Have you opened a cookie tin, but it turns out it was a sewing kit? Or how about an ice cream box when it was a container filled with fried fish?
Jo Koy, a world-renowned Filipino comedian, previously shared a hilarious story about a cookie tin made as a makeshift sewing kit by his mom. Netizens laughed with the comedian and shared their experiences about their parents doing the same thing. But, the collective decision of parents throughout several generations, before social media, begs the question: WHY? Well, as it turns out, reusing tins goes way back to the time of war, when everyone was encouraged to recycle every bit of an item due to scarcity.
So, let’s dive into the different ways our Filipino mothers and fathers reuse containers and tins:
Danish Cookie Tins = Sewing Kits
With their round edges and durable material, Danish cookie tins became a staple to every home—not because they hold tasty cookies, but because they are home to sharp needles and pins. They’re the perfect DIY sewing kit container because they’re waterproof! Once you seal them tight, you’ll be sure your needles remain sharp and intact!
MY San Biscuit Box = Rice Container
Like the cookie tin, the MY San biscuit box is highly reliable for keeping what’s inside dry, such as the Filipino favorite: rice! Aside from being a rice container, it’s also used as a chair!
Ice Cream Box = Fried Fish Container
Don’t be fooled by the delicious photo of ice cream on its cover—what’s inside will surprise you. Ice cream boxes are often filled with anything fried and then stuffed inside the refrigerator to preserve it for tomorrow’s dinner. So, before you get your spoon, check the box first!
Bottles = Oil Refill Container
C2 and Tanduay bottles are the standard bottles used for refilling cooking oils. You can find them displayed in sari-sari stores or even in your own Filipino home. Usually, when we order from the store, we say “Isa ka lapad” to measure how many mL we want to buy.
1L Coke Bottles = Gasoline Container
When we used to buy gasoline to power our cooking stoves, we used 1L Coke bottles as gasoline containers. It’s a good thing this habit stopped because, considering the vulnerability of glass bottles, they may cause fires and accidents, especially when they spill over!
Paint Buckets = Water Buckets
After constructing a humble home, tons of large paint buckets were left in the area to clean up. So, instead of throwing it all away, our dear fathers reused the buckets as-is! The next day, you’ll see the bucket inside the banyo filled with water for your bath.
Anything else you want to add to the list? Share it in the comments below!
