I'm half Filipina and half Japanese, when my mom (Japanese-American who grew up in Japan and lived in Hawaii since she was 20) visited the Philippines for the first time with my dad (Filipino-American), she was nervous cause she wasn't sure if my dads family would accept her because she was Japanese and the history of the Japanese occupation during WW2. She was very surprised to see how welcoming and accepting my dads side, his family neighbors, and the new friends she made during her visit there. She affectionately calls the Philippines her 2nd home and made me and my siblings visit our fatherland as often as possible to experience the same thing she did. I'm glad you had a wonderful time in the Philippines as well!
we dont really dwell too much on the past (not like some people about nazi or something). sure, Japanese army tortured our people to reveal information during the war. but, we never thought that its also the sin of the new generation. we actually never hated a race. only specific people regardless of race.
Most Filipinos have no ill will towards the Japanese for the atrocities of World War 2. The 90s and younger generation generally love Japan as the country has a huge anime fanbase. During my high school days, our school had a half Japanese half Filipina girl, and a lot of us had a crush on her lol.
I visited Manila in 2018 and to this day the Philippines has been by far the most welcoming country I’ve ever visited. They literally rolled out the red carpet for me. Friendly ppl everywhere! If you haven’t been add it to your bucket list.
my co worker a black American nurse assistant at the Seattle VA hospital he's ex US army divorce he's cool and a good friend looking for a filipina wife
As a fellow American...I have to say if you do end up finding a woman from here to marry, you will instantly become tied for the happiest man on earth. I say tied because there are other lucky guys that are married to them too lol. When I married my wife I never left this place. The way of life here and the people are just hard to beat. The family you add into your circle is so amazing too. My in laws treat me better than my blood family back home. The most odd thing for me is my wife became more committed and worked harder trying to make me happy AFTER we got married ( Almost 5 years now and it keeps getting better!!! ). Complete opposite of what you would expect. Lets just say my friends back home didn't believe she was my wife. She is model pretty. Then they didn't believe how humble of a woman she is. I had to record my wife just doing her normal everyday things she does for me. They howled with jealousy ( in a good way they are friends ahah ) and to this day pick on me because of it ahah. I still hear all the time "Oh just get your wife to take care of it!!". Just don't believe the hype that these women are passive. They will give you the business if you step out of line. Just isn't toxic or demeaning and 99% of the time you deserve what is coming to you lol. You get treated like a king which makes it so much easier and fun to treat her like a queen. Have fun on your travels man and I hope you find everything you are looking for here!!
@@Kashmir-88784 I do! I wake up everyday thinking how did I get so lucky and that I don't deserve her! lol. Makes me want to be the best I can be each day and motivates me to do things I never thought I would!
So true about the camera. I have started my channel here in the Philippines, but I could never vlog in the UK, it would feel very awkward. The Philippines is just so chill and cool with it 🇵🇭
But when I became a medical student, i had and still have that "Should I drop out and find a foreigner or get my degree so I get to leave the country" moment
My first time visiting the Philippines was in 2014. And it’s interesting to hear your first time experience is very similar to my own experience. And your reaction is exactly the same as my reaction 9 years ago. I was pleasantly surprised at their ability to speak English and their very friendly attitude. Since 2014 I’ve visited the Philippines at least 8 times.
The truth is Philippines is becoming more popular worldwide because there are a lot of RU-vidrs blogging about the country. Foreigners who really love it end up staying and living in the Philippines. It’s just how Filipinos show they respect the person by addressing somebody as “sir” or “Madam/Mam” if you noticed they use KUYA and ATE to be respectful. It’s great to travel to the Philippines because there are lots of places to explore which I enjoy seeing lots of them in RU-vid. I miss my hometown Manila and very eager to go back and visit. Boracay is also one on my list because my pinoy husband is from Aklan.
'Kuya' and 'Ate' are just the words for 'Older Brother' and 'Older Sister'. To show respect you add 'Po' to your sentence. I know you know this already as your asawa is Filipino but thought I'd clarify 😉
Boracay is beautiful when you don't get bombarded by folks trying to sell you things every 10ft. Best time to enjoy the scenery without thousands of people on the beach is before sunrise.
