Life in the Philippines pt 3 | A Tourist's Perspective

[@HexarRF]

Good to hear about the difficulties and issues. Don’t avoid that kind of content in the future.

[@wholisticwholesomehealing888]

I agree, please dont avoid it!

[@shazmosushi]

Agreed. Understanding the bad parts is just as important as understanding the good parts.

[@nadinevandenheever4593]

Agreed.

[@Rukkeh]

Agreed! So good channel!

[@drawnseeker]

Agreed

[@ignisinvictus]

Hi, Greg. I followed your series on the Philippines and I thought that you painted a fair picture of our country. It's not necessarily the most beautiful picture but you told stories that most foreigners do not really see nor understand. I really loved every piece. What makes the Philippines wonderful, aside from our beautiful islands, are the people who will show you how to be happy and resilient in the direst of times. Thank you for visiting us and I hope that you will have a much more fun experience next time. And yes, bring the family along. 🤗

[@angienatoyn]

I like it when tourists make the effort to experience the good and bad of the places they visit. Certainly makes the trip more meaningful.

[@labelleflora]

I also admire your fearlessness in going to Manila and navigating there alone. It would've made other people, including me a Filipino myself, scared to do that.

[@aseasonedveteran5915]

He should title his vlog correctly "A backpacker tourist" on a budget

[@l0via359]

True ! I am from the philippines and for me when me and my grandparents shop for food, etc the one whos selling would always give us a friendly smile and start a conversation

[@roymetzger4862]

@@labelleflora I agree, I spent 3 days across the street from the US Embassy I hated every minute of it. I was happy to get back to iLLigan city

[@BrunoMaskulado03]

Golden Rule: Ask 2-3 locals for pricing.. almost all filipino will answer you, so dont be shy to ask :D

[@theTHwa3tes11]

Yes

[@chaevie257]

Yeah, don't think that the locals will get offended lol because they also get tricked too and it's understandable.

[@harrywatkins542]

i live in the Philippines (Cebu) and agree. I am an American

[@cutflow2]

@@harrywatkins542 I am guessing your salary comes from the US ? For you to be comfortable there

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

By the way, I wasn't planning on filming this portion of my trip. I was planning on chilling and enjoying everything. But I do like to fly my drone (I find it fun) and thought you all would like to see some of the images I captured, so here ya go. Have a good one!

[@Adil-qx7yr]

I also agree with you in terms of the Foreigner and local pricing, it is fair as we the Foreigners are much more well off then the Locals.

[@pilipinaskongmahal8499]

Just a question, why do you need to include in your video the slums of Manila? 🤔

[@Adil-qx7yr]

@@pilipinaskongmahal8499 well Greg's channel is all about showing how Ordinary people in that country live and unfortunately in Manilla a lot of people do live in Slums.

[@unrestrained22]

@@pilipinaskongmahal8499 I'm Filipino, its understandable why he did it. It is because he documents how our country really is, like how he documents his life in Japan.

[@gregandkaruna6674]

@@Adil-qx7yr Not all locals many Filipinos are rich, even more than the tourists, my country has a special card for low income that gives discount on many items and services. It's to bad the Philippines does not use that extra money to help the poor Filipinos. It can be done in an Asian county as Japan looks after it's poor very well.

[@jhingbautista4519]

As much as you love transparency in pricing, know that there are people like me who also love transparent contents. I don't like it when foreigners paint us like we're the friendliest, nicest people around because from our experience, it's not always the case. Likewise, I don't like it when people generalize Filipinos as bad and scheming because not everyone is like that. Yours is the happy middle. You're not overly patronizing but you're also not condescending and you actually do your research. I really appreciate that. Hope you can come back and explore more of the Philippines, maybe with your family, and see more of what we can offer. And always connect with a local first before making your trip so you're ensured that you'd be well taken care of when you get here. More power to your channel! 😁

[@markledesma2396]

In thailand foreigners pay extra too.

[@j134679]

I'm a local & I constantly have to analyze if I'm being scammed haha.

[@jjescorpiso21]

True. I live in the city and I avoid pedicabs like the plague!

[@heyowey]

My dad came back to Manila from his week-long vacation in Mindanao and a taxi driver tried to scam him at the airport with "kontrata" thinking he's a "balikbayan na amoy pera". My dad said no, he should use the meter and that he's not a balikbayan- he was only in Mindanao for a short vacation. Upon hearing my dad's bisaya accent the driver thought he's a "promdi na madaling maloko" and tried to increase the price again lol crazy.

