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

Special thanks to all the locals that showed me around. You know who you are!

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[kewpiemayoe]

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

[litalienne]

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

[elizanerin]

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

[mikatsuru]

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

[jamcradleandmtb]

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

[Genso]

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

[wallacesousuke]

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

[nielsenn]

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

[LifeWhereImFrom]

I changed the title back and forth. I'm just keeping the original for right now. I'm trying to find the most accurate title for what I'm presenting, which I find a bit tough since I'm still working on my second video. I have a lot to say and I it was very eye opening for me to travel to a developing country for the first time. I've lived in two very wealthy G7 countries my entire life, so I guess I could say I had some "culture shock" getting a brief glimpse into the lives of those who weren't as fortunate as my family.


Probably my biggest takeaway is that I think there are so many things that I take for granted while living in Canada and Japan. Like we complain about our corrupt government, and I think we should always push our politicians to do better, but I think we may not realize how well our governments run. Infrastructure, safety, a clean environment; these are examples of things the average person doesn't worry about, allowing us to focus on higher level wants. I wish I could have taken my kids along with me so that they could realize how lucky they have it. But I also feel guilty for saying that, because it sounds so condescending. Since my trip, I've been contemplating on what I could do to help people in situations less fortunate than my own.


I honestly feel a bit helpless, since I think what's most needed is some big infrastructure projects that I could never help with like sanitation and transportation. For example, I was thinking about doing some more Kiva loans, but in the big picture, what will be the effect of helping someone fix up their Jeepney be? I have no doubt it'd be good on an individual level, but I feel like the real solution to transportation issues around Metro Manila requires government involvement. I'm not saying the government has to control the whole space, but someone needs to have a better plan and be able to arrange for the financing needed to transform the current situation. However, having read several news stories and studies, I also know it's just not that easy. The agency in charge not only doesn't have the funds, but they also face strong opposition from anyone who could be hurt from changing the status quo. The poor family relying on the tiny income they get from driving a Jeepney doesn't want to see anything happen that jeopardizes their family's well being.


I'll say one thing though, which was the heartwarming part of the trip: the families. It was really nice to see how close the families were and how supportive they were of each other. The sacrifices being made, whether it's a parent who goes off working overseas to support the family, or the older sister that's now paying for the education of her younger siblings. Or even just the small things, like the father and daughter showing me their gardens or another father and daughter shopping together. I could really feel the closeness. And they were close, because in both instances they lived a minute away from their parents. If there's one stereotype that I think is true, it's that Filipinos are really quite friendly and hospitable.


I have a feeling that despite wanting my next video to be in the 20-30 minute range, I might just make it longer so that I can take the time to really get through all the stories I heard and what my whole thought process was. That was my first time trying to tell a few stories from another country, so I'm still learning how to best make videos about my experiences.


All the best,

Greg

[gaib]

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

[andrewmiller]

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

[FernandoOrtegaJimenez]

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

[sfliebert]

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

[velosiped]

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

[rangadebipaul]

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

[Pulsarr]

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

[stanleylim]

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

[paulvincent]

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

[ethenliu]

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

[mucholokobro]

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