@@normm we address our older siblings Kuya and Ate to show respect, but we also address other people older than us Kuya and Ate, just like we address foreigneras Sir and Mam for respect. That is natural behaviour of filipino’s respectful. In other countries, when they want to get other peoples attention, they say Hey! Its not like that here.
I've been living here for 4.5 years now and there are many things to love about the country. But the best thing by far is the people. Filipinos are easily the best people on earth! To all the Filipinos that read this; maraming salamat for allowing me to experience your beautiful country : ). I'm truly blessed to be able to spend my time here with you.
IT's like every travel channel there is a comment "These are the best people on earth" One thing I've learned about living in Vietnam, PH, China, Japan, Singapore, and now in Thailand are that PH>Vietnamese are some of the loudest less caring and ruthless of them all Yeah this isn't ALL OF THEM, but its enough to make the country have a bad rep. As per 1000's of reviews on Reddit validating this. The fact that Vietnamese and Philippines can't even pick up their trash and ideally most living areas are covered in trash and its "Normal" says a lot
I did three Foreign Service tours in Manila (83-87, 90-95, 99-01). The reason English is so commonly understood is because when Spain ceded the Philippines to the US after the Spanish American War the US sent a shipload of 600 teachers who came to be known as the “Thomasites” after the name of the ship, the USS Thomas. They established a US-Style education systems. Because there are so many different dialects there English became the universal way to communicate in business and government. As for being camera friendly, the Philippines was ahead of the curve with social media. Texting was hugely popular there before it caught on in the U.S. and once the Internet became available there in 1994 it too became very popular in part because it allowed Filipinos living all over the world to communicate inexpensively. It also significantly changed the economy via the number of jobs created in call centers and other Internet connected industries.
Since my first trip in 2008 I was hooked and have back and forth 8 times from the UK. It's undoubtedly the hidden Gem of Asia. Social media has changed it as the exposed Gem of Asia 😊
what a nice video, !! i am one of those men who married a filipina back in 2017.. and i live in cavite ever since... there a lovely people.. yes plenty of vloggers come to the Philippines to settle down or be vlog the vast array of islands here .. more than 7000 of them!! I am still trying to learn Tagalog I know a few words but too used to my wife dealing with the native tongue but she has perfect English as she teaches English to Koreans as they love the shows and them too over here ... yes come back to PH when you can visit Cebu so many places to visit... we live literally 10 minutes away from Taal lake and Volcano!... ect amazing beaches .. try Lechon !!
Filipinos are very family oriented. We take care of our parents when they get old or sick. We respect our husband, make sure our children are loved and educated. Filipino love our lord and grace. Success in life is important. Our moto is WE , US and OURS.
Welcome to the Philippines my man it's been a 12-year back and forth journey for me and I'm loving every minute of it. The Philippines is a great place and I'm glad you got an opportunity to enjoy it!
You make me missed the Philippines more🥹 I grew up there and I’m hoping to be there as soon as possible since my mental health are slowly killing me… Philippines is my safe place where I can be happy and free. My life is super boring rn which is one of the main reason why my mental health is getting worst. I don’t want my life to stay like this forever, as soon as I finished my school, I’ll work hard and save so I could maybe built a small business in the Philippines and when it’s taking off, I’ll move there and stay there for the rest of my life.
Camera friendliness was already a thing before smartphones and the internet became widespread. You used to see in the news where reporters are being crowded around by people smiling for the camera and waving even if there was just an incident on the scene
I believe that in order to visit happily in the Philippines as a foreigner, it's important to set aside your pride upon arrival. The locals are generally friendly and kind-hearted, and as long as you treat them with respect and make an effort to create a comfortable atmosphere regardless of your ethnicity, they will reciprocate that kindness and treat you with warmth and hospitality.
