FIRST IMPRESSIONS Of Manila Philippines 2024 🇵🇭

In this video I'm sharing my first impressions of Manila Philippines in 2024. Arriving at NAIA Airport, catching a taxi from the airport, and where to stay in Manila. Enjoy watching!
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#manila #manilabay #philippines

[@AbroadInThailand]

Grab the free ebook on my website: www.beremoteconsulting.com

[@Zee_1003]

Manila? Dangerous? It's more dangerous in NYC, Chicago ,TN and other blue states where lawlessness is rampant. We don't have school shootings here, no smash and grab, no unprovoked hate crimes, no one will push you to death in the train station and no drug addicts casually using drugs in the streets.

[@ReishaJana]

It seems that you flagged an airport taxi, anywhere in the world its more expensive because its available right away, you don't need to wait for booking or in queu, its not the normal metered or Grab taxi, the reason is that toll and parking fees is expensive at the airport plus the taxi's return trip back to the airport, next time do your research. Also, if you will booked a private hostel/Airbnb make sure to call them beforehand, not just show up in the middle of the night and complain about them not opening the door and blabbing about that place is dangerous, I know that place, its in the middle class area for f#ck sake, do you think they will welcome tourist there if its not safe? remember this is not the US, no mass shooting, no mall looting and unprovoked hate crimes, the dangerous label that you read online is applicable anywhere in the world, this is an old school caution in the 90s, but of course you still need to be cautious wherever you are not just in the Philippines, if you still believe that Manila is extremely dangerous and complain a lot go somewhere else, you are not welcome here, goodbye👎

[@somedaywellknow1811]

@@ReishaJana even the airport taxis are regulated... airport taxis are metered...

[@ReishaJana]

​@@somedaywellknow1811I saw a different video of a foreign vlogger by the name of Benjamim Adventures entitled "Downtowm Manila" in the first part of his vlog he was talking about a government regulated taxi that was offered to him at the airport with the list of places and prices, same price of 2,900, but he already book a grab for 460 only. I think this vlogger was not scammed, he saw the same list of prices but still opt to ride the taxi and blabbing that he was scammed, I dared him to post the video, but he deleted my comment, so I considered his complaint just a HERESAY I wonder why he didn't visit the grab booth available outside the airport and requested them to book for him instead since he doesn't have a sim card that time... what a lousy wannabe vlogger!

[@somedaywellknow1811]

@@ReishaJana 2900 for a taxi is a rip off wether on a list or not.a taxi costing five or six times the cost of a grab is a rip off..wether someone agreed to it or not. i dont think the LTFRB would agree with you.

[@mardomingo4348]

You should have done your research first before travelling to Manila. That Php2,900 taxi fare is a total rip-off. Airport to Makati will cost Php500 or less. Many taxi drivers in Metro Manila are scammers if they sense that you are an uninformed tourist (sad fact). You should have booked a grab or Joyride car (like uber). Knowledge is a key brothaa.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment and I appreciate your feedback!

[@SilentBill-ze1gf]

​@@AbroadInThailandcall grab before you go to airport for El Nido , go to mall of Asia for good choices in food , again use grab

[@edgarquines6018]

Welcome to my country Be safe and Enjoy!

[@JoeyZee-vs4kr]

If ever you ride a taxi, tell the driver to use METER. You'll be scammed if they won't use it. It's illegal to not use it. If you complain to the authorities, they will be fined or suspended from driving. Use Grab if you don't want to be hassled. 😊

[@AbroadInThailand]

@@JoeyZee-vs4kr Good to know thanks! My driver definitely wasn't using a meter 🙄

[@Zee_1003]

It helps to do your research first before coming to a place so you won't have unpleasant or uncomfortable experiences. Tons of videos of expats coming here are available for you to watch and learn from.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment and I appreicate the feedback.

[@ramseyleo]

I don't like your attitude....you're expecting too much.....go back to where you came from.....

