5 Brutally Honest Truths About The Philippines You Must Know Before You Book Your Ticket

[@AthenaCat0324]

Another advice to tourists is to Manage your expectations. Some "hotels" may just be like a simple transient house, some places may not have good Wifi or any Wifi at all, some restaurants may not have your dietary preferences especially if you're allergic to gluten as we use soy a lot here, bring bug spray if you don't want mosquitoes to feast on you, traffic is a daily part of life. Enjoy your vacation

[@barryjbriggs]

All very true, well said

[@antonioguamil3275]

Or don't come here at all.

[@AbbyLeFleur]

​@@antonioguamil3275E di pinatay mo Tourism ng Pinas with that kind of mindset

[@dsrrellgriffith1161]

@@antonioguamil3275 good idea

[@FrancisDuplito]

as a FILIPINO I am 100% READY to HEAR your VOICE your THOUGHTS about my country the PHILIPPINES good or bad we FILIPINOS can learn and relate from you, and keep safe thanks

[@barryjbriggs]

Thanks!

[@myragaculaisdelrosario5853]

Loved #5! Tourists should definitely chat with us, ask for info, recommendations, instructions (on how to eat halo halo for instance)! Foreigners do miss a whole lot when they stay in their bubble. :)

[@barryjbriggs]

Appreciate you!

[@davidburt6659]

what a load of rubbish

[@18bbq789]

Great content and editing! This may be the first of its kind, you say, but to one who travels or who would like to understand how other travellers honestly view one’s country, this is appreciated. Keep ‘em coming! Enjoy the #Philippines!

[@barryjbriggs]

I appreciate you!

[@fccmbc87]

Mother nature is unpredictable specially in tropical countries. great video thank you.

[@barryjbriggs]

🙏🙏💯

[@eagleofthenorthmacroexcell6843]

It's a good format. Add to your list the traffic and scammers, always consider at least 1 hour earlier on your scheduled time,

[@barryjbriggs]

Oh yes the traffic in Manila is insane

[@AndyDelaPaz-r6v]

Keep the videos coming!!!

[@barryjbriggs]

Appreciate you!

[@jessiedeocares2591]

#5 is true. the best experience in the phils is interacting with the locals. filipinos love having a laugh and are fun to interact with

[@bolin5638]

I hope your channel will keep on growing. I love your contents about my country🇵🇭 so thank you.

[@barryjbriggs]

Thank you! 😃

[@RichGriffith-p1f]

0:55 --- 1-Have A Plan 3:00--- 2-The Heat 3:55--- 3-The Weather 5:05---4-Brown Outs 6:00---5-Don't Be Closed Off--Interact With Locals You're Welcome 🤷✌️🙂

[@ToGoPhilippines-uz1qe]

Nice formatting! Keep coming back😃

[@jon888umali]

Great tips! Very, very helpful info for new tourists to the country! Keep it up!

[@barryjbriggs]

Thank you!!

[@JinkyJoyceAguilar]

I'm a Filipina who loves to travel my local spots in the country. Everything you have observed are spot on, especially when you travel in the provinces, brownouts are an occurence,. But may I say, that in the (big) cities, like Manila, Makati BGC and the NCR, Cebu, Davao, etc. brownouts are a rarity. Philippines has many faces where you can experience the modern and traditional. Wherever you go in our country, you will discover that our people embraces both technology and the old traditions. You will experience that we Filipinos accept everyone, even people, culture and things that are different from ours. We are a curious, accepting and loving race, that's why we are easily accepting of foreigners. Thank you for understanding our values & differences. Enjoy your discovery of the Philippines.

[@johnwriter8234]

Am retired veteran, I moved to Bacolod City 4 years ago, married Filipina and have a baby daughter...BEST years of my life !! ( built a house with solar panels)

[@kalanikadafe]

Even us Filipinos book our tickets in advance when traveling domestically 😅

[@barryjbriggs]

💯💯

[@aklanpinoy6717]

Subbed! Thank you! Thanks for the tips!

[@JaneWayet-p2d]

6:10 Hi Barry i was amazed to your video, now im your new subscriber, visit cordillera like kumander daot many tourist spot and organic views you can add to your vlogs,

[@vosk6481]

These shots are amazing!

