Life in the Philippines pt 1 | A Foreigner's Perspective 

I’m a Filipino and I’ve been to different countries before. You know what I realized? That Filipinos deserve better. We have the most beautiful sceneries, abundant natural resources, and most hardworking people. But since politicians don’t care about the citizens, good governance is rare. Can’t expect people from poverty to be disciplined and to follow all the rules when there are people in power who can’t even do their jobs.

Finally, a pretty fair and impartial video about the Philippines. We're not all about beautiful beaches and tropical haven.

I'm Brazilian and almost felt at home watching this video. The Philippines are so similar to us on a lot of levels.

This is one of the most accurate videos about the Philippines that I have ever seen. I love how you're showing the good and bad sides of my country, since most videos are all about our tourist spots and our beaches and not the ones that actual ordinary Filipinos live by.

That is some brutally honest portrayal of the Philippines. Both the good and the bad. I wish my countrymen would really stop littering. Awesome videos Sir!

I’m Mongolian, and Philippines is my favorite country, mostly because of people there. So kind and nice, always smiling.

I love how, despite of poverty, these people are so kind and friendly, I would feel way safer there than I do here in Brazil

Hope to visit the Philippines soon after the pandemic. I have always found the Filipinos to be some of the worlds most kind and war people. Huge respect from Denmark

You really went and experience Philippines like a “common/low-middle class” local. Kudos!

I changed the title back and forth. I'm just keeping the original for right now. I'm trying to find the most accurate title for what I'm presenting, which I find a bit tough since I'm still working on my second video. I have a lot to say and I it was very eye opening for me to travel to a developing country for the first time. I've lived in two very wealthy G7 countries my entire life, so I guess I could say I had some "culture shock" getting a brief glimpse into the lives of those who weren't as fortunate as my family. Probably my biggest takeaway is that I think there are so many things that I take for granted while living in Canada and Japan. Like we complain about our corrupt government, and I think we should always push our politicians to do better, but I think we may not realize how well our governments run. Infrastructure, safety, a clean environment; these are examples of things the average person doesn't worry about, allowing us to focus on higher level wants. I wish I could have taken my kids along with me so that they could realize how lucky they have it. But I also feel guilty for saying that, because it sounds so condescending. Since my trip, I've been contemplating on what I could do to help people in situations less fortunate than my own. I honestly feel a bit helpless, since I think what's most needed is some big infrastructure projects that I could never help with like sanitation and transportation. For example, I was thinking about doing some more Kiva loans, but in the big picture, what will be the effect of helping someone fix up their Jeepney be? I have no doubt it'd be good on an individual level, but I feel like the real solution to transportation issues around Metro Manila requires government involvement. I'm not saying the government has to control the whole space, but someone needs to have a better plan and be able to arrange for the financing needed to transform the current situation. However, having read several news stories and studies, I also know it's just not that easy. The agency in charge not only doesn't have the funds, but they also face strong opposition from anyone who could be hurt from changing the status quo. The poor family relying on the tiny income they get from driving a Jeepney doesn't want to see anything happen that jeopardizes their family's well being. I'll say one thing though, which was the heartwarming part of the trip: the families. It was really nice to see how close the families were and how supportive they were of each other. The sacrifices being made, whether it's a parent who goes off working overseas to support the family, or the older sister that's now paying for the education of her younger siblings. Or even just the small things, like the father and daughter showing me their gardens or another father and daughter shopping together. I could really feel the closeness. And they were close, because in both instances they lived a minute away from their parents. If there's one stereotype that I think is true, it's that Filipinos are really quite friendly and hospitable. I have a feeling that despite wanting my next video to be in the 20-30 minute range, I might just make it longer so that I can take the time to really get through all the stories I heard and what my whole thought process was. That was my first time trying to tell a few stories from another country, so I'm still learning how to best make videos about my experiences. All the best, Greg

I'm American and I've been living in this country since January 2020 and I love it here.

