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I went to SM to buy some beer. The girl wrung it up wrong, and said she needs to wait for the manager to clear it. I waited, and after 15 minutes I asked how much longer she thought it would be. She told me she didn’t know, the manager isn’t there today. 😂
Buying a stove: The sales lady recommended to go to an other shop where they were selling the same brand and type but cheaper. Pea what an excellent service!! 😃😃
You ever Watch Miracle on 42nd Street? Santa in Macy's starts sending the parents to other stores that have the gifts...Mr. Macy finds out and thinks it's a pr bonanza....god bless the clerk there who did this💪🙏
I’ve met multiple vlogger, Pia is one of my favorite person I’ve ever met in my life, because she’s such a nice wonderful person, smart, humble, very down to earth. I love you Pia, God bless you and to your bro,
I've experienced most of these things myself. I asked a clerk at a department store one time if they carried hair dryers. She said no. I suddenly looked past her and pointed to the row of dryers on the shelf behind her and said what are those. She showed no surprise.
happens to me all the time. I always let them know publicly that I located the item i was looking for after they told me out of service. But as you mention they just stand their emotionless or dismissive and go back to socializing withe their coworkers. Completely worthless service
in that situation i am usually told those are dryers for your hair NOT hair dryers..hahahah When asking for something you need to ask for it EXACTLY as it is called in the PI and in that store..
I find getting through lines in the Philippines stores is a lot faster if you don’t take a bath for three days and start speaking in tongues while you wait in line. After a couple of minutes you’re the only one in line. :)
The over-staffing of Filipino business is pretty amazing by western standards. Any given business seems to have 2-4 times more employees and about 25% of the efficiency of a similar western business. LOL, I'm sure the ladies in the freezer section can 'point' me in the right direction.
Having lived in Cebu, I'm sorry to say all of this is true. It always amazes me that with so many Pinoys employed in service jobs in the West, they're so lousy at it back home.
This is the complete opposite of my experiences in Thailand (me stay long time). I saw them waiting hand and foot on each other every where I went. I don't mean they were always happy about it, but in my experience being helpful and taking pride in what you do means a lot to them culturally.
100% Thailand is a WAY BETTER country by far, PH service is a complete joke even in high end places. There is no pride in their work or service in PH, quite the opposite and this video is dead on by the Pea and I commend her for speaking the truth.
@@TheFilipinaPea I was about to respond to @themikesullivan1 that I never thought I would miss Walmart living here, but I miss Walmart SO much. And I used to dislike Walmart.
@@TheFilipinaPea It did the same thing here in the US it destroyed a lot of small businesses. Now Walmart in my opinion is a terrible place to have go. No more competition.
After a short time living there I simply refused to go and would give my gf extra mad money to do the unpleasant chore. also, the six-month contracts result in a who cares attitude.
yeah, same here, i got so tired of being ripped off, i give my filipino wife the money, some girls told me 3 month contracts, wow, and they must submit photo and body measurements, and thats just to work at the mall, it made me feel sad for these people, and what was it,,,,, you turn 25 years old, good luck finding a job, and if your a short brown skin filipino girl they will never hire them,
The 6 month contract is because the employer loses leverage to the employee after 6-months. I know people who have to let great employees go after 6-months and most of them are not financially prepared for unemployment.
As always, thank you so much for shedding light on the challenges we face in the Philippines. As you know, in the USA, a customer may be treated like platinum. If not, they will just leave and buy somewhere else. Perhaps a large dose of capitalism is needed nationwide there .
Enjoyed the video and information as always. I recall one stupid law I ran into while in Thailand. I stopped at the grocery around 9am one morning to pickup food, water, beer, etc for a boating trip that day. When I checked-out, I was informed by the cashier that I could not purchase 1 case of beer before noon time. I placed the case of beer off to the side, she rang up the rest of my items and right before I handed over the money, I noticed the customer one lane over was starting to walk out the store and in his cart were a couple of cases of beer. Looking puzzled, I asked the cashier why was he able to purchase beer but I couldn't. Her reply, "Because he purchase 2 cases and not 1." Off I went back to the beer aisle to get another case.
I've seen it many times A Filipina that has lived stateside for years and goes home and gets frustrated. But on the flip side their happy to see the people are respectful and honor older folks that we don't get here.
Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo Always love my country warts and all. What country in the world is perfect? Love your honest opinions Pea. The store with the confusing exits would be right up my alley. The guard would say, "This is the exit. Entrance is around to the other side." I would turn around and start walking in backwards. The guard would ask, "What are you doing?" My response, "I'm exiting in rewind." He probably wouldn't get it and then club me. Then I would be dragged around to the entrance, thrown to the ground and told, "okay, funny man. Here is the entrance." Use that Lasso of Truth on me and I'm in big trouble.
another great video Pea!!! im in college in the United States studying History and World cultures and i always learn a ton from your videos, they're very interesting and informative. keep em' coming!👍
Pea, my take on it is that the clerks and cashiers are just there for job and salary, not for customer service. You might get that one percent person that would assist you, but when you go buy that big purchase (TV, laptop, furniture, etc...) they are breaking their necks to help you. Later Pea!!
my experience buying a "big" ticket item: i was in an appliance store i think it was Ocampos..when i walked i asked if they take credit cards ..yes sir..perfect..i found the item gave them my credit card..the one and only credit card machine was on the other side of the store (since it had to connected to the one and only phone line)..i followed the sales person to make sure my credit card did not go missing..after about 10 minutes of trying to get the credit card machine to work it was finally approved..off we go to the other side of the store upstairs for them to type out a warranty using carbon paper..(that's right on a typewriter) then i was told it would be available in a a few hours at their warehouse on the other side of town..got there showed them the paperwork of course they needed to call the store..then try to locate the item in their warehouse..they did load the item in the car for me..so an entire day to purchase a TV...i am pretty sure that warranty paper was about as valuable as a blank piece of paper.. Compare that to going to Walmart or Best Buy in the states...
You are by far one of the best bloggers, blogging on the Philippines. I love the way you call it like it is. Remember my friend the truth always offends some people.
Hey pea my beautiful friend, you really hit the nail on the head with this one. When I was in the Philippines, me and my fiancée was shopping, and it took 35 minutes in line before we was able to pay for our groceries. For me, I was fine but my fiancée was not very happy. Regardless, I love the Philippines. Keep bringing the truth bombs my friend. Please stay safe and healthy and God bless you always.😊 😊 😊 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
yeah, waiting for each little bag to be tied and stapled, and then you see it happen, the PWD walks right up to the register past the people standing in line waiting, once you learn what they call a PWD.
So much truth here..I'm a very patient guy, so this stuff doesn't bother me too much. Even waiting at the hardware store for an hour to speak to someone to find out it's out of stock. IoIol...however, I found it always enjoyable (and interesting) shopping in malls. There always seemed to be plenty of people willing to help. On the flip side, shopping at a Walmart in the US...if you need to find an assistant for something is a challenge. I've walked miles in Walmart and cannot find an assistant. That won't happen in the Philippines.
One way to get "help" fast at Walmart... is to pick up items randomly, and if it isn't what you were looking for... just toss it over your shoulder and pick up another item. Guaranteed to get you "attention".
Yes, so true... the security guard is the most amazing one... quick story, if I may... I bought a can of San Mig light an put it in my cargo pocket... when I went through the airport security at Butuan Airport, the security professionals asked me to empty my pockets and place all of my stuff on the X-Ray conveyer system. I unloaded all my stuff out of my pockets, includinding my Can of beer...to my surprise, after my 2 beers of San Mig light went through the X-Ray belt and came out the other side, the Airport Security Gal looked at me at said, “Sir, are these your beers?” I said yes, I’m sorry. She said, no worries... you can drink these beers... I could not believe it... my beers went through the x-Ray airport machine and the officer gave them back to me. I did drink them, while waiting for my flight from Butuan back to the Manila. Those security officers were awesome and I will never forget their kindness; I think they knew I was hungover and really really needed a beer to get myself together. Mabuhay!
I went to a drug store for decongestant pills during a visit. Instead of selling me a whole box, they sold it by the number of pills you wanted. The box with the instructions stayed at the store.
I love your videos. We've now lived here for 22 months, having built a retirement house and gotten moved in. My wife is originally from the Philippines but lived with me in The States for 39 years before we moved here. Having worked in retail and professionally (The Home Depot service desk, In-n-Out Burger, and as a school bus driver) she had become fully adapted to what good customer service means. She often gets even more frustrated over the lack of customer service than do I. That may be because she's embarrassed at just how far behind her home country is regarding customer service or even just professionalism compared to her experiences in the USA or Canada. We have a standing, non-verbal joke now. Whenever one of us seems to be getting a little stressed, the other one bends a knee and holds their palm down about a foot from the floor. This reminds us that yet again we need to lower our expectations. Just like intermittent power, inadequate Internet service, or power poles in the middle of a traffic lane, the Philippines has room for improvement in retail. Keep up the good work.