[@charlesgotidoc5288]

What do you expect? getting a great quality hotel room for only 19-20 dollars in a city common man. Actually, I was surprised that for that price, you can still get a fairly decent clean room with AC and a hot and cold shower.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Very cheap and I wasn't expecting much obviously

[@efriendsf]

“Dangerous” depends on your choice of neighborhood. 10 min walk from ritzy Union Square in San Francisco is Tenderloin, a dangerous place. Choose Makati and BGC area. You can’t go wrong. Why did you not take Grab (Uber in the Philippines) or coupon taxi at the airport. You did not set yourself up for success.

[@AbroadInThailand]

San Francisco is arguably more dangerous than Manila. I'm only taking Grab to get around from here on out!

[@dcadventures2394]

@@AbroadInThailandManila is relatively inexpensive. Don’t be so cheap otherwise you will not have a good time wherever you go. Grab is a little more expensive than taxi but it is a much more comfortable and safe ride. No scamming with Grab.

[@boardingpass8183]

Watch vloggers like Always be Changing, Jumping Places, Kristi Travel Escapes, Joel Friend, 1 Passport 1 Dream, Travel Escape to name a few so you would know more information how they travel the Philippines. Enjoy your time in the Philippines.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jjjkurt84]

new manila intl airport is being constructed, while terminal 1 will go on improvemen, i did enjoy in philippines more than u mention hcmc and bangkok manila is unique in se asia

[@AbroadInThailand]

I flew out of my Terminal 2 earlier today to reach Palawan. Definitely a nicer airport!

[@jjjkurt84]

@@AbroadInThailand terminal 2 is previously for PALbut it open now as donestic i think, cebu city had nice niew airport

[@porkyvonchop6458]

you can report and file a complain at that taxi driver. he just drop you off like that and over price... if you have a video of him upload it...

[@AbroadInThailand]

Nothing can be done. No sense worrying about it now.

[@robertscrimsher4838]

I'm an American in manila now (Saturday) if you need some hotel information let me know

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks I'm leaving for El Nido later today

[@mochigrapes5599]

*Locals don’t even use taxi either, they opt for grab*

[@AbroadInThailand]

I only use Grab in the city now!

[@allesandraa.8282]

"The reason for your unfamiliarity with a country could be due to your love for travel. Understanding transportation options and typical fares, especially from the airport to your destination, is very important. Unfortunately, scams can occur anywhere,like taking a cab,had you made some research you would have paid maybe about P400 to 600,because we have grab,like uber in US.Am sure that would make you frustrated upon arrival in Manila, possibly deterring you from wanting to return. Interestingly, many renowned vloggers choose the Philippines as their home base. It's essential not to solely rely on non-Filipinos' opinions about the country's safety, as the U.S. can be even riskier than the Philippines.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your feedback

[@cashcade100]

Hi Mike - Great to see you in Manila,.. finally... you look exhausted... very happy to see you on your firs visit to Manila...

[@AbroadInThailand]

Yes tired it was a long travel day! Glad to be in Manila for a few days but will also be glad to leave. Heading down to Palawan tomorrow evening!

[@JoeyZee-vs4kr]

If you have taken the plate number of that taxi, it's possible that you can retrieve back the money if you report it to the authorities 😊

[@AbroadInThailand]

I didn't and nothing can be done. It's water under the bridge.

[@CHOKSMISMO]

Stop saying it’s not very safe in Manila. You don’t have a complete idea of the place. Do some research first before coming to the place you haven’t been yet.

[@AbroadInThailand]

First impressions. Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

[@nanivon]

It’s a 1k room so you will not expect a very nice one. Hotels in PH are quite expensive compared to Bangkok. So, I can say that the room you got for that amount is good enough. Manage your expectations always especially if you book a budget accommodation here in the Philippines.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Yeah I wasn't expecting much for a budget hotel in the Pasay area. Thanks for the tip!

[@rainieresguerra6519]

Welcome to the Philippines. Thank you for the visit. Enjoy your stay.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thank you! 😃 I'm in Palawan now!

[@vhicb7998]

New subscriber here! More power!

