The Philippines: This Is Not What We Expected
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- The Philippines was not what we expected.
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This is our first trip to this island nation. We share our raw thoughts on this country and our experience in it so far. We will also share if it will fit into our full time travel rotation.
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Great, guys you've😀 traveled to the Philippines! I have lived in the Philippines since 2008, in Dauin, one of the ten top diving spots worldwide. My Filipino wife, 38 years old, is a graduate of Silliman University, America's first college in Asia, which was established in 1901. We met and married in California in the 1980s. I have traveled to 50 countries, and Filipinos are the most polite people anywhere. I speak Visayan, the language of the middle region. We're traveling in America via AMTRAK! We are involved in two passions of the Philippines: Music and Boxing, officials of both the USA & Philippines and professional musicians and producers of jazz festivals. There are over 500K Americans in the Philippines!
Asa man ka manginhas kinhason? Dako bang hunasan diha Dauin?
1970s ko diha SU, wa pa matawo imo asawa kon 38 yrs old siya karon.
I've gone only as far as Bacong Beach, when one of the sessions of the creative writers' workshop was held there in 1973.
Oh yes, SU was established in 1901by the American Protestants. SU has good English programs; it's campus has that ambience of an American university -- two things that attracted me to study there.
The University canteen was fabulous in the 1970s. Sadly, when I got back in 1997, it had lost that fabulous touch.
"Sands and Corals... Silliman beside the Sea!"
I’m having trouble doing your math. If your wife is 38, this means she was born in 1986-or 87 depending on her birth month. Yet you met and married in the 80s? 😅
Great information.
2008 i was in Makati during typhoon ondoy
Finally, you found us. Welcome to the Philippines!
YOU want more AMERICAN FOOD ( DINER) try FILLING STATION at Makati
It's a Christian, English speaking, loving people....love from Canada ❤
Enjoy your vacation in the Philippines. Yes, beautiful country. Love Philippines.
As someone who have been retired here for more than 5 years even within Manila it's different. BGC, where they mentioned they are stayung and where I live myself, is completely in a bubble from the rest of the Philippines and it is a mini United States once you step outside the city you start getting more of a local feel with the exception of Makati and a couple other pockets. BGC is where most of the educated work and where most American companies are based so, yeah English is widely spoken here. However, English is spoken all over the Philippines, but the more you go away from Manila the more you will hear the native tongue. Then once you get to Bisaya region, you will not hear very much Tagalog but more of the Bisayan language. Also, there are plenty of Americans, Brits, Aussie all over the Philippines. Most chose to stay out of Manila and settle in the provinces, less hectic and more of a peaceful lifestyle and way cheaper.
What bubble?? That's the financial and business district of manila!! One of the business district!! Why bec its developt not like the other part of manila?? Is it that? Why is the downtown bangkok business district same as the whole bangkok!!?? It's but natural that the financial districts as the most developt on any city in the world!!
Why if you step out of downtown bangkok is the rest of bangkok as developt?? Then why don't say that the downtown bangkok is just a bubble!! We are building a reclaimation off the manila bay to build a modern city 3 times the size of bgc!! And 8 more modern cities are in the pipeline!! Phil is developing
Typical foreigner who thinks BGC is the main city compared to other places because it has many western/american establishments, when in fact BGC is just one of the pocket places in Metro Manila, it's not even a city at all, just a financial district.
@danteaccento1273 yes you are 100% correct it's a barangay of Taguig, that was my point about it being a bubble and once you step out of the bubble you start to experience the real fun of the Philippines.
@@danteaccento1273 stupid it's a financial district!! Are you stupid??
