WIA Episode 8 | MADRID: Rediscovering the Pinoy’s Spanish Roots

We're happy to be back with new travels and new stories to tell! That's why we're kicking off our new adventures in the stunning country of Spain! For more than 300 years the Philippines has been under the rule of the Spanish empire. The Spanish rule definitely left a painful narrative to us, but we can't deny that they have greatly influenced the Filipinos- from our religion, traditions, history and of course up to our cuisine.

We're excited to show you around the city of Madrid and take you to the places special to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal!
We'll also introduce you to the proud Filipinos who are making their mark in their fields here plus, a lot of food!

P.S. One of the highlights of our trip is dining at the world's oldest restaurant:
Restaurante Botin!

So, I hope you enjoy this WIA Episode shot in Spain!

00:00 Intro
Kick off our exciting journey through Madrid!

02:56 Welcome to Madrid, Spain
Explore the vibrant streets and rich culture of Madrid as we arrive in the heart of Spain.

05:11 Travel from the Philippines to Spain
Join us on our travel adventure, bridging the Philippines and Spain.

08:29 Discovering Calle Gran Vía
Stroll down Madrid’s iconic boulevard.

09:26 Exploring the Palacio Real de Madrid
Step into the grandeur of Spain's Royal Palace, a symbol of the nation's rich heritage.

11:58 Following Jose Rizal’s Footsteps in Spain
Trace the journey of the Philippines' national hero, José Rizal, as he navigates Spain.

12:53 Spain through Rizal’s Eyes:
Uncover the two contrasting sides of Spain through Rizal's experiences.

13:31 Enjoying Drinks at Viva Madrid Bar
Rizal's favorite hangout spot in Madrid.

15:05 Ateneo de Madrid

18:26 Visiting the Rizal Monument on Avenida de Islas de Filipinas:
We paid tribute to José Rizal at his monument.

19:10 The Philippines and Spain Today: A Modern Connection
Discover the ongoing ties between these two nations in contemporary times.

21:09 The Spanish Influence: Catholicism’s Impact
Delve into how Spanish Catholicism has shaped Filipino culture and beliefs.

21:55 The History Behind “Tinapay”
Learn about the origins of "Tinapay" and its significance in Filipino-Spanish history.

24:32 Madrid’s Efficient Transportation System
Navigate through the city with ease thanks to Madrid’s efficient public transport.

26:22 Strolling Around Parque de Retiro
Relax in Madrid’s beautiful Retiro Park, a green oasis in the city.

27:08 The Dark Past of the Crystal Palace
Uncover the dark history behind the stunning Crystal Palace.

28:45 Meeting Filipino Rock Icon Kitchie Nadal
Catch up with Kitchie Nadal, a beloved Filipino musician, in her new life in Spain.

29:51 Why Kitchie Nadal Chose Spain
Hear from Kitchie herself on what drew her to live in Spain.

33:17 Dining at the World’s Oldest Restaurant: Sobrino de Botín
Experience culinary history at the world’s oldest restaurant, right in the heart of Madrid.

34:10 Proud Filipino Chefs at Botín
Meet the talented Filipino chefs making their mark at this historic restaurant.

34:46 The Art of Cooking Cochinillo
Get an insider look at how the famous Spanish dish, Cochinillo, is made to perfection.

42:10 Tasting the Delicious Cochinillo
Indulge in a mouthwatering experience as we savor the Cochinillo.

43:53 Exploring Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel
Dive into the flavors of Madrid at this bustling food market.

46:09 Karaoke Fun with Kabayans at Freedom Karaoke Bar
Sing your heart out and connect with fellow Filipinos at Madrid’s Freedom Karaoke Bar.

46:48 Meeting the First Filipino Maestro-Cortador
Meet the trailblazing Filipino who became Spain’s first Maestro-Cortador, a master of slicing ham.

48:20 Savoring the Jamón ibérico
Experience the rich flavors of Spain with a tasting of Jamon Iberico.

51:41 Running Through the Streets of Madrid
End our day with a refreshing run through the vibrant streets of Madrid.

52:06 Extro and What’s Next
A sneak peek of what’s coming up next and some bonus content just for you!

[GretchenHoOfficial]

Thank you very much for watching! It's good to be back! :)

[michellefelizarte]

Grabe, naiyak ako. Nakaka proud na may Dr.Jose Rizal tayo.

