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I've used this off and on and really like it. I learn better through conversations after I've done a bit of Duolingo to get my basics down. Through Italki you can have the opportunity to do real one on one private lessons or just talk with someone and work it out. Really a great service.
Wow Legennnnnd Tommy aka Taarme has made it to The Philippines 😎🙌🙏. Bro that's my favourite country in the world. I have been to Paradise Islands of The Philippines 8th times since 2008😎 🙌🌴🏖️🏝️🏖️🌴🌴🌅❤️
I had a Filipino neighbour about 28 years ago. And to this day, I still think about how kind, amicable and personable she was. Years later I'd work in HK, and the first person to offer their help to guide me around, show me the spots etc.. was another Filipino. To Corrie and Homer; thank you for being some of the most gracious and kind people I have ever met. Life goes by rather quick, but you both have made my memories very sweet to recall.
People in the Philippines are unbelievably hospitable, even towards people like me who have a fraction of your social skills. I was in the Visayas when the covid pandemic started and when the country suddenly locked down in an instant, I found some locals who were willing to take me on a tiny boat in the middle of the night to avoid the coast guard and get me over to cebu where I was able to hop on one of the last international flights leaving the airport. In retrospect, being locked down in the Philippines would've been way better than being locked down in the US, but still, awesome people!
@MarkSalhany At the expense of appearing very naive (and I'm FAR from being naive), what I've noticed among the majority of Filipinos/as is their inherent goodness, almost in an innocent type of way, if that makes sense. Yes, I know Tommy was in the most hardcore slum in Manila, but in between the exuberance of the kids in the streets, one could simultaneously see that innate goodness on those same kids' faces.
If I got out a bit earlier and stuck to plans, who knows where I would have been during lockdowns, probably Vietnam. And if trouble, probably connive my way into southern China (few problems outside of Wuhan) instead of SE Asia problems. But they closed their DC embassy on me (Im still out over $100 or something, they're so tech dumb...), and I got covid symptoms (not detectable amount) delivering doordash in a USA university area.
Filipinos might just be the friendliest people in the world. I just received the best hospitality at a party in Croatia at a shared house of Filipinos. Will upload a vlog of my experience soon. Amazing people, so fun and kind.
I fell in love with the Philippines in the mid-70’s. I got married there in the 80’s and now my grandsons are Filipinos because my son also married a Filipina. There was something special about the place that drew me to it. Ingat!
As a Filipino I used to be indifferent or even dislike what we are, but seeing people outside our country appreciating the country for what it is, I learned that we have so good things to offer as well
well, i cant really blame you dude. our people can do some fkd up shit. we tend to vote corrupt people into seats of power and wonder why PH's development is so slow.
During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Tondo was the most feared district in Manila. Yet, it got less dangerous starting in the 1980s and continuing now. Also, its reputation was created by bad film representations. But living in Tondo is fantastic. I must admit that I really miss the place where I spent my childhood, which I did there until I was 12 years old. The reason I adore this channel is because he never sugarcoats anything; what he says is as genuine as it gets.
@@teekbooy4467 isang malaking kalokohan yan,,kahit taga luzon ako ay hindi ako naniniwala dyan, siguro nung paahon mg 80s o 90s pero ngaun no way,,,thanks to duterte admin, sana ay deretso na sa panahon ni bbm at sarah duterte naman
I have been to both Binondo and Tondo, all people were just friendly. There are always place you maybe not should visit night time alone. But over all people are always friendly, hospitable and helpful in Philippines. Greetings from Sweden!
This video really highlights the Philippine experience from a foreign perspective. Been there 5 times and married a Filipina. Love the people and the culture. Plan to retire there 1 day.
the way you are able to interact with strangers and specific a hoard of curious children pretty much everywhere is totally beyond me und never fails to impress and warm my heart.
I was just in the Philippines in February. I’m down $5k but it was one of my best trips from all the time i’ve visited. I wasn’t born there but i learned the ilocano language. My parents are from Ilocos Norte and i’ve learned so much of my culture from the experiences i’ve got there. The plus side is that everything is so affordable. It was about 54-55 pesos to a dollar. My money went a long way there. Highly recommend going there. Just don’t go out at night to some rough areas. I’m glad that i had family that took me around there. I would love to go back ASAP
My folks worked for an international organization and we lived near Tondo in the mid 2000s. When my Filipina grandma heard that our mom was bringing us kids with them to immerse us in Filipino culture she was happy but when she heard that we were going to be in Tondo WWII almost happened😂! We were told that we'd get kidnapped because we were foreigners but nothing bad happened. My siblings and I played with the neighborhood kids and made tons friends. I enjoyed all the Pinoy games! We were invited to parties and my dad would share drinks with the "tambays" 😂. I think it helped that my folks are fluent in Tagalog. We also learned to practice our broken Tagalog with our new friends. They were confused at first; white kids speaking Tagalog with a bisaya accent 😂 Anyway, there's danger everywhere even in wealthy neighborhoods and first world countries. The people in Tondo treated us like one of them and weren't fake. We made tons of friends that we still talk to today. I'll finally see them again next year! Although, my folks have worked in other slums in many parts of the world after Tondo, it was the first place that really made me aware of my privileges and always reminded me to give back. I was only 7 then and weren't aware of so many societal problems but I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet wonderful people that changed my outlook in life.
I can somewhat relate, I'm an Australian with a Filipino mother and I used to go to the Philippines for Christmas every year for 3 months at a time until I was 17, I'd stop over in Manila and go to the Capiz region near Roxas to a rural area called Cabugao. I'm not really fluent in any Filipino dialect but my Visayan is decent and Tagalog broken. I feel blessed to know the distinction between real poverty and first world poverty, although I come from neither. Just knowing how much better off I am than a vast majority of the world has given me what I think is a very realistic perspective on true hardships and has given me a positive outlook on life no matter what troubles I feel like I go through.