I have not been to the Philippines but would like to go. Seeing videos of the stunning islands look amazing. Im American and grew up in California in a very diverse area with friends who were mostly Mexican, Puerto Rican, asian, white and black. Some spoke Spanish but all were 2nd generation at least. After college I was a student teacher and taught Biology for English Language Learners at the same high school I graduated from. The class was made up of high school students who had recently immigrated from many different countries. They were all learning Biology in English as newcomers. Students from Vietnam, Korea, China, Taiwan , Philippines, Pakistan, India, South America, (Argentina), and Mexico together in one classroom. They sat at large lab tables in rows in small groups together from the same countries as they spoke similar languages and helped each other. It was fun to see how they interacted with me, the content, and each other. The Filipino students (who were all fluent in Tagalog) sat in the front row and were the friendliest of all the students. They laughed the most and were the warmest, most talkative of the different groups of teens. The Filipino students even invited me to a few of their family parties (Birthdays etc). I did not have any students from Thailand, Maylasia or Europe so this is just this small group of countries I saw together. But i will never forget how warm the Filipino teens were. I know this is a stereotype based on a small sample size but the really stood out and their kindness made an impression. 😊
As a Filipino, I would say, you’re spot-on!🎉
Thanks a lot for the compliment, I really appreciate that!❤
Yes sir, Filipinos are very friendly and always smiling 😊
Filipinos don’t like to leave people behind - if they are in a group and they see you alone, they will invite you to join them.
hope you like our food sir ❤
We will be waiting to welcome you here 😸👍 thanks for being a teacher to all your students , as they say teachers are the 2nd parents.
I am from Pakistan Married with a fillipina. I visited Philippines last year and in November 2024 I will be back in Philippines. Most good thing about phillipino is that they are friendly peoples and they have good heart about Islam and Pakistan.
They were not brainwashed like other Western countries.
Philippines is a total in package.... city life, nature, beaches, people, language...
Yes
I agree
Thank you so much for a wonderful view of our country...The Philippines is 90% pro-American. We love Americans, the movies, the music, the clothing, and the food.
It is becoming korean now😅😅😅
Makati and BGC are where most Americans are around Manila. There are cities there like Angeles City, Dumaggete, Cebu are a few places where you find the Expats.
My wife is Filipina, and I was stationed at Clark AB back in the 80s. It's about 60 miles from Manila in Angeles City. We're retiring part-time in a year or 2 over there. Take care!
There is a VA Clinic at the Seafront Compound of the U.S. Embassy, and many facilities that accept Tricare. Not sure if MEDICARE is accepted for expats. But the Guamanians are allowed to use MEDICARE in the Philippines. St. Luke's Medical Center in Global City offers excellent care.
@yanidilag8407 Thank you very much! I am retired military and do have Tricare. We plan on living in Angeles City near Clark, and they have a very good hospital that accepts Tricare also. Take xare
@@yanidilag8407 Medicare is not accepted in the Philippines unless you are a resident of Guam and your treatment is initiated in Guam. St. Luke's, Bonifacio Global City, is one of the finest hospitals in southeast Asia. Many of their doctors interned in the United States or other first-world countries. The VA treats only service-connected medical or mental health issues. My Filipina wife and I have been snowbirds for 18+ years, usually spending mid-to-late October through the first week of April in the Philippines. We have homes in Metro Manila and a home and business in the province. The remaining time we live in our Oregon home. Snowbirds have more fun and the best of both worlds.
David I was also stationed at Clark Air Base, two tours back in the 1980's for a total of 6 plus years. We are also snowbird and divide our time.
@@davidhankins5708make sure when you retire here in the PI to switch to Tricare overseas enrollment. the VA is only an OPC, so it is limited what they offer but you can get some meds, and annual semi annual check ups by appointment only. The VA clinic is mostly Filipinos and that is a positive, they take good care of the vets. Medical City Clark is one of the best clinics at Clark. Angeles City still has many expats living there but reduced numbers since covid and the lockdowns did a number on many not wanting to come back.
I live in a Navy town, and there are many people from the Philippines because Philippine men join the US Navy, and gain their citizenship, and then retire in the US. Also there are couples that are American/Philippino, in fact one of my daughter's married a Philippino, and they will be going to the Philippines soon with their kids to visit family.
FILIPINO/PILIPINO and not PHILIPPINO.
Pilipino is a Subject in School… FILIPINO IS THE PEOPLES 😂😅😂 ✌️
The brain exhaustion is real. I’ve traveled to Japan on several occasions. Every time I get back to the U.S. I realize how “exhausted” my brain was. Also, I run out and get a good ol’ greasy burger and fries from my favourite burger spot. Hahahaha! It’s not that I didn’t like the Japanese food - I loved it - but it’s refreshing to allow your brain to relax and not have to think about what you’re eating.
