For many Filipino-Americans, sending money home isn't just a transaction — it's how you show up. A padala for Pasko. Extra pesos before school enrollment. A little something for a birthday, a fiesta, or Undas. The timing, the amount, and the method all matter. This guide walks through the moments that move the most money and what to keep in mind when you send.
The Filipino remittance calendar
Some occasions carry an expectation of padala that's woven into how families support each other across distances. Knowing when these moments arrive helps you plan so the money lands when it's needed most.
Pasko (Christmas). The biggest padala season of the year. Transfers peak in November and December as Filipino-Americans send money for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, Noche Buena, and gifts. The 13th-month pay period also falls in December, and many families use remittances to supplement or stretch this. Send early — exchange rate volatility and transfer volume can both increase in late November.
New Year. A second wave of transfers often follows Christmas, with families sending for Media Noche celebrations and to start the new year with funds in hand.
School enrollment (June). The Philippine school year typically begins in June. This creates a meaningful padala moment for parents and grandparents in the US supporting tuition, uniforms, school supplies, and transportation costs for children back home. Sending in May or early June — before peak enrollment — reduces last-minute stress for both sender and recipient.
Fiesta season. Every barangay and municipality has its own patron saint's feast day. Fiestas are community events that involve food, family visits, and hospitality — and families often send padala ahead of the local fiesta to help with preparations. Fiesta dates vary widely by location, so ask your family when theirs falls.
Undas (All Saints' Day / All Souls' Day). November 1 and 2 are days when Filipino families gather at cemeteries to remember loved ones. Travel within the Philippines increases significantly around this period, and families sometimes receive padala to cover transportation and offerings.
Birthdays and milestones. Graduations, baptisms, weddings, and birthdays are personal occasions that don't follow a calendar, but they're among the most emotionally meaningful moments for a padala. A transfer for a child's graduation or a parent's birthday lands differently than a routine send — and your recipient will feel that.
What to consider when sending around peak periods
Send early. Peak seasons — especially November through December — see higher transfer volumes globally. While MoneyGram's network is built for scale, sending a few days early removes the pressure of last-minute timing.
Confirm delivery method with your recipient. For Pasko, your recipient may prefer cash pickup if they'll be traveling to family and want to collect funds at a branch near where they'll be, not where they live. For school enrollment, bank account or GCash may be more practical for paying fees directly. Ask before you send.
Check the exchange rate before you confirm. Rates fluctuate throughout the day and can shift during high-demand periods. The rate you see when you start a transfer is confirmed at submission. Always review the pesos your recipient will receive before you click confirm.
Keep your reference number. For cash pickup transfers — especially those sent ahead of a holiday — share the reference number with your recipient and remind them of the collection window.
Common questions
When is the best time to send money home for Pasko?
Earlier is better. November is the recommended window — transfers sent by mid-November arrive before the peak volume of late November and December, and exchange rates have more time to settle before year-end volatility. If you're sending for Noche Buena or Christmas Day celebrations specifically, allow a few extra days as a buffer, especially for bank account transfers.
What delivery method works best for sending money during fiestas?
It depends on your recipient's location and preference. Cash pickup at M Lhuillier, LBC, or USSC is a practical choice if your recipient will be traveling or celebrating in an area with branch access. GCash is convenient if your recipient wants immediate digital access to funds without needing to visit a branch. Check with your recipient before you send — their local fiesta is the time to ask what works best for them.
Does MoneyGram charge more to send money during holidays?
No. Transfer fees and exchange rates are not set higher during holidays. Exchange rates fluctuate based on currency markets throughout the year, not based on occasions or seasons. The fee for your transfer is shown before you confirm, and the rate is locked at the moment of submission. See the exchange rate before you send.
Find more helpful articles for sending money from the US to the Philippines
How to send money to the Philippines from the US. A full walkthrough of every delivery method — bank account, GCash, cash pickup, and debit card.
How much does it cost to send money to the Philippines? Understand the transfer fee and exchange rate margin before you confirm.
GCash vs. bank deposit: which is the fastest way to receive money in the Philippines? Not sure which delivery method works best for your recipient? Compare speed, limits, and convenience.
Send money for pickup at M Lhuillier. If your recipient prefers cash in hand, thousands of M Lhuillier branches are ready across the Philippines.
Send money for pickup at LBC. Nationwide reach, a trusted name, and no bank account required for your recipient.
Send money for pickup at USSC Pera Padala. A dedicated remittance network for recipients who prefer to collect in person.
Is it safe to send money to the Philippines online? What to look for in a provider before your first transfer.
Send home for what matters
Choose your delivery method and see the exchange rate before you confirm.
This publication is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or other professional advice from MoneyGram or its affiliates. Services may vary by location and are subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Delivery times may vary and are not guaranteed. Actual transfer speed depends on the delivery method selected, the recipient's bank or service provider, send amount, transaction verification requirements, and other factors. Always confirm the estimated delivery time shown before you submit your transfer.