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for subscribing! Stay tuned for upcoming video episode from The Philippines! 🇵🇭

[@AmronZeravla-ds4uf]

Any problems like price, etc.. inform police or security guards around. Stay safe

[@smiley9987]

Take care. Stay safe. And happy exploring!

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thank you 🙏

[@calky360]

Well at least you'll probably always remember your first night in Manila now. Hope rest of the trip is smoother for you.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Haha yeah that's for sure! It's indelibly linked in my memory.

[@Gregvert]

Welcome to the Philippines, but please don't act like an entitled foreigner. Remember, you are a guest here and should act like one. Please be guided accordingly.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Understood!

[@planning-A1945]

Welcome to the Philippines 😍😁 Philippines can negotiable the price so ask first before ride 😁

[@AbroadInThailand]

Good to know! Wish I had known this ahead of time 😉

[@jeffveale]

your back on right track

[@AbroadInThailand]

Let's hope it only gets better from here!

[@abs-cbntv5vlog179]

Sorry, sir, for the bad experience on your first night here in the Phippines. Your 2, 900 cab fare was very expensive, if I got it correctly as what you've said.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Yes 2,900 pesos is way too much for a short taxi ride. Lesson learned!

[@abs-cbntv5vlog179]

@AbroadInThailand I hope you won't be disheartened despite what happened. Nevertheless, I still believe that many of them, if not all, are honest. Enjoy your stay here, sir💞

[@shirleyrago2406]

Welcome to the Philippines,take care always

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your support. Glad to be here!

[@keitha7603]

Just came here to say what everyone’s been saying, you should have done your research before going to Manila. A seasoned traveler would have checked the area of their accommodation, made arrangements with their accommodation regarding their eta knowing beforehand you might not have mobile data, and the most glaring mistake, DO NOT TAKE A TAXI OUTSIDE ANY AIRPORT!! At least in developing countries in lat am and SE asia and to some extent, Europe. You will always get scammed by the drivers. Also, I hope you try authentic local Filipino food because it is one of the most underrated cuisine in the world. Even Canada has some good Filipino restaurants in Vancouver, Missassauga and Toronto..

[@AbroadInThailand]

Lesson learned! Won't make the same mistake twice. Taking Grab everywhere from now on around the city while I'm here.

[@allancrisv]

Nice one sir... Be safe... From Istanbul..

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thank you, I will

[@doc2log]

How did you discern it was a dangerous street?

[@AbroadInThailand]

With my own two eyes and multiple different accounts from locals.

[@ReishaJana]

​​@@AbroadInThailandreally??? what did you saw? did someone threaten your life? is there an unprovoked hate crime? mass shooting? pickpocket? if you didn't catch it on film, its a heresay😂 remember that locals here always caution foreigners to be vigilant, since we want our guest or visitors to have the best time of their lifes spent here and have a safe travel, this applies everywhere not just in the Philippines but it doesn't necessarily mean that the neighborhood is dangerous, where is the film? I dare you to post it or else its a false comment😂 FAKE! you know what, you can go back to where you came from, we.don't need you here, adios!

[@rookieproducer]

I like your spirits. 😄

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your support

[@tobiasmeyer1766]

crazy experience 😅

[@AbroadInThailand]

🤪🤪🤪

[@minim6981]

Makati is one of the business districts, but there's also another side (Poblacion) that's the redlight district. So be careful because Makati can be very different depending on what side you're on. BGC is all nice though, and close to Makati.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Stay tuned for my next video exploring the Makati area. It's a much better and more positive experience!

[@bernadetteoneill7014]

Welcome to the Phils. Enjoy & stay safe. Sorry you got scammed by a taxi driver. Use Uber / Grab next time. 🎉🎉 Watching from Down Under. 😊

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment

[@jjjkurt84]

Philippines had some underated foods try paella morcon menudo imbutido sinigang sisig pininyahang manok sotanghon pancit palabok pancit malabon halo halo bibingka sapin sapin buko pie

[@AbroadInThailand]

Will give 'em a try! Thanks.

[@jjjkurt84]

@@AbroadInThailand if you stay in manila try makati area its near to everything, pasay city also ok

[@user-qv5bb2yp1y]

❤❤❤

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your support!