This sounds perfect to me! I liked Singapore because it was a soft landing, too! But Phillipines has other areas and islands that are not so Americanized, but you have options, which is great!
Yes! I still go back over and over again and visit. My family migrated to California 4 decades ago. I love my native land.
Philippines is like their favorite dessert during summer, it's called HALO-HALO. it means mixed-mixed , a very mixed culture.. Mexican Asians with U.S. twist.
you got it right
Qué lindo ese video🎉! Ese pais sigue soprendiendome...tiene la naturaleza mas bella en todo asia. Cascadas tremendas, playas claritas, cada isla llena de gente con gran corazon. Se ríen más, se bailan más, se cuidan con sonrisas auténticas. Es como vivir dentro del 'thermal suite' de naturaleza. Pura poesía.
We love you Janine. Thank you for your kind words. I’m sure your country is as amazing. 🤩
Que hermoso comentario.
As a Filipino, I would say, muchas gracias, senora!🎉❤
I'm glad your first impression was such a positive one!!! I do not live in Manila, because I'm drawn to the provincial island lifestyle of the Philippines. As an American that has been living in the Philippines for 12 years now, I TOTALLY expected your content for this video, which is Manila centric, to be one of much less "sparkle". Because I really don't like Manila (traffic, dirty, busy). This video resonates with me and reminds me of my impressions when I first moved here - so this is good for me to see and maybe I ought to take a step back and appreciate that capitol city much more. Language wise, after living here for over 10 years, I speak VERY LITTLE Filipino, precisely because nearly everyone in the Philippines speaks English. In fact, I speak more Japanese and Italian than Filipino. Enjoy your visit. And really, your positive spin is refreshing and really is calibrating my otherwise not so favorable perspective of Manila. Thanks for helping me see it thru a different lens.
When you explore the countryside, you'll see more of that true Philippines experience. And there are many pockets of cities and towns that have catered to US culture and English is widely spoken. The Philippines was a territory of the U.S.A. after all (after being a colony of Spain for 400 years).
Ally you speak amazing English. I would have never known that Spanish was your first language. When you said that the other day my mind was blown.
Sign of high IQ! She’s a smart cookie 🍪 ❤
Thank you for your kind and favorable comments about our country. The Philippines is a developing country and is still working on improving many things. Hopefully in the near future our country will be more or less like Japan or Singapore. Just hit the subscribe button. Enjoy your stay and be safe. Watching from The USA.
The Philippines was a US colony for 48 years. During this time, many American teachers were brought to the country. Because of this, English became the main language used in schools.
plus all the military bases
Only 3 year American colonize the Philippines 3 yrs Japanese and 371 yrs Spanish
I think this is partially true i am living in bicol province southern part of the Philippines. English language is taught all throughout the country by Filipino teachers not american. English subject is in the curriculum in the school.
@@edgardobilazon9997That's true, even my great, great grandfather they spoke English , because they studied English in school.
New Subscribers from the Philippines. Thank you for your kind words..As you said this is your first trip..no doubt, this won't be your last..Stay safe and all the best.
I just left my first trip to Manila (spent 5 days there after visiting Thailand and Vietnam). I agree Manila was a very soft landing for an American, even as a female solo traveler. Definitely plan to go back!
Thanks for the very nice comment about our country...enjoy and be safe.❤❤❤
Westerns/ Americans lives in BGC/ Makati, retired in the provinces like cebu, negros, dumaguete, davao, iloilo enjoying beaches, nature and the people, try to connect with Americans, western bloggers ( like "everyone has a story") and resident. Enjoy your stay and enjoy our filipino hospitality❤
Thank you for appreciating our home PHILIPPINES. We truly are happy for your nice words .
Wow so cool to hear that you guys are loving the Philippines. I love it there and as well and that’s where we plan to early retire to. I’m so drawn in by the hospitality of the people and the respect for one another that they have.
Not to mention for 30% of our Cali monthly budget we can copy our lifestyle in the Philippines but also add 3 massages a wk for each of us and have a helper 6 days a wk. All for 30% of what we currently budget in Cali. Yep…..we will be there soon lol.