[@barryjbriggs]

Appreciate that 🙏

[@Jojo-bm4tb]

pond5

[@Jakeylicious7891]

Yeah, the Philippine weather's on crack. As a British person, I'm so used to it. We experience rain, hailstorms, cloudy skies, and a dash of sunshine all in a day. What surprised me though in Manila was the heat. Then I discovered the power of being just shirtless the entire day. What was frowned upon in the UK, being shirtless in the streets, was a very much welcomed venture in the Philippines. I had a feeling if the locals could strip naked, they would if they could.

[@barryjbriggs]

Yeah especially in the provinces. People hop on motorbikes in their swimsuits and flip flops like it's nothing

[@wtb472]

Before the Philippines was colonized, the indigenous Filipinos were almost naked. Then the Spaniards came and thought of them as indecent. So, they clothed the locals in European style clothing… in the tropical heat!

[@alice_agogo]

Well, it's natural

[@fujijitanikos]

Thank you for being brutally honest

[@barryjbriggs]

🙏🙏

[@Arnel_A67]

Number 6 could be food especially for some who are vegetarian or vegan but more and more food shops are offering veggies

[@barryjbriggs]

Oh 100%, we didn't see a whole lot of vegetarian options while we were out and about there

[@chemdelic]

Back again with another banger!!

[@barryjbriggs]

Thanks brother!!

[@KrustyKrab85]

Watching this from Siargao!

[@barryjbriggs]

Aye!

[@KrustyKrab85]

@@barryjbriggs First time here, your videos convinced me to come and visit. Definitely made the right decision.

[@barryjbriggs]

@@KrustyKrab85oh no way! How are you liking it so far?

[@christinaigualdo5433]

You’re right brother…visiting my country you need to be flexible 😊❤

[@mochapoundcake]

3:31 The humidity makes the apparent temperature seem hot. Otherwise, it gets hotter in places like Arizona and Florida in the US.

[@nlf17]

Love you Sir! 😂 Huge respect! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ i hope you will come back again! 🙏🙏🙏

[@marjunmarcelocristobal2678]

Philippines-- the Absolute Paradise for Destinations that are Out of the Box!❤

[@OurSweetHideout]

Love this video brother! This is awesome As always well crafted and so much value said, as a Filipino/kiwi I can see it as a local and a tourist, you nailed this one. Man I remember the trip to Balabac, it was such a raw experience - Mark

[@zethcao11]

In addition, just stay safe and keep your things in safety too.

[@barryjbriggs]

Absolutely 💯

[@mayettes0878]

Thank you for these reminders..these are all facts 💯

[@barryjbriggs]

🙏🙏

[@artangeloymana1625]

I strongly agree to the # 5, because this makes your experience truly memorable. . . Together with my Classmates and teacher, we travelled back to Jakarta (Indonesia) , for 4 days. So during lean time, I tried to talk to people there, at the parking lot at a grocery store, or at the streets. . . the effect was fulfilling. It was like my 4 days there seemed I was there for 4 years. 😊

[@datingociones5763]

My advice is to come to the Philippines from January to March. These are the cool months 😊

[@barryjbriggs]

Great advice!

[@cherry0409]

Just to correct number 4, you can experience black out on some of our Islands and provinces but not in the city. So if you are planning to go island hoping, expect the blackout especially in night time, but most of the hotel/airbnb have generators nowadays, so if your going to rent or check-in, ask them if there's blackout every night and ask to lower the price if there is... 😅😅😅

[@barryjbriggs]

Yes and I forgot to mention that some hostels/homestays/airbnbs sometimes even turn off the power at certain times. Not very common but in the provinces ya might see that

[@mannyy266]

If I may add, I was gonna say HEAT then I heard you say it. (Typing while watching) I cannot handle it as a Filipino..

[@bemcorrales5358]

Looking forward to your next visit here in the Philippines 🇵🇭 😊 ❤❤❤

[@barryjbriggs]

Can't wait to hopefully be back!

[@PuffOfSmoke]

My tip to all foreigners is to never leave your stuff unattended. The moment you put your bag down or your phone and get distracted, it'll be gone before you can exclaim, "WTF?"

