The Meaning of Happiness in Panama

[@paulstanford8682]

I had the pleasure talking to a lot of people from there. I can't wait to go back. I love it there.

[@sandyb8994]

This is an old documentary needs to be updated!

[@lacha608]

How would you update it?

[@kenbray5682]

Starting in this video at 5:00 minutes is a place called Casco Viejo and it's on Calle 3rd it's where I lived when my parents divorced in 72 ! On the other side of the street there is el Parque Simon Boliviar, across from that is el Teatro Nacional and La Iglesia San Francisco, a couple blocks away there's a place called Las Bovedas and it's where I'd go play with my friends and it's right on the water, actually I'm shocked I can remember all this lol, but at the same time I constantly go to Panama ! I love the place that run down neighborhood has all been restored and remodeled and it's full of restaurants and bars, Clubs ect. You must try it out you won't regret it I promise..... Que Xopa Pasiero ? Vas a glaze te lo huro..... 😜 🇺🇸 🇵🇦 It's my second home....

[@randyhilarski1]

*The Meaning of Happiness in Panama.* This was a well done documentary. Sure it just scratched the surface, but overall they did a great job. A 2014 Gallup global poll called Panama the happiest place on the planet, but does it live up to the title? The Central American nation has experienced unprecedented growth and development in the past several years. The unemployment rate is the lowest it’s ever been thanks to a spike in foreign investment and a boom in construction that has transformed Panama City’s skyline. The expansion of the Panama Canal, the country’s main source of income, is steaming ahead with the potential of doubling the volume of the ships using it every year. Some say these indicators paint a very fragmented picture while the country’s poverty, inequality and corruption show the complex reality the survey overlooks. Others point to a cultural component to the Panamanian state of bliss. “It must be because of our nature,” a local told correspondent Gerry Hadden. “We Panamanians tend to forget our problems very quickly. If we can find a quick fix to our problems we do so, then we party all week-end and go back to worrying about them come Monday.” In fact, researchers at Gallup point out that all Latin American countries score pretty high on the “happiness scale.” Apparently, it’s an indication of a culture that accentuates the positive. Follow Americas Now correspondent Gerry Hadden on his journey to discover the meaning of the Panamanian state of bliss. #Panama #GallupPoll #Happy #EscapetoPanama

[@flspeid]

For the record, Guido Rodriguez is a sellout. A boot licker of the Panamanian crooked politicians and some corporate thugs such as Eisenmann (look for the Samos Money laundry Scandal) .

[@ethankorbin894]

instablaster

[@ajvent68]

Very well done. I know a lot of expatriates tend to overstate the good points. They very fairly showed two sides of the coin, while still demonstrating the virtues of the country.

[@PAnon-sama]

As a panamanian I feel they did a excelent jop in this documentary talking about the good, the bad and the ugly things in Panamá.

[@gelislee4317]

im surprised that i never saw ths documentary before and think is really informative and usefull every panamenian should see this video

[@marig1972]

I wish he would have asked more people...How happy they are. :))

[@msbrownbeast]

I visited Panama about 5 years ago. Lots of glitter with the construction boom at the waterfront, but many parts of the city are very run down, and people in those areas don't live well. Encountered baggage hustlers at the airport arrival, using aggressive methods to wheel luggage and then stick out their hands for tips. Stayed at Hilton, bellhops all tried to tack on steep surcharcharges for taxis (they would typically quote $15 for a $5 ride, guest would pay them, they call the taxi and pay the taxi the $5 and pocket the $10 I have never stayed in a hotel (and this was the Hilton, an upscale place), where they hustle the guests for mandatory tips upon checkout. (tips they claim would be parceled out to the belllhops, concierge, house keeping etc), they simply tacked on that surcharge to the bill. But HELLO? I had already tipped all those people during my stay every time I used their services, and that was the proper way to tip - directly to the people actually providing the service, so why am I tipping again? Drove in a rented car to Boquete - we were stopped twice by police for "alleged" speeding violations - on both occasions the purpose was to solicit $$ greasing. Not exactly a good impression from a visitor coming from (upper)North America. But the other people that I came across (aside from the hustlers and the hotel staff) were all very nice, even though I do not speak Spanish.