The Spanish influence you notice is the impact on their culture from when they were occupied by the Spaniards 🤙🏻
Make sure you visit some provinces before you head out. I haven’t spent much time in Luzon where you are now so I cannot give rec’s for that local. Most of my time was spent in the Visayas.
Palawan and or Boracay are some must stops though! Have fun guys!!
Thanks. I have been waiting for a video about Philippines from your channel.
I am happy 😊 you like what you see 👀 so far in The Philippines 🇵🇭.
I hated my 1st time there. But, subsequent times just improved over the years. 40+ years for me! 😎
The Province (rural areas) is less Westernized than the metro areas.
Karaoke 🎤 is everywhere. If you study their top singers such as Morissette Amon and Regine Velazquez, you can improve your singing skills. I did after traveling there in 2022! 👨🎤
Try to listen to our very own PPOP group SB19
@@philipatanacio9179 I do. You might see some of my posts in their videos or those in Stell Ajero.
As a person who grew up in Cebu, I left 42 years ago. When I went to visit
many years ago it has changed so much, very progressive catering to everyone who comes visit our country. Shopping in Landers is like Costco here in the US, we are known for our warm and welcoming hospitality. I am glad that you had a good feel about the Philippines like most visitors who also decided to retire there. Truly a place a beautiful cultural mix both Spanish and Asian.
The Philippines can be your hub to go around Asia. Plus the beautiful world class beaches that don't break your budget. 👌💯
This proves how some people are still ignorant of how the other part of the world are as advanced as the Western World. Only those who are frequent Travelers would know but in the US, if you know most Filipinos work in the Medical Field you will realize how smart and advance the Philippines educational system is. Education is high priority among Filipinos.
Exactly true!!!😊😊😊
I’ve lived for a couple of years in the US and met a lot of Filipino nurses/ Doctors especially in LA ( Cedars Sinai Hospital to name one ) and other medical places, you will find that there will always be Filipino medical staff assisting or helping/working in the hospital. Kudos to Caring Awesome Filipino Nurses and Doctors!!!❤❤❤❤❤
😂
people are copying the formula of other vloggers. There are hundreds of videos about Foreigners getting shock about BGC. They make such videos for Filipinos who never even ate a burger at Jollibee or got spoken to by anyone caucasian.
Oh please 😂
Enjoy your stay in my beloved country which I miss so much! God bless!🇵🇭🙏🏽❤️
The Philippines is often referred to as the "Latin America of Asia" due to its unique blend of Asian and Latin influences, a result of over three centuries of Spanish colonization. This historical period left an indelible mark on Filipino culture, evident in the country's language, religion, architecture, and traditions. Spanish words are interwoven into the Filipino language, Catholicism is deeply rooted in the societal fabric, and festive celebrations resemble those in Latin American countries. Additionally, the warm hospitality, vibrant street life, and strong family ties found in the Philippines further underscore the cultural parallels, making the country a distinct and vibrant fusion of East and West.
This cultural synthesis creates a unique identity that sets the Philippines apart from its Asian neighbors, while fostering a rich, diverse heritage that continues to evolve and thrive.
The Philippines is also often dubbed the "unofficial American State in Asia" due to its long-standing and profound ties with the United States. Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines became an American colony, which significantly influenced its political, educational, and cultural landscape. English was established as the primary language of instruction, and American democratic principles were introduced into the political system. This American influence is still evident today in various aspects of Filipino society, from the widespread use of English in business and education to the popularity of American films, music, and fashion.
Moreover, the Philippines and the United States maintain a robust relationship characterized by mutual defense treaties, economic partnerships, and extensive people-to-people connections. The presence of American companies and franchises across the Philippines, coupled with a significant Filipino diaspora in the United States, further cements this special bond. The shared history, aligned interests, and cultural exchanges continue to shape the Philippines' identity, making it a unique blend of Asian traditions and American influences, akin to an unofficial extension of the United States in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Wow, impressive, spot-on and encompassing description of the Phillipines!
Kudos!🎉❤
There's this British 🇬🇧. historian I think who once said that PH 🇵🇭 is a Latin American country brought to Asia by a giant tidal wave 🌊
@@alice_agogo, LOL!
Insult to Latins.