I am a British foreigner living in Philippines. I wanted to experience the real Philippines. So I rented a tiny room in Tondo! And lived there for 1 month !! Also navotas baclaren libitard ect.. I have to day I was made very welcome always asked to join in social events and felt very very safe.. they are lovely welcoming people..
Bro you are a Legennnnnd same kilig feeling I had visiting The Philippines from the London in 2008 🙌😎👍. I have visited The Philippines 8 times already.
I just found your channel today and I’m so impressed, everything feels so authentic instead of the over edited videos others tend to give. Can’t wait to show your videos to my fiancé when he gets home keep on keeping on dude 💖
Thanks! I am sorry to learn that your videos get demonetized. Great content, I love it. I don't know how you can do all of this travel but I'm here for it. National Geographic is missing out on a great storyteller.
i've spent the first 14 years of my life in that place and have been to like 90% of the places you've visited in this vid granted that you were literally a kilometer from where I used to lived. This really sent me trip down memory lane
My first time seeing your vlog. I appreciate the fact that you are open to seeing behind the glitz and glamour of the City. By immersing yourself with the people to learn about the culture and your knowledge on the Country's history is really nice to hear. As a Filipina who's been away from my homeland, my heart aches to go home for good. Thank you for this heartfelt video.
Watching you chat with the kids having the time of your life was hilarious. It’s always fun to watch your videos, look forward to them more than anyone’s on RUclips currently.
Safe na sya ngaun. New generation na kaya unlike before. Kita m nman puro na ba gets sa kalsada at mga nag aaral na mga yan. Meron p din ata pero iilan nalang at ito ay mga adik at disperado sa kahirapan. Ilang beses n me nk rating doon at safe sya
An American, living in manila for the past six months, who was in HK visiting family around Christmas. Very cool to see you go to these places. Salamat po.
When i was a little kid in the early 90s my mum and I stayed with cousins in Tondo. Mum told me not to go out of the house unless i was with an adult lol. I had to walk through the port area after getting lost after visiting Intramuros about 10 years ago. It was the middle of the day but still had a sketchy feel to it. I love the Philippines, been many times but Manila is only a place to go for shopping and casino. Out in the provinces is where the best times are
Your a Risk taker and Adventurist! That's why I like watching your Vlog. I'm also happy that you try to communicate in the native Language compared to other Vlogers or Expats who has been living there for years and still don't know how to speak the Everyday Basic Phrases. Hats off to you Sir!
i left the PH when i was 12 (im in my 30s now) and every time i see a video like this, i feel strange. seeing the place again makes me feel like i missed out on the best time of my life. would've loved to have attended highschool and college in the PH atleast before moving to the US. its weird that i could feel both excitement and sadness at the same time when watching vids like this. but i cant help it, i miss my home country.
You should have stayed yeah. Everyone should stay in their homecountry. But people obviously want to move to USA because it's better. Like all European societies.
I found your channel about 2 months ago and I haven't stopped watching since. Your videos inspire me to do the same thing you're doing. #KnowledgeIsPower
master the macaulay culkin thumbnail and you're golden. oh and a compelling title would be helpful too i.e. philippine malls/beaches/traffic/slums/food is/are insane!
This guy never fails to go in and get such wholesome content. He just walks around, chats up people and a great story and plot smacks him in the face every time haha. Terrific videos man I watch everyone that comes out
I think so too, a live well lived doing all of this interacting with the people instead of being a tourist just staying in the usual touristy places. I admire what he does, wish I was brave enough.
Not many people show this part of Manila. Hidden from tourist view and hardly known about. Thankyou for being true to your intentions and showing us these lesser known places. To be honest I get bored with all the huge Markets and Malls that are basically the same and a lot of tat. Safe travels and see yoy in the next one. ✌️👍🤞
I love these videos. I don't know why it is that you don't have a few million followers. Your language skills are amazing. I'm super jealous. I wish I could travel but my health is not good, these videos are all I get. Thanks for making them Tommy.
The best content about the Philippines. Very pinoy. We appreciate you trying those things and adjusting to what we used to do every day. Such a brave man and a great vlog!
You just missed out, Chinese New Year in Binondo is the happening. And Binondo Church (Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz) is really worth a visit. It's dedicated to the Philippines' first saint, who was a missionary to Japan and martyred there. Asia's oldest university, University of Santo Tomas, is a short distance away. Many beautiful buildings there. It served as the internment camp for American and other foreign citizens during WWII.
I'm from New York and moved to Manila in Feb 2013. My wife is from the infamous Tondo and I spend time there obviously. Our first visit together, she pointed to two guys and called them "snatchers". I walked up to them, thankfully, they could speak English and I asked them, "I hear you are robbers, snatchers. Would you snatch or rob from me?" They started laughing and backing up. Shaking their head, one said, "No, you are too big. You hurt us!" I'm not that tall for an American but the wife says the way I walk people would think "military". Big, Bald & Black man does have it's privileges and benefits. It also helps to have a 22 inch neck and 52 inch shoulders! Great videos. Do I miss NYC? Sometimes, but this is my home now. I have no plans on returning.
@@AddzieG I gotta agree with you. Having been in jail and prison multiple times, there is a bit of respect, a "code", if followed you don't have anything to worry about. And if it is coming, it's coming in your face, unlike in the so-called "good areas"!
@@BrotherRoy the good area are lead by status and envy. 2 very different perspectives trying to achieve the same thing being heard and noticed in a way people appreciate. In my experience people ghettos are more honest but people in good areas are more helpful in a mutually beneficial way
My 1st time in Tondo was 2001. My wife's friend's lived on a construction lot in a plywood house. They offered us rice and I turned them down. My wife said "no, that will hurt their feelings". I was like they have so little tho but they in fact were happy
In the late 80s I went to Tondo because I was told I could get the highest exchange for my hundred dollar bills. I took a deep breath and went for it, not knowing if I'd get out alive or not. My experience was pretty much uneventful. The poverty I saw was heart-breaking, but we have the same slums here in the US. The controllers of this planet make sure poverty is everywhere because it makes for an easier to control population.