[@jett1007]

i have never rode a pedicab even a kalesa ever... born and raised in manila!

[@TapurokNatureFarm]

I'm a local and If i dont want to get scammed I take a walk.

[@altshift_]

Ma gi HAHA me too

[@mikedfelix]

Grab is the most reliable mode of transportation for manila.

[@TheJoseph0012]

It is not for the masses though due to its price but definitely reliable.

[@ronb7062]

Nope. Angkas is way cheaper.

[@franzb69]

@@ronb7062 i'd only ride angkas so long as it ain't raining.

[@starchy101]

But not in Cebu and lapu2x 😂😂😂

[@mikedfelix]

I mean if a foreigner wants to commute I suggest to use grab. Other form of transportation are hassle and they increase the price if the passenger is a foreigner. Grab price is fixed. Angkas is a dangerous adventure I wouldn't recommend it for a foreigner the chances of death is very high.

[@snehabhattacharjee9727]

You have done a really wonderful job in showing the Philippines to the rest of the world, as you do for Japan and Canada.

[@Syn]

if it makes you feel better i grew up in the philippines and the tricycle drivers still scam students 😭😭

[@ScaredHamshee]

ay peel u brow, iniisip ko nalang maliit talaga kita nila kya ok lang

[@formula1340]

Until now I refuse to ride tricycle unless I’m so exhausted to walk.

[@Zehahahahahahahahahahahaha]

Ako pag sumasakay sa tricycle 25 lang pamasahe pero 40 binibigay ko di sila nang i-scam di mo lang talaga alam kung ano'ng hirap meron sila

[@GriseWeisshark]

How do you get scammed? Do you not know what's the usual fare??

[@misakignella0924]

True

[@charcharmed9422]

Everything is true in this video. No sugar coating. You haven't been to Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Siargao and Coron. You will experience the difference!

[@boba_pop7144]

Char Charmed Vigan too :)

[@heckindoggo7521]

What's different in Cebu,Boracay,Siargao and Coron ?

[@MrWackydoodles]

@@boba_pop7144 Vigan is crap

[@pinkflamingo8088]

Just came back from Boracay..And it is a MESS. Just avoid Boracay. The roads and most buildings have been torn down and the local contractor fled with the money. Everything has been left unfinished. It looks like a war zone. Not many restaurants are open and it is completely overpriced. Boracay SUCKS. AUGUST 2019.

[@pinkflamingo8088]

@@heckindoggo7521 Yes, they clearly havent been there and they are not foreigners either. As a foreigner gets completely another kind of treatment and experience. If BORACAY is such a MESS, and I just returned yesterday then I dont want to see any of the other "SO CALLED PARADISE DESTINATIONS". A chaotic noisy and dirty over priced mess.......that is all it is.

[@landhausidyll3185]

I commend you for showing the good and the bad side of the Philippines. Like all countries Philippines have It's flaws. I just wish that like you said there should be transparency about the prices. Maybe put some laws and regulate such activities. I experiece this also whenever we are in the philippines. They charge my husband more because he's white then for me I get the local price. But when we're together, Ialways insist we get the local the price and then give them a tip instead.

[@XxEvilClownxxX]

There is already a law on each town about standardized fares and taxes, the problem here is the implementation. There are many good laws in the PHL but failed to implement since they lack the human resources to implement these law. The bright side of it is that, people in the PHL has soooo much freedom, you can do whatever you want in there as long as you're going to be responsible for it. Now, if you asked me what cause of these lack of human resources is?, well, one reason is "Corruption" like "ghost employees", "ghost projects", etc.

[@julespastor8149]

This vlog is so true and refreshing. I was not prepared for the emotions I faced while in the Philippines. Wish this vlog was available before I visited, I would have been more prepared. The people though are so kind and welcoming. I definitely would like to visit again with my children.

[@cindymananzalamartinez6679]

Thank you for pointing out what's wrong with our country. I do hope filipinos would take it as a constructive criticism

[@kyubestie7921]

What a fantasy. I've seen many of my fellow countrymen get mad because some KZbinrs show the issues with Philippines.