Phillipino people are so kind hearted people. Love from Bangladesh 💖

I'm a Malaysian and married to a filipina,and been visiting to Philippines for almost 5 times. Life there is simple, people are helpful and friendly as well. And i feel like home. 🙂

I shouldn't have watched this. Now I want to get back to the Philippines. I'm a whitey and native of Southern California and fell in love with the Philippines years ago. I go every chance I get. You did a great job of capturing the character and charm of the people who are very friendly and gracious.

I'm amazed by how much the public problems they have are like the ones we have here in Brazil, crazy

I was stationed there from '87-'89 when I served in the USAF and I can honestly SMELL this video! It never leaves you.

This is really accurate. The security guards just poke their sticks in your bag and let you through

It's refreshing to see that there are a few Filipinos in the comments section who are happy that this video shows the side of the Philippines that are very rarely shown in other RU-vid videos. But still there are those who only want you to see the good side of Philippines. I believe that's what those "It's better in the provinces" comments are. There's already a million videos on Boracay, Palawan, Cebu already. Just go to them if you don't want foreigners seeing the other side. Also, there is still poverty in the provinces. I would even say it much worse in some that's why a lot of people in the province chose to go to Manila.

I had Filipino teacher and classmate before , they were so humble and friendly !! I admired Filipino can speak Spanish and English very well ,hoping one day I can visit here. Greeting from a Taiwanese senior student 🇹🇼❤️🤝🇵🇭

I am from Bulgaria and love traveling in South East Asia when I can. My 15 day stay in Cebu with friends will always be remembered as the best time of my life. I had such great experience there, things that would never happen in my country or anywhere in Europe... I met a wonderful girl and things happended so fast, loved the beaches/islands/climate/food/fruits at the end I was devastated how quickly 15 days went by and when everything got back to normal.

Philippines is a beautiful country with big hearted people. I visited last year and it was truly an amazing experience. Love to Filipino people from India. 🇵🇭❤️🇮🇳

The glass shards serve as an anti bruglary mechanism in two different ways. The first one is just like a barbed wire to make it more difficult to climb, the second one is so the thief knows you are poor.

If I could get a job as english/german/french teacher, I would move there for ever. I love the country and nice people there. Greetings from Switzerland

As an Indonesian, i see a lot of pretty similiar ambience. Wish i could go to Philippines. Love it people

I’m from Philippines and this video should be titled “Life In Manila” instead of “Life In Philippines” LOL. Living in Province is more safer than living in the City just like Manila.

Looks like pinoys still have a long way to go on being mature on how to handle criticism. Pinoy din ako pero dapat matuto tayo tumangap ng negatibo di yun emosyon lang lagi pinaiiral. The country will never progress if pinoys do not change their attitudes. Puro kasi pride pinaiiral at insecurities kaya ganyan tsk tsk tsk

Wow, it’s crazy how the Philippines looks so similar to Indonesia in every aspect other than Christianity.

I want to go to the Philippines now. As a Latino man, I think I would feel very much at home there. A lot of this reminded me of my own home country. And I think the Filipino girls are extremely cute! OMG! 🌹 those apartment cemeteries made me sad though. It’s a terrible thing when there is such poverty and there’s so little space that you can’t bury your loved ones in the ground and go visit them without climbing like that. It must be very hard on an old person who loses their lifelong spouse to go visit them. 😔

From Canada I spent 22 years in Philippines. (1998- 2020). Never had a problem. Great neighbors. A bit hot at times, and humid. I actually preferred "THE WET." I 'm in Canada now, but will go back once the pandemic ends.

Lol it's hilarious and heartwarming how the Filipinos were overprotective of you and giving you detailed advises just like an asian mom! Love your video btw, subtly entertaining and amusing.