[@GeneralHensaleey]

Panama canal generates $2B a year that's really amazing revenue for less than four million people country

[@randyhilarski1]

Yet, poverty

[@Carlos-ig6oo]

Another video about Panama that leaves out the city of Colon. Go to Colon and see how it is. Panama is not all about the capital.

[@nymwav7109]

Carlos that is so true, thank you

[@xstationvr5755]

Hahaha I hear what you're saying, but it's the same for most countries, in Brazil its 99% of the time Rio, in Japan its Tokyo, in the UK its London, in Australia its Sydney, etc. It's just how it is, people hardly recognise the 2nd and then some largest cities.

[@timchaland3042]

Colon has had a travel advisory for as long as I can remember. I was on a ship passing thru the canal in 1997, and they said do not go to Colon. And that same warning is still in effect today. That is probably why he has omitted Colon.

[@franciscovaldes4469]

While Colon is a city, it's not a city of Panama (the province/state), it is the capital of Colon, another province. If that's the case, then they missed out on a lot of other cities/provinces. I don't understand your point.

[@giniolamy]

Because it's probably predominantly black thats why

[@karinlantsch3934]

Ich freue mich über die Sendungen von panama,weiter so danke,alles Gute und gottes segen

[@kenbray5682]

I'm half Panamanian and lived in Panama from 72' to 75 when my parents got divorced, I love the place so much I still go twice a year to see my family down there ! Everyone speaks English and it's great because they use American currency, the beaches are awesome. Playa Blanca, Coronado and the Islands Taboga and Contadora are all great places to get away to, try it out you won't regret it !

[@ericnicholls3955]

@La Triste Verdad Panamá is great for vacations, but no one wants to actually live there, and wake up every day at 4 am because traffic is horrible, to then take a Diablo Rojo Bus (they are uncomfortable, and very dangerous), and work 8 to 5 every day for $800 USD per month that will barely cover all your expenses. I'm a Panamanian living in Ottawa, and Ottawa is cheaper than Panama, and yet, people earn about 4 times more.

[@NashVil]

It's true Life is a beach

[@Runner50783]

What brings people happiness is progress, its not money, but the feeling that tomorrow or in six months or in a year, its going to be better. Panamá has been steadily growing, slow but sustained, its been long since we had a recession, we have no recent natural disasters, and despite all of the bad that happens, overall most people will do better in a year that today.

[@SherilynJeffries]

J OneLife Actually we have a lot of different dishes depending in which part of the country you are. We still keep a lot of influence from Spain but we have seafood in the coasts and in the small towns we have some traditional indigenous dishes. It’s hard to generalize food here but I think I can say we love rice haha be sure you are going to find dishes with rice everywhere here.

[@holgermessner851]

Looking that most working class people make around $600 a month, I was actually shocked about rental properties asking 4 and 5 digits rent a month. I’m talking about apartments and houses. I’m getting $5,000 Canadian a month but I would not pay $1,000 for a apartment or house. And yes. Living close to Multiplaza, I see the skyscrapers are mostly dark in the evening with only a view lights on. They are all empty.

[@loop5899]

Gute Geldanlage oder Nebelkerzen? Trap or good choice to buy some apartments?

[@holgermessner851]

I think the properties are far overpriced if you ask me. Working class people actually saying that the government should take possession of the empty skyscraper and rent them out to the people.

[@paulg5366]

What a great Doc. appreciate this.

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Thank you for the informative video about life in Panama. It’s a great look from a local point of view.

[@margielulu1366]

Blah, blah a place doesn’t make you happy. I am Panamanian and I was very happy. Poor and happy. The dude complaining and saying we can’t do whatever we want. Not True. He forgot to say that people are broke because they party all the time and drink. I don’t see anybody depressed 🤣🤣🤣

[@ThePanred]

Question? Long story short. Im an adopted panamanian flyin down this feb from usa. I gotta know where to go to experience my people besides the regular tourist places. I plan on goin to carnaval..any recommendations on food spots? Beaches? Anything really..sorry for the bother im soo excited and scared at the same time :) cheers from portland,oregon usa. Love to see my people happy

[@juanme555]

@@ThePanred Another portland moronic leftist...ughhhh, definitely dont need that in Panama.