[@kyubestie7921]

@*W388sx3 true, I'm tired of the videos promoting BGC and Intramuros or the islands.

[@gabrielevergreen7699]

Well, I don't think those guys who tried to rip him off are even watching youtube. And I don't think this video gets reported in the local news...

[@mipal7]

Great video. As a Filipino-American, it's nice to see how it REALLY is back in the Philippines. Plus, the way you documented and told the story of your trip there was elegantly done, and very respectful. Thank you for that! Thanks for the content - been enjoying your channel for some time now. Keep it up!

[@Niso_Sopas]

For a second, I thought this was a comment I left long ago and forgot about! Haha. I second this. 😊

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Hey Everyone, thanks for being patient with me in taking my time to publish this video. If you haven't already, this video make more sense if you see my other videos on the Philippines: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haXYcmCVd858qrM, kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZCvqpeBiNupeMk, and kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGqblaxjo6uma80. As I always say, the best part about my trip was meeting all the helpful locals who let me into their lives and showed me around. Totally forgot to say this in the video, but the place I stayed at in El Nido was the Dragon Fly and the owner really helped get everything sorted while I was there www.booking.com/Share-M72EnB (not sponsored, just thought it's a nice place to stay). I'd like to go back to El Nido again one day with the family. Thanks for watching!

[@milakateris6918]

this happens in many tourists places in the world. just got back from European trip, in Prag taxis charge you 10x more if you´re a tourist. In Italy, if you sit to drink coffee than standing like most locals do, you pay 2-3x more. there´s people selling you tickets to see the Pope or to see St. Peter´s which is actually free admission. and so on and on...

[@pilipinaskongmahal8499]

Yes, this really happens anywhere on earth.

[@marialourdesdiocera8525]

I laughed at this comment because St. Peter's here in the Philippines is a funeral home.

[@imamuslim375]

@@marialourdesdiocera8525 hahahhahah

[@PerfectSense77]

@@pilipinaskongmahal8499 No way. Across large parts of the Western world the prices are just put up on a big board/menu or on tags for everyone to see in the open, so everyone gets the same prices. In my home city in Australia this is done everywhere and tourists get charged the same as locals.

[@willemgijs3803]

I never experienced anything like that in Italy. Like the other guy said. Most countries in Europe display their prices.

[@poypoygerminal6778]

Dont let helpers in bus terminals touch your bag, the moment they help you load it in compartment, even a just a small hand bag, they will charge you for it, and the price might go high if you cannot speak their local dialect.

[@pocarisweet8336]

That goes the same to us locals. I hate those people.

[@tsukirunsu]

same with locals

[@jhgfghjfuzrtfchchghgf]

@@pocarisweet8336 what happens if you refuse to pay? why is somebody expected to pay for something they don't even want? this was so frustrating in Morocco :( it makes trips so much less enjoyable

[@unstoppabledinosaur]

Dont stop sharing all sides of the stories that you discover!!! You are doing us all such a wonderful and inspiring service with your ability to capture these stories authentically. It would become just another sensationalist commercial if you only show the pretty beaches and the post card aspects of a location. THANK YOU for diving deeper. It is a real pleasure to watch your presentations! Keep up the good work!

[@EzekielDeLaCroix]

"No training at all. I was just dropped into the deep end." More fun for the Filipinos.

[@private4043]

yeET

[@MillennialTravelConfessions]

I swear it seems like loads of people have been visiting the Philippines lately! We want a piece of the action too! 😁🇵🇭

[@Spy359]

Then drop what you're doing and book a flight to those islands now! It's fast becoming THE go - to place in Southeast Asia. :)

[@charlesdiputado28]

Thanks to the Social Media exposure. It's becoming the rising tourist destination in Asia...

[@kevin080592]

yeah I agree.. you can give that credit to the internet and social media

[@davewallace5766]

Absolutely lover boracay...that beech 😳😳

[@krisdwayne2420]

@@charlesdiputado28 true

[@darlingdolls]

If it would make you feel better the taxi/tricycle drivers try to scam the locals there too so just try to remember the good times ;)

[@kmgonzales6958]

13k PhP is indeed an expensive price for a ticket. Filipino travellers usually book months in advance to get the cheapest tickets or wait for airlines to announce promo (discounted) fares. It woul be possible to book your trip for less than 2k PhP. I wouldn't recommend that impromptu scuba dive, though. It can be dangerous. You also don't have to take a pedicab ride to explore Intramuros. You can join free walking tours, or download an itinerary and explore it on your own. Your experience is completely different from the way I travel, but you're a foreigner so I'm not surprised. I suggest joining travel groups in facebook so you can travel with locals and save money.

