Scared of horrible holiday traffic? So are we.
It’s enough to transform you from a Christmas-loving pixie into a grinch zapped with gamma radiation, turning you into an Incredible Hulk Grinch. (If we had a candy cane for every time we flipped someone the bird while driving this December, we’d have enough to build a Candy Crush level.)
These days, it’s much easier and more economical to ship your (non-fragile, non-perishable) gifts to people on your gift list. If your present can fit into a packing envelope and is manageable enough to be loaded onto a motorcycle/bicycle, then you’ll want to check out the Christmas elves, aka couriers, around the metro.
Book a courier
Uber’s fleet gets a festive twist with its latest “Padala” option. The app-based transportation network has tied up with LBC to let gift-givers escape bad traffic. From Dec. 15 to 21, you can book a courier through the Uber app to deliver presents for a flat rate of P169/trip. You will be charged via the credit card associated with your Uber account (but please do consider giving your courier a “hazard tip”).
Each P169 booking is good for one trip—no multiple drop-off points allowed. The delivery personnel will also determine first if your package’s weight and type are allowed for delivery (so, no, you probably can’t use the “Padala” option to send over the TV you got for your in-laws).
Uber’s #ChristmasPadala; e-mail uberx@lbcexpress.com
Same day delivery
Xend is one of our favorite couriers, and it’s also one of the more popular choices among online sellers (remember those Multiply days?). You can request for a pickup through www.xend.com.ph or through its app (available on Android/iOS).
We love their same-day pickup option: schedule a pickup before 2 p.m. on the same day, and someone will drop by your address to pick up your packages for delivery. They will deliver on Dec. 24 (but no pickup service). Operations will be suspended on Dec. 25, 30, 31, and Jan. 1. Visit the website to see their holiday operations schedule.