow those separated by distance to feel closer to their loved ones.”

To ensure the safe and timely delivery of these heartfelt gifts, Coca‑Cola has partnered with Atin-Ito, a well-established Filipino cargo courier and remittance company based in Toronto. Once the giver is ready to send their Balikbayan box, Atin-Ito will ensure door-to-door delivery within a 12–16 week timeframe, depending on the location in the Philippines.

To make the initiative even more special, Coca‑Cola has transformed Toronto’s longest-running Sari-Sari, the Philippine Oriental Food Market, into a giant Balikbayan box. As a beloved community staple for over 50 years, and as one of the nine participating Sari-Sari locations, the store and its owner are featured in the 2024 Balikbayan campaign video, highlighting the Balikbayan tradition and its deeply significant meaning.

Boxes are available for in-store pick-up as of December 2024 at nine participating Sari-Sari stores while supplies last. Store locations include:

• Philippine Oriental Food Market, 1033 Gerrard St E, Toronto

• KIKO’S Restaurant, 3770 Bathurst, North York

• Pinoy Mini Stop, 794 Wilson Ave, North York

• Mangyan, 1015 Pape Avenue, Toronto

• Manila Bakery, 40-C Dundas St East, Mississauga

• Bernard's Pilipino Store, 1534 Queen St W, Toronto

• Tagpuan Restaurant, 707 Kennedy Road, Toronto

• Tagpuan Restaurant, 1740 Victoria Park, Toronto 

• H’s Beauty Studio, 301 Cook Rd, North York