[@kmgonzales6958]

@Ryan Lajara actually you can. I had a roundtrip ticket to Batanes for 1800 in 2015.

[@Pewpewz]

Yeah i booked a few days before my flight (March 2019) to Puerto Princessa and that was 2.5k PhP

[@banshee1133]

@@Pewpewz Puerto princesa is one of palawan's main airport. Cebu pac flies there, air swift does not. Air swift is a direct flight to el nido. He paid for the normal price to el nido for airswift. Paying for 2k to Puerto prinsesa is common as cebu pac usually has discounted fares. If he flies to Puerto prinsesa, he would still have to travel by land for 4 to 6 hours to el nido which he chose not to do because he is pressed for time.

[@RaisingVoyagers]

Awesome work! I love all the drone shots, really quality stuff! The philippines is paradise. We just spent several weeks traveling / vlogging through the philippines and it is easily one of top 3 destinations!

[@TheSkooterbords]

Very fair and very respectful coverage of the flaws. Unfortunately, these pricing issues happen even to local tourists. If you're from the province like me, they will still try to take advantage of you. Honesty and integrity are thrown out the window just to have a quick buck. I hope my fellow Filipinos who watch this video be inspired to make a positive change for that bad part of our culture.

[@kyuhyuncho8061]

In our city we have a different dialect. So when I asked the driver of the kalesa if I could have a ride at our house, he refused (maybe because he doesn’t wanna be bothered or he wants to rest). It was around night at that time so I have to be home asap. So I asked the driver (again in tagalog) how much does it cost to get to my home, (me sounding like a tourist) he suddenly woke up and told me it’s 50 pesos. But I was only supposed to give 20 pesos. I knew right away that he thinks that I’m not from there so he charged me double the price. And then when i got home, I asked him again how much and he told me “Magkano kasi yun. Yung sinabi mo kanina. Ikaw bahala.” While smiling thinking I didn’t know lol. I gave him 30 pesos at the end. So I’m thinking if i were to visit other places in the Philippines, as a filipino myself, I think I’d get scammed too without me knowing. So when traveling it’s best to be with a local or have a guide while touring.

[@MT-mo5bl]

Overcharging is common here in the Philippines. Sadly, it has been part of our culture. How I wish you had a "local tour buddy" to tell you if you're being overcharged or not.

[@rurounikenshin9948]

no. maybe your 'culture'

[@hugomurphy1588]

Lol even locals are experiencing overcharging. Mostly in transport and some doesnt even consider discounts like students and seniors discount

[@taelian3233]

It's not part of our culture.. Bawal nga yan e..ang kaso..We just normalizes it.. At Hindi kc hinuhuli or sinusumbong kaya.. Lumalala..

[@miguelflores656]

I hope this reaches a lot of viewers; the PH series as a whole. 🙏🏼👏

[@jakeprescilla]

Thank you for showing the Philippines to the world. Obviously, we really have problems to solve like poverty and corruptions. I hope you enjoyed your vacation in our country.

[@gregandkaruna6674]

@Evert Evert Its not the people's fault it's that religion, the stupidity of saying birth control is against god yet these rich Catholic priest's are not the ones suffering hardship on top of that they expect the less well off to keep supporting the church which makes life even harder!

[@rodeliaobille8019]

@Evert Evert u'r right..thats our big problem..poor people whose not working made a lot of children.then they blame the government if they have nothing to eat or to give for their family.tsssk!

[@j134679]

😂 Rich catholic priests is correct. I graduated from one of the top universities, a Catholic one. Naturally the priests there have the latest iphones, macs, etc hidden in their living quarters. People will gift anything tp priests thinking it will absolve them of their evil doing.

[@pilipinaskongmahal8499]

Seriously mga kabayan you are patronizing this vlogger! This vlogger is nothing but a biased one! He shows to the world the darkside of our dearest country but not the beauty of it!!!