[@ALIF-fe3bj]

THIS HAPPEN ANYWHERE NOT ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES,NO ONE CAN DENY IT

[@tashkenty]

Hope to be with a handsome fella like you during my vacation there😊

[@Jojo-bm4tb]

ewww

[@annemariesantelices1193]

Yeah..always inquire or ask from a local and known tourist agency..do not ask just anyone. Dry or hot months are from April to June

[@mikeyfraile2402]

The Philippines have a colder places like Baguio the Summer Capital and Tagaytay other higher places like the mountain provinces Benguet Bontoc Sagada etc. There are many of these but under develope so during hot summer months most filipino go to these places during Christmas season these places becomes very cold so be prepared to bring jackets to protect from cold weather in low places Filipinos stay at sheltered places or in aurcondition malls and restaurants in noon time or afternoon they wait until 4:00 or 4:30 pm before they walk around the street to avoid extreme heat which bad for the skin can cause prickly heat , sunburn and skin cancer

[@realjamessilva5490]

The weather is expected when you go to a tropical country

[@abetskychua]

I understand that there is no perfect place, however, I still consider my beloved country- the Philippines as the best among the best countries, and that includes our culture!

[@ludieziehmer8497]

Yes,😊 am Pinay I miss the hospitality. Am moving back I like the warm ocean in summer clear blue water and sky😊

[@barryjbriggs]

Same

[@fernandolapitan197]

BALABAC - Philippines’ last frontier re weather: the best tine to visit the country is from Nov to March. But if you a good weather during summer, visit Baguio city (northern part of the Phil kr in Tagaytay ( 1 hr from Manila)

[@RichGriffith-p1f]

Rain or shine, in the Philippines, always carry an umbrella. You need it for protection against the intense heat of the sun, and for downpours which often come quickly and unexpectedly. 🤷✌️😎

[@jesseferdinandpasco1661]

Adding a couple of supporting points - 1. The weather and heat - if you don't respect it, it will kill you. I sh1t you not. Water and in some cases, salt tablets or electrolytes are needed. 2. Yes - talk to us. We do not mind. In fact, we 're thrilled to talk to you SPECIALLY if you're clearly from out of town.

[@barryjbriggs]

On the ball

[@RJ-iy4es]

Thank you planning to visit next year.

[@barryjbriggs]

You should! And have fun 🎉

[@kristianrabulan7138]

the last one hits home to me... thank you dear...

[@barryjbriggs]

🙏🙏

[@regorflora7915]

dont go on summer. its peak season, its hot and humid, and prices are higher.

[@davidburt6659]

I have been coming to the Philippines since 2001...including TWO years as a mentor inside the MAXIMUM security prison I am back in the PHILIPPINES living with a FILIPINA family as a volunteer with free accommodation. This family is university educated from the grand parents.

[@chantararix]

Funny enough, these points are the same things a Filipino would be concerned about. As a local, I can completely testify that these concerns are real. If you live here, you'll know how to get around it but these are all real problems that even us locals would always take into consideration. Also, I firmly advice to heed the last point: COMMUNICATE WITH THE LOCALS. You'll get more tips and will have easier ways around the place with guidance from he locals. Locals will always help visitors if you ask them. Just ask politely and treat them nicely. Who knows? You might get some freebies along the way. Filipinos have a culture of accommodating visitors to the best we could. All you need to do is ask nicely.

[@ArchieS-id8lf]

Wish someone visit more the Babuyan island group, the northernmost islands closest to Taiwan. Very different to the rest of the country, hard to get to but extremely beautiful.

[@RichGriffith-p1f]

#2 The Heat. Bro, it's not the heat so much, it's more the humidity. Yes, the sun is intense, and you can get a sunburn in just 30 minutes! But the temperature in the Philippines is usually in the 80's. 🤷🥵🌅

[@joban7851]

True experienced 😅

[@mitch5758]

That’s the truth though I’m a Filipino I agree with you.

[@barryjbriggs]

Appreciate you!

[@lizawander5469]

Nice

[@RichGriffith-p1f]

You kind of implied that brown outs are caused by unpredictable weather. Brown outs happen for several reasons. Some brown outs are intentional, to balance the power grid and manage power demand. I live away from the city, in the province of Leyte. Last month we had seven brown outs. Some lasted two to five minutes. One lasted an hour and a half, and one lasted overnight (12 hours). Some Filipinos have power generators, which help keep food in the fridge from spoiling, and reduces the negative effects of being without power. 🤷✌️😎

[@doc2log]

I am Filipino and I know my country is not paradise BUT I love it nevertheless, despite its shortcomings! Lpw cpst airlines ALWAYS offer cheaper fares MONTHS before, and then to cover for less passengers, they charge skuhigh!!!

[@barryjbriggs]

Yes considerably more, 3-4x more

[@margauxxander4488]

This is a good info...

[@fujijitanikos]

Time management too

[@barryjbriggs]

100%

[@ethiehetherington5086]

Maybe next time you go back to the Philippines. go to the north, especially Baguio and other parts of the north.