Filipina & Black here🇺🇲🇵🇭🥰...that's exactly what my father did. He met my mother in Pampanga. Until this day he loves and speaks highly of the Philippines💖💖💖 In fact, he was encouraging me last night to buy a summer home there since I have so much family there🥰🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Maybe buy a winter home here since its hot in the summer (97F today) and you can beat the cold weather in the US with pleasant temps here during Anihan.
That's true man!!! most of the Filipinos can speak good English. I am a Filipino who happens to be residing here now in Panama, we are really struggling to communicate here because only few or maybe fewer than few I should say, that could speak English at all.. That is why me and my family are starting to learn the language so we can better connect and communicate with the people here in Panama, no doubt that the people here in Panama are so nice too.
Interesting reply. I live in America and was trying to decide between Panama and SE Asia (Philippines, Vietnam) but that Spanish language barrier is going to frustrate me too much.
Bro. The most influential part of Filipinos knowing English started in the late 1800's. First because of the Philippine/American War then a few teachers and then mostly the Thomasities. A group of about 600 American Educators who traveled from USA to Philippines on the U.S. Army transport Thomas (early 1900's). One of the most well known was Carter G. Woodson, who is considered the Father of Black History.
Gday Buddy, I got this video via YT notifications and I am so happy I clicked to watch it. Your generous and friendly and wholesome approach to the PI and her people is just, well, bloody brilliant and I thank you for such a wonderful collection of thoughts about how you have found the country. It is vloggers and people like yourself, foreigners like myself who APPRECIATE the PI and dont just come for the bars of Angeles and sleaze. We need people like you here to show the locals we are NOT all arrogant big mouth tourists. Well done young man, I hope you have a fantastic journey here and from other ExPats like myself, keep up this great vlog and know it is appreciated by us in the foreigner community as well as the locals who will be thrilled to bits to see and hear you. Cheers ! .
My asawa (wife) is pinay. we visit there every year. It's our second home. We have a house there. Love my Jeepneys and tricycles. If you travel here, especially in the bigger cities (Manila, Quezon City, Cebu, Davao) learn a little tagalog or basaya, mind your business, know the currency conversion, don't think you're better than they are, and you will be fine. Mabuhay!
For an overall what's up with the Philippines, this was one of the best posts. I am a retired Chinese American. My wife and I built a house in Antipolo, Rizal just outside Metro Manila 5 years ago. We have a ton of family here. I love watching different PI posts to see perspective. This one was spot on. You will get a good idea of what to expect. All your points were right on point.
Majority of people do speak English. If I ran into someone who doesn't I speak enough of the local dialect (Bisaya) to get by. I feel that those who don't speak English is because they haven't spoke it in several years and don't want to embarrass themselves. So many words are Spanish based so when in doubt try the Spanish word. Got to love the Philippine people. Warm friendly and believe in God and family.
Most women in the Philippines are one man women, they hate cheaters and are very devoted to their man, very caring and loving. They make good wives and mothers.
There's no perfect country without crime. There can be a few bad apples here and there. But what makes Filipinos different from other countries is its culture and atmosphere. Most of us will treat you like family even if you're a foreigner. But still exercise caution. You will enjoy Christmas season here that's for sure since we celebrate it from September to December until New year. Goodluck to you sir. EDIT: I'm 6'3ft. Tricycles and Jeepneys have been a nuisance to me ever since. But at the same time its fun experiencing new things.
Just by reading all the good comments here from other nationalities, (me as a filipino) makes me even more proud of my country! You are much appreciated with all the kind words you guys laid down o n the comment section!! MABUHAY PO KAYONG LAHAT!! Thank y’all on behalf of the FILIPINOS!
New subscribers originally from phillipines but currently here in hong kong working .thanks for putting my home country as good distantion tourist enjoy and have fun
Just discovered your channel and subscribed...but most of my interest is the Philippines since I began living here in 2018...so we'll see if the 'travel' focus holds my interest.
I just got back from my 1month trip to the Philippines to visit my family and everything you said is true. It’s not my first time but another thing i want to add is that they’re so kind and have so much hospitality there. I’m treated as a sort of king there. Even though i can do things on my own, they’ll tell me relax and they’ll get it or do it for me. Everything to getting a beer, opening it, getting my clothes or shoes, they’ll do it all. I feel shame and spoiled when i’m there.