I lived in tondo for 2 years, it's where my daughter was born. It's changed a lot since I last visited. But even I was safe when I went out, but always had my friends s&w .38 and Dalwood 9mm with me.
@Mark Everson technically foreigners aren't allowed to carry guns, but my wife's uncle was a sargeant in the pnp, he gave me them. I never had to use them and only really took them if I went to other places like happyland. There were many feuds amongst gangs and family back in the day just after smokey mountain was cleared. Still it was generally a safe place. Another Dutch guy living close to us had his property done up like a fortress. I always got on with my barangy and helped many people so I was safe. Only got into a few skirmishes, usually with druggies.
@@mrgeorgebanister thanks for sharing never been to the Philippines so I was thinking about it then covid came I've sent money over there to help out children and for rice and metal roofing after storms but I've been scammed so many times and now my girlfriend we've had a falling out I was hoping to marry her it's hard here in the states nothing is the way it used to be.. I'm tired of scams I feel that I've been totally used
@Mark Everson in Philippines you don't marry the girl, you marry the family. It can be aside from the cultural aspect an extremely stressful and costly arrangement.
@@mrgeorgebanister yes I've learned some things over the last two or three years listening to different Vlogs occasionally , with that said my girlfriend doesn't have any family in Manila where she works just to try to get by. and in the province their house is broken from the hurricanes and her father is very old I think 85, a couple of sisters with kids all in the province far away Porta princess I think it's Palawan! that's part of the problem I'm not wealthy just on Social Security now but everything I have in the states is paid for but I don't know if if she is scamming me it's so hard to tell when they are being truthful or not ? sometimes!! very sad! I care so much about her,, here I have no one
Your videos definitely paint a different picture of how people are throughout the world. A perfect example is in the Philippines. The people seem very friendly.
Surprise surprise, my first day, my first walk from the Manila hotel, across the river. Into China town, straight into the garment market. 8:46 No problem at all. Never felt any danger.
There's a Manila slum walking video made by a local where he goes to a beach sewer and finds an ice cream vendor. After some haggling he buys the guy out and gives every kid a cone. Soon, the kids are lined up hundreds deep. Later in the slum, he buys out a fried chicken vendor. Every starving kid gets chicken. It made me cry to watch it. It was amazing to see how polite these street kids were.
It's funny because I was born and raised in Tondo then lived for years in Chicago which also had a rough history. I'm glad you are safe and had a great time though and we'd love to welcome you here again!
Thank you, you are one of my favorite RUclipsrs People in the Philippines are very hospitable. I haven't traveled to the Philippines yet. I hope I can in the future
Awesome! Been there in that area several times while on vacation over the years and yes the filipino people are hospitable. Although the Philippines is a third world country and sometimes has a bad reputation, it is one of the best and most beautiful country to visit for the scenery, food and people! Thanks for sharing brother!
this is authentic as you can get, raw....you're awesome bro, keep it up.....philippines is a beautiful country to explore with. they are a happy people.
That part was really amazing. He got to meet one of the typical common folk in Manila - the funny, outrageous, happy-go-lucky and very friendly Filipino guy.
Man...my head sushi chefs are from the philippines and ofc this is the country that i am planning to move to ..my professional culinary career will start there hopefully if not thai or japan but i have my eyes MAKATI....people are juat too friendly and i love that.
To me an adventure is not an adventure unless your spending it with the people of the land. That’s where the real experiences come from and true content. Have fun
The way you interacted and tge way you handle the haslers, man you have what it takes to be a Filipino. Salamat sa pagbisita, mabuhay ka hangang gusto mo!
I lived and grew up in Tondo, it is dangerous only at night when drunks are coming home. I remember almost getting stabbed because a drunk pos chased me because I looked at him once. Nowadays its somewhat safe but please still be careful.
thank you for sharing this video i miss all my troops and friends from Manila especially my old home grown TONDO. I live in a different city but I got friends everywhere I miss them all. Greetings from Sydney
First time I watched your video and I immidiately said "That's it... I'm subscribing!" Dude! first time I saw an American braving the streets of the Tondo hood! Love to see how you interacted and reacted to the kids (even to those few hustlin to get your cap LOL). I also have an American buddy who plans to visit the Philippines and go to the same areas you went. Hopefully he enjoys when he gets here. Great content! Keep it up and looking forward to seeing more vids like this man.
100%! This is so different from travel vloggers, people like this are in a different genre. One that doesn't make me roll my eyes, and deserves way more respect. Although he's still doing the mOsT dAngEroUs FaVelA trope, his content has more to it that makes it worthwhile.
Agree. Just now I watch his video and I'm empress to his historical knowledge to our country. Which reminds my Phil. History lesson way back. Some I really don't know and thanks to him now I know.
I agree with the comment that said it became safer in Tondo by the later part of the 20th century. The most dangerous neighborhoods, in my experience, are the inner slums of taguig. When I lived there, crossing the C-5 from BGC is like stepping into a different world. I experienced a lot there.
Yeah! I can give my credits to former president Duterte on that. He was undeniably a very effective figure who made our local gangs and criminals rather quit than die lmao. Another contributing factor on that is the severe cases of drug use in our country, it's such a relief that things are getting better now don't know why some people are unbelievably ungrateful and cynical 🤷
I have relatives in Tondo. Its not what it is like in the 70s. Everywhere you go, there are some snatchers and gangs. But its not rampant anymore in the country especially Tondo. It depends where in particular. Tondo is a big place.