@@oilairnalo not really. Latins are losers as well
I am from Manila and I've been following your channel for like a couple of years now because of your Amtrak reviews. Your reviews were helpful when I planned my trip to the US and took more than a couple of segments of Amtrak.. And now, you guys were here in the Philippines? I can't believe it!! I'm glad you made this review, thanks for visiting our country 😊 cheers ❤
So happy to hear you are there now. I have been twice on business for a few weeks at a time and have great memories. Was also shocked at English everywhere but was told they learn English in school. Later I read the history and understand more. As far as feeling the almost Hispanic culture, it was under the rule of Spain for about 300 years. I felt that and a tremendous feeling of family there, strong Catholic families. Food-wise: seeing a Krispy Kreme store shocked me the most. :) Our business partners took us to Tagaytay and the volcano Taal. Taal was where I experienced slight language issues. Rode ponies to the top of the volcano (consider it). Also recommend Greenhills Shopping Center in Manila. Booth upon booth of pearls! Anxious for more from you!
I love Philippines 🇵🇭 . Beautiful country,culture, beaches and people 😊 also easy to communicate because everybody know how to understand and speaking in English
New subscriber here. Welcome to Philippines. Enjoy your stay and have fun with a local people. Mabuhay❤
Thanks sharing your experience in my native country Philippines currently am in Canadian citizen living here missed my beloved country hope to go back this Xmas
holiday which me and my missed so much coz very different here than the Philippines missed our native candies especially family.
down there
Wow thank you so much for appreciating Philippines ,we love to hear that and we appreciated a lot Stay Safe MABUHAY welcome to the Philippines 🇵🇭
It's not just like foreigners love to visit our country but having this kind of vlog you made (appreciating us people and our country) you will be rewarded with tons of views. We, Filipinos are appreciative of those who praise or appreciate us, we will then bombard you with lots of views and likes. This is the real deal now as long as you vlog in our country and give us what we call "satisfaction content" and you love our country, we love you back guys. Thank you for visiting and hope you'll explore more here. Take care.
The Philippines has been under Spain for 333 years and US for about 50 years…. A lot of tagalog words are borrowed from spanish.. people have spanish surnames… education is patterned after american system.. english is taught from pre school up to college and subjects are mostly in english.. welcome to the philippines and enjoy… you should see the beaches in the islands…. They are some of the world’s bests…
Hi! I am glad you like our country. I am watching you from the Bay Area in California. ❤❤❤ new subscriber. 😊😊😊
I’ve been one of your biggest fans and followers ! I’m Filipino and been living here in the U.S. since 2003. Im so proud of my home country and happy that you guys took the time to visit ! Soooo many amazing places in the country to see ! You should definitely go back !
The westerners usually resides in the provinces where there are lots of beaches Zambales, Palawan, Cebu etc.
Welcome to the Philippines and thank you for making a blog to promote our country! Enjoy your stay!!
Thank you guys for appreciating our country Philippines
We loved the Philippines as Americans! Perfect mix of modern in Metro Manila, BGC & Makati and beautiful beaches. We are a full time travel family and love it!. Enjoy ❤😊
I'm glad to see you enjoy the Philippines! Next time around during the dry season (December-May) try to get to Tagaytay; I recommend staying at the Anya (it used to be part of Hyatt but I think it's affiliated with Hilton now). Also try to get to El Nido and Coron Palawan, then Boracay. Paradise!
Ur Welcome in the Philippines.everyone & where Proudly as a Filipino People.God bless all
Excited that you are in the Philippines and I hope you post a lot of videos. My husband is Filipino and would love to retire there (he hasn't convinced me yet ;). I'm curious to hear how much you can live on for a month there as well as other information since you kind of have me sold on Thailand based on your previous videos. Thanks for sharing your experiences, by the way, I'm also a Fentonite, I graduated high school w/Rob!
You will leave the Philippines after being there for 3 days. The Philippines it’s a nasty country weather wise.
Wow welcome am a Pilipino currently living in Canada good you enjoyed your stay in my country a lot of .my countryman also here Canada pls enjoy the beauty of the Philippines.
