More Than Cardboard and Tape: Kaye Yuvallos Examines the Soul of the Balikbayan Box

For millions of Filipinos, the arrival of a balikbayan box is a celebration—a physical manifestation of love sent from afar. Yet behind every taped corner lies a complex story of sacrifice, distance, and economic reality.

In her latest two-part book project, This Is How I Hold You From Here / A Companion to A Manual on How to Pack and Send a Balikbayan Box, New York-based researcher and Parsons MFA graduate Kaye Yuvallos invites audiences to reconsider this ubiquitous cultural artifact. Debut showcased at the Tops Art Fest 2026 in TOPS of Cebu from October 22–25, 2026, the work blends storytelling, design, and field research to unpack the emotional luggage of the Filipino diaspora.

The publication’s two back-to-back volumes offer complementary perspectives: one follows the fictional yet deeply authentic narrative of Tita Lina, a composite character drawn from Yuvallos’ extensive interviews with overseas workers; the other delves into the research framework surrounding material care, economic migration, and familial obligation.

Packing a box is not just about selecting goods; it involves budgeting earnings, navigating family requests, and managing the grief of physical absence. Her work acknowledges both the joy of giving and the heavy expectations often placed on overseas workers.

The showcase features an immersive, home-inspired installation at Booth R4A (Mountain Wing Elevator Lobby), where guests can write down their own experiences with distance and longing, posting them into an interactive transmittal box. Books are available for purchase throughout the event.