Finding long handled shovels is a rare occurrence. A long handle is very important if you find a cobra in your garden. I bring extra money, just in case I find some tool I've been hoping to find for years. Once I found some splitting wedges but didn't have money to pay for it. The next day they were all gone and I never saw any ever again. I had my brother send me one in a balikbayan box. The stores remove the "Made in China" labels so the items will sell. The Chinese junk that won't sell in the US is sold in the Philippines. The Chinese junk will break in your hands with the first use. Forget about returning items, they will just say "you pulled on the wrench too hard". Or PVC kitchen faucets that the washers and nuts break just by hand tightening. I don't mind standing in line, as long as there is aircon. Once my ice cream was well melted while standing in line. The cashier sent a bag boy to get me a still frozen ice cream holding up the long line that went into the product isles. Why don't they assign more cashiers at the empty cashing booths when the lines go half way to the back of the store? Oh gosh, I have a lot more stories.
I also never ask if something is stocked as if they are unsure they will generally just say no. So always look yourself. It's more fun in the Philippines 😁
I watched a awesome blog where I caught myself wondering if you were on the payroll to help sell really nice condos to this brutally honest vlog on shopping and lack thereof customer service. This vlog was a eye opener and I still have plans on visiting the Philippines post Covid. Keep up the good work and as always. It was more than a pleasure watching
I always hate entering a store in the Philippines and having one of the lazy hundred employees ask me what im looking for. On the rare occasion that I tell them what I need they always tell me Wala or out of stock only for me to find the product after an hour of searching through the store myself. Completely worthless service and they will do anything to avoid actually having to work or help the customer. The only time ive actually seen them work or put energy into something is when they are trying to look for excuse to deny a return or exchange of a damaged product.
Interesting video on a lot of levels. I know a lot of Americans that need to spend a day shopping in the Philippines to heal them of their rudeness. Maybe, this will help a lot people when they visit there since you “tell it like it is” ...the cbs 60 minutes of the Philippines....lol thanks for the sharing always....tranquillity Pea...
Great job Pea . I’ve learned to go with the flow and better to pay to have car washed while shopping at least at our Robinsons in Talisay . Parking atrocious .
Pea, what I value most about you is how you speak English (and a lot of other things too). I am german and learned only english in school some years. My teacher told me he teaching us the origin "oxford english". He must know it, because he came from this City. He was teaching us only one year but in this time I learned more as in the-may be 5 other years before. The most students did not liked him because he had absolutely no humor, or we was to stupid to know he have. So, you speak exactly the English I had learned. Thumbs up! Ok, If have an english vlogger I hardly understand him, but if its an US I understand nearly nothing. My mother told me its because they speak allway as they had a hot potato aktually in their mouth. But your English is absolutely perfect to understand. Thank you for this.
At our Home Depot I can't walk to the back of the store without 5 people asking if I need help 😃 but they're cool about it, we got a good one. They genuinely want to point you in the right direction
Simply one of your best videos... Everything is so true ... The checkout cashier disappearing for what seems like an hour to find the price of an item which the scanner cannot read, is my main frustration at the checkout. However, if you visit the same grocery outlet quite often, it is possible to remember the faces of different cashiers and then choose the line you know the cashier is more expedient and maybe even pleased to see you again. A complement on her beauty truly helps
Seriously? I have spent a lot of time traveling through Asia. It is not America and I think that is a good thing. But if you get frustrated easily and can’t just relax and let the little things go then just don’t waste your money traveling there.
@@bisonpaleofossilriveradven3528 yes i left after 10 years. Sadly, im pretty patient but all the chaos and inconvenience caught up to me and took a toll on my mentally.
I was lost in Duma and everyone kept giving me wrong directions and laughing at me until this very nice young man had me follow him we're I had to go and wouldn't even accept the tip..very nice guy
yeah, it took me 3 months to get ARC card, thats for long term visitors, and 2 years to get drivers license, and one filipino guy told me he has been waiting 10 years for court to get his license back,
A comparison. Netherlands and Philippines. In Netherlands you place your items on a belt. With place for 2-3 customers. The cashier mostly are nice and welcoming but scan the items fast and furious to a next belt. You are supposed to keep track of filling the entry belt and then make sure the exit belt is emoties fast enough into your bags so the flow keeps flowing. A few days worth of groceries is a daily exercise and you mighy end up sweaty paying your bill wirelessly. A whole cart is minutes of time. Now switch to Philippines. No incoming belt. And yes mostly a guy packing your foods. Unless you are in SM Lucena. Somehow they seperate the boxing to a central location unless you have bags. Or accept multiple paper bags because "somehow" everything needs to be bagged. In case you choose for bagging the poor cashier needs to bag all items. And it takes time. In the mean time she can't attend to the next customer and you wait until she finally paper bagged all items of the customer ahead. Weird.
Amazing rudeness or rather indifference is common. Go into a tourist agency , look at an employee and say Good Morning. Often her impassive expression does not change as if you had said nothing and there’s no response. I do my bit by repeating the Good Morning as if I assumed she actually had not heard it. A third cycle may be necessary
@@TheFilipinaPea I praise you for admitting the faults of PH. The normal PH response is "it is not like that!" or "if you don't like it, don't come to Philippines!" or my favorite "I'll report you to immigration!"
this morning i was listening to a filippina trying to compete with you.....her first video was ok....but the second one was a mess....so don't worry about the competition you are way ahead of them...thanks for your knowledge ....keep up the good work....you still the best...
Just found your channel today, and have watched lots of videos already. so helpful and honest its actually making want my next trip to be to the Philippines even more. thanks
over on orbitz web page for plane tickets, round trip from chicago to manila some times the price 445 dollars round trip. korean air, AVA, china eastern air have great prices,
I hear it about 5 times a day ...... on a good day! I went to Burger King yesterday and was told they had no sauce to make Whoppers, so I went next door to KFC, and was told they were out of chicken. I kid you NOT
@@TheFilipinaPea In my wife's province ALL the chicken comes from one factory. Mc Do, Jollibee, Mang Inosol, Sr. Pedro, Chooks to go, or groceries. All from the same plant.
As mentioned by one other person that I have seen the content you are putting out is very entertaining informative and accurate according to my experiences in the Philippines. And yes your work is very much appreciated I watch other bloggers and nobody comes close to your quality or entertainment.
its part of 'the philippines are more fun' no bag day makes me smile where young lads will pack your groouceries in boxes, which takes for ever, have learned to take large shopping bags from the UK and use them, your desciptions though may be on the light side, it is so accurate, we have learned if going to restaraunt we now ask when handed the menu's whats NOT available, it saves a lot of time, you are so right shops are over stafffed but customer service does not reaaly exsist, that said its part of the expereince of living in Philippines, its a small price to pay for the many many advantages, the beauracracy is also frustrating paying by a non filipino card is fun, just keep a smile on your face, it is also fun asking for the over 60 discount sometimes its given sometimes declined, if you let it get to you it will, if you go with the flow enjoy the expereience its 'more fun in the Philippines'
in PH and at a restaurant, always ask for the local menu, many places have 2 menu, one for the tourist with higher prices, and the one for filipino with lower prices on the same thing,
one time i was in a supermarket and asked "where is the yoghurt" which is obviously a refrigerated dairy product. The worker told to they will show me. They took me to the canned vegetable section and started looking on the shelves for yoghurt among the canned peas and corn
"Stream of expletives..." Here veterans sometimes get a discount. I was checking into a Hilton and asked for the veteran discount. Young lady asked for proof I was a veteran. Well young lady,I was Pacific Fleet sailor and can cuss "like a sailor". Shall I demonstrate? Got my discount.
HEHE as a former US sailor, that is funny. for me, all I have to do is ask a question or two and if I doubt a few more. I have ID on me anyhow. #SemperSquid
Great video pea! But you left out the annoying part about when you are in front of a line and a person cuts right in from the side, puts their item on the counter and quickly gives the cashier their money, and the cashier helps that person without saying a word. Now after about the fifth time that happened to me. I now cut and block them out. Recently at Mercury drugs, when I did that the cashier looked at me like I did something wrong. I put my items in front of his until she scanned them.
Been there done that, very accurate in my experience. I wondered if it was just me, happy to learn it’s not. I had the helpful security guy to in Mercury drug, he was brilliant. Strange but true 🙄😂🙏
ahhh yeah, if your at a pharmacy in PH, the things they have for sale will have very different brand names from what your used to seeing in your home country, so nothing makes any sense to the traveler, you must tell the girl at the counter, i got the runny poo, then she will pull out 3 little pills, they dont like to sell you the full bottle at most places, you just buy the amount you need, this will confuse people from the US, so when at the pharmacy, if you say, i want dayquill, they will not know what your talking about,
It's a good thing they hold onto your stuff; There's a 200% chance I'd either hurt someone or fix every shopping cart and reorganize the shelves...maybe both.
I love your refreshing dose of truth, but, one of highlights of being 8n the Philippines is the laid back never in a rush mantality. I hate the hustle and bustle here in the US. I love watching other foreign people standing in line. They just don't get it and even my asawa refuses to go shopping she always give me a list and sends me on my way. It is a really fun trip for me.
that was extremely interesting to me. I wonder if a foreign well capitalized firm came to the phillipines, opened western style treatment, with well paid and trained staff, but charged say 110 Php for an item at the *local* store which sells for 100 Php, would people stick with the lower price? my guess is yes they would line up for the 10 Php savings. Foreigners would not of course. This video merely convinced me I would never go shopping, and have either a gf or a housemaid do it. Not rich, but ok to afford that.... my patience is too short i fear. However I would certainly understand a pause for prayers. thanks for posting.