I totally agree everything both you said and like me I really love travelling especially those countries where English is the medium of instruction. I can’t wait to see your next vlog in the Philippines………. Watching from London, United Kingdom
Hope you'll both continue to enjoy your stay in the Philippines
Hey guys, this is the first time to see any of your videos on YT. With so many foreigners having the same views as you... about the Philippines, Well the main reason for that is we were colonized by both Spain and the US. although Spain's rule of the Philippines is longer However, when the Americans came they brought with them the English language which was taught in schools and became the official language of instruction by the government. Even our laws and constitutions were better understood by most of us when it's in English. Ironically, that's the truth. I grew up listening to English music playing on my favorite FM stations,watched NBA live on UHF channel (available only near Clark Air force base) and also I grew up watching American films on our local TV channels, watch sesame street, The Price is right, Hawai five-o, Combat (Vic Morrow), Six million dollar man and I was educated in our country's educational system which was taught 90% in English. I guess most Filipinos admiration to western culture started there. I just noticed that we Filipinos differ from our asian brothers is when I started working abroad. I see other nationalities having their own identity thru their national dresses or the way they dress. Their music, their language..anyhow I don't consider that as something to be ashamed of...I'm proud of it. Because that's us...well not all, that's maybe 90% of us. Just subscribed BTW.
Gentle and appreciative people like your kind selves will always be warmly welcomed in the Philippines!
I been to over 30 countries. I came to the Phils 12 months ago, I decided to live here in the first week.
The one thing I appreciated while traveling in the Philippines is that you can always find public transportation (ferries, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, etrikes) to get anywhere you want to go. That is something we didn't find and thus disappointed us when we visited Bali last year.
Go to Boracay, El Nido, Coron in Palawan, be sure to have mosquito spray, SPF, rainy season, humid, this is the favorite climate for mosquito
In 2019 my husband and I went to Coron, Palawan and I was pleasantly surprised that there's so many westerners there. The majority of the tourists were from North America and Europe. I think most of Americans are in the beach area. 😊
I am so glad you enjoy my home country ❤. English is our second language. Philippines was invaded by the Spaniards and have adapted their languages and way of life while keeping our own traditional dishes as an Asian country. However we do have dishes such as Menudo that is a known Spanish dish. I love my country and we just love people and food 🥰
Not for anything guys, but it surprises me why there are quite a number of foreigners who, for the first time, visits our beautiful country, and have this notion, like we’re so “not at par” with other nations, when it comes to “advancement/nation building “…. ???
IF it’s having large malls AND brand names in hi-end shopping malls is what you’re looking for… you’re in the right place. We DO HAVE almost everything here, AND WE HAVE THE FRIENDLIEST STAFF to boot, that I assure you.
Practically everyone in our country has reached college and or has a college degree too. That’s for sure. English IS a 2nd language to us. To most of us, it’s even our first language because that’s what we speak at home. That’s what we grew up with.
So before anyone comes over here, I hope they ditch their preconceived notions about our wonderful country and its people, dive in, enjoy what you can, and yeah… just keep an eye on your stuff , like what we all do when we travel the world, and enjoy the adventure!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🇵🇭
Thank you for the nice comments about the Phillippines.
I think there's a saying out there -- 300 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood! 😂Perhaps that explains the vibe you can't put a finger on.
Xin Chao! Hello, from Vietnam! I am glad that you came to visit the Philippines. Indeed, English is everywhere, and Filipinos welcome everyone with a smile. For your next adventure, explore the islands, especially Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Camiguin You will surely love it.
Its the land of beautiful nature and people
Interesting video. There are a lot of "westerners" and "Americans" from the USA and Canada but they are spread out a bit in the larger cities. Cebu City is a small big city and I see them often here. Also, the Bisaya language is most often spoken here instead of English although most understand English, some are not real comfortable speaking it, but the majority can converse in English.
I've been watching you both for a while and wondering if you'll also include the Philippines in countries you would want to stay in.....and now you're here. 👍😀
Like my homeland of Puerto Rico, the Philippines along with Cuba who were Spaniard Colonies for centuries (hence the Spanish influence in culture and language) were ceded to the US as a treasure of war after the Spanish American war of Teddy Roosevelt. Who knew 😅?