[@barryjbriggs]

Baguio is definitely on my top five for next time!

[@ethiehetherington5086]

@@barryjbriggs You will like the weather there.

[@Frank-y1m]

Love it

[@haighton]

basically all 5 points apply/count for every country one visits

[@jjdelacross]

Dont book connecting flight with hours to spare. Best have a day or two as buffer between domestic and int'l flights

[@barryjbriggs]

Totally agree! That’s a wise move

[@luzvidz8834]

With Climate change ..Philippines is getting hotter than before just like where I’m living here in France …it’s a rainy area and with climate change rain is getting heavier 😓✌🏼🇫🇷

[@emilyacana341]

Not only in the Philippine mostly the southeast Asian countries. I lived in Singapore it’s the same during hot season now it’s rainy season, every day raining.

[@lyne7023]

I wanna go home….😢😅😊

[@barryjbriggs]

Hope you can visit home again!

[@eddie.ellabe]

You need to visit camiguin island next time you visit…

[@ReyvenBergado-tf2sc]

The Philippines is the Pearl of the Orient Seas . The best Paradise tourists Attractions in the world are in the Philippines

[@jbv-jh5eo]

It's not only 7,000 islands but we have 7,640 islands in the Philippine..😊

[@alvin081988]

Reasin why we don't modernize or add Airports to the other places in hard to go to Places is....Our Gov't doesnt want to destroy the Natural Beauty of this Places

[@Simpleliving88]

Stay in manila condo no brownouts.eat in a great resto, bars , coffee shop.please comeback. Im retired here from los angeles California. I retired early 😊

[@barryjbriggs]

Can confirm, staying in Manila condos and working out of there is next level

[@RichGriffith-p1f]

You said, "You guys" five times in the final 30 seconds. My least favorite thing that YT vloggers do is saying, "You Guys" way too much! Other than that, nice video, great music & editing! 🤷👌🙂

[@keithcortez5929]

My dude, brown outs are only rampant in the islands and very rural areas where the infrastructure for electricity is weak. If you are visiting major cities like Manila or Cebu, only major typhoons could cause black outs. So if you're a digital nomad staying in the cities, there's no need to fear black outs.

[@junjunfranci]

Maraming salamat!

[@01olracman]

No hot water Small toilets Some have open canals watch your step No interstate highways. Lack of adequate AC

[@Vic-f6z]

New subscriber here

[@makingdifference4498]

I think you concern about the heat. because you came here is bad year because of el ninio phenomenal and the weather is unpredictable

[@piacash5216]

🙏👍👍👍✌️👌💪💪

[@floren879]

Hello 👋

[@barryjbriggs]

Hello 👋

[@mrrobert177]

U shouldn't be driving to southern Palawan anyway....why go to red zones when 7000 islands of beauty

[@gracepadriga5139]

Being a filipino of course i love ❤️ my native land it was like amazing gift by God about this place since beginning but the sad thing political arena here is corrupt and so much now because we got to let allowed to came back the Marcos in power the son of our long time dictator president to ran the country so the son of him because we are forgiving people in the Philippines we choose him after Duterte the past president to continue the development the progress for better Philippines but we are totally wrong. Now we are sufferlng the economy drop the standard of was terrible.

[@BatutaTatuba-m8w]

Everything is accurate except for the mention of Balabac. You went to Balabac because of its pristine and seldom-visited state, a result of the absence of hotels and undeveloped infrastructure. Presenting it as an example of the difficulty of travel would be misleading. Palawan was largely a malaria-ridden jungle, secluded from the world until 1980, and only opened up for widespread tourism in the early 2000s. Moreover, traveling between islands separated by wide bodies of seas is naturally more challenging and more expensive than traversing a single landmass.

[@tercdawg]

Locals can drink man, they're cool as long as you're paying for alcohol lol

[@vilmajones7877]

Pouring rain is normal. Hahaha!

[@barryjbriggs]

Yeah it was wild

[@antonioguamil3275]

Here's the honest truth as a Filipino, we're a third world country, there are other places you can go to, that will live up to your expectations go there instead, if you go here it is what it is, dont believe what you see in yourube, or what we Filipinos comment about ourselves because we're just like everyone else, there are the good the bad and the ugly, and lastly dont complain, because your experience was not as good as those influencers, it's content, you see what they want you to see, and filipino baiting.....you chose to go here you chose to get suckered in.