Most x-pats in PH are lower than average income I see-it is very clear after being in 24 countries. The point is price elasticity even on xpats would not work as they are too price sensitive. My issue is I can't get good things or service there even with excessive amounts of money, so no way I can live there.
Wow, that explains quite a bit. I have had my empty backpack checked in Thailand and Cambodia when walking into a store so no surprise when it happened in Philippines. You definitely answered my questions I had in my mind about asking for help though. I was looking for razors to shave with and couldn't find them. I asked three different people and they gave me very generic directions to look in and not all the same locations. Finally one of the many guards told me exactly where it was. But the shaving cream was NOT in the same location as the razors. Not realizing at the time what was happening, I asked a fourth employee where it was and this time she actually took me to the aisle it was on. Why it was with the lotion and not the razors just didn't make sense to me but I simply accepted it. Thankfully the line wasn't long and I definitely did have to show the guard my receipt even though he watched me come through the line. Only thing we can do as tourists is roll with it. No point getting mad about it.
Been there. Like you said, worse if you are not in a major city. And sometimes it's still the same way. What's funny is these cashiers and workers go through the same things, and do not learn from their experiences on how to make the experience of others better. And I think you hit the nail on the head when you talk about lack of competition. There is lack of competition in both places to shop AND in jobs. If one company decided to pay a little more, and try to train and keep its workers, it would quickly have the best work force in its area. But, with no competition, this is unnecessary, and not only do customers suffer, but workers suffer as well... many of whom are working 6 days a week, 10+ hours a day to make $20-$30. It's hard to motivate the population to work when that is what you get from working. No wonder OFWs are the biggest part of the workforce in the Philippines.
My shopping stratagy while in Dumaguete.... 1. A monthly trip to Lucky Mart, very slightly cheaper than Robinsons or Lee's, but crowded and hot! Stock up or its just not worth it. Thats where many Sari Sari buy their stuff. 2. Lee Plaza has a good stock of packaged goods and household products, but their meat looks kinda blah. 3. Robinson's Downtown, Meat comes in frozen, no flies... Be nice to the workers and they will give you good service and also package your meat as you want. 4. Smaller market on El Blanco has lettuce, nice lettuce, at 300 per KG. 5. Large Public Market for fish and chicken, buy early before flies come out.
My experience has been much different. I'm from the States and grew up in a small town. Way back then the service was great. The employees were long time workers had good knowledge of where things were and how to use them. the gas stations would pump your gas check your oil wash your windshield sort of likes they do in the Philippines. The Wal-marts I've been to, it's hard to find an employee. Someone to help is even harder. The stores there, SM and the smaller ones reminded me of when I was younger and the people actually cared. I've always been treated with respect and kindness. I'm even old and ugly 🤣.
They are nice, just no service in the end and slow. Pea did a great job with the truth and while the US is different in areas, the employee try to help where in the PH the entire system is broken with no intent to fix it.
Another great video just speaking out the way it is. I tell all my friends that come to the east to visit don’t think about things having to be proficient and time sensitive and if you can let that go when you can enjoy your visit... always have a book downloaded to your phone that you can stand and read and then I just look at lines as a way to get to the next chapter or practice my language skills with people in line. And just one more thing never go shopping if you’re rushed for time that’s a definite recipe to be upset
I left after 10 years of living there. Many lonely western men love it here because of the female attention they get but just about every aspect of life is a very frustrating experience. When your dealing with people who can give a shit about absolutely nothing in life then nothing ever gets done and you just encounter chaos and inconvenience everywhere. You would be amazed how common sense and logic simply dont exist there
@@boston312 I'd imagine after awhile the attention from the ladies gets boring too. 😴 Especually after you reach a certain age and would rather sleep. 🤣
Thanks Pea you reminded me of shopping at Robinson in Iligan City where not one employee would help me and I don’t stand in lines coz of my handicap. I went in one day and got what I wanted and went to the check out counter until I stood there 15 minutes then I went to customer service and told them to check me out. They had to go find an open checkout and had me go there 20 minutes later I was finally getting to pay for the things I got. I talked to the manger and told them that 4 out of 16 registers wasn’t good enough that they needed to open more. NO GO ON THAT !!!!! The next time I went in the same thing so I just left and never went back. The next day I call Robinson Headquarters and complained but again nothing happened. Never again will I shop at Robinson. Employees have no COMMON SENSE !!!!!!!
Oh don’t you just love to wait in line forever - right beside 10 empty checkout lines with no employees to run them? Then you look around and see 25 employees milling around and chatting? 😂
i discovered my tiny filipino wife while in PH, she had never pushed a shopping cart before, she never had money to buy things to be placed into a cart, for her, from her point of view just having her hands on the cart handle and pushing it was a huge status thing, like she moved up in the world big time, at the regular open air market there are no carts to push, thats where the poor people go to buy food she told me, then all the things in the store, she has never seen before,
I talk to several Ex-Pats living in the Philippines and the one thing they all say they miss (you would think it would be a good hamburger or steak) is Wal-Mart..I would never imagine missing Wal-Mart
Best description of shopping in mall in the Philippines. I hate it. It could have been me. I have left a few stores in otter dismay over the way they either treat me or take me first before a local. I hate being targeted just because i have more money. It does not mean that they should treat other costumers bad or let them wait.
Let me guess - You don’t get searched like the locals when entering a mall If you’re not wearing a mask properly, you get away with it If you’re against a counter with locals beside you on either side, you get served first I could go on ......
If I ever make it to the Philippines, I think I'm going to open a western store. And I will lay everything out in a way that makes sense, I will train my employees to know where things are and to help the customer. I won't harass the customers on every aisle. I will run every other store out of business. Either that or the customers won't know what to make of a place that actually makes sense. Lol thanks for another great video Pea! My alternative plan will be just to find me a great Filipino woman as quickly as I can. And then I'll make her do all the shopping. Lol You can find me in the freezer section waiting for you 😁
Makes sense, what’s that? Good luck figuring out what sense is here. No such thing. Your way is not the locals way. I’d rethink opening any business here. And if you find a good women, don’t make her do it. She’ll do it without being made to do it. Just go with the program here, otherwise you’ll stress out over it.
Hi Pea, you are a wealth of information and a natural narrator. Here in Kansas City, we have a chain of stores called Wal-mart. Although, they may have 30 checkout lanes, only 3 or 4 actually has a cashier at any given time no how many customers are waiting. To top it all off, they are excruciatingly slow and inefficient.
Thanks for the info. Of all the Filipina youtubers I follow you are the most honest, the most realistic and have the prettiest hair. But in all fairness, and in the interest of gender equality, some men in the frozen food section also might need to wear a bra...just sayin'
Hi Pea. I lived in The Philippines (Makati) 4 years. Even in that “high end” area I endured many of the shopping frustrations you described. I owned (shared) a car the first year but quit using it unless for across town or out of town trips. Never for shopping. Oh, and a common practice at checkout is for one person to get in line while the partner or rest of the family continues to shop. Even if you reach the checkout clerk, it is OK hold up the line until the rest of your items arrive !!! One topic that you didn’t mention is the Senior Priority check out lanes. I’m 70 years old but learned quickly to avoid the Senior checkout lanes. The paperwork to check identity and discount for each item took forever.
The first time I went to the Philippines I was surprised at all the armed security guards at businesses. Even pharmacies. In the small city I come from in the US, I'm not sure we even have police. Like sasquatch, they are rumored to exist but I don't think anyone's actually photographed one 🤣
I must admit that in terms of efficiency things have improved dramatically in the Philippines. Due to corona the Philippines have stepped up e wallet and online transaction. I can pay almost all bills by Gcash. No more waiting in lines for any utility payment. Unfortunately Philhealth has not yet stepped up for online payment by foreigner. But for the rest anything online. Anything else I pay online. Great progress. Supermarkets need to step up. I love Waltermart in Sta Cruz. Mostly on Mondays no long lines and some friendly guy packing my stuff while a friendly lady scans the items.
hahhaa yeah, that can be fun, over in China they followed me around but for a very different reason, i had to play hide and seek in china. in the smaller cities they was very scared of white people,
You are so correct Pea, as a westerner I can’t fathom the mentality of the Philippine business person, or government, its a flaw that must cost the country jobs and wealth beyond comprehension. The country has so much potential but seems stuck in backwards thinking and doing very sad.
😂😂😂 Oh man, that sucks 😂😂😂 how about renaming one island "expat island", require everyone living there to go to "Pea's cultural boot camp", all the expats and their filipina's could move there and 20 years later it would be like Singapore 😁😂
I can feel your anger and share some of your frustration. I had however most of the time very good purchasing experiences in the Philippines. I appreciate the fact that I do not have search for a sales person unlike over here (Luxemburg) where you need to engage a detective to find somebody to help you in the store. I like the greeting Good...Mam Sir! and I like in the bigger stores the spotless clean uniformed dressed salesforce and very often they do smile at me. Best is to be and stay friendly because you can only change your attitude. Customer is king and good kings are wise. I love to see and hear more from you Pea. Hope you are not stuck in a store forever!😀
I can remember i took my Seiko watch to get a pin for a step the attendant told me it was fake . I told dud he was full of ur i bought it at Zales in St louis mo.
