I'm sorry I can't add much to this thread but it's very helpful. I'm aware of the "extended family" situation and the emotional blackmail ( "are you a Christian?" ; "my six godsons, widowed father and two brothers in the province at Christmas" ...) and how hard it is to say "no". It's especially hard when we buy even modest gifts for loved ones and friends in the UK, clearly, proving we've had the money. I guess it's a source of conflict in many Filipino-UK relationships.