I'm Indonesian, and I've always wanted to try visiting the Phillipines after talking to a couple of online Filipino mutuals. Nearly all of them plus non-Filipinos immediately asked "why would you ever want to visit the Phillipines?" kinda half-jokingly, but I do seriously think it'd be kinda fun to look around. Apparently we share a lot of similarities, being SEA neighbours, so I wanna see it for myself.
The country itself is great. The people are decent. The biggest joke here is politics. Only reason why Filipinos insist or half jokingly tell people not to come here.
A lot of similarities. I'm a Fil Am and often cook Indonesian entrees. How else I can make use of shrimp paste from my Filipino entrees :)? We look related. Look at our languages Bahasa Indonesia- Tagalog- some word have same meaning. Food- your satay tastes like our party food. Even our ghosts, I think our Aswang spirits have relative cousins in Pontianak, Borneo. I'm surprised theres not more intermarriage between our countries or maybe I'm unaware of it. The similarities list can be longer but I need to wash up my dishes as I just made Nasi Goreng.
@@georgeacenas2349 aah, a chef! Thanks for your hard work. And yeah, shrimp paste kicks ass, I just wish I know how to use it more for my home cooking. I'm also kinda curious why I haven't seen more Indo-Fili marriages in my circle. I guess not a lot of my irl friends want to go there? Which is kinda sad imo.
Not only do I cook but I like to surf. My surf buddies seemed to talk alot about the Mentawi Islands. So when I started researching Indonesia- everyone there looked like my relative! That's cool.
I will Live in Manila the Most of my 30-Year Life Generation, since Manila is my Hometown City, But, when I rode a Jeepney going to Quiapo when I Last visited it, I Saw Improvements to manila, like a Brand New Bridge, unlike in Pre-Pandemic, this is Called as Binondo Intramuros Bridge, this is I want to See Manila went from Third-World City in my Childhood, into a First-World City in my Adulthood in Decade 2030s, and 2040s.
The Aetas or pygmies were the first inhabitants of the Philippines. It is said that they used land bridges to cross the sea. These land bridges are partly submerged in water pretty much like the popular sand bars that are scattered in the Philippine archipelago. They were hunters and history tells us that they decided to live in the lower mountains in the main island of Luzon. They are a peaceful and friendly people
Cool video! I’ve been resident in the Philippines for 19 years. Currently living in, what was the US Navy accommodation in Subic Bay … we live 5 minutes from the Aeta tribe and walk our dogs to visit regularly. You should consider going to Sagada and visiting the last headhunter tribe (they don’t ‘practice’ anymore 🤣) visit Wang Od the 100 plus year old tribal tattooist … with the added bonus of the best coffee grown in the country.
I really appreciate that insight and experience you had in the Manila. I was scared to go by myself. But I feel more comfortable now that I have an idea what why to expect going this year ! Thanks 🙏🏾
Explore more at the outer skirts of the Philippines..not only in the big cities..try travelling from north to south...there you can see "it's more fun in the Philippines "
As a filipino.No matter what kind of life we have,It is our nature to Smile and be happy.We are very hospitable and compassionate people. Search our history and find out how many countries being saved by our previous presidents and offer them to come to our country for humanitarian reasons.That's how compassionate we are. God bless the Philippines and the Filipino people.So proud being one. Anyway,Thank you for visiting my beautiful country. Enjoy what my country has to offer.Stay safe.
With regards to the Spanish Language: My Grandma and Mother are both fluent with it because at their time it was an added subject for Philippine education but somehow along the way they've removed it and is now more focused on English Language.
Great video my man. I just came back from the Philippines after not having been able to visit for 4 years due to COVID-19. This video was published while I was still there and now that I’m back, I already miss it and am planning my next visit 😂
That's why more blacks are expats in Asian countries. Foreigners want to be treated special. And for a Black American it's breath-taking and a relief from the stresses of American society. Filipinos do tend to stereotype people based on perception. This could be a problem if you still caught up in the American mindset. But they mean no harm.