Good thing they didn’t try to fix it - they would have had to order the pin, and when you returned six months later to pick up your watch, they wouldn’t be able to find it 😂
I almost didn't watch this video, Pea, because I didn't think it would be pertinent. How wrong I was! You did a thoroughly marvelous job of explaining Philippine shopping. You are the best.
That is why I preferred shopping at the Mall, even with the higher prices they have. Because with the famous SKIN Tax applied on the street is not much higher. Yes I have seen that myself and you hit it on the head that time. hahaha Keep up the great job.
@@TheFilipinaPea They are also ruining the economy. Know what you are getting/know the price and shop locally if you can. Learning a few words in Tagalog will make the seller understand that you are familiar with prices. Magkano? and Tawad use them often and practice on walking away. 90 % of the time they will shout at you wait sir ill give you better price.
i got so tired of being triple charged by the tricycle drivers i bought a scooter, they was charging me 80 peso for the same thing they was charging filipinos 20 peso for, this way i removed money they would have normally been getting and over time i started to save money by not paying them,
Yeah, the split mindset can be amazing. Use the right entrance or walk the right direction in the aisle or the world will end. But... Help build a house for a neighbor, family member, or friend and completely ignore building codes.
I’ve got so many tales of shopping. One of the funniest was I wanted to buy a microwave,so are used my BDO card, they must’ve not had a proper Internet or telephone connection in the store,so I had to walk out the store down two corridors some steps to a different part of the building complex and plug-in the card reader on the floor.... I should’ve used cash.
yeah, i gave up on any cards in PH for shopping, but trying to carry 15,000 peso was not safe either, huge wads of money in my pockets, then finding what you need to buy, then go hide some place then pull out the money needed to pay for it, this way your not in line to pay and then pulling out all that money. this way your now only pulling out just the money to pay, buying a fridge and window AC unit was crazy shopping,
I am an American Expat who lived in the Philippines for 8 1/2 years. Shopping was a stressful experience. First, you have to get patted down by guard to enter the mall and some stores. Then, you are surrounded by up to fourteen clerks if you try to shop in the men's underwear section of a department store. Next comes waiting in a long line where two clerks are required to check each transaction. Then, as you pointed out, you must check in your package should you decide to shop at another store before leaving the mall. My Filipina wife was patient but I was...
@@TheFilipinaPea cancelling a trip there for that reason is kinda petty. There's sooooooooooo much more that the philippines is about and I LOVE it there :)
so true..i living Manila and i asked myself why my Filipino friend all time be not polite as i am with shop owner,now i understand that they are normal,thanks (also for the topic of the door entrance way is so true,i been upset many time by attitude of security guard and concept for a simple grocery shop)
I always loved the Philippinel people! Spent many wonderful days sharing the Bible at an orphanage next to the dump in Angles City! Wonderful people, love your country!...
That's right, when there is no competition around, you consider yourself as the king of the place. Patience, patience, patience and enjoy life the way it is. Great video Pea!
I had read or heard about the bad customer service but not as thoroughly ha ha. It's always a lot less bad when you know what to expect so thanks. It also shows someone like you could make money simply being a consultant to these businesses. I have no doubt if customer service was made a focus and good that their sales would BOOM!
I love in the provence, the grocery store had no air-conditioning on a hot day. My wife and pregnant sister opened a 5 peso bottle of water to drink and pay for it at the register. The guard approach her and say they can't do that and must pay double. My wife says fine, then 2 more guards approach and threaten her to be arrested. She gives the guard 20 peso, and says keep the change. Then walks out. She now drives 10 km and shops at Robinson, I was so mad I wanted to stand in front and pay people 20 peso to drink 5 peso water in the store.
You know I'm sure there's an app you can use to pay people to wait in line for you. Perhaps that would be a great business venture for someone to start in the Philippines 🤣
Great humor. I experienced this. And the wait to get through the checkout. The supermarkets should provide shoppers with chairs or hammocks. Different culture - different attitudes. But I still want to go there when open.
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How can I date you?
You have a right to your opinion no matter what that is, and we all have a right to the truth even if it's not comfortable.
ha ha ha Thank God that I am an American dude and I do only shop @ Amazon and Walmart ! LOL
Sounds like the slow creeping hopelessness of crab society
You are so Gorgeous but it's your personality is so sparkling, that's what makes you Beautiful.
I went to SM to buy some beer. The girl wrung it up wrong, and said she needs to wait for the manager to clear it. I waited, and after 15 minutes I asked how much longer she thought it would be. She told me she didn’t know, the manager isn’t there today. 😂
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Exactly
omg this is awesme way of showing how it works heheheh
Wow! Sounds like a joke from a movie!🤣😂
Oh my God I would have been pissed and just walked out !!!!!!!
HahahHhahHgaGaaa good one
Buying a stove: The sales lady recommended to go to an other shop where they were selling the same brand and type but cheaper. Pea what an excellent service!! 😃😃
Now thats funny lol 🤣
You ever Watch Miracle on 42nd Street? Santa in Macy's starts sending the parents to other stores that have the gifts...Mr. Macy finds out and thinks it's a pr bonanza....god bless the clerk there who did this💪🙏
I’ve met multiple vlogger, Pia is one of my favorite person I’ve ever met in my life, because she’s such a nice wonderful person, smart, humble, very down to earth. I love you Pia, God bless you and to your bro,
I love you too Grace! You’re such a peach - thanks a lot my friend.❤️
I've experienced most of these things myself. I asked a clerk at a department store one time if they carried hair dryers. She said no. I suddenly looked past her and pointed to the row of dryers on the shelf behind her and said what are those. She showed no surprise.
happens to me all the time. I always let them know publicly that I located the item i was looking for after they told me out of service. But as you mention they just stand their emotionless or dismissive and go back to socializing withe their coworkers. Completely worthless service
in that situation i am usually told those are dryers for your hair NOT hair dryers..hahahah
When asking for something you need to ask for it EXACTLY as it is called in the PI and in that store..
Lol 😆🤣🤣 welcome to The Philippines Bruuh 👍
They never admit they are wrong and this is one of the many reasons I will not live in PH and why the country will be way behind the rest of Asia.
I find getting through lines in the Philippines stores is a lot faster if you don’t take a bath for three days and start speaking in tongues while you wait in line. After a couple of minutes you’re the only one in line. :)
Truism Lol 😂😂🤣
Lol... hahahaha 😂
The over-staffing of Filipino business is pretty amazing by western standards. Any given business seems to have 2-4 times more employees and about 25% of the efficiency of a similar western business.
LOL, I'm sure the ladies in the freezer section can 'point' me in the right direction.
Remember, "The costumer is always wrong"...in the Philippines....
Having lived in Cebu, I'm sorry to say all of this is true. It always amazes me that with so many Pinoys employed in service jobs in the West, they're so lousy at it back home.
This is the complete opposite of my experiences in Thailand (me stay long time). I saw them waiting hand and foot on each other every where I went. I don't mean they were always happy about it, but in my experience being helpful and taking pride in what you do means a lot to them culturally.
100% Thailand is a WAY BETTER country by far, PH service is a complete joke even in high end places. There is no pride in their work or service in PH, quite the opposite and this video is dead on by the Pea and I commend her for speaking the truth.
That's what she said: "Me love you looong time!" Oop's, da hour es up!
I never thought I'd say that I appreciate shopping at Walmart, but after this video - I appreciate shopping at Walmart...
The people would think they woke up in heaven if there was just ONE Walmart here - they would absolutely destroy all the other sad stores
@@TheFilipinaPea I was about to respond to @themikesullivan1 that I never thought I would miss Walmart living here, but I miss Walmart SO much. And I used to dislike Walmart.
yeah, and you can exchange or return defective items, and clothes that dont fit,
@@TheFilipinaPea It did the same thing here in the US it destroyed a lot of small businesses. Now Walmart in my opinion is a terrible place to have go. No more competition.
@@TheFilipinaPea Are you sure of that? Or would they be like the other stores? 🤔
After a short time living there I simply refused to go and would give my gf extra mad money to do the unpleasant chore. also, the six-month contracts result in a who cares attitude.
EXACTLY
yeah, same here, i got so tired of being ripped off, i give my filipino wife the money, some girls told me 3 month contracts, wow, and they must submit photo and body measurements, and thats just to work at the mall, it made me feel sad for these people, and what was it,,,,, you turn 25 years old, good luck finding a job, and if your a short brown skin filipino girl they will never hire them,
The 6 month contract is because the employer loses leverage to the employee after 6-months. I know people who have to let great employees go after 6-months and most of them are not financially prepared for unemployment.
