Willy Arcilla is the image of the consummate Filipino executive OFW. He speaks with a neutral accent-slash-zero twang, is always in a suit (at least during the last couple of times I saw him in a public event), attentive all the time, and hands out his calling cards in that endearing Asian way (holding the lower left and right corners with forefinger and index finger).

I first met him at a press conference raving about Vietnam’s economic miracle. Here was yet another Filipino who had the skills this country needed, but loved another country other than his own, I thought. I was wrong.

Willy is one of the growing number of Filipinos who have gone against the tide of migration at a time thousands move out on a daily basis. And as regional manager of executive search firm ZMG Ward Howell, he is now helping other professional OFWs find well paying and challenging jobs right here in the country.

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Avoiding gift-giving gaffes is tricky. Is it proper to give your boss a Christmas gift or will others interpret that as trying to curry favors with the man or woman on top? If you decide that spreading Christmas cheer with a gift is just right during the holidays, what is the right budget for bosses, colleagues and subordinates?

This article from our personal finance section says you should remember that what works for one company might not work for another. If you have just moved into a new job, be sure to ask around first.

Here are the seven other tips from that article:

1. Make a gift list and set a budget. I always go overboard on gifts and not just on Christmas Day. I just love wrapping presents so much! A gift is not a gift to me without a beautiful ribbon . There’s something about choosing, buying or making and wrapping and presenting the gift that lifts my spirit up.

2. Foodstuffs are always welcome gifts. Easier to give to both ladies and male friends and colleagues too! The most popular ones this Christmas are chocolates, so far as I can tell.

3. Go for gifts recipients can use. Personally, I like giving gifts that people will never buy for themselves but this is a good tip too for the practical side of money-smart peeps.

4. Partner with others for group gifts. Makes sense especially for bosses.

5. Homemade gifts. Definitely not for children. More for the sentimental and mature persons in the universe. Can I now claim that I go for homemade gifts? Heehee.

6. Look for the right size. Since I do a lot of walking around Makati area, I find myself declining Christmas baskets that are very heavy and difficult to lug around.

7. Cash gifts are, again, very tricky. These days, everyone gives little envelopes – from the postman to the utility boy to the messenger who goes to your house only once a year. So what’s the proper amount to put in the envelope?

Here’s a little confession. Everybody keeps saying they can’t feel Christmassy anymore. It’s like the warm, fuzzy feeling of Christmas dies when people turn 12.

Maybe, it was the Christmas caroling in Binangonan, Rizal that I joined the previous weekend that changed me. Nothing like serenading houses on the side of the road to make your heart soar! You can’t give the gift of cheer without sprinkling some on yourself – so go spend a little and give a little especially of your time and yes, always do these with a smile.

Merry Christmas!