Patricia Riingen, senior vice president of Western Union, said that based on the qualitative survey conducted by Nielsen which they sponsored, Filipinos during special occasions like Christmas preferred to either give or receive cash.

She added that instead of spending it, they use the money to spend it on others in order to share their blessings.

She said that this kind of practice, dubbed “Santa Claus effect,” also shows the Filipinos’ generosity towards others.

“Filipinos’ generosity rivals Santa Claus. Cash gifts are sent to family and loved ones particularly at Christmas to spend on special treats they would not typically buy themselves.

However, receivers in the Philippines most frequently use gifts of money for celebrations, treating others or even sharing part of the money, rather on themselves,” Riingen said of the Western Union-sponsored Nielsen study of receivers of international and domestic money transfer.

“Giving beats out spending on one’s self, and this holds true for both senders whether they are OFWs or workers here in the Philippines and receivers. We call this the ‘Santa Claus effect,’” she added.

Riingen, at a press conference at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) headquarters in Mandaluyong City, said it is also heartening, yet unsurprising to learn, that the circle of giving continues with receivers extending their blessings to a wider group of family and loved ones on special occasions.

The top 10 occasions for giving gifts are Christmas, birthdays, and graduations, while other times gifts are given are during anniversaries, baptisms, weddings Valentine’s Day, New Year, fiesta, Teachers’ Day, Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day.

Gift givers felt happiness in sharing blessings and seeing others’ joy, pride and achievement and a closer connection with family.

Francis Wakefield, Manila Bulletin