@@TheFilipinaPea exactly
most apathetic country in the world. People sleeping on the job, fatal car accidents everywhere, etc no one even blinks an eye
As always, thank you so much for shedding light on the challenges we face in the Philippines. As you know, in the USA, a customer may be treated like platinum. If not, they will just leave and buy somewhere else. Perhaps a large dose of capitalism is needed nationwide there .
Enjoyed the video and information as always.
I recall one stupid law I ran into while in Thailand. I stopped at the grocery around 9am one morning to pickup food, water, beer, etc for a boating trip that day. When I checked-out, I was informed by the cashier that I could not purchase 1 case of beer before noon time. I placed the case of beer off to the side, she rang up the rest of my items and right before I handed over the money, I noticed the customer one lane over was starting to walk out the store and in his cart were a couple of cases of beer. Looking puzzled, I asked the cashier why was he able to purchase beer but I couldn't. Her reply, "Because he purchase 2 cases and not 1." Off I went back to the beer aisle to get another case.
I've seen it many times A Filipina that has lived stateside for years and goes home and gets frustrated. But on the flip side their happy to see the people are respectful and honor older folks that we don't get here.
Yes, there are benefits to both - I just wish we could incorporate some sensible business practices without changing everything else 😊
Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo
Always love my country warts and all. What country in the world is perfect?
Love your honest opinions Pea.
The store with the confusing exits would be right up my alley. The guard would say, "This is the exit. Entrance is around to the other side." I would turn around and start walking in backwards. The guard would ask, "What are you doing?" My response, "I'm exiting in rewind." He probably wouldn't get it and then club me. Then I would be dragged around to the entrance, thrown to the ground and told, "okay, funny man. Here is the entrance."
Use that Lasso of Truth on me and I'm in big trouble.
another great video Pea!!! im in college in the United States studying History and World cultures and i always learn a ton from your videos, they're very interesting and informative. keep em' coming!👍
Thanks Nathaniel! And yes, I’ll keep ‘em coming till they pull my plug (and then I’ll get a backup energy source) 😂
You're in college being indoctrinated and brainwashed. Look up Corbett.com and learn about 2D verses 3D Chess.
What kind of job will you get with that degree?
@@UrsulavonB if you say so? 😆
Pea, my take on it is that the clerks and cashiers are just there for job and salary, not for customer service. You might get that one percent person that would assist you, but when you go buy that big purchase (TV, laptop, furniture, etc...) they are breaking their necks to help you. Later Pea!!
Thanks Tony!! 😂
my experience buying a "big" ticket item:
i was in an appliance store i think it was Ocampos..when i walked i asked if they take credit cards ..yes sir..perfect..i found the item gave them my credit card..the one and only credit card machine was on the other side of the store (since it had to connected to the one and only phone line)..i followed the sales person to make sure my credit card did not go missing..after about 10 minutes of trying to get the credit card machine to work it was finally approved..off we go to the other side of the store upstairs for them to type out a warranty using carbon paper..(that's right on a typewriter) then i was told it would be available in a a few hours at their warehouse on the other side of town..got there showed them the paperwork of course they needed to call the store..then try to locate the item in their warehouse..they did load the item in the car for me..so an entire day to purchase a TV...i am pretty sure that warranty paper was about as valuable as a blank piece of paper..
Compare that to going to Walmart or Best Buy in the states...
You are by far one of the best bloggers, blogging on the Philippines. I love the way you call it like it is. Remember my friend the truth always offends some people.
Hey pea my beautiful friend, you really hit the nail on the head with this one. When I was in the Philippines, me and my fiancée was shopping, and it took 35 minutes in line before we was able to pay for our groceries. For me, I was fine but my fiancée was not very happy. Regardless, I love the Philippines. Keep bringing the truth bombs my friend. Please stay safe and healthy and God bless you always.😊 😊 😊 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Oh yes, I love the Philippines too - just not the customer service 😂
yeah, waiting for each little bag to be tied and stapled, and then you see it happen, the PWD walks right up to the register past the people standing in line waiting, once you learn what they call a PWD.
@@TheFilipinaPea Or lack of it you mean?
"My fiancee and I were shopping..." Jeesh...
So much truth here..I'm a very patient guy, so this stuff doesn't bother me too much. Even waiting at the hardware store for an hour to speak to someone to find out it's out of stock. IoIol...however, I found it always enjoyable (and interesting) shopping in malls. There always seemed to be plenty of people willing to help. On the flip side, shopping at a Walmart in the US...if you need to find an assistant for something is a challenge. I've walked miles in Walmart and cannot find an assistant. That won't happen in the Philippines.
It’s such a different world, yes 😂
One way to get "help" fast at Walmart... is to pick up items randomly, and if it isn't what you were looking for... just toss it over your shoulder and pick up another item.
Guaranteed to get you "attention".
Yes, so true... the security guard is the most amazing one... quick story, if I may... I bought a can of San Mig light an put it in my cargo pocket... when I went through the airport security at Butuan Airport, the security professionals asked me to empty my pockets and place all of my stuff on the X-Ray conveyer system. I unloaded all my stuff out of my pockets, includinding my Can of beer...to my surprise, after my 2 beers of San Mig light went through the X-Ray belt and came out the other side, the Airport Security Gal looked at me at said, “Sir, are these your beers?” I said yes, I’m sorry. She said, no worries... you can drink these beers... I could not believe it... my beers went through the x-Ray airport machine and the officer gave them back to me. I did drink them, while waiting for my flight from Butuan back to the Manila. Those security officers were awesome and I will never forget their kindness; I think they knew I was hungover and really really needed a beer to get myself together. Mabuhay!
I went to a drug store for decongestant pills during a visit. Instead of selling me a whole box, they sold it by the number of pills you wanted. The box with the instructions stayed at the store.
Wow!
(Medication instructions are extra, yes) 😊
A lot of people can't afford to buy 30 or 90 day supplies of even prescription medication. If you buy the whole package you get the instructions...
hahah yeah, i got 3 pills for stopping the runny poo in PH,
If your needed instructions you should see a Dr. Thats very normal to sell by the pill in the Philippines.
I love your videos. We've now lived here for 22 months, having built a retirement house and gotten moved in. My wife is originally from the Philippines but lived with me in The States for 39 years before we moved here. Having worked in retail and professionally (The Home Depot service desk, In-n-Out Burger, and as a school bus driver) she had become fully adapted to what good customer service means. She often gets even more frustrated over the lack of customer service than do I. That may be because she's embarrassed at just how far behind her home country is regarding customer service or even just professionalism compared to her experiences in the USA or Canada.
We have a standing, non-verbal joke now. Whenever one of us seems to be getting a little stressed, the other one bends a knee and holds their palm down about a foot from the floor. This reminds us that yet again we need to lower our expectations. Just like intermittent power, inadequate Internet service, or power poles in the middle of a traffic lane, the Philippines has room for improvement in retail.
Keep up the good work.
Sadly, crab mentality is everywhere. Some more than others
Finding long handled shovels is a rare occurrence. A long handle is very important if you find a cobra in your garden. I bring extra money, just in case I find some tool I've been hoping to find for years. Once I found some splitting wedges but didn't have money to pay for it. The next day they were all gone and I never saw any ever again. I had my brother send me one in a balikbayan box.
The stores remove the "Made in China" labels so the items will sell. The Chinese junk that won't sell in the US is sold in the Philippines. The Chinese junk will break in your hands with the first use. Forget about returning items, they will just say "you pulled on the wrench too hard". Or PVC kitchen faucets that the washers and nuts break just by hand tightening.
I don't mind standing in line, as long as there is aircon. Once my ice cream was well melted while standing in line. The cashier sent a bag boy to get me a still frozen ice cream holding up the long line that went into the product isles. Why don't they assign more cashiers at the empty cashing booths when the lines go half way to the back of the store?
Oh gosh, I have a lot more stories.
I also never ask if something is stocked as if they are unsure they will generally just say no. So always look yourself. It's more fun in the Philippines 😁
I watched a awesome blog where I caught myself wondering if you were on the payroll to help sell really nice condos to this brutally honest vlog on shopping and lack thereof customer service. This vlog was a eye opener and I still have plans on visiting the Philippines post Covid. Keep up the good work and as always. It was more than a pleasure watching
Wonder Woman never looked that beautiful! 😁👍
Thanks IG! 😊
I love the prayer time. Worth the wait !
Patience is a Virtue. I think I will be ok.
Thanks you Wonder Woman !!
I always hate entering a store in the Philippines and having one of the lazy hundred employees ask me what im looking for. On the rare occasion that I tell them what I need they always tell me Wala or out of stock only for me to find the product after an hour of searching through the store myself. Completely worthless service and they will do anything to avoid actually having to work or help the customer. The only time ive actually seen them work or put energy into something is when they are trying to look for excuse to deny a return or exchange of a damaged product.
It is no wonder their country is so far behind the rest of Asia-a very lazy group expending minimal effort.
Beautiful presentation Miss P you know I love that you tell the truth and you are very strong woman you are a special person thank you
Thanks Johnny - I’m glad you ‘get’ me 😊
Interesting video on a lot of levels. I know a lot of Americans that need to spend a day shopping in the Philippines to heal them of their rudeness. Maybe, this will help a lot people when they visit there since you “tell it like it is” ...the cbs 60 minutes of the Philippines....lol thanks for the sharing always....tranquillity Pea...
Oh yes, foreigners living here are often begging for just one Walmart to open - after spending their lives laughing at Walmart shoppers 😂
Yeah, on my way to that 3rd world heaven..
Great job Pea . I’ve learned to go with the flow and better to pay to have car washed while shopping at least at our Robinsons in Talisay . Parking atrocious .
Yes....Miss Pea is the 60 Minutes of the Phillies.....the problem is that if she gets discovered we lose her!
Most Americans are not rude dude. fu
Pea, what I value most about you is how you speak English (and a lot of other things too). I am german and learned only english in school some years. My teacher told me he teaching us the origin "oxford english". He must know it, because he came from this City. He was teaching us only one year but in this time I learned more as in the-may be 5 other years before. The most students did not liked him because he had absolutely no humor, or we was to stupid to know he have. So, you speak exactly the English I had learned. Thumbs up!
Ok, If have an english vlogger I hardly understand him, but if its an US I understand nearly nothing. My mother told me its because they speak allway as they had a hot potato aktually in their mouth. But your English is absolutely perfect to understand. Thank you for this.
Big Box Stores, like Home Depot, tend to ignore you.
At our Home Depot I can't walk to the back of the store without 5 people asking if I need help 😃 but they're cool about it, we got a good one. They genuinely want to point you in the right direction
Simply one of your best videos... Everything is so true ... The checkout cashier disappearing for what seems like an hour to find the price of an item which the scanner cannot read, is my main frustration at the checkout. However, if you visit the same grocery outlet quite often, it is possible to remember the faces of different cashiers and then choose the line you know the cashier is more expedient and maybe even pleased to see you again. A complement on her beauty truly helps
"Just buy new sir, you have ah plenty money"....
I have been traveling to and from Philippines for the last 12 years your vlog is so informative thank you
Omg, I think you might have talked me out of retiring in the Philippines.
Seriously? I have spent a lot of time traveling through Asia. It is not America and I think that is a good thing. But if you get frustrated easily and can’t just relax and let the little things go then just don’t waste your money traveling there.
@@bisonpaleofossilriveradven3528 yes i left after 10 years. Sadly, im pretty patient but all the chaos and inconvenience caught up to me and took a toll on my mentally.
Ya if you don't have loads of patience, then you'll go loony in the Philippines. I consider myself a patient person and I had my moments over there. 🤪
I am not always patient, so i guess i would hire someone for the chores
I was lost in Duma and everyone kept giving me wrong directions and laughing at me until this very nice young man had me follow him we're I had to go and wouldn't even accept the tip..very nice guy
I have heard many people say that to live in the Philippines you must be patient. Your videos definitely reinforce that statement
You have heard correctly, Buell! 😂
yeah, it took me 3 months to get ARC card, thats for long term visitors, and 2 years to get drivers license, and one filipino guy told me he has been waiting 10 years for court to get his license back,
A comparison. Netherlands and Philippines. In Netherlands you place your items on a belt. With place for 2-3 customers. The cashier mostly are nice and welcoming but scan the items fast and furious to a next belt. You are supposed to keep track of filling the entry belt and then make sure the exit belt is emoties fast enough into your bags so the flow keeps flowing. A few days worth of groceries is a daily exercise and you mighy end up sweaty paying your bill wirelessly. A whole cart is minutes of time. Now switch to Philippines. No incoming belt. And yes mostly a guy packing your foods. Unless you are in SM Lucena. Somehow they seperate the boxing to a central location unless you have bags. Or accept multiple paper bags because "somehow" everything needs to be bagged. In case you choose for bagging the poor cashier needs to bag all items. And it takes time. In the mean time she can't attend to the next customer and you wait until she finally paper bagged all items of the customer ahead. Weird.
Amazing rudeness or rather indifference is common. Go into a tourist agency , look at an employee and say Good Morning. Often her impassive expression does not change as if you had said nothing and there’s no response.
I do my bit by repeating the Good Morning as if I assumed she actually had not heard it. A third cycle may be necessary
Yup, I’m afraid that’s the case many times
@@TheFilipinaPea I praise you for admitting the faults of PH. The normal PH response is "it is not like that!" or "if you don't like it, don't come to Philippines!" or my favorite "I'll report you to immigration!"
this morning i was listening to a filippina trying to compete with you.....her first video was ok....but the second one was a mess....so don't worry about the competition you are way ahead of them...thanks for your knowledge ....keep up the good work....you still the best...
Well I’m glad I have your support, Gerard! It’s nice to know you appreciate my work 😊
Just found your channel today, and have watched lots of videos already. so helpful and honest its actually making want my next trip to be to the Philippines even more. thanks
Wonderful! I’m so glad you found my channel and decided to comment! I hope you enjoy my content and library of videos - welcome to the crazy train! 😊
over on orbitz web page for plane tickets, round trip from chicago to manila some times the price 445 dollars round trip. korean air, AVA, china eastern air have great prices,
My 22 years going over to Cebu, my motto is it’s never the same way twice‼️
Salamat Di
"No stocks sir" I always here that in the Philippines 🤣🤣🤣
I hear it about 5 times a day ...... on a good day! I went to Burger King yesterday and was told they had no sauce to make Whoppers, so I went next door to KFC, and was told they were out of chicken. I kid you NOT
@@TheFilipinaPea no chicken in kfc i think thats a bad buisness plan pea hehehe
@@TheFilipinaPea 🙄😲
@@TheFilipinaPea 😂😂🤣🤣🙄
@@TheFilipinaPea In my wife's province ALL the chicken comes from one factory. Mc Do, Jollibee, Mang Inosol, Sr. Pedro, Chooks to go, or groceries. All from the same plant.
As mentioned by one other person that I have seen the content you are putting out is very entertaining informative and accurate according to my experiences in the Philippines. And yes your work is very much appreciated I watch other bloggers and nobody comes close to your quality or entertainment.
its part of 'the philippines are more fun' no bag day makes me smile where young lads will pack your groouceries in boxes, which takes for ever, have learned to take large shopping bags from the UK and use them, your desciptions though may be on the light side, it is so accurate, we have learned if going to restaraunt we now ask when handed the menu's whats NOT available, it saves a lot of time, you are so right shops are over stafffed but customer service does not reaaly exsist, that said its part of the expereince of living in Philippines, its a small price to pay for the many many advantages, the beauracracy is also frustrating paying by a non filipino card is fun, just keep a smile on your face, it is also fun asking for the over 60 discount sometimes its given sometimes declined, if you let it get to you it will, if you go with the flow enjoy the expereience its 'more fun in the Philippines'
Well said, David! It’s all about how you react to the frustrations 👍
in PH and at a restaurant, always ask for the local menu, many places have 2 menu, one for the tourist with higher prices, and the one for filipino with lower prices on the same thing,
one time i was in a supermarket and asked "where is the yoghurt" which is obviously a refrigerated dairy product. The worker told to they will show me. They took me to the canned vegetable section and started looking on the shelves for yoghurt among the canned peas and corn
"Stream of expletives..." Here veterans sometimes get a discount. I was checking into a Hilton and asked for the veteran discount. Young lady asked for proof I was a veteran. Well young lady,I was Pacific Fleet sailor and can cuss "like a sailor". Shall I demonstrate? Got my discount.
I’m so blessed when you bring food & essentials to the less fortunate. I can help you with that.
funny!!
HEHE as a former US sailor, that is funny. for me, all I have to do is ask a question or two and if I doubt a few more. I have ID on me anyhow. #SemperSquid
Great video pea! But you left out the annoying part about when you are in front of a line and a person cuts right in from the side, puts their item on the counter and quickly gives the cashier their money, and the cashier helps that person without saying a word. Now after about the fifth time that happened to me. I now cut and block them out. Recently at Mercury drugs, when I did that the cashier looked at me like I did something wrong. I put my items in front of his until she scanned them.
Good for you! And yes that happens all the time and no one says a word??!?!??!!
Been there done that, very accurate in my experience. I wondered if it was just me, happy to learn it’s not. I had the helpful security guy to in Mercury drug, he was brilliant. Strange but true 🙄😂🙏
You too? I’m so sorry! And yes, the security guards are the ones to go to with questions 😂
ahhh yeah, if your at a pharmacy in PH, the things they have for sale will have very different brand names from what your used to seeing in your home country, so nothing makes any sense to the traveler, you must tell the girl at the counter, i got the runny poo, then she will pull out 3 little pills, they dont like to sell you the full bottle at most places, you just buy the amount you need, this will confuse people from the US, so when at the pharmacy, if you say, i want dayquill, they will not know what your talking about,
It's a good thing they hold onto your stuff; There's a 200% chance I'd either hurt someone or fix every shopping cart and reorganize the shelves...maybe both.
I have learned Pea..always pack your patience no matter where you are 😊
True, because you never know when you’ll need it - until you come here, where you WILL need it 😂
Might as well pack a lunch too! 😆 lol
I love your refreshing dose of truth, but, one of highlights of being 8n the Philippines is the laid back never in a rush mantality. I hate the hustle and bustle here in the US. I love watching other foreign people standing in line. They just don't get it and even my asawa refuses to go shopping she always give me a list and sends me on my way. It is a really fun trip for me.
