Thank you for everyone’s response to Episode 4.5 The Bakit List. The comments on Ryan’s “Sawing Kit” story have been hilarious. 

TFAL listener and friend RoseAnne messaged me after we posted “The Bakit List” with this hilarious story. She heard her two adorable daughters yelling “I want cookies! I want cookies!” RoseAnne’s dad opened the cookie tin to reveal not a “sawing kit” but RICE! Her dad fills up these cookie tins with rice and sends them to the Philippines.

And for folks who ask (like I did), “Why is he sending rice to the Philippines?,” that could be another future TFAL episode. In the provinces where crops are exported out of the country, items like rice are expensive and poor quality, so folks in the States have to send  rice to their family back home.

TFAL graphic designer Vince sent these videos of his son Mikey opening up cookie tins and boxes that my aunt keeps in her house. Mikey has the same reaction as RoseAnne’s kids “I WANT COOKIES!” Sorry Mikey. It’s NEVER COOKIES!!!

As Joe pointed out, Filipinos do this because it’s smart. It’s a way of recycling a container. Yet, I agree with something Vince said to me over text: “No sewing kits. Just hoarding kits”

What else have you found in cookie tins? Let us know! Tweet us @TFALpodcast. Comment on the This Filipino American Life Facebook page. Rate, review, and subscribe to us on iTunes here!