[@ThePanred]

@@juanme555 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnbUgpuulNN9fLc it was a great trip :) thanks for your positivity 😀 🙏 ill pray for you.

[@Martin-gg1up]

Great. A look from the other side of the mirror. But is it today in 2019. Is there progress?

[@dominicpty3031]

Indeed, we've now extended the line of the metro, more bridges, etc, etc. But still many foreign coming illegally to our country.

[@DCenerentola]

Wow what a great documentary! Thank you for making it. I think i will share it. Panama is beautiful country just the bad thing is awful traffic wvery single day that exhaust so much and little salaries. All the rest is fine. Ahhh yes i need to mention big temperatures that are also so much unbearable hehehe

[@serendipity2487]

As a panamanian it leaves me with bittersweet feelings.

[@allatgoddess8961]

cont’d. New Canal built by Spanish, clearing more forest / using city’s water in this new Canal.

[@xonsight4198]

Is papo still in business? What was the location of the restaurant?

[@randyhilarski1]

It doesn't look like it is still open. I can't find anything.

[@steved5311]

Loved it 😊

[@franklinisaacgobern4723]

a second video should be made. A follow up. Things have only gotten worst. We might be better off than other countries but there is a lot to fix here.

[@randyhilarski1]

Sure, but folks can move to any other country in Central America and see how good it is there. I am quite happy in PTY. if you think it is rough now, wait until the infrastructure projects are completed.

[@svc6550]

There are a lot of inaccuracies in the translations, not fully representing and sometimes misrepresenting what some people said. A professional translator should have been used for the subtitles, words are often put in the subjects’ mouths

[@randyhilarski1]

This video is almost a decade old and they did a great job.

[@svc6550]

@@randyhilarski1 Glad you think so - it doesn't change the facts

[@randyhilarski1]

I can't wait to see your creative content.

[@svc6550]

@@randyhilarski1 Not so interested in sharing it here, but I think you'd love it. I also produce. It's also not about creativity, but accuracy, especially in documentary - it's about ethics in documentary filmmaking. You seem pretty defensive about this though.

[@carthrn1]

Randi, did you ever visit Colon, Panama?

[@randyhilarski1]

Absolutely, it is my favorite province. The food is by far the best. The economy is struggling right now and safety is a concern. We had a tour company from 2013-2016 and about 90% of our tours were on the Carib side.

[@panama-canada]

You’re talking about Panama City. What about the rest of the country?

[@Lady-br3zy]

They need to keep the Panamanian culture Rich. Not all tourist want American food. Some of us actually enjoy and want to experience the culture of different places.

[@abutoyabmelon9425]

I like panama 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@marig1972]

This was a good documentary...If you do another one...Please ask more people how they feel and like others...Have mentioned...What about Colon??! Panama City doesn't represent all Panama.

[@divalocity]

Colón will always be ignored. Out of sight, out of mind.

[@panamamelissa]

Colon is like Haiti

[@onekhalilmiah5650]

List of happy countries , panama, bhutan, bangladesh , ..

[@robertobrown4032]

When said o don't ?

[@veronicamorgan7052]

I appreciate your effort but the only place that everyone will be happy all over the place , all the time is in Heaven my friend. Good journalism, yet compared to the crap and racism and ridiculous issues we are now facing in North America ahora.. I’m still coming for Panama 🇵🇦. Every place is going to have faults. Go to Haiti 🇭🇹 which I have been and ask them about their government.. you have to take the good and bad anywhere yo voy. 👀😳🤠🙋🏽‍♀️👄

[@ericnicholls3955]

I find hard to believe that the survey was accurate. Panama is expensive, 87% of the population earns less than $1,500, the minimum salary is $500 per month, everything in Panama is more expensive than First World Countries, there only one city with no sidewalks, the public transportation outside the city is horrible. And the weather is steamy hot. I don't see how people could be happy under those conditions.