You're the guy, "strike everywhere" kind of. 👍 Cool New Yorker, awesome. Some pesky street kids will bother you asking for some change, just don't mind them but what you said is right "Wala akong pera" and leave them. Oh I might add, I'm just amazed of how well you know about the history of the Philippines.
Good to know you're safe even after being surrounded by street kids. Theyr pretty harmless but often have fast hands. That's what made the area so scary making other Filipinos wary and not visit specific places like Tondo
My cousin was in the Philippines when WWII broke out and spent WWII in a prison. I think in manilla. After the war he went home to his wife and kids he worked for one of the most powerful unions as a negotiator . But a few times a year he'd go to the Philippines. Turned out he had a second family. She had snuggled food to him as a pow. A woman I used to knew was half french and half Philippine . Her parents met as pows also he was french and part of the french embassy and she was a local. Her dad I never met was my hero. He had a major stroke at age 73 after having sex 4 times with his wife one Wednesday night. My hero the perfect way to go. I did ask what he ate . At 73 and rolling 4 times in a night awesome. He mostly ate cheeseburgers and peanut butter sandwiches.
I am here in Bohol from Maryland for two weeks. My sister in-law got married over the weekend. Hot and humid, but everyone is always lovely. They speak Cebuano here.
Filipinos have at least some Chinese ancestor in the past but most of us don’t really know/care about it. And just like what you said, most of our presidents and even our national hero have partial Chinese ancestry but we don’t really think of it, we just consider ourselves as fully Filipino. Chinese origin surname is the second most common Filipino surname next to Hispanic (like Lim, Tan, Go, etc.) but most of us don’t have/know any Chinese in our family. So again, we only consider ourselves as Filipino.
Learn 150+ languages with quality native-speaking teachers on italki 🎉.
Buy $10 get $5 off for your first lesson using my code TOMMY :
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Gabe Wyner recommended this back in the day too. With the additional blessing from Sabbatical, I'll give it a try.
I've used this off and on and really like it. I learn better through conversations after I've done a bit of Duolingo to get my basics down. Through Italki you can have the opportunity to do real one on one private lessons or just talk with someone and work it out. Really a great service.
maybe thery were asking for your cap because thty probably thought you're a legit basketball player or something. 😅 they probably want a souvenir. 😅😅😅
Wow Legennnnnd Tommy aka Taarme has made it to The Philippines 😎🙌🙏. Bro that's my favourite country in the world. I have been to Paradise Islands of The Philippines 8th times since 2008😎 🙌🌴🏖️🏝️🏖️🌴🌴🌅❤️
@tommy! I am your grab driver that time. Thank you for a wonderful time talking to you.
I had a Filipino neighbour about 28 years ago. And to this day, I still think about how kind, amicable and personable she was. Years later I'd work in HK, and the first person to offer their help to guide me around, show me the spots etc.. was another Filipino. To Corrie and Homer; thank you for being some of the most gracious and kind people I have ever met. Life goes by rather quick, but you both have made my memories very sweet to recall.
People in the Philippines are unbelievably hospitable, even towards people like me who have a fraction of your social skills. I was in the Visayas when the covid pandemic started and when the country suddenly locked down in an instant, I found some locals who were willing to take me on a tiny boat in the middle of the night to avoid the coast guard and get me over to cebu where I was able to hop on one of the last international flights leaving the airport. In retrospect, being locked down in the Philippines would've been way better than being locked down in the US, but still, awesome people!
Definitely shit the bed in that one!
This man has horrible social skills , he is super confident though 😂
@MarkSalhany At the expense of appearing very naive (and I'm FAR from being naive), what I've noticed among the majority of Filipinos/as is their inherent goodness, almost in an innocent type of way, if that makes sense. Yes, I know Tommy was in the most hardcore slum in Manila, but in between the exuberance of the kids in the streets, one could simultaneously see that innate goodness on those same kids' faces.
@@Conieloo thats cap
If I got out a bit earlier and stuck to plans, who knows where I would have been during lockdowns, probably Vietnam. And if trouble, probably connive my way into southern China (few problems outside of Wuhan) instead of SE Asia problems. But they closed their DC embassy on me (Im still out over $100 or something, they're so tech dumb...), and I got covid symptoms (not detectable amount) delivering doordash in a USA university area.
Filipinos might just be the friendliest people in the world. I just received the best hospitality at a party in Croatia at a shared house of Filipinos. Will upload a vlog of my experience soon. Amazing people, so fun and kind.
That's the most random place you could find Filipinos. We hate the cold
@@despacitodaniel801LoL
I fell in love with the Philippines in the mid-70’s. I got married there in the 80’s and now my grandsons are Filipinos because my son also married a Filipina. There was something special about the place that drew me to it. Ingat!
White colonizer
Nice story
Was your wife 10 at the time you marry her?
@@Nihilistic_Arsonist No, she was 26 years old with 2 college degrees.
@@jamesoconnor2753 Wasted opportunity lol.
I love that you make the effort with the language, share some historical info and are respectful and cool with the locals. Thanks for sharing.
21:50 i bet it was a relief talking to that guy, nice and calm, sometimes people can be too excited.
Actual exact thought in my head
As a Filipino I used to be indifferent or even dislike what we are, but seeing people outside our country appreciating the country for what it is, I learned that we have so good things to offer as well
It made you dislike us that way due to the product of corruption in every level of our Government. We are too smart for our country.
well, i cant really blame you dude. our people can do some fkd up shit. we tend to vote corrupt people into seats of power and wonder why PH's development is so slow.
yeah our women and land lol..
@@BLaCkKsHeEp absolutely correct..
LOL they don't appreciate the Philippines!
During the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Tondo was the most feared district in Manila. Yet, it got less dangerous starting in the 1980s and continuing now. Also, its reputation was created by bad film representations. But living in Tondo is fantastic. I must admit that I really miss the place where I spent my childhood, which I did there until I was 12 years old. The reason I adore this channel is because he never sugarcoats anything; what he says is as genuine as it gets.