[@thoatravelandfood7549]

😊😊❤

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment

[@EmmettAsinas]

Hi Joe! Welcome to the Phils. and so sorry about your bad experience with the hostel. You get what you pay for. If you are arriving at Terminal 3 in Manila, there's a lot of good hotels across the boulevard in Newport City and you don't even have to take a cab. There's a pedestrian overpass available to get there from Terminal 3. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWmudZaVptCUiK8

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for the tips!

[@angeloparas1882]

Pasay and Malate area are not safe places to stay in Manila but foreigners still stay there and complain. 🤦‍♂️

[@AbroadInThailand]

Yeah I'm quickly learning this lesson. Definitely won't be staying in Pasay again when I return from El Nido. Moving on up!

[@anthonyablen537]

dont you know the word grab..i dont think your place is safer to walk at night than ours watch other foreign blogger first and do some research ..

[@AbroadInThailand]

Yes of course I know about Grab. It's very popular in Thailand too. I'm exclusively taking Grab from now on!

[@generizze6243]

dude got scammed im sorry tho. our politicians needs to arrest those taxi scammers

[@AbroadInThailand]

Good idea!

[@nanivon]

I think you should have done some research first before heading to Manila. That’s what other foreign vloggers did. You could have secured a simcard at the airport and book some grab ride through their app.

[@AbroadInThailand]

You're right! In hindsight I should have picked up a SIM card at the airport. Luckily I've got one now before my trip to El Nido.

[@bebot2014]

so many negatives about the Phils. don't believe in rumors

[@AbroadInThailand]

Doing my best to keep a positive attitude!

[@ronnienestor]

Why didn’t you get a sim card at the airport? It’s cheap. FYI. Metro Manila or Manila is NOT dangerous. You booked a hostel? That’s really a freak move.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Not getting a SIM card with a mistake, granted. I have one now and it's taking forever to activate it 🙄

[@ronnienestor]

@@AbroadInThailand Sorry to hear that. I guess PH is not for you. Thailand offers drugs and cheap women… enjoy.

[@GinoongBlue]

well you put yourself in that situation by not researching properly before going to a new country, theirs google maps, articles online and you call yourself a vlogger?

[@AbroadInThailand]

I haven't been traveling for about 4 years. Getting accustomed to the travel lifestyle again. Will be glad to be back home in Koh Samui soon!

[@jboycaceres2871]

There are literally hundreds of Filipino dishes from different regions. Vloggers will usually try the most common 3-5 dishes, and then judge the entire Filipino nation's food...hahaha I'm tired of Western people going in my country, and expect that the food should match their pallet, and if not they start talking shit about our food.

[@juandershop88]

Manila is a gigantic city with its good and bad just like any other city in the world. You failed miserably by being a cheapskate and someone who doesnt do his research first. Sorry for your unpleasant experience which is not the general rule in this country.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment

[@user-tp3xk4rn6p]

you should have done some research about manila or the country first before going here. and since you already have a not-so-good impression about our food, i am sorry you will not enjoy eating our food. you can settle to american fast foods anyway if that will suit you. how much as i want you to enjoy the philippines, it will be a hard sell for people like you. you could just have avoided my country.

[@AbroadInThailand]

That's part of the problem, there's way too many American fast food restaurants in The Philippines. I don't like eating Western food all the time! Will give the Filipino food more of a chance!

[@ignaciobalais5394]

Omg you got scammed. Typically world wide taxi drivers will scammed tourists

[@AbroadInThailand]

Yes indeed! The taxi ride was way too expensive.

[@waineguintivano9912]

seriously??? do at least a little research! go somewhere else!

[@AbroadInThailand]

Honestly it's not my fault. The taxi driver is the scammer.

[@user-wj8gd6vo7x]

Your vlog topic is just about negative , negative, and negatives of the city. At least read something about the place before you visit.

[@AbroadInThailand]

It's not all negative. You're just too sensitive.

[@enricocontrerasaraneta7290]

As if bangkok his favorite city...has no negatives... Bkk is a live sex shows HUB in the world. Full of scammers everywhere Illegal drugs is normal More crimes, violence, murder against foreigners in a daily basis Etc etc

[@rogiedaet1]

this guy thinks he is the only one entitled to his impression, well our first impression of you as a vlogger sucks. your tone sounds very negative and seems like you have a prejudice about everything given you dont have much to offer yourself. dont feel so entitled you are not brad pit.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment

[@dcadventures2394]

You need to plan better. Otherwise, you will overpay for a lot of things.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment

[@filipinocaress-xi5pq]

Again a vlogger to exploit the Philippines saying so many red flags. Sorry not subscribing.

[@AbroadInThailand]

That's okay, just my honest opinion based on personal experience. No one is forcing you to subscribe. Thanks!

[@somedaywellknow1811]

OMG that was a rough start...sir you gotta ask people for local prices.....Manila is SCUM CITY...be careful.

[@AbroadInThailand]

Not a great experience but hopefully it will only get better from here!

[@somedaywellknow1811]

@@AbroadInThailand Hopefully the natural beauty of the Philippines could make up for that bad experience. were you able to get the plate NO. of the taxi you took? you could report it to the police. or to the airport authority

[@AbroadInThailand]

​@@somedaywellknow1811No I didn't get any information

[@somedaywellknow1811]

@@AbroadInThailand thats unfortunate but always write down /record info like that travellin anywhere...simple things could really help when things go south

[@AbroadInThailand]

@@somedaywellknow1811 Yeah it's all good

[@liza603vlog]

Bobo

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for your comment

[@machoguapito76TV]

Welcome

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks glad to be here!

[@machoguapito76TV]

@@AbroadInThailand We are underrated country in asia.thank you for coming to our humble Philippines

[@AbroadInThailand]

@@machoguapito76TV You're welcome. I'm in Palawan now. Can't wait to visit El Nido tomorrow! I don't like most cities anymore.

[@machoguapito76TV]

@@AbroadInThailand Palawan is amazing place.elnido is beautiful place

[@gecko1131]

Drink plenty of water to hydrate your body, and take a Grab taxi when roaming around Metro Manila. The weather all over South and Southeast Asia is very hot, and it is unusual because of the changing world. ☺🌴🌳🌲🌺🦟🪰🌷🍀🌿

[@AbroadInThailand]

Gotta stay hydrated. You are absolutely right. Thanks for the reminder!

[@SilentBill-ze1gf]

yeah , its getting hotter everyday

[@pinkvelvet3865]

Wow your so negative! I've been to Europe foods there are not so good too except in Italy!

[@AbroadInThailand]

I've never been to Europe. Enjoy!

[@ramseyleo]

All countries ahave their flaws....and its all your fault why you have bad vibes...

[@AbroadInThailand]

Let's agree to disagree. I don't like Manila.

[@ramseyleo]

The problem with you is youre expecting too much...did you even try to research about the country...

[@AbroadInThailand]

Let's just say I'm really missing Thailand where life is easier and will be glad to be back!

[@awooooooooooo7921]

2900? tricycle? you got scammed!

[@AbroadInThailand]

Most definitely!

[@awooooooooooo7921]

@@AbroadInThailand thats too expensive! x100

[@Lego83]

no it's 150.. the 2900 was the taxi he should used the grab it only cost 560 to 1000.

[@awooooooooooo7921]

@@Lego83 still expensive!!!

[@Lego83]

@@awooooooooooo7921 true!

[@germboy007]

Wow, you paid that much in the taxi, our taxi drivers here are real scammers😮‍💨😔🫣

[@AbroadInThailand]

Yes that seems to be a valid takeaway point!

[@germboy007]

@@AbroadInThailand sorry about that bro ,not all of us are like that bro, next time ask the staff and receptionist of every establish on the price they will be very honest and approachable 👍✔️

[@robertscrimsher4838]

I'm an American in manila now (Saturday) if you need some hotel information let me know

[@AbroadInThailand]

Thanks for the offer. I'm on my way to El Nido now.