Well blacks would still get called the Spanish version of the N word but it don't have the same intent as in the US since that's just how blacks are called here. And I think people here would just look at you curiously anyway whether you're black or white, we tend to do it to foreigners.
They stare but they are amazed some are shy actually 😆...some surely understands what you are saying or asking to them, but some cant talk back....but they understand..... just enjoy your journey...Welcome to our country bro!!
I was at Clark AFB in the early 80's for three years. I met and had a girlfriend and early in this relationship we had these words. She said I'm not looking for an American to marry and take me to the U.S. My response. I'm not looking for a Filipina woman to marry and take back to the U.S. I'll never forget her and her beautiful family.
Filipinos' kindness and hospitality is a blessing to the world. I am proud to have a Filipino blood and my mother never stopped talking in tagalog when we left the country for Europe at a very young age.
A old small town southerner who taught English there a long time ago is why they use sir and mam. I found it strange also then I was like it had to be southerners from the USA who taught english or one of those southern missionaries from the USA way back when.
Enjoy the experience my man! You seem to be a cool and nice guy yourself. Thank you for visiting our beloved Philippines and keep coming back you are always welcome!
Wow you're describing the place correctly. That's really true about the people who are too friendly. If a person is alone traveling would be easy going around. If Americans wants to travel in Asia I think Philippines is the right place to visit. For women there's so many many Malls and big one. For men so many islands to explore. Also, so many American restaurants for everyone.
Congratz Sly for visiting our country i wish and pray you will have the best and good times staying here enjoy mingling with our people i am sure and can say 99% are hospitable helpful and will welcome you with open arms with love and kindness also visit all over the country we have lots of breath taking places here especially beaches, etc that you will love to stay longer be safe God bless u🙏🏻💖🤗
Love it. ❤. I’d just say…eventually find your wife there brother. Don’t waste your time there. No one will ever respect you like them in this world except for your mother. There’s a reason why they are the best nurses in America.
My Filipina wife and I built a house here in Cavite. We retired and have been living here for a little over a year. You are spot on about your list of good things here. The one thing that blew my mind is seeing how much stuff they can carry on a motor scooter. Bags of cement, big screen TV's, goats, pigs, lumber, 4 or five people with a goat or pig and a newborn baby all at the same time LOL .. 😂
A friend of mine wanted to find a wife and he chose the Philippines. He has now been married for close to 10 years. He is so happy. He brought his wife to the US to visit for several months while he worked. He was always happy to get home to be with her. He told me if you ever visit the Philippines you will not want to leave. In a couple years I’m going to find out.
I advise not to bring your wife to the united states the things people are exposed to here can corrupt you I liken the USA to sodom and Gomorrah Babylon if you get what I mean it's a very degenerate place
Thank brother for featuring our beautiful country in your vlog awesome one, try to visit north Philippines you will be surprise you have a lot to discover
I found it the same as yourself, very welcoming even walking around Manila I found local ppl saying hi and sir or Mr in that American tone but yep go enjoy as they treat you right for who ever you are and not like some other famous Asian country.
Good video , glad to see you are enjoying the country! I also did some growing up in Seattle , after moving from the Philippines . So many of your cultural points resonated with my own experience, but going the other way . All my new classmates assumed I would be good at soccer, which I wasn’t ha ha . I just wanted to play basketball, even though I was not as tall as them. And I received so many compliments and surprised reactions to my English, even from the teachers! What HS did you go to in Seattle? I went to Bishop Blanchet.
@@gtablurt5791 Yes, it does drizzle a lot. The rain doesn’t come down as hard as it would in a tropical place , or even in US cities east of the Rocky Mountains. So while Seattle has a reputation for a lot of rain, the total annual rainfall /snowfall is not especially high.
Glad you found all of these benefits from being in the Philippines. The language barrier is the only one that is different based on where you go. Here in Luzon provinces, where there arent many ex-pats, English is not spoken by most people. But I didnt expect people in a foreign country to speak my language, I need to learn their language. Please do come back and bring some friends or family.