They all had their revolutions against Spain around the same time in the 1890s. Also notice how all three flags are red, white and blue with triangular corners. 🇨🇺🇵🇷🇵🇭
The Philippines was a Spanish colony from 1521 to 1898. The Manila galleon trade 1565 to 1815 connected Manila and Acapulco, Mexico aka La Nao de China or Galleon de Acapulco, the earliest successful form of globalization. That makes the Philippines unique.
Hi there, welcime to the Chaos and Charm Of Manila. Lots to do see meet and eat!!! True, not much americans but back then when the bases where here yeah! More europeans, australians, japanese koreans, Americans discovering Philippines late in the game i think.
Enjoy yourselves guys and always take care. The whole archipelago. A smorgasbard of islands and culture all yours to explore or call home. Watching from San Francisco Ca.!
Westerners don’t stay in Manila, the concentration of them are in tourist beach towns. You will spot most of them in Palawan, Siargao, Cebu and some other beach towns.
There are many Americans living in the Philippines particularly choosing the provinces, they don't like the cities to stay but the villages, small towns etc. Mostly they visit Baguio city to play golf in Camp John Hay. Have a good holidays in the Philippines.
Facts from IMF:
*Metro Manila* GDP per capita (nominal) 2023 was $9,544. And its Human Development Index was 0.85 (Very high).
What does HDI mean?
I looked it up. The latest ranking is from 2022. Even looking at the historical rankings, the Philippines never got beyond High. I love the country, but let’s stay with real facts.
GDP seems overblown also. One website says, “Philippines gdp per capita for 2022 was $3,499, a 1.1% increase from 2021.”
@@desert-fax-only I said *Metro Manila*.
@@desert-fax-only You're right about the HDI not going over the High Classification which is the same for Vietnam and Indonesia. But GDP Per Capita seems to be accelerating judging from these numbers;
Year GDP Per Capita % Increase
2024 $4,291 11.1
2023 $3,859 6.5
2022 $3,623
I think our country will get a big boost in GDP and to some extent in per capita terms once the new infrastructure projects in the pipeline are finished. In fact the IMF itself has projected that we will surpass Thailand's GDP around 2028 if both countries keep their current economic growth trajectory. Most of our neighbors had an infrastructure boom which accounts for why they had higher GDPs. It's relatively easy to build infrastructure but the challenge for us is how to attract investments to boost government revenues and help pay off these projects not mention creating a lot of formal jobs which is the single biggest factor that cuts down poverty level. Without investments specifically FDIs we will only be saddled with a huge debt burden and even face economic crisis in the future much like what happened with the way Bongbong's dad destroyed our economy which is why succeeding admins couldn't build infras as much as we could coz debt repayment was their priority. Our last debt with the IMF incurred by Marcos was only paid near the end of GMA's term. Can you imagine that?
Thank you for the review n promoting our beloved Philippines. God bless you both. Ingat n mabuhay
Go to the American cemetery its huge.
Another thing, I agree that it feels a lot like California esp in the metro area. It’s very diverse w Japanese, Thai, Indian, Korean, Italian, even French and Spanish food and of course American. If she speaks Spanish you will notice the “prices” first and foremost are spoken in Spanish by the locals. Otherwise in English; it’s very rare that locals count in our native tongue. Bonus, you both may already know, she will recognize a few Spanish words inserted here and there within a sentence or so✌🏼
Enjoy the hospitality while there and do not be afraid to ask anyone at all around you for anything. English is taught since first grade and throughout the HS and college. Some may have some trouble w the American accent, many will be too shy to answer in English as they don’t want to make the mistake but they can understand and speak English. Yes, we obviously have our own accent. Be patient.
Welcome to the Philippines! I hope you get to travel to our beaitiful islands like Boracay, Palawan, cebu, Bohol, Siargao where the foreighners are.
Thank you for your kind words about my country. Medium of instruction starting from Kindergarten level is English.
Thanks for discovering the beauty of our country and its people and telling the world about it!❤ Enjoy your stay!
I would be interested to know how it is outside of Manila. I feel like it would be different.
If you love beaches Explore the islands in Palawan and I guarantee you dont want to leave
Thank you very much for liking the Philippines thank you🙏🙏🙏
We're originally a spanish colony and then became an American Commonwealth until 1946.
We're an archipelago in the pacific and not entirely Asian.
What does “not entirely Asian” mean? Because it’s an island nation? If so, then Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, etc are all “not entirely Asian” too?