Now its basilan and sulu
depends on what part of tondo. pier area tondo is the worst.
@@teekbooy4467 what's your basis???
@@teekbooy4467 isang malaking kalokohan yan,,kahit taga luzon ako ay hindi ako naniniwala dyan, siguro nung paahon mg 80s o 90s pero ngaun no way,,,thanks to duterte admin, sana ay deretso na sa panahon ni bbm at sarah duterte naman
It became less dangerous while the Filipinos became gayer and gayer ..now more then 50% of Filipino males Identify as ladyboys lol😅
I have been to both Binondo and Tondo, all people were just friendly. There are always place you maybe not should visit night time alone. But over all people are always friendly, hospitable and helpful in Philippines. Greetings from Sweden!
This video really highlights the Philippine experience from a foreign perspective. Been there 5 times and married a Filipina. Love the people and the culture. Plan to retire there 1 day.
I went to the Philippines for 3 weeks it was great . Very nice people and the food is great .
Respect for learning our language ahead of the time, some foreign vloggers dont put that much effort doing that before coming here
Its just refreshing to bump into a vlogger who knows the history of a country he visits.
the way you are able to interact with strangers and specific a hoard of curious children pretty much everywhere is totally beyond me und never fails to impress and warm my heart.
I was just in the Philippines in February. I’m down $5k but it was one of my best trips from all the time i’ve visited. I wasn’t born there but i learned the ilocano language. My parents are from Ilocos Norte and i’ve learned so much of my culture from the experiences i’ve got there. The plus side is that everything is so affordable. It was about 54-55 pesos to a dollar. My money went a long way there. Highly recommend going there. Just don’t go out at night to some rough areas. I’m glad that i had family that took me around there. I would love to go back ASAP
your parents my fellow ilocano, agbiyag tayo amin!! )
let me guess, you're from hawaii?
5000 is a lot for one month
I noticed some brothers apologized because of someone trying to harass you and they even offered you a drink. You were in safe hands then on.
Nobody would touch him in that area. Those two guys seem to be respected in the neighborhood.
@@donniebrasco99 wala talaga Tau Gama eh
I'm a Canadian national. I lived in Binondo from 2004 to 2011. Never had a problem.
Most probably you look mean and they don't dare take advantage from you.
Filipinos are so hospitable and friendly!!!💗🥰
Thank you so much, come back soon 🤗
My folks worked for an international organization and we lived near Tondo in the mid 2000s. When my Filipina grandma heard that our mom was bringing us kids with them to immerse us in Filipino culture she was happy but when she heard that we were going to be in Tondo WWII almost happened😂! We were told that we'd get kidnapped because we were foreigners but nothing bad happened. My siblings and I played with the neighborhood kids and made tons friends. I enjoyed all the Pinoy games! We were invited to parties and my dad would share drinks with the "tambays" 😂. I think it helped that my folks are fluent in Tagalog. We also learned to practice our broken Tagalog with our new friends. They were confused at first; white kids speaking Tagalog with a bisaya accent 😂
Anyway, there's danger everywhere even in wealthy neighborhoods and first world countries. The people in Tondo treated us like one of them and weren't fake. We made tons of friends that we still talk to today. I'll finally see them again next year! Although, my folks have worked in other slums in many parts of the world after Tondo, it was the first place that really made me aware of my privileges and always reminded me to give back. I was only 7 then and weren't aware of so many societal problems but I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet wonderful people that changed my outlook in life.
thats how my mom is. im currently in manila staying in BGC and she thinks if i leave BGC they are going to kidnap me and ask for ransom...
@@tylerfilmsstuff are you rich?
@@Dranreb865 I get by but I’m not rich lol
here's your cookie po
I can somewhat relate, I'm an Australian with a Filipino mother and I used to go to the Philippines for Christmas every year for 3 months at a time until I was 17, I'd stop over in Manila and go to the Capiz region near Roxas to a rural area called Cabugao. I'm not really fluent in any Filipino dialect but my Visayan is decent and Tagalog broken. I feel blessed to know the distinction between real poverty and first world poverty, although I come from neither. Just knowing how much better off I am than a vast majority of the world has given me what I think is a very realistic perspective on true hardships and has given me a positive outlook on life no matter what troubles I feel like I go through.
Thanks for staying true in your videos, some other travel vloggers are less genuine.
I am a British foreigner living in Philippines. I wanted to experience the real Philippines.
So I rented a tiny room in Tondo! And lived there for 1 month !! Also navotas baclaren libitard ect.. I have to day I was made very welcome always asked to join in social events and felt very very safe.. they are lovely welcoming people..
@chiki nini well thanks for correcting.. 😂 👍
The English abuse brown people in UK. English unfriendly uncivilised
Libertad not Lib tard, though that is the truth about this guy.
LMFAO "libitard" for a second there, i thought you were calling liberals "libtards"
Safe only for foreigners. Normal filipinos from outside would get robbed
A little bit of a different tour in the Philippines for this one..
Oh no, not the game! Would have loved to see your basketball skills.
Bro you are a Legennnnnd same kilig feeling I had visiting The Philippines from the London in 2008 🙌😎👍. I have visited The Philippines 8 times already.
Very fun video
I just found your channel today and I’m so impressed, everything feels so authentic instead of the over edited videos others tend to give. Can’t wait to show your videos to my fiancé when he gets home keep on keeping on dude 💖
Thanks! I am sorry to learn that your videos get demonetized. Great content, I love it. I don't know how you can do all of this travel but I'm here for it. National Geographic is missing out on a great storyteller.
He was Sanctioned....?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Oi u rich or something lol
@@M_u_t_e96024 LOL
Great job@A B ✌🏻I've seen you before in a live stream.
Bat daw nademonitize pre
i've spent the first 14 years of my life in that place and have been to like 90% of the places you've visited in this vid granted that you were literally a kilometer from where I used to lived. This really sent me trip down memory lane
My first time seeing your vlog. I appreciate the fact that you are open to seeing behind the glitz and glamour of the City. By immersing yourself with the people to learn about the culture and your knowledge on the Country's history is really nice to hear. As a Filipina who's been away from my homeland, my heart aches to go home for good. Thank you for this heartfelt video.
Watching you chat with the kids having the time of your life was hilarious. It’s always fun to watch your videos, look forward to them more than anyone’s on RUclips currently.
The Philippines is such great country for making videos with it's friendly people and chaotic street scenes.
The Manila is the most chaotic part in the entire Metro Manila, the other cities here in the Philippines are more calm
Please stop this ignorant comment. Not Philippines, we are talking Manila here. One of the cities in the Philippines. Tsk!
it's a great country for foreign vloggers because it gives them a lot of subs and viewers bec Pinoys love the validation
@@525sixhundredMinutes This, I agree!
Chaotic like your face.
You're brave, you entered a place that even us Filipino don't do.
Yah.. quite dangerous tho..😅
Safe na sya ngaun. New generation na kaya unlike before. Kita m nman puro na ba gets sa kalsada at mga nag aaral na mga yan. Meron p din ata pero iilan nalang at ito ay mga adik at disperado sa kahirapan. Ilang beses n me nk rating doon at safe sya
OA nyo sa Tondo HH
An American, living in manila for the past six months, who was in HK visiting family around Christmas. Very cool to see you go to these places. Salamat po.
When i was a little kid in the early 90s my mum and I stayed with cousins in Tondo. Mum told me not to go out of the house unless i was with an adult lol. I had to walk through the port area after getting lost after visiting Intramuros about 10 years ago. It was the middle of the day but still had a sketchy feel to it.
I love the Philippines, been many times but Manila is only a place to go for shopping and casino. Out in the provinces is where the best times are
I'm glad that you show more than just the typical "Travel Channel" setup. I'd say that even Anthony Bourdain would approve of your content. RIP Tony.
Your a Risk taker and Adventurist! That's why I like watching your Vlog. I'm also happy that you try to communicate in the native Language compared to other Vlogers or Expats who has been living there for years and still don't know how to speak the Everyday Basic Phrases. Hats off to you Sir!
Very awesome vlog. You are one of the few that truly experiences a country and talks about its history and people. Great video!
i left the PH when i was 12 (im in my 30s now) and every time i see a video like this, i feel strange. seeing the place again makes me feel like i missed out on the best time of my life. would've loved to have attended highschool and college in the PH atleast before moving to the US. its weird that i could feel both excitement and sadness at the same time when watching vids like this. but i cant help it, i miss my home country.
You should have stayed yeah. Everyone should stay in their homecountry. But people obviously want to move to USA because it's better. Like all European societies.
@@LordOfSweden if i wanted European society, i would've moved to Europe somewhere.
I found your channel about 2 months ago and I haven't stopped watching since. Your videos inspire me to do the same thing you're doing. #KnowledgeIsPower
master the macaulay culkin thumbnail and you're golden. oh and a compelling title would be helpful too i.e. philippine malls/beaches/traffic/slums/food is/are insane!
This guy never fails to go in and get such wholesome content. He just walks around, chats up people and a great story and plot smacks him in the face every time haha. Terrific videos man I watch everyone that comes out
I think so too, a live well lived doing all of this interacting with the people instead of being a tourist just staying in the usual touristy places. I admire what he does, wish I was brave enough.
He can be the new, up & coming Harald Baldr & Bald and Bankrupt.
Not many people show this part of Manila. Hidden from tourist view and hardly known about. Thankyou for being true to your intentions and showing us these lesser known places. To be honest I get bored with all the huge Markets and Malls that are basically the same and a lot of tat. Safe travels and see yoy in the next one. ✌️👍🤞
I watched Roaming Hogan channel about the place few months ago..raw and unedited video similar to this one..
@@annayeo2310 Thanks Anna, I will check him out, M7ch prefer these kind of travel vlogs,
Hey Tommy! Thanks for taking us along on another great adventure! You are the man!
I love these videos. I don't know why it is that you don't have a few million followers. Your language skills are amazing. I'm super jealous. I wish I could travel but my health is not good, these videos are all I get. Thanks for making them Tommy.
I wish you good health sir
Truth his views should surpass millions, most interesting vlogging informative interesting different, why are people so unfair
The best content about the Philippines. Very pinoy. We appreciate you trying those things and adjusting to what we used to do every day. Such a brave man and a great vlog!
Got to love it when this dude flexes his perfect mandarin! 😁
Nevermind, commented before I saw the chinese
Dope how you always give facts and info about the country you visit. That's what sets your channel apart. Keep going Bro 👑💯
You just missed out, Chinese New Year in Binondo is the happening. And Binondo Church (Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz) is really worth a visit. It's dedicated to the Philippines' first saint, who was a missionary to Japan and martyred there. Asia's oldest university, University of Santo Tomas, is a short distance away. Many beautiful buildings there. It served as the internment camp for American and other foreign citizens during WWII.
Been to the Philippines over ten times and ended up marrying a Filipina. Love it a great place with warm, hospitable people who know how to have fun.
Thank you Mr. Sabbatical for visiting Divisoria where I grew up. More power to your channel. Hope you can stay longer.
Yo men your in the right place with your authenticity and real type of vlogs you can get million subs here in the philippines ! keep the hustle
26:00 Clipper House! Before Covid it only cost $40 night to stay there. It has a neat nostalgic 1960s PanAm decor. Walking distance to all amenities.
My favorite place is the PHILIPPINES. Where you find the greatest people in the world. Mabuhay Sa Philippians
I'm from New York and moved to Manila in Feb 2013. My wife is from the infamous Tondo and I spend time there obviously. Our first visit together, she pointed to two guys and called them "snatchers". I walked up to them, thankfully, they could speak English and I asked them, "I hear you are robbers, snatchers. Would you snatch or rob from me?" They started laughing and backing up. Shaking their head, one said, "No, you are too big. You hurt us!" I'm not that tall for an American but the wife says the way I walk people would think "military". Big, Bald & Black man does have it's privileges and benefits. It also helps to have a 22 inch neck and 52 inch shoulders! Great videos. Do I miss NYC? Sometimes, but this is my home now. I have no plans on returning.
The gun is the great equalizer. They would stick you up if no one is around. 😃😃😃😃😃
@John Doe being from the 'hood myself, they'd be taking a big chance I'm not strapped. I definitely wouldn't recommend it.
Personally I’m more comfortable in ghettos, there’s an honesty that reigns though out, lead by respect.
@@AddzieG I gotta agree with you. Having been in jail and prison multiple times, there is a bit of respect, a "code", if followed you don't have anything to worry about. And if it is coming, it's coming in your face, unlike in the so-called "good areas"!
@@BrotherRoy the good area are lead by status and envy. 2 very different perspectives trying to achieve the same thing being heard and noticed in a way people appreciate. In my experience people ghettos are more honest but people in good areas are more helpful in a mutually beneficial way
The Filipinos are some of the most friendly people in the world 👍🏻
The ones that I met yes I agree, kind spirits.
The friendliest
My 1st time in Tondo was 2001. My wife's friend's lived on a construction lot in a plywood house. They offered us rice and I turned them down. My wife said "no, that will hurt their feelings". I was like they have so little tho but they in fact were happy
In the late 80s I went to Tondo because I was told I could get the highest exchange for my hundred dollar bills. I took a deep breath and went for it, not knowing if I'd get out alive or not. My experience was pretty much uneventful. The poverty I saw was heart-breaking, but we have the same slums here in the US. The controllers of this planet make sure poverty is everywhere because it makes for an easier to control population.
I lived in tondo for 2 years, it's where my daughter was born. It's changed a lot since I last visited. But even I was safe when I went out, but always had my friends s&w .38 and Dalwood 9mm with me.
Hi you know I've never been to the Philippines but I never hear of anyone carrying guns there? Tell me more
@Mark Everson technically foreigners aren't allowed to carry guns, but my wife's uncle was a sargeant in the pnp, he gave me them. I never had to use them and only really took them if I went to other places like happyland. There were many feuds amongst gangs and family back in the day just after smokey mountain was cleared. Still it was generally a safe place. Another Dutch guy living close to us had his property done up like a fortress. I always got on with my barangy and helped many people so I was safe. Only got into a few skirmishes, usually with druggies.
@@mrgeorgebanister thanks for sharing never been to the Philippines so I was thinking about it then covid came I've sent money over there to help out children and for rice and metal roofing after storms but I've been scammed so many times and now my girlfriend we've had a falling out I was hoping to marry her it's hard here in the states nothing is the way it used to be.. I'm tired of scams I feel that I've been totally used
@Mark Everson in Philippines you don't marry the girl, you marry the family. It can be aside from the cultural aspect an extremely stressful and costly arrangement.
@@mrgeorgebanister yes I've learned some things over the last two or three years listening to different Vlogs occasionally , with that said my girlfriend doesn't have any family in Manila where she works just to try to get by. and in the province their house is broken from the hurricanes and her father is very old I think 85, a couple of sisters with kids all in the province far away Porta princess I think it's Palawan! that's part of the problem I'm not wealthy just on Social Security now but everything I have in the states is paid for but I don't know if if she is scamming me it's so hard to tell when they are being truthful or not ? sometimes!! very sad! I care so much about her,, here I have no one
Your videos definitely paint a different picture of how people are throughout the world. A perfect example is in the Philippines. The people seem very friendly.
You are showing the down to earth Philippines look like.
Thank you for doing this video
I love how humble and well informed you are about the places you travel to
Surprise surprise, my first day, my first walk from the Manila hotel, across the river. Into China town, straight into the garment market.
8:46
No problem at all. Never felt any danger.
There's a Manila slum walking video made by a local where he goes to a beach sewer and finds an ice cream vendor. After some haggling he buys the guy out and gives every kid a cone. Soon, the kids are lined up hundreds deep. Later in the slum, he buys out a fried chicken vendor. Every starving kid gets chicken. It made me cry to watch it. It was amazing to see how polite these street kids were.
I think Philippines is my favorite Asia country, then Japan, then Malayasia, then PNG. Love from America to all Filipinos watching.
It's funny because I was born and raised in Tondo then lived for years in Chicago which also had a rough history. I'm glad you are safe and had a great time though and we'd love to welcome you here again!
Thank you, you are one of my favorite RUclipsrs
People in the Philippines are very hospitable. I haven't traveled to the Philippines yet. I hope I can in the future
Awesome! Been there in that area several times while on vacation over the years and yes the filipino people are hospitable. Although the Philippines is a third world country and sometimes has a bad reputation, it is one of the best and most beautiful country to visit for the scenery, food and people! Thanks for sharing brother!
I just became attached to all your videos, after seeing the Philippines. Hopefully when everything settles I can travel like you.
I will always be proud of my roots thanks for featuring this man its awesome
Filipinos & Filipinas: Bravery, and also compassionate nice-ness. The best public relations for the Philippines is the everyday people.
this is authentic as you can get, raw....you're awesome bro, keep it up.....philippines is a beautiful country to explore with. they are a happy people.
such an authentic walk on the streets of manila. 🙌 Wow you’ve gotten into one household for sabon and water !! ❤️
That part was really amazing. He got to meet one of the typical common folk in Manila - the funny, outrageous, happy-go-lucky and very friendly Filipino guy.
It's always a great day when I start it by watching Sabbatical.
Tommy brother spreads happiness wherever he goes
Man...my head sushi chefs are from the philippines and ofc this is the country that i am planning to move to ..my professional culinary career will start there hopefully if not thai or japan but i have my eyes MAKATI....people are juat too friendly and i love that.
To me an adventure is not an adventure unless your spending it with the people of the land. That’s where the real experiences come from and true content. Have fun
I was in tondo the other night for street food, no one even really noticed me... cameras are what brings all of the attention.
The way you interacted and tge way you handle the haslers, man you have what it takes to be a Filipino. Salamat sa pagbisita, mabuhay ka hangang gusto mo!
I lived and grew up in Tondo, it is dangerous only at night when drunks are coming home. I remember almost getting stabbed because a drunk pos chased me because I looked at him once. Nowadays its somewhat safe but please still be careful.
Love your work. Keep enjoying yourself, get out there and live while you can.
Really enjoyed seeing the way you interacted with the locals, especially the kids!!
thank you for sharing this video i miss all my troops and friends from Manila especially my old home grown TONDO. I live in a different city but I got friends everywhere I miss them all. Greetings from Sydney
First time I watched your video and I immidiately said "That's it... I'm subscribing!" Dude! first time I saw an American braving the streets of the Tondo hood! Love to see how you interacted and reacted to the kids (even to those few hustlin to get your cap LOL). I also have an American buddy who plans to visit the Philippines and go to the same areas you went. Hopefully he enjoys when he gets here. Great content! Keep it up and looking forward to seeing more vids like this man.
The best part of the Philippines is its people, your vlog nailed it.
watching other travel vloggers isnt the same. youre another caliber with your language and historical knowledge.
100%! This is so different from travel vloggers, people like this are in a different genre. One that doesn't make me roll my eyes, and deserves way more respect. Although he's still doing the mOsT dAngEroUs FaVelA trope, his content has more to it that makes it worthwhile.
@@mikew3194 seconded
Agree. Just now I watch his video and I'm empress to his historical knowledge to our country. Which reminds my Phil. History lesson way back. Some I really don't know and thanks to him now I know.
I agree with the comment that said it became safer in Tondo by the later part of the 20th century. The most dangerous neighborhoods, in my experience, are the inner slums of taguig. When I lived there, crossing the C-5 from BGC is like stepping into a different world. I experienced a lot there.
I agree with you. That part of Taguig when you cross C-5 seems to be more dangerous now than Tondo.
Yeah! I can give my credits to former president Duterte on that. He was undeniably a very effective figure who made our local gangs and criminals rather quit than die lmao. Another contributing factor on that is the severe cases of drug use in our country, it's such a relief that things are getting better now don't know why some people are unbelievably ungrateful and cynical 🤷
I have relatives in Tondo. Its not what it is like in the 70s. Everywhere you go, there are some snatchers and gangs. But its not rampant anymore in the country especially Tondo. It depends where in particular. Tondo is a big place.
your insights take your videos 10 notches above all other of this type. love it dude. i'll be heading back to manila in june!
You're the guy, "strike everywhere" kind of. 👍 Cool New Yorker, awesome. Some pesky street kids will bother you asking for some change, just don't mind them but what you said is right "Wala akong pera" and leave them. Oh I might add, I'm just amazed of how well you know about the history of the Philippines.
When you got no response but smiles back at you that means they acknowledged it. Most of the Filipinos are shy and that is a common response.
Good to know you're safe even after being surrounded by street kids. Theyr pretty harmless but often have fast hands. That's what made the area so scary making other Filipinos wary and not visit specific places like Tondo
Much respect to you, you are out there showing the whole world things aren't as bad as they tell you on TV, much much respect to your brother....
My cousin was in the Philippines when WWII broke out and spent WWII in a prison. I think in manilla. After the war he went home to his wife and kids he worked for one of the most powerful unions as a negotiator . But a few times a year he'd go to the Philippines.
Turned out he had a second family. She had snuggled food to him as a pow.
A woman I used to knew was half french and half Philippine . Her parents met as pows also he was french and part of the french embassy and she was a local. Her dad I never met was my hero. He had a major stroke at age 73 after having sex 4 times with his wife one Wednesday night. My hero the perfect way to go.
I did ask what he ate . At 73 and rolling 4 times in a night awesome.
He mostly ate cheeseburgers and peanut butter sandwiches.
I am here in Bohol from Maryland for two weeks. My sister in-law got married over the weekend. Hot and humid, but everyone is always lovely. They speak Cebuano here.
Them asking for your hat is like keeping a souvenir from you, it's not necessarily a bad thing
The people there are friendly and hospitable.they seemed to be happy seeing a foreigner around.
They are rude, racist, and violent. You have no clue!
Awesome video that includes more of Manila than just BGC 👍👍👍
Great Video!You did your homework on the history of the Philippines!
Crazy the relations between the Spanish Philippines and some middle easter countries in their language
If you want to visit the slums, and hood areas inside the capital of manila. Visit Malate, Leveriza, Dagonoy, Paco, Sampaloc as well hehe
Filipinos have at least some Chinese ancestor in the past but most of us don’t really know/care about it. And just like what you said, most of our presidents and even our national hero have partial Chinese ancestry but we don’t really think of it, we just consider ourselves as fully Filipino.
Chinese origin surname is the second most common Filipino surname next to Hispanic (like Lim, Tan, Go, etc.) but most of us don’t have/know any Chinese in our family. So again, we only consider ourselves as Filipino.
I was in cebu city last year in august and will be there again this year! I went to the slums out there and I was fed!
Your vids are so much better than any other explorer I’ve watched on you tube keep up the good content mate from UK 👊🍺