[@SherilynJeffries]

Eric Nicholls All that is true... but if you pay attention to the culture you are going to notice Panamá is a very religious country, people hardly lose hope. They are always thinking things can and will be better someday... And there is this others group of people that work everyday just to eat the next day and still they are happy , because that’s life for them, that’s the only reality they know. So yeah, happiness is relative, we Panamanians are happy because of us. (And come on! the steamy hot weather is perfect to go to the beach)

[@ericnicholls3955]

@@SherilynJeffries Yo soy arraijaneño. El problema de la religión es que la iglesia Católica le dice a la gente que el reino de los cielos es.de los pobres, así que la gente acepta la pobreza y las condiciones de vida extrema. A mí en lo personal no me gusta el calor. Podría disfrutar ir a la playa una vez al mes pero el resto del mes sufriría :(

[@SherilynJeffries]

Eric Nicholls Bueno sí. La mayoría de las veces la religión hace a las personas conformistas y los aleja de luchar por sus derechos pero es algo que está muy enraizado a los pueblos latinoamericanos en general por la conquista de los españoles, así que... está difícil cambiarlo. Yo soy de Penonomé, no se donde se sentirá más calor pero que podemos hacer? 😂 vivimos en el trópico. Hay que sembrar árboles para que nos den sombra🥵

[@dogzillasquad9524]

Viva nuestro Panamanian 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 I would love to see this country , my grandma us from Panama de Nuevo Arraijan no good por 30 ayos so yo se que VA ser deficil ver que tan different es to do.todo es different I wonder if is expensive? Siganos en nuestro channel, es amazing la comida

[@flatearth685]

Jessie Girls im from here its nice..Panama City just like Miami casinos food and clubs all night

[@evabeuttennmueller3287]

Jessie Girls n

[@GreenEyes-gv6zj]

This video is 4 years old. ? Where's the update on it??

[@robertobrown4032]

We have to remember does days that we were what?when?why? So back then we didn't not have a luxury to be at some place in a minute ?

[@vicente6897]

If the Panama canal makes 2 billion a year for the government of the country. I think Panama should follow the example of Dubai and Alaska. Panama is a small country and can afford it. Dubai shares its oil revenue with all its residents. That's why that country is so heavenly. Alaska shares its oil revenue with all its residents by given each family $2000 for each dependent in your family at the end of the year. That is how a great country should do with its riches, like Dubai and Alaska. Panama government gets enough money from the canal to clean up Panama from border to border and it would have a zero percent unemployment rate and be one of the wonders of the world.

[@swimcat2333]

Extremely expensive in Panama City, I was just there, gringo prices that is what US citizens get around the world, travel the world with a US passport-your license to get screwed wherever you go

[@cryptopian507]

Sorry bro, but those gringo prices are for us too, not just you gringos, we pay the same except for taxis, everything else costs the same for us too.

[@swimcat2333]

@@cryptopian507 So the taxis give ya'll a deal, that's good. Ashame people get price gauged everywhere

[@cryptopian507]

@@swimcat2333 those are just the ways of the taxi drivers, it happens in NYC to those who are not from there they get taken the long aay around, I just try to use Uber.

[@melscotto5330]

They are happy because the weather is warm. Ask the indigenous in northern Canada who have no place to sleep in the winter because the European corporations have eviscerated the territory way up there. The people need food. Housing. Not happy.

[@ericnicholls3955]

Well, I'm a Panamanian living in Canada, and I love the weather of Canada way more. It's amazing to have 4 seasons. And I was getting tired of the 32° and 80% of humidity all year long.

[@unclequack5445]

What I see is the Chinos building Plazas all over the place that are all abandoned because the rent is outrageous there is huge office and small business buildings all over Nvo. Arraijan that are abandoned.

[@robertobrown4032]

Well said ?

[@inesmeneses8570]

Y las escuelas no hay conozco muchas madres necesitando ayuda, para sus hijos Solo el que tiene plata,

[@carthrn1]

SURE WE KNOW HOW TO BE HAPPY WE DON'T HAVE ANOTHER CHOICE. MEANWHILE THE RICH GET RICHER AND POOR GET NOTHING.

[@aarongerassy5460]

They should make a second video and they will see that people are not that happy anymore since the government of Martinelli ended. Now that Varela came into office he is destroying this beautiful country, it's so bad that if you ask people they will tell you that they want him out

[@SherilynJeffries]

Aaron Gerassy I desangre, I don’t think we panamenians depend on a president to be happy. There are a lot of people in the mountains that never feel the difference between each new president.

[@ringpop6177]

Sherilyn R. The people in the mountains Hmmmmm?

[@SherilynJeffries]

@@ringpop6177 Yes, the ones who live outside of the cities and towns, the ones that live from what they produce in their own piece of land. Those definitely feel different change of a president than someone who works for the state and has to be thinking if the new government will fire him/her or not.

[@juspain1]

I jut got back from panama. It was my second trip. Honestly I don’t think the people there are that happy at all. I’ve been to several countries around the world. The people there weren’t very happy or friendly. Most of them were friendly, yes, but I didn’t get the same feeling as I communicated with the people. Also their everything is extremely overpriced. More expensive than what I spend to buy things here in Utah. The people there make much less money. They’re not happy at all as they’re struggling with the day to day.

[@ih7924]

Panama education is cheap and so the opportunities for a good private Job that leads you to secure financial stability. What you see as a visitor it's not all.

[@juspain1]

trust me ive seen enough. The more wealthier people are, the less humble they are for sure. So far Balinese and Filipinos have been some of the nicest people I’ve met

[@heekyungkim8147]

I want to go Panama….

[@lance8080]

3rd world dump I’ve been there. Such a great country why do Central Americans flee to the USA instead of Panama right next store to them ???

[@unclequack5445]

What happens to the funds generated by the canal? Their stealing it all .

[@thurstonpowell8687]

Most of our american frustrations are rooted in the ratio of lawyers/bean counters to average working class americans. The country and every aspect of it is run by people with CPA's and law degrees, they can wring out a gallon of water from a pebble.

[@jaimearango2698]

Love Panama ❤️

[@robertobrown4032]

Yes my my step mom friend

[@KenJamesJr]

8:55 Sounds just like the American Criminal President in office right now.

[@b-trucker7717]

You must be a liberal bitch,still can't handle that landslide ass whipping win I see😂

[@thurstonpowell8687]

I have heard Filipinos are the poorest and the happiest

[@mrc217]

Yall think only North Americans have money haa! Theirs billionaires in Latin America as well.

[@flatearth685]

I go there all the tyme..its now getting expensive..PanamaCity is bonita..the people are very healthy..happy?? I guess but Costa Rica is much happier

[@shellyyynicole6272]

No more. Thanks to Varela

[@eduardoantonio7733]

accurate comment, unfortunately

[@stephaniejudah363]

The people in the province of Colon are far from happy. With the increasing numbers of foreigners entering Panama, this is no longer true.

[@randyhilarski1]

I call BS, Panama is still the happiest place I have ever lived. Colon has big problems yes, but I disagree with your blanket statement.

[@omarramirez9658]

Visit colon city that's the real happy panama

[@bostonpaco5936]

I just came back from Panama, after being in most countries in Latin America, Europe, Canada and USA I can say that I found many Panamanians very unfriendly and uninterested in tourism. They won’t even reply to: Buenos días! 😂. Im not interested to go back at all!!!!

[@paparazzina1]

So which place was nice to you after travelling to so many places

[@bostonpaco5936]

paparazzina1 I felt I love with New Zealand and the kiwis... Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Canada, Holland, Italy, Portugal (Azores). South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, Oregon, Seattle, New Orleans... and a few others. But NZ to me was a paradise because of its geography, safety, food and the kindness of its people

[@millgarcia4561]

The language barrier still a big issue here in Panama. If your Spanish is not good people will avoid you.

[@bostonpaco5936]

Mill Garcia I speak Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian Amd English. The only place I felt frustrated for the lack of understanding and communicating was in Tokyo, Other than that I was ok, even in Turkey.

[@millgarcia4561]

@@bostonpaco5936 Its also a matter of the accent. People here is just scare to talk in English. If you don't sound like a Panamanian they avoid you.

[@allatgoddess8961]

“About to get even happier with another canal”...that adds more billions to their debts!

[@swisstrader]

You lost me with that clip of Trump cutting the ribbon

[@swisstrader]

Larry Stratmann I’m not bitter in the least fool, but when they start putting one of the biggest liars and thieves in the vids like he’s some sort of hero, thats when I turn it off.

[@michaelcorbin3720]

C3 Colón, villa Luisa 🇵🇦

[@inesmeneses8570]

El fraude está en todos los puestos, de la economía, y gobierno, no vale la pena vivir allí, digan la verdad, sólo el q lleva dinero, y quien sabe de cómo la han ganado

[@arkyfer197]

👍🏽 🇵🇦

[@carthrn1]

RANDY, WHY DON'T YOU ASK FOR THE PROOF OF WERE THE MONEY GOES.......

[@randyhilarski1]

Why are you yelling at me with caps, quite alarming in my book? I believe governance belongs to citizens.

[@gettothepoint_already3858]

You didn't tell us the "Meaning of Happiness in Panama". So why pick that as a title? Lack of imagination? R U dishonest? Why resort to hyperbole?

[@randyhilarski1]

Derp Derp

[@scubamarilu]

Bias reporting, always look for the other side of the story...

[@luisabarrera7264]

Just saw about 11minutes....political. Who paid for it?

[@dylanappenfeldt2442]

Commoridity , I think it's huge there

[@millgarcia4561]

3 years later people is really unhappy, we are worried and even thinking of leaving the country. The previous president was extremely corrupted and he still can get back into a political power position. People from Venezuela still comes here thinking that we have enough money and resources for them when we do not (this is not USA). They come here and take jobs from Panamanian people, make everything more expensive and life more miserable. China now wants to be "our friend" when all that they want is to destroy the Darien forest and take away all our minerals and resources. The current government and the Chinese residents are agree to destroy and sell the country just for money.... We had so much potential a few years ago but with USA leaving the country on 1999 and France black listing us and talking shit about us recently.... we barely have a future now... It is sad...

[@divalocity]

Don't allow the Chinese to destroy the Darien Province or let Panama become another Jamaica by giving up their sovereignty.

[@NashVil]

@J OneLife Nor true, why are Canadian home owners selling out to normal wealthy Chinese or Persians or global investors? to make millions off of their property and create wealth! why blame the big system when each individual does not take responsibility! or the few elite, Euro born don't care! have the courage to point out your fingers at your leaders, than blame the foreigner; it's racist and weak.

[@inespena958]

El fraude es rampante,

[@scribletime9388]

LIES LIES LIES!!! what a sad country

[@chrissysviews]

What the hell?? No Lies even the poorest Panamanian are VERy Happy people.... Maybe not so much in the Colon city which is a Jamaican descendant town but in the Countryside of Panama EVERYONE is happy whether rich, middle class or poor,.....

[@scribletime9388]

You are a bunch of sad people in denial trying to be white but only getting the SCRAPS of white people. SAD SAD people and country, I'm embarrassed for you and by you!!!! Colon used to be the prettiest city but you could not let black people have nothing. Shamemeful deplorables

[@chrissysviews]

what in the world are you talking about? You just hate on Panamanians thats all.. Video explains it all.. WE are in general Happy people!! Beautiful people, beautiful beaches, beautiful mountains, beautiful Panamanian women, And No honey... Colon got DESTROYED by the Jamaican descendants that brought crimes to go up and gangs.. Not saying they are the only ones in Panama, but sweetheart ITS THE TRUTH and everybody knows it.. The Blacks in Colon need to get it together with their culture, and upbringing... The government has given them everything and I've seen projects created in Colon get destroyed by their own residents......... Luckily the rest of Panama is a true paradise all over and the people are warm and welcoming to ALL !

[@scribletime9388]

This is why more than 50% of the population live in poverty and will stay poor because of people like you scapegoating the black people in Panama. Guess what sweetheart you are black too. Real white people knows who is white and guess what? Panamanians are NOT white.

[@jmike05s]

Is the US a happy country? that's the real question, Monica...

[@trstets]

Drug money

[@scubamarilu]

Bias reporting, always look for the other side of the story...