[anndelacruz]

Muchas gracias Grechen por hacer este documental sobre la cultura de Madrid y la influencia que tiene los españoles a Filipinas. Soy española-filipina. Pero siempe I'm a proud filipina parin. 🇪🇦🇵🇭❤

[JoeyPenuela]

This is such a great vlog/docuseries about Filipinos in Madrid. We learned so much about Dr. Rizal and how the Spanish-Filipino culture infused itself in Spain.

[dannynicart]

My first lesson on the history of the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule was through my Filipina wife, though it's just a snippet. With your documentary, I learned a lot. You're a great storyteller! Keep it up!

[BoggzCepe]

42:22 - Nakita ko itong restaurant sa vlog ni Mark Weins. Nahirapan pa si Mark makapasok dahil mahaba ang pila.
Samantalang ikaw, Gretchen Ho, exclusive mong napasok ang restaurant ng ikaw lamang.

Napakahusay ng iyong video. Nakakamangha. In-extend mo ang News Journalism skills mo dito sa channel mo. Isang special documentary ang ginawa mo.

We are so proud of you.
Keep making this kind of vlog.

[hitet]

For me! Spanish is the most sweet languange in the world. More content like this Ms Gretchen. GBU

[ShellyViajeraTravel]

Also an auxiliar de conversación here. Thanks for mentioning that we’re the English teachers now in this country and the ambassador even recognized us.😊 For the history part, you got the right person, Quino, to ask about Rizal’s life in Madrid.😃 Nice episode.

[travelingkulambo]

Ang ganda ng flow ng story telling mo gretch!!!❤ very clear and engaging!

[davisurdaneta]

Best international episode. Well-researched/documented, and excellent camera shosts. A well deserve congratulations to the entire team. Mi encanta mucho! Sigue viniendo!

[orchidgal]

We were in Spain in 2018 and saw most of the places featured here as well as ate in Botin whereby we (since tourists) were serenaded by a group of good looking and talented medical students who do this as their part time jobs. Back then we didn’t have any tour guide and did the rounds on our own. Now I have a better understanding of what significance those places are that we visited. I appreciate this so much.

[mrjoepira]

Kudos to the entire team. Sobrang ang enjoy aka panoorin. Very educational, informative, historical. I learned a lot especially in regards to Dr Jose Rizal, the oldest restaurant in the world chaka siyempre mag kababayan nating may magandang tarbaho. I like the way how Gretchen do her job, very natural and cordial. I also like edting part. galing ng editor...Looking forward to more like this pls. Ansarap when your living your dreams...

[marsmallow_]

History, food, language, and travel.

YouTube never fails me to amaze. As someone who's currently learning Spanish. I tend to appreciate Spain more lately. ❤

[donnabicolana]

This documentary video is educational, many young viewers would learning the history of the Philippines and Spain. We knew that some of the youth are lazy to read so, this is good for them. Thank you for sharing this with us❤

[BrendzMendezLopez]

Being here in Spain for 5years, this documentary/travel history vlog still makes me wow! Marami pa pala akong di nakikitang places that connects about our history and our hero Jose Rizal! Great! 🥰

[KC-hdwi]

11:16 Pinoy Auxiliares
15:33 Ateneo de Manila
16:30 Calle amor de Dios, pagtitipid ni Rizal & pag-iimmerse sa cultura
17:00 Calle Alcala, La Indolencia
19:00 Excel, tao lang din siya tulad natin
23:00 Pan & Food History
26:14 Parque del Retiro
27:13 Crystal Palace, human zoo & multo ng nakaraan
31:00 Kitchie & other Fil in Spain
31:44 Kitchie singing her song in spanish
33:24 oldest restaurant in the world

[lissafoster]

Hello from USA! We were in Spain last April. Watching your vlog is like reliving our vacation. Love the way you explain things. Very clear and interesting. Your diction is clear, not maarte. I appreciate that. Well done, Gretchen!

[cesardeguzman]

If I were a Malacañang insider I will suggest to PBBM to appoint this well traveled lady to be the county's Sec of Tourism. She's intelligent, active and beautiful.

[nadinenaadat]

So nice naman this episode. Congrats Gretchen & to ur team! Nakaka proud maging Pinoy.. Cheers! 🎉🇵🇭🎉

[LasQuez]

Viva España...!!!🎉🎉🎉 Y filipinas 🎉🎉🎉 de esperanza ❤