I was living In Philippines for almost six years . Beautiful country and beautiful people . But most of the government and immigration especially is corrupted and need for some urgent adjustments . The Audacity asking for a bribe on public always got me surprised

Having a complete control in your life is the power that grow your knowledge stronger than your real self,

I always watch these Filipino life videos because since I moved overseas at a very young age, I never experienced life living where my parents lived

I served a mission in the Phillipines for the mormon church. I've come to love and respect the Filipino people. They experience so much hardship. But most Filipinos I've met are the happiest people I've met. I hope that all Filipinos will have more opportunities to excel in life than the small opportunities they are given. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo!

This is sooo beautiful. The way you deliver everything is so clear that it makes it interesting. Also, there is honesty in it. I love it. Keep it up!

Always wanted to go phillipenes , most of them who I met were really sweet . love from india . and every country have some problems, we will just fix that with time.

I'm a filipino and thanks for sharing this side of the Philippines. Hopefully younger generations of Filipino would learn from the mistakes of older generations. that way both local and non-local could enjoy the place.

I have stayed in three different AIRBNB's in Manila and none of them were "dirty". The one I stay at in Mandaluyong is attached to a mall and has two beautiful swimming pools. Of course, I always read the reviews . I have also never had any problem with crime and I ride the MRT all over. Yes, the country is emerging and Manila can really get in your face sometimes, but I truly love the people and their positive attitude. I come back to the U.S. and I start to miss them right away. P.S. The cabs from the airport are much cheaper if you take the regular cabs and not the ones reserved for tourists. They are white, not yellow.

Among the most honest documentary about living in the philippines here in YT.

Love this! I lived in the Philippines for 2 years and loved every minute of it! I was across the manilla bay on the west coast from Alamitos and 100 Islands down to Mariveles on the south of the Bataan.

i love how you experience things : "regular person view.." instate go to tourist guide, asking for places : beautiful tourist destination.. you just go out there & experience the real culture & environment.. wonder what will you say if you visit Malaysia.. always love your video 👍

Hard not to comment: Filipinos in the Philippines should watch this video to learn more about the country and society.

I can’t believe how similar the Philippines is with Indonesian culture. Filipino culture is Asian, our cuisine- like most Asian countries rice is the staple food , languages, folklore, way of life, and people are majority genetically Asian. Language is the most basic and most important element in a culture. The Languages of the Philippines are all Austronesian languages and a close cousin of both Malay varieties in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Spanish loan words make up only a small proportion and many have been converted into Filipino versions. Hispanic influences are Christianity, surnames, etc Even “Filipino Catholicism” is actually “Folk catholicsm “ a combination of the religion the Spanish brought and the local animist and traditional beliefs.. many traditions from indigenous Philippine folk religions have been integrated into the local practice of Catholicism and Islam, resulting in "Folk Catholicism. The conservative traditionalist superstitious culture are all products of an Asian culture. Consider it like Britain's relationship to India. There are just numerous bubbles of resistance and self-preservation that prevented a complete takeover unlike most of Latin America. Filipino cuisine bears undeniable similarities to the cooking styles of its neighbouring countries,

As a foreigner in the Philippines, the one thing I couldn’t get over is how long things take. Everybody works like it is their first day. We barely made our flight and we got to the airport four hours early.

‘‘This was probably the most informative vlog about Manilla I’ve seen . He jammed a lot of accurate information in a short segment

I am from Vietnam. I want to visit the Phillipines for around 3 weeks to explore the country

This a good video. You actually address the problem with no insults whatsoever. The traits you get from Japan is a great factor from creating this video in terms of respect. I love Japan and I'm a Filipino. I love my country of course but it got problems that can actually easily be solve if we are all be just responsible.

I've seen a lot of videos about the Philippines, but this has to be the best, since it shows the true reality of how it is in this amazing country. The good, the bad and the ugly, without white washing it. Did a great job showing off my neighborhood in BGC 🤩

It’s nice that Manila is shown in great details (both bad and good). Most youtube video skip it for the beautiful provinces. Looking forward to the next videos!

Living in manila is not for the weak, it's pure chaos but a character building experience.

This was one of the most authentic videos I have ever seen of the beautiful Philippines and best of all I could watch it without the jumping, bumping sickening motion . You must have a very good camera that cancels out the motions.. I lived there for 18 years and it was the best time of my live.

I wanna try Pagpag,

Dude you could make a 2 hour long video just like this and I'd watch the whole thing. Keep up the great work!

Guess you can call this series “Life Where I’m Not From”

This video doesn't have filter, it shows both beauty and dark side places of the Philippines and I like it! Proud Filipino here.. ❤️

I love the way he said "nice one" when the guy shot's the ball

Some people might say they don't want to go there due to pollution, insecurity, whatever... But I find Phillipines attractive, this is the real world and any country has issues to solve. Hope I can go there someday, there are also beautiful places to go and the people seem very friendly and lovely (regardless the fact that Filipinas are so attractive) Regards from Costa Rica 🇨🇷🇵🇭

Peace and Love everyone on The Phillippines ♥️🇵🇭 from Sierra Leone 🇸🇱♥️🇵🇭

A legend of Travel Vloggers. Thank you for the inspiration to create Drew's Travels, documenting province life in rural Leyte. Life in the Philippines provinces is tough, the Filipinos may be poor, yet they are always resilient, smiling and forever welcoming to the traveller.

Be glad that you made it. I've always wanted to visit the Philippines and I really appreciate that you took the time to do some research and not just say things because they're buzzwords. As well as you Incorporated yourself into the culture the same way I would want to, so I find that very entertaining as well as informative. Definitely checking out more of your channel, keep up the great work

Dude, you're killing it with these travel documentaries. Glad you are expanding outside of Japan, too.

Thank you for featuring our country, greg.. Everything you mentioned is true no matter how much it hurts as a Filipino😊

Filipinos are some of the nicest people in the world. You can tell by all the smiles they give you. If some of them aren't friendly it's probably because it's hot, humid, and they're living in poverty.

This is the most unbiased promotional video of my country I've ever seen even though it's outdated this deserves an award

"This video is getting long". Greg your videos are never long enough.

I kinda like how he is very honest about the Philippines. I live there

Philippines people are so good hearted people.....I talked with many people they are very good hearted people... love from india 🇮🇳❤️🇵🇭

I was in the Philippines for a total of 13 months over 4 years. I love it, no troubles. Made it clear, I AM Canadian. NOt American.

That was Divisoria during Erap's time. Things improved under Isko's term.

There is always the good and the bad side of every country.No country is perfect But one thing is for sure Filipinos are one of the most loving a peaceful people in this world.

My Pinay wife and I return from the States to the Philippines each December to see family in Las Piñas Metro Manila. And it’s true: the malls are the place to walk in. Air conditioned and wow! They are usually huge! Five levels high!

Thank you so much for making this series of videos. I found them very enjoyable and well done!

perspective is everything... the glass on the wall and the barb wire fence are meant to deter intruders/thieves...

To those Filipinos who say that the video only shows Manila and not the whole of the Philippines have to remember that people residing and working in Manila are from the provinces. If you feel embarrassed because of some negative but true realities shown in the videos, you should ask yourself why there are still who go to Manila despite of what has been shown in the videos.

Awesome video! Thank you for also featuring the not so good stuff about our country. It's genuinely refreshing and I appreciate your opinions.

I am a Canadian and I have been to the Philippines. I had cousins and friends there. Also with the safety isuue my female cousin said that I shouldn't come to the Philippines alone.. I went with two other ladies and met my friend and her coworker so there were five of us travelling around the country.. I have been to quite a few countries.

Love the honest commentary. Love the balance and no judgement.

I spend 1-2 months there per year . I love it and even as American I feel at home. Honestly I feel more at home there than I do here. I spent my first Christmas there in 2018 , and went back in September 2019. I'll be going back again soon . The best thing is I always stay a full month each time and I deeply enjoy it !