Watching foreign vloggers leave here then go to other countries, it's a completely different vibe. People in other countries (Asia) are mostly aloft. Polite, but aloft. And yeah, they also speak mostly the native language in their respective countries. Makes me think that if i had the resources to travel to our neighbor countries, i'm gonna have a problem communicating 'coz i don't speak anything but tagalog & English. I think mostly in English, too. 🤣❤️🇵🇭
Been watching your channel from Medellin. Was gonna go there for a long time. But after I sold my house and got rid of my stuff. The Philippines opened up. Bought a one way ticket. No regrets
I hope u like the food. When we went to South Cebu last December, there were lots of foreigners there but found out the places where they go to eat aren't really that good. I say, go to where the locals eat and really experience the Philippines!
Im only new in your channel and honestly i found it interesting you tackle only not the beauty of the philippines but also its local how really you interact with them.. I admit there's so much foreign bloggers now doing thier content here in my country and as a filipino i wish you goodluck and hopefully soon you can collaborate with other foreign bloggers here like MERGIM VLOG,TRIFATE LIFESTYLES, TRAVEL ESCAPES and more others who are here almost a year now....
Wow, I thought that you lived in Mexico. Ok, it's many months now but I did see a video of you being in Mexico. You speak well show videos well also. You have a good voice when you talk and explain. Anyway, I like Mexico the Philippines or Asian country's is not for me or even Europe but as they say, we are different and that's great ! Good luck to you and your life.
You make me missed the Philippines more 6à I grew up there and I'm hoping to be there as soon as possible since my mental health are slowly killing me... Philippines is my safe place where I can be happy and free. My life is super boring rn which is one of the main reason why my mental health is getting worst. I don't want my life to stay like this forever, as soon as I finished my school, I'll work hard and save so I could maybe built a small business in the Philippines and when it's taking off, l'll move there and stay there for the rest of my life.
Of all the bloggers I've seen so far, i like your observations about the Phil. They are fair and honest. I agree with them. The "most camera-friendly" is spot-on esp. the young people. How about Filipino food? I also like your inclusion of our native people - the Aetas or Negritos. They live around the area of Mt. Pinatubo. I will check out your video of them. Cheers!
I love the Philippines and plan to live their with my wife (Filipina) and baby (coming soon) in Davao. The Philippines makes me feel a lot safer, happier, and at home than the US does. The US has a lot more crime that they do in the Philippines. I love it there.
Thank you so much for all the kind words that you have said about my dearest country and fellow Filipinos...May God bless your journey! I really enjoyed your video...thanks for featuring the Philippines!
Thank you for your kind and authentic testimony about our country! You are welcome anytime and hope you can visit again and again and spend more time! Take care and God bless always!
Was in Manila last year Everything you've said is true! We had an amazing time there (3 weeks) Only one hiccup....the airport🥴 They lost one of my kids carry on bag (we had left Seoul) & only received it the last week of our trip. Then when we arrived home to Australia,they lost my other sons carry on bag 3 months later,even after tracking it (it's still in Manila) we still haven't got it back. Seoul was great! Phillipines was a blast! The airport can eat a fat one😅
Manila airport is a notorious den for scams, thievery, and extortion by airport officials and personnel, and local Filipinos are victimized more often than foreigners. Disgustingly sad.
Yes, I've done it all! Lived in Philippines for 15 years, married a Filippina (been together now 25 years). Now sitting shuddering in Winther Norway, so: Soon back til Philippines.
This is cool and all, but friendly advise esp seeing the clip of you walking through taft avenue with your camera with you, be wary of snatchers dud. Anyways, glad you're having fun here.
The term "Sir/Ma'am" has been ingrained in the Filipino vocabulary because of the fact that many Filipinos work in the services sector (BPO, Healthcare, Retail, etc...). In fact, more than 75% of the country's GDP/economy comes from the services sector, followed by industry/manufacturing and agriculture.
@@eduardochavacano Nah, I also use these terms when conversing with strangers but I don't see myself as inferior to them lol. This is just basic courtesy, which I believe is nonexistent in whatever household you're in.