[@zidvicious6047]

Honestly, Manila as a whole sucks. There’s not much attractions. Malls don’t really count. Not a lot of green spaces. Most of the nice places to go are outside Manila. Sincerely, a 34-year-old who was born and raised here and still calls it home.

[@ahvicremulla544]

Actually since we are surrounded by waters we are rich in storms and flood😅😅

[@ELEAByahera]

Food - Filipinos are meat lovers. Not a lot of options for vegan or vegetarians here. Restaurants - you will find more fast food here, international cuisine than good restaurant that offer local food. Filipino food are served in our homes. When we go out, we do not eat food we normally eat at home. That's why most restaurants are NOT local food. Vistiors often dislike Carenderia/Eatery food. SLOW Travel - expect to use at least 3 transport before you reach your destination. Philippines is an archipelago. ARCHIPELAGO. We can't have an airport at every island that may only have population of less than 500,000. Accomodation - EXPENSIVE and you don't get much of that value when you compare it with neighboring countries. Funny, but a lot of these places are run by tourist who came and never left our islands. LASTLY, I hope everyone who visits, eventually goes home. Some of our places are too gentrified already.

[@mikoyeshiro963]

Not developing. As a Filipino, we have a mega corrupt government and politicians from top to bottom. That's the main reason why Philippines never get to develop at all.

[@haighton]

@mikoyeshiro963, and who votes for those mega corrupt politicians ...?

[@manueleduarte1275]

I mean no disrespect here, Barry. I love your videos. But I hope your channel doesn't turn Pinoy Baiter type channels like lots of channels I've seen in the past. Channels that do that are just here for clicks, disingenuous ones at that. Like you said, the locals treat you like family.

[@markbee9446]

What a load of junk. If you're not a traveler and can't comprehend and accept that if you go to another country, that it's going to be different and likely outside your comfort zone, then stay at home! The Philippines are literally one of the very easiest countries to travel in. Essentially no language barrier, wonderful people, low cost and FULL of amazing sights, history and nightlife. Give your head a shake.

[@kevink3975]

Flaws is an understatement! Worst drivers, especially trikes! Trash, trash and more trash ! Horrible infrastructure! Hospitals are a joke and brownouts

[@marvintravel]

Brown -Outs!😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@inggoj]

Philippines to me remains a third world or developing country because of corrupt government officials. To live in the Philippines is very inconvenient.

[@JAB63050]

For me, #1 fact - the Philippines is the #1 riskiest country in the world from natural disasters. Earthquake, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, flooding, landslides etc. But the Philippines has been continuously inhabited for like 20,000+ years, and inhabitants have learned to cope, survive, develop their own ways of living with it. Even if one can stay in a "bubble" chances are they will get affected by mother nature somehow.

[@moniquecolan3917]

888th likes

[@ay5667]

Just ur opinion thats all 😂😂

[@BB-dp4kh]

Useless and pointless..contradictory..information

[@mnz6324ify]

Philippines has a lot of plus, with the scenery and tourism, the culture, the people etc. However if you are planning to live there permanently you need to know that Philippines not all Hospitals have the capabilities like MRI or CAT Scans even some medications that are available in Western Countries. Even if they are available or if you have to be admitted to the ER or hospital care they will demand full payment to admit you. They are not obligated to provide you medical treatment unlike the US where they will treat you regardless if you are able to pay. Health Insurance are not available nor 401k is available if you are not sitting with a good amount of money you are screwed. As a Filipino American who was born in Philippines, if you have a solid plan financially you will be fine but if you have not you need to start planning financially because it can be hard in Philippines if you have no plans financially and your health.

[@HEARTUNESZ]

Also, have a local you know guide you. Having a local friend who speaks your language and is familiar with your culture will save you a lot of trouble as a lot of things get lost in the translation. Content creators who have local subscribers are one step ahead as it saves a lot of trouble looking for someone. It's another expense for travel fees and everything but it's nothing compared to all troubles you would deal with not having one. Thank me later. Safe travels 🫡🛩️

[@gracepadriga5139]

Being a filipino of course i love ❤️ my native land it was like amazing gift by God about this place since beginning but the sad thing political arena here is corrupt and so much now because we got to let allowed to came back the Marcos in power the son of our long time dictator president to ran the country so the son of him because we are forgiving people in the Philippines we choose him after Duterte the past president to continue the development the progress for better Philippines but we are totally wrong. Now we are sufferlng the economy drop the standard of was terrible.