Much of the culture comes through long history as a Spanish colony. That's different than the other nearby Asian countries.
That makes you unique as you had Spanish and American influences, but it doesn’t make you “not entirely Asian”. Does British influence on Singapore makes it “not entirely Asian”? What about Dutch influence on Indonesia?
The Philippines is 100%, entirely Asian. It doesn’t matter who the colonizers were. Almost all of SE Asia were colonized by one western power or another, it doesn’t make any of them “not entirely Asian”.
Been there in February of 24 in Eastern Samar. Loved it. Can’t wait to go back
It's nice to know that you both enjoyed your visit our Country and thank you so much for sharing your experiences. Subscribed and following you both from Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Glad u appreciate our country♥️
You will be amaze with our beautiful islands..From mindanao to Batanes♥️♥️🎈
Wow I was just watching you for months now, and now you're in my country! :-) I enjoy all your trips
Wellcome to the Philippines! I hope you both explore the thousands of scenic areas of the Philippines and I am sure you both will enjoy overwhellmingly.
Nice comments from the bottom of their hearts.welcone to the Philippines.Mabuhay❤
Because unlike in other Asian countries, businesses in the Philippines are mainly geared towards the locals instead of the foreigners... Filipinos find foreign brands (especially American brands) to be exotic and often consider them to be objects of status. Meanwhile, in many Asian countries, businesses are mainly geared towards foreign tourists, so you see more local stuff being sold.
Hey! Glad you went to visit our country! Been following you guys for while. Moved to the US 18 years ago and looking at the possibilities of retiring in other countries in the future. I watched a lot of your videos in other countries, glad you visited the Philippines too! Have 🤩
Most men who come to the Philippines come to find love with a younger Filipina. I’m a 71 woman and will slow travel and maybe live in Philippines because cheap, easy visa, cheap medical.
Hi Mam, just in case you can finally realize your plan ang come to the Philippines, you're free to contact me - i'm a 73 year-old woman willing to help. We filipinos are kind and helpful!
We love your videos. I have been to the Philippines 5 times now. My wife is from Marinduque, a little island south of Luzon. English isn't a problem there at all anywhere that we have been. You should some time get to some of the provinces in country and see the real country and how the people live. Very good time. We have spent a lot of time in BGC and Makati, Mabini along Manila bay and you guys should get down to Tagaytay and see the volcano Taal or head to north Luzon to Baguio and then on to the city of Vegan if you really like that Spanish vibe. It is a beautiful country to be sure and very affordable too. You are right about feeling like the States. We were in a mall one time and I told my son, if you removed all the people, one would have a hard time knowing where you were at. Manila or Columbus Ohio? Safe travels and enjoy yourselves!
There were more Americans there when the military base was still there. However, since its closure, not many Americans there any longer. I hope you are able to see more of it besides Manila. There are beautiful beaches on other islands. Stay safe & healthy!
Thank you for loving my country Philippines... You are more than welcome here....
Done subscribe in your channel... Looking forward to see more videos taken here in the Philippines with you guys.... ❤❤❤❤❤ Mabuhay and enjoy your vacation...🥰🥰🥰
#ProudPinoyHere🥰🥰🥰
Thank you! 😃
Welcome to the Philippines. Enjoy your stay. ❤
New subscriber here ❤enjoy and have fun welcome The Pearl of the Orient Seas Philippines 🇵🇭 ❤😊
We visited Palawan, El Nido which is one of the Philippines islands, if you have time I strongly suggest visiting. The beauty of the island is unmatched.
Thank you so much for visiting philippines Mam Sir and thank you for good feedback
A warm welcome to you both in the Philippines. Mabuhay!
I was born in Olongapo City,3 hours north of Manila. We moved to California 2 months before my 18th birthday.
My dad retired as a civilian employee of the US NAVY's SUBIC NAVAL BASE so they let him and his family immigrate to the States.
People forget that Philippines was an Américan colony from 1898 to 1946.We studied English from Elementary to High School.
USA defeated Spain in 1898, Spain seceded the Philippines to US together with other territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, Cuba, etc.
Many Americans live in Angeles City, Olongapo/Subic Bay, etc.😁😁😁