You can tolerate it and your Filipina wife can’t? Now there’s an unusual situation! You must be the most laidback foreigner Ever! 😂
@@TheFilipinaPea you know having spent 6 years in combat while in the Marines changes your perspective on what is important
that was extremely interesting to me. I wonder if a foreign well capitalized firm came to the phillipines, opened western style treatment, with well paid and trained staff, but charged say 110 Php for an item at the *local* store which sells for 100 Php, would people stick with the lower price? my guess is yes they would line up for the 10 Php savings. Foreigners would not of course. This video merely convinced me I would never go shopping, and have either a gf or a housemaid do it. Not rich, but ok to afford that.... my patience is too short i fear. However I would certainly understand a pause for prayers. thanks for posting.
Most x-pats in PH are lower than average income I see-it is very clear after being in 24 countries. The point is price elasticity even on xpats would not work as they are too price sensitive. My issue is I can't get good things or service there even with excessive amounts of money, so no way I can live there.
Wow, that explains quite a bit. I have had my empty backpack checked in Thailand and Cambodia when walking into a store so no surprise when it happened in Philippines. You definitely answered my questions I had in my mind about asking for help though. I was looking for razors to shave with and couldn't find them. I asked three different people and they gave me very generic directions to look in and not all the same locations. Finally one of the many guards told me exactly where it was. But the shaving cream was NOT in the same location as the razors. Not realizing at the time what was happening, I asked a fourth employee where it was and this time she actually took me to the aisle it was on. Why it was with the lotion and not the razors just didn't make sense to me but I simply accepted it. Thankfully the line wasn't long and I definitely did have to show the guard my receipt even though he watched me come through the line. Only thing we can do as tourists is roll with it. No point getting mad about it.
Been there. Like you said, worse if you are not in a major city. And sometimes it's still the same way. What's funny is these cashiers and workers go through the same things, and do not learn from their experiences on how to make the experience of others better. And I think you hit the nail on the head when you talk about lack of competition. There is lack of competition in both places to shop AND in jobs. If one company decided to pay a little more, and try to train and keep its workers, it would quickly have the best work force in its area. But, with no competition, this is unnecessary, and not only do customers suffer, but workers suffer as well... many of whom are working 6 days a week, 10+ hours a day to make $20-$30. It's hard to motivate the population to work when that is what you get from working. No wonder OFWs are the biggest part of the workforce in the Philippines.
Murph, your comment hit the mail on the head 💯 percent!
Theres a lot less shopping around because of transportation. Those 10 Peso tricycle rides add up if you only earn 300 Peso a day.
My shopping stratagy while in Dumaguete.... 1. A monthly trip to Lucky Mart, very slightly cheaper than Robinsons or Lee's, but crowded and hot! Stock up or its just not worth it. Thats where many Sari Sari buy their stuff. 2. Lee Plaza has a good stock of packaged goods and household products, but their meat looks kinda blah. 3. Robinson's Downtown, Meat comes in frozen, no flies... Be nice to the workers and they will give you good service and also package your meat as you want. 4. Smaller market on El Blanco has lettuce, nice lettuce, at 300 per KG. 5. Large Public Market for fish and chicken, buy early before flies come out.
My experience has been much different. I'm from the States and grew up in a small town. Way back then the service was great. The employees were long time workers had good knowledge of where things were and how to use them. the gas stations would pump your gas check your oil wash your windshield sort of likes they do in the Philippines. The Wal-marts I've been to, it's hard to find an employee. Someone to help is even harder. The stores there, SM and the smaller ones reminded me of when I was younger and the people actually cared. I've always been treated with respect and kindness. I'm even old and ugly 🤣.
I love the way the Filipino petrol station staff kick my tyres to check the pressure.
But not impressed by them breaking my tyre pressure gauge....
They are nice, just no service in the end and slow. Pea did a great job with the truth and while the US is different in areas, the employee try to help where in the PH the entire system is broken with no intent to fix it.
Another great video just speaking out the way it is. I tell all my friends that come to the east to visit don’t think about things having to be proficient and time sensitive and if you can let that go when you can enjoy your visit... always have a book downloaded to your phone that you can stand and read and then I just look at lines as a way to get to the next chapter or practice my language skills with people in line. And just one more thing never go shopping if you’re rushed for time that’s a definite recipe to be upset
Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, NEVER enter a store in the Philippines- never! 😂
This actually discourages me from wanting to go to the Philippines.
Yeah I don’t think you would be happy there if this video gives you pause.
Easy fix I hire filipinos to go shopping for me (it's cheap), Hire them to do menial stuff too I never have to deal with this
I left after 10 years of living there. Many lonely western men love it here because of the female attention they get but just about every aspect of life is a very frustrating experience. When your dealing with people who can give a shit about absolutely nothing in life then nothing ever gets done and you just encounter chaos and inconvenience everywhere. You would be amazed how common sense and logic simply dont exist there
@@boston312 I'd imagine after awhile the attention from the ladies gets boring too. 😴 Especually after you reach a certain age and would rather sleep. 🤣
Thanks Pea you reminded me of shopping at Robinson in Iligan City where not one employee would help me and I don’t stand in lines coz of my handicap. I went in one day and got what I wanted and went to the check out counter until I stood there 15 minutes then I went to customer service and told them to check me out. They had to go find an open checkout and had me go there 20 minutes later I was finally getting to pay for the things I got. I talked to the manger and told them that 4 out of 16 registers wasn’t good enough that they needed to open more. NO GO ON THAT !!!!! The next time I went in the same thing so I just left and never went back. The next day I call Robinson Headquarters and complained but again nothing happened. Never again will I shop at Robinson. Employees have no COMMON SENSE !!!!!!!
Oh don’t you just love to wait in line forever - right beside 10 empty checkout lines with no employees to run them?
Then you look around and see 25 employees milling around and chatting? 😂
@@TheFilipinaPea yep and that’s the way it is and I think always will be
I had to teach my wife how to shop, start from one end and work to the other and not run around aimlessly all over the place.
Hahahahaha
That’s what I can a smart shopper 😂
i discovered my tiny filipino wife while in PH, she had never pushed a shopping cart before, she never had money to buy things to be placed into a cart, for her, from her point of view just having her hands on the cart handle and pushing it was a huge status thing, like she moved up in the world big time, at the regular open air market there are no carts to push, thats where the poor people go to buy food she told me, then all the things in the store, she has never seen before,
@@ateam6486 Very moving story ❤
I talk to several Ex-Pats living in the Philippines and the one thing they all say they miss (you would think it would be a good hamburger or steak) is Wal-Mart..I would never imagine missing Wal-Mart
I’ve heard them ALL say the same thing - “One Walmart here would put every store in town out of business” 😂
That's why Amazon is doing so well. I was hoping you would actually go to a store and show us some live examples.
Best description of shopping in mall in the Philippines. I hate it. It could have been me. I have left a few stores in otter dismay over the way they either treat me or take me first before a local. I hate being targeted just because i have more money. It does not mean that they should treat other costumers bad or let them wait.
Let me guess -
You don’t get searched like the locals when entering a mall
If you’re not wearing a mask properly, you get away with it
If you’re against a counter with locals beside you on either side, you get served first
I could go on ......
@@TheFilipinaPea Yep. And i dont like that. Im not special and i do not want special treatment. all im asking is some decent costumer service.
If I ever make it to the Philippines, I think I'm going to open a western store. And I will lay everything out in a way that makes sense, I will train my employees to know where things are and to help the customer. I won't harass the customers on every aisle. I will run every other store out of business. Either that or the customers won't know what to make of a place that actually makes sense. Lol thanks for another great video Pea!
My alternative plan will be just to find me a great Filipino woman as quickly as I can. And then I'll make her do all the shopping. Lol
You can find me in the freezer section waiting for you 😁
Good idea 😅
Makes sense, what’s that? Good luck figuring out what sense is here. No such thing. Your way is not the locals way. I’d rethink opening any business here. And if you find a good women, don’t make her do it. She’ll do it without being made to do it. Just go with the program here, otherwise you’ll stress out over it.
Either method will work Jeremy! And you only want to meet me in the freezer section because you know I never wear a bra 😂
@@TheFilipinaPea I've noticed... And your lovely flowing new hair style only serves to tease me. 🤣 Catch you soon!
@@TheFilipinaPea cool, i mean, hard
Hi Pea, you are a wealth of information and a natural narrator. Here in Kansas City, we have a chain of stores called Wal-mart. Although, they may have 30 checkout lanes, only 3 or 4 actually has a cashier at any given time no how many customers are waiting. To top it all off, they are excruciatingly slow and inefficient.
Thanks for the info. Of all the Filipina youtubers I follow you are the most honest, the most realistic and have the prettiest hair. But in all fairness, and in the interest of gender equality, some men in the frozen food section also might need to wear a bra...just sayin'
Hahahahaha
Hi Pea. I lived in The Philippines (Makati) 4 years. Even in that “high end” area I endured many of the shopping frustrations you described. I owned (shared) a car the first year but quit using it unless for across town or out of town trips. Never for shopping.