To be honest, I consider the Philippines to be one of the most beautiful countries to be able to travel.

it's sad because the local residents rely on the government to take care of their lack of environment consciousness and respect, they could come together as a community and find a small solution - Necessity is the mother of all inventions

You missed so much if you only stayed in Manila but I appreciate the unbiased review thumbs up

There's so much thing to see in the Philippines 🇵🇭 I Will tour you around here in the Philippines 😊 I love walking around and making a Walk tour vlog to show the realistic scenes in the Philippines 😊

Good job, pard's, fair, comprehensive and friendly. As a Pinoy, thank you.

Life in Manila is crazy, that's the least one can say! I still love the Philippines though, really in love with this country. Thanks for your well-captured video!

MashaAllah, V.nice Video, I am from India, Bombay, Love You All Filippines Brothers, & Sisters , Salamti Maboti, Mahaal kita,

So refreshing to find a video on PH that actually goes into the history, culture and lives of locals. Most others I've found have just been surface-level trash by dumb, uninformed youtubers fearfully walking around the main tourist areas. Thanks!

I'm a Filipino and I've been born in the Philippines I'm in Australia now it's fun

This video made me realize how there is just a lot of opportunity for change, and a lot of risks to consider and really think about. From waste management, hygienic routines for food, to ethical guidelines locals should be familiar with. Lack of opportunity, perspective, and corruption, for me, really are the main issues needed to be addressed in the Philippines. Hope to see more videos like this soon! 💯 🔥

Love Philippines from India!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

so happy that you visited cavite. Fun fact my grandparents are buried in pinagpala. :) glad to see you have visited barangay tabon :) I am now living in Canada and I really miss PH!

I'm half Filipino, half Caucasian. I was born in the Philippines, (military rat) but have lived all my life in the US. My birth county fascinates me! Thanks for all the info. 👍

I remember visiting Paris. I was told to beware of pickpockets. And in Vietnam, the taxi drivers will literally rob you. And yeah, Canada can be clean but they have huge problem with recycling that is why they ship their domestic trash to other countries. I guess the Philippine problems are problems in other countries, too.

Thanks for sharing unique perspective of your travels to the Philippines, can't wait for your follow up video.

Thanks for featuring the Philippines. Enjoy!!! Watching from USA

It looks great. I heard from many friends of mine that living on the Philippines is interesting. This video shoes me a clear information related to the Philippines. A warm hug from Timor Leste

Never had a single problem in the Philippines. Even in the slums. Great people.

Ahh manila. The place that enhanced all of my senses, the place that thought me how to survive, the place that improved my reaction time significantly, the one who blessed me with my driving skills. And as one old school band, the hot dogs said, "I keep coming back to you, Manila. Simply no place like Manila. Manila I'm coming home."

I love Philippines. Love from Nepal ❤️

I am in the Philippines 🇵🇭 and I learned so much watching this video. Only negative is the hot weather brutally hot.

I lived 6 mounts i Manila and l loved it l have never been to the Philippines before, but l have lived in Thailand, it was a great experiences for me to try this out. My wife is from the Philippines l did meet her in my home country Norway. But nothing ever happen to me l am a tall guy 6,2 f ,typical Scandinavian looking l road the train in Manila many times and l went on a jeepney all alone also . okay we also did Grab like him in this video mostly because my wife wanted this l did taxi alone no problem at all. we also went to my wife home town in Dipolo in Mindanao and everybody warn me about this also, but nothing happen to me at all and l really love the people there so friendly. If you behave like a normal person then you will not have any problem in the Philippines. l might say that l do not drink alcohol at all and l normally do not stay out so late maybe that is it but if you get into problem it is mostly your own fault and that can happen everywhere in the world. l recommend the Philippines to everybody 10 times better then Thailand