[@udishomer5852]

@@pilipinaskongmahal8499 He is showing the truth. Any foreigner with open eyes and inquisitive mind will come to the same conclusions. The Philippines is 60 years behind developed countries like Japan, Singapore or Germany. Hopefully you will realize it and start making changes (I admit Duterte's administration is trying hard, but the mindset and culture is hard to overcome).

[@itsmemyselfandi1131]

I always watch your documentary about japan, I'm happy that you visit the Philippines. Unfortunately, some Filipino taking advantage of foreigner, but many Filipino are still honest. I recommend grab, jeep or bus for tourist to ride so you couldn't scam. more power and God bless.

[@LaughterOnWater]

I'm really glad for your perspective. It's good to hear more than just the tourist side of things. You've really researched this, and it makes a huge difference. Thanks for doing this.

[@brucenathanson8402]

Your authenticity, thoughtfulness, and openness are part of what we watch your videos for. Thanks for bringing to light some of the challenges, along with the great things. I appreciate the way you worded your views. Kudos!

[@jasonferguson038]

iwas in manilla 3 years ago this september , and i saw the bad and the good parts esp in cavite city , and even thought i saw the good and bad i still want to go back:) esp after hearing the stories on what i heard , my fathers girlfriend is Filipino and stil got family hence why we went there . and to make along story short i have got a goddaughter in the Philippines who i sponsor every month . and she thinks of me as her father since she doesnt have one , which im ok with

[@jacksonnolasco]

Hi jason marry me lol

[@livingaloneinjapan]

Thanks for showing everyone the good and the not-so-good side of the Philippines. Your series about my country is by far my favorite. Keep making these kind of contents, Greg! They're really great. 😊

[@wellrio8441]

*Why most of tourist people always complain that its to CROWDED or the place is too busy....like damm you're in a tourist spot what do you expect!*

[@Southpaw128]

tourists do that in new york as well.

[@macolet9711]

Agree on this. Even complaining about local and tourist pricing. This happens in Bali, Thailand and other touristy areas as well. Even local Filipino tourists from Manila going to Palawan pay tourist price too.

[@Peizxcv]

I didn't encounter foreign tourist pricing in Thailand

[@macolet9711]

@@Peizxcvyes, I they have. Their Island Tour in Phuket and even their car rental tour. In Bali, the intrance fee for tourist and local is different as well.

[@jasonwill5949]

@@macolet9711 it happens in Hawaii too. But they way they do it is giving locals a discount if they show ID. So it feels different but same thing.

[@snowghost9800]

Thank you for this series. It's the best take from any foreigner I've watched re the Philippines. It's thoughtful, humane, fair and realistic.

[@PatheticTV]

Can't be far from Manila *Rides a plane to Palawan*

[@fritzg.2482]

Because y not? Haha. An hour flight or less. Pero cant afford tayo. Lol

[@nikolotolentino]

It’s not far. 45 min flight from Manila. Punta nga ako dun sa Coron nang umaga balik din ako nang gabi. Swimming Lang sa beach.

[@setsunaemblem]

How long would it take to walk?

[@joefree.s]

Thank you for making this video about my country, both the good and the bad. I appreciate the effort you took to understand and provide a balanced view of life in the Philippines both as a local and a tourist. I'm an avid fan of your videos! All the best to you!

[@athenstar10]

The key with pricing: 1. Language- ofcourse if you know ans speak the language, they would not think that you're a tourist. But yeah, this takes time. 2. Negotiate. if you're good at this, you will definitely save a lot.

[@Pat_KraPao]

True, but like what he said, negotiating gets tiring.

[@Bhawna03]

I'm not Filipino but I grew up here and can speak the language better than English. They still rip me off. It's so frustrating.

[@silverhiker4549]

Love this! I just love your videos so much. I've said it before and I'll say it again to anyone who may wanna know, this channel is great for anxiety or panic attacks. 👍🏻💚

[@elliotc88]

I've been to El Nido (albeit 3 years ago) and the two of us hired a private banca for the boat tours. Was well worth it as it cost about USD 35 each per day and included freshly cooked lunch on the beach. We also never felt ripped off in El Nido - not even from the airport.

[@ishie19.78]

Because some people are just dirtcheap doesnt equate there experience to the money they pay…

[@markledesma3251]

showing happy faces and wonderful scenery is like watching an infomercial, we see that in ads everyday, it's always nice to see the other side of the coin, makes the viewer aware of what's really going on.