Oh, and a common practice at checkout is for one person to get in line while the partner or rest of the family continues to shop. Even if you reach the checkout clerk, it is OK hold up the line until the rest of your items arrive !!!
One topic that you didn’t mention is the Senior Priority check out lanes. I’m 70 years old but learned quickly to avoid the Senior checkout lanes. The paperwork to check identity and discount for each item took forever.
The first time I went to the Philippines I was surprised at all the armed security guards at businesses. Even pharmacies. In the small city I come from in the US, I'm not sure we even have police. Like sasquatch, they are rumored to exist but I don't think anyone's actually photographed one 🤣
Hahahahaha
I must admit that in terms of efficiency things have improved dramatically in the Philippines. Due to corona the Philippines have stepped up e wallet and online transaction. I can pay almost all bills by Gcash. No more waiting in lines for any utility payment. Unfortunately Philhealth has not yet stepped up for online payment by foreigner. But for the rest anything online. Anything else I pay online. Great progress. Supermarkets need to step up. I love Waltermart in Sta Cruz. Mostly on Mondays no long lines and some friendly guy packing my stuff while a friendly lady scans the items.
I found, assistant's would follow me round the store like a shadow, even said just looking.
Fun video Pea 🇵🇭🇬🇧👍
Yes, it can make you feel like you’re under a microscope 😂
hahhaa yeah, that can be fun, over in China they followed me around but for a very different reason, i had to play hide and seek in china. in the smaller cities they was very scared of white people,
I'd rather be ignored unless I ask for help... Here in the USA they hover around you in the shops that pay commission....
@@TheFilipinaPea Well isn't he though? I would say, since you're here, carry this.
You are so correct Pea, as a westerner I can’t fathom the mentality of the Philippine business person, or government, its a flaw that must cost the country jobs and wealth beyond comprehension. The country has so much potential but seems stuck in backwards thinking and doing very sad.
You’re right, Bruce - and can you just imagine the billions (yes billions) of lost work hours from people standing in useless lines?
😂😂😂 Oh man, that sucks 😂😂😂 how about renaming one island "expat island", require everyone living there to go to "Pea's cultural boot camp", all the expats and their filipina's could move there and 20 years later it would be like Singapore 😁😂
We really could be so much more like Singapore, South Korea, Japan, or any of our neighbors, but ...... nope
@@TheFilipinaPea lol
I can feel your anger and share some of your frustration. I had however most of the time very good purchasing experiences in the Philippines. I appreciate the fact that I do not have search for a sales person unlike over here (Luxemburg) where you need to engage a detective to find somebody to help you in the store. I like the greeting Good...Mam Sir! and I like in the bigger stores the spotless clean uniformed dressed salesforce and very often they do smile at me. Best is to be and stay friendly because you can only change your attitude. Customer is king and good kings are wise. I love to see and hear more from you Pea. Hope you are not stuck in a store forever!😀
I’ll make another video ....... someday ....... if this checkout line will ever move so I can get to the studio 😂
I can remember i took my Seiko watch to get a pin for a step the attendant told me it was fake . I told dud he was full of ur i bought it at Zales in St louis mo.
Good thing they didn’t try to fix it - they would have had to order the pin, and when you returned six months later to pick up your watch, they wouldn’t be able to find it 😂
@@TheFilipinaPea its just the way it is
The wife keeps me in check
That would discourage me from ever living in the Philippines sorry
I almost didn't watch this video, Pea, because I didn't think it would be pertinent. How wrong I was! You did a thoroughly marvelous job of explaining Philippine shopping. You are the best.
That is why I preferred shopping at the Mall, even with the higher prices they have. Because with the famous SKIN Tax applied on the street is not much higher. Yes I have seen that myself and you hit it on the head that time. hahaha Keep up the great job.
Yup, if you’ve got the money, the stores in the mall are air conditioned, have wider aisles, and are more accommodating (sometimes). Thanks Randy!
@@TheFilipinaPea so, the stores in the malls aren't like the rude ones in this video?
@@TheFilipinaPea They are also ruining the economy. Know what you are getting/know the price and shop locally if you can. Learning a few words in Tagalog will make the seller understand that you are familiar with prices. Magkano? and Tawad use them often and practice on walking away. 90 % of the time they will shout at you wait sir ill give you better price.
i got so tired of being triple charged by the tricycle drivers i bought a scooter, they was charging me 80 peso for the same thing they was charging filipinos 20 peso for, this way i removed money they would have normally been getting and over time i started to save money by not paying them,
This one female owned dinner tried to apply a male tax in Australia, that didn't go over well, and they are no longer open.
Yeah, the split mindset can be amazing. Use the right entrance or walk the right direction in the aisle or the world will end.
But...
Help build a house for a neighbor, family member, or friend and completely ignore building codes.
It’s a very strange mindset, yes!!!!
I’ve got so many tales of shopping. One of the funniest was I wanted to buy a microwave,so are used my BDO card, they must’ve not had a proper Internet or telephone connection in the store,so I had to walk out the store down two corridors some steps to a different part of the building complex and plug-in the card reader on the floor.... I should’ve used cash.
Hahahahaha
Only in the Philippines.......
yeah, i gave up on any cards in PH for shopping, but trying to carry 15,000 peso was not safe either, huge wads of money in my pockets, then finding what you need to buy, then go hide some place then pull out the money needed to pay for it, this way your not in line to pay and then pulling out all that money. this way your now only pulling out just the money to pay, buying a fridge and window AC unit was crazy shopping,
I am an American Expat who lived in the Philippines for 8 1/2 years. Shopping was a stressful experience. First, you have to get patted down by guard to enter the mall and some stores. Then, you are surrounded by up to fourteen clerks if you try to shop in the men's underwear section of a department store. Next comes waiting in a long line where two clerks are required to check each transaction. Then, as you pointed out, you must check in your package should you decide to shop at another store before leaving the mall. My Filipina wife was patient but I was...
I just cancelled my plane ticket to the philippines now...
Well you can’t have everything, and customer service is something you will NOT get much of here
Fantastic
You can't afford a ticket to the Philippines
Laughing!
@@TheFilipinaPea cancelling a trip there for that reason is kinda petty. There's sooooooooooo much more that the philippines is about and I LOVE it there :)
so true..i living Manila and i asked myself why my Filipino friend all time be not polite as i am with shop owner,now i understand that they are normal,thanks (also for the topic of the door entrance way is so true,i been upset many time by attitude of security guard and concept for a simple grocery shop)
I'M SO IN LOVE WITH FILIPINO LADIES .... OH MY GOD
Maybe you just don't know what word "love" means and you think about sex instead...?
I always loved the Philippinel people! Spent many wonderful days sharing the Bible at an orphanage next to the dump in Angles City! Wonderful people, love your country!...
Sounds like my butler is in for quite a long day out 😂
Hahahahaha
Yes, you better warn Jeeves 😂
That's right, when there is no competition around, you consider yourself as the king of the place. Patience, patience, patience and enjoy life the way it is. Great video Pea!
Thanks Franky! And for those people that didn’t get it from reading your comment - PATIENCE! 😊
The good side of your story is: If you have a filipina girlfriend, who works in a shop, she definitely has always time to chat with you. Right? 😂
Keep up the great work Pea, we will support you 100% of the way!!!! Everyone needs to know the truth no matter what!! Thank you for being 100% pure!
Thanks, Alayna!! ❤️
I plan to move to the Philippines in 2 to 3 years. Hopefully I can remember to pack a bunch of patience and mellow!
You will need an extra suitcase just for patience and mellow 😂
@@TheFilipinaPea that's the plan, lol!
I had read or heard about the bad customer service but not as thoroughly ha ha. It's always a lot less bad when you know what to expect so thanks. It also shows someone like you could make money simply being a consultant to these businesses. I have no doubt if customer service was made a focus and good that their sales would BOOM!
😅😅😅 pea your giving me flashbacks. I love it
You experienced it too? I’m so sorry 😂
I love in the provence, the grocery store had no air-conditioning on a hot day. My wife and pregnant sister opened a 5 peso bottle of water to drink and pay for it at the register. The guard approach her and say they can't do that and must pay double. My wife says fine, then 2 more guards approach and threaten her to be arrested. She gives the guard 20 peso, and says keep the change. Then walks out. She now drives 10 km and shops at Robinson, I was so mad I wanted to stand in front and pay people 20 peso to drink 5 peso water in the store.
You know I'm sure there's an app you can use to pay people to wait in line for you. Perhaps that would be a great business venture for someone to start in the Philippines 🤣
Yes, we call them ‘fixers’, but not so much for groceries - yet 😊
@@TheFilipinaPea hahaha OMG yeah, the fixers, you need drivers license, get a fixer, you need license plate for a scooter, get a fixer.
Great humor. I experienced this. And the wait to get through the checkout. The supermarkets should provide shoppers with chairs or hammocks. Different culture - different attitudes. But I still want to go there when open.
Yup, you’ve seen it too! It can take me an hour to do what I used to do in 15 minutes in the UK
We love you sweet girl👍❤️
Thanks Jonan!! 😊