Why are we paying double for the GlowChest Lamp in PH? Here is how to snag it from the US for way less

Why Everyone is Obsessed with the GlowChest Treasure Projection Lamp

If you have been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, your feed has probably been taken over by a magical, chest-shaped device casting shimmering oceanic patterns and nebula clouds across bedroom ceilings. It is January 2026, and the GlowChest Treasure Projection Lamp has officially become the must-have tech accessory of the year. Unlike the cheap plastic projectors we saw a few years ago, the GlowChest uses advanced 2026 laser-refraction technology to create a 3D depth effect that actually looks like you are underwater or floating in a treasure-filled grotto.

The hype is real because it is not just a lamp; it is an aesthetic. It features a hand-crafted wooden exterior that looks like a vintage pirate chest, but once you pop the lid, it projects high-definition visuals that can be synced to your Spotify playlists. However, if you are living in the Philippines, you have probably noticed a frustrating trend: trying to find one locally often leads to sketchy resellers or astronomical markups.

The Massive Price Difference: US vs. Philippines

Here is the tea: the GlowChest Treasure Projection Lamp retails in the United States for about $55 to $65. At current exchange rates, that is roughly ₱3,100 to ₱3,600. But if you look at local specialty tech boutiques or high-end resellers in Manila, they are listing these same units for ₱7,500 or even ₱9,000! That is nearly triple the original price.

Why is the gap so large? Local sellers have to cover their own shipping, storage, and a hefty profit margin. By the time it reaches a mall in Makati, you are paying for their overhead. This is why more and more Pinoy shoppers are looking toward the US market. If you have been wondering how to navigate this without getting a headache, you are in the right place. You do not need a relative in California to send it to you anymore.

How to Buy the GlowChest Lamp Directly from US Stores

Buying from US retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or the official GlowChest site is straightforward, but most of these stores either do not ship to the Philippines or charge an arm and a leg for direct international delivery. The pro-tip is to use a freight forwarder like comGateway.

When you sign up, you get a tax-free US address. This is a game-changer because many US states charge a sales tax of 7-10% at checkout. By using a warehouse address in a tax-free state like Oregon, you immediately save money before the item even leaves the US. You simply enter that address at the store's checkout, and your GlowChest gets sent to the warehouse first. If you find the process confusing, you can even use a buy for me usa service where they handle the entire purchasing process for you.

Shipping to the Philippines: Making it Easy and Affordable

Once your lamp arrives at the warehouse, you get to decide how it gets to your doorstep in the PH. Before you commit, it is always a good idea to estimate shipping cost using an online tool. This helps you avoid any surprises when the bill arrives. Since the GlowChest is relatively lightweight, the international shipping rates are usually quite reasonable, especially compared to the ₱4,000 markup you’d pay locally.

If you are worried about the safety of your projection lamp, don't be. Most reputable services offer repacking or extra cushioning to ensure that delicate optics survive the flight across the Pacific. If you have questions about how long the warehouse will hold your package, you can check the FAQ or the help center for details on storage limits and consolidation.

Import Duties and Customs: What You Need to Know for PH

One of the biggest fears for Pinoy online shoppers is the Bureau of Customs (BOC). However, there is a silver lining. In the Philippines, we have the "De Minimis" rule. This means that if the total value of your shipment (including shipping and insurance) is under ₱10,000, you are generally exempt from import duties and customs tax.

Since the GlowChest Lamp is well under that ₱10,000 threshold, you likely won't have to pay extra GST/VAT upon arrival. This is the secret to why shopping from the US is actually cheaper than buying locally. You’re getting the US price, paying a fair shipping fees, and skipping the heavy taxes that commercial importers have to pay. Check our guide on import tax for a deeper dive into how to calculate these costs for more expensive items.

Final Verdict: Is it Worth the Effort?

In 2026, the world is smaller than ever. There is no reason to pay a 100% markup on a GlowChest Treasure Projection Lamp just because you are in the Philippines. By using a proxy shopping service, you can access the same deals as someone living in New York or Los Angeles.

The process is simple:

• Get your US address.
• Buy the lamp at the $55 retail price.
• Use a shipping calculator to plan your budget.
• Wait about 5-10 business days for international shipping to deliver it to your door.

Even with the cost of shipping, you are looking at a total price of around ₱4,500—saving you thousands compared to local prices. Your room will look amazing, and your wallet will thank you. If you run into any snags, the support team at your forwarder is usually very responsive to help you through your first US-to-PH haul!