[@mrpuh777]

The struggle is real in the Philippines! That being said, most countries do have their own quirks! Also, that commute in Metro Manila with that office girl was so real to me. I used to take that similar route after office. Nothing beats Manila traffic!

[@ronisworld2916]

Now this! is a proper video about Life in the Philippines! thank you so much for sharing and doing justice for it! more power!

[@BatAskal]

You don't need to be a foreigner to be charged more than what they do with the locals. If they know you are not from that place, they will just charge you more. The best tip is ask the locals so you have an idea what to expect and learn the art of bargaining. Anyway, thank you for visiting the country and for documenting it the way it is. It's a refreshing perspective to see it through the the objective lens.

[@sudoym3484]

Love love your contents... the most realistic video i’ve seen in youtube about the tourism industry here. It gets really stressful when you just wanna go out and have a good time but you constantly worry of people ripping you off.. and this is just not with tourism industry. It’s everywhere. Exhausting.

[@KC69423]

I am Filipino-American, with a Filipina wife. I had the same experience while a month 1/2 vacation in the Philippines. I got over charged for having an American accent, but since my wife spoke Tagalog, she spoke for me most of the time in public for negotiating price. When you're at a local market, have a Filipino friend speak for you to price what you buy. Foreign accent = over-charge. Next time travel with one or two local Filipinos who know the area, so you won't always feel or get ripped-off.

[@annievieestranero1913]

wow, just now I watch the series of vlogs you’ve done here in Philippines and Yeah you did great and you are a very honest person too. Hopefully You enjoyed your stay in our country

[@JTan74]

Thanks for the video Greg. I completely agree with you regarding the "caveat emptor" method of dealing with the locals. I was born and had lived in Manila all my life. What prevents me from visiting the countryside more is precisely this. The stress of haggling for reasonable prices versus your relaxation. By the way, in some areas like Baguio, even though it is a crowded metropolis, the taxi drivers are known to be honest and charge fairly. It might have to do with their local government regulations. Great series Greg. Come back again soon. I'll drive you and your family around Manila, free of charge! 😁

[@Pat_KraPao]

Davao had the most honest taxi drivers I ever met. Anywhere.

[@marcelinauy9037]

Hmm... It is always best to avoid the super popular tourist attractions as they mark up everything. Also, things would be better if you knew a local who could call out the unfair prices for you or point you to good cheap spots.

[@udishomer5852]

In Manila as well, 80-90% of taxi drivers are honest and charge by the meter. I rode taxis hundreds of times in Manila, and very few had problems.

[@velocitramp]

Thanks for the series. I appreciated the honest, real, and very respectful presentation. Subscribed! -a FilAm

[@ladiesdays]

Keep telling those complicated stories! That's what I'm here for :) I had similar feelings when I went to Bali. It can be a challenge to keep your perspective and have a genuine experience connecting with people you meet when you feel like a mark.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

The one really nice thing about the trip was all the people that got in contact with me after I sent out a message on KZbin. They were all so kind and really took care of me.

[@beedslolkuntus2070]

Life Where I'm From Yeah

[@granthzylerd.g.6394]

You sound like you hate our country. You have to consider, Philippines is a Developing country, youu are not helping our nation by that way, you are only pulling us down. Every country has its dark side.

[@immanamador5217]

@@granthzylerd.g.6394 look at how he films a bathroom in the Philippines. So inappropriate.

[@jocelyndavid7304]

Great video!! I totally agree with you at the end about fair price rather than carrying an uneasy feeling of whether you are being overcharged or not (and I'm an American-Filipino). I'm always willing to help when I can, but I also want to feel like I'm not being taken advantage of. I hope they find a solution to help both locals and tourists find a mutual/common ground that is fair to all parties.

[@RaymondSevilla]

I love Philippines. My mother country. 😊😎

[@cristaniancatembung1160]

These videos are eye openers. Please continue to show your raw experiences in every country you visit.

[@ericlogovane8993]

who ever is going to visit philipines again kindly take me on board so that i can experience the love and culture of philipinos.

[@valkyrievalor9382]

Seeing how different locals live, not just the Instagram version of things, That's the real deal! Because I get to learn new things, that's the content I look for! I always enjoy your videos & hearing your outlook on life.

[@JustMeJH]

I find this more complete look at the culture to be more interesting than a video that just hits the common places - these common areas I might find on another video by someone else, but this type of video makes you unique.

[@JeremyKruis]

Thanks for sharing this series! You definitely scratched way more than the surface than most people do!

[@DadandSonBowling]

For me it doesnt matter how much they charge. If your filthy rich no problem .if you are a budget traveller, travell with a local so that you and the service who offers dont be offended 👍😉

[@DadandSonBowling]

@Brisdad53 you think starbucks is not overcharged? 🤣🤣🤣

[@rbgv2b]

Other countries charged alot higher than Php

[@lstruggy]

Great 3 part series in the Philippines! Can’t wait for the next one! 👍🏽

[@Adil-qx7yr]

I hate it how people are hating on Greg's videos because of him showing the slums, Greg's channel is all about showing how Ordinary people in that country live, sadly a lot of people in The Philippines live in Slums. (Not all) Btw Great Video Greg

[@WandeRPh]

Glad you visited my country! I'm pretty sure your kids will love the beach. Hope you guys come back soon and visit Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.

[@DMarinari]

The waves are so close the houses - unfortunately, I think the water will get the houses in a soon future - I live 48 km from the beach - where I used to go 30 years ago, when I was kid, it doesn't exist anymore - the water covered everything.

[@gorviv529]

Greg, I love your channel. I stumbled on it during lockdown, and watching your stories (whether it be the travel series like these, or ones with your lovely family, or life in Japan in general) are so well done and well thought out. This series in particular with the Philippines was the pinnacle I think (with the mix of lifestyles examined, and the great mix of people you interviewed). I still have many videos to watch, and i look forward to doing so. Thanks so much for all of your great work. You should feel very proud. (P.S. my parents are Afro-Guyanese, and your episode talking about your family background (where part of it is Guyanese from your Mum's side i think) was very interesting.)

[@ambitiousananya1488]

I would love when you will do a tour to India. It is a beautiful country with lots of diversity and a lot like the Philippines!

[@avocadojuice267]

India is poor not diverse lol and people there are weird sometimes

[@sunshinenoona]

Please, please keep filming just the way you do! I love how you show Life Where (People Are) From and just visiting the nice, expensive parts of a place is already a popular thing to do. It's so important to see how regular people live in other places l, and is frankly more interesting than what you can do with unlimited cash. I love your videos - keep up the wonderful work!

[@Decentralized_Maze]

Wonderful video coverage! You included local aspects, touristy tips, packed with a slew of details and a bit of humor. Thanks for covering another great place in the world. :)

[@Dapper_Dean]

Truly enjoyed your documentary of my homeland. Very honest, informative, and fair. It also made me appreciate my life a little more, living most of life here in the U.S. One of my goals is still go back there and live in one of the beautiful provinces or other islands. No thanks on Manila. Too many people, pollution, and crime.

[@HenrikWind]

Isn't it the same in many countries in asia. Different prices for tourist and locals. The general idea, If you can afford to travel you must be rich therefore you must pay extra. 😉

[@feedbackbro]

This is a fantastic series. Thank you so much for your thoughtful presentation. It was both highly interesting, informative and touching. Well done, sir!!

[@hqgirl567]

What a beautiful area in the Philippines

[@artyzinn7725]

I traveled to Manila and the provinces in 2008 and concur with all your experiences and see many of the places look about the same. The traffic and noise in Manila is a shock at first, but you get used to it if you have to live there, and locals take it in stride. On the other hand, locals in Washington and NYC in rush hour can be driven to violence, which I never saw among drivers in Manila. . I would like to haggle for local price, but I still pay more as a 'tip' and its better to give it to the trike driver than say, the local gov't who may, or may not, use it properly. Also, you can pay for a guide to be with you everywhere help take care of your gear, and negotiate prices while in Manila.

[@sudhirsingh09]

plz make a video on what a japenese birthday party is like?.

[@BoltsandBlessings]

I really enjoyed your videos on the Philippines. It was eye-opening and humbling. Perspective is everything.

[@蔡秀珍-p5d]

Wow, beautiful Philippines!nice videos.I'm new subscribed here!👍

[@gabrielevergreen7699]

I absolutely love this Philippine series you've made. If you are planning to visit Philippines again next time, I suggest you visit the provinces as life there is very different than in Manila. Top choices are Davao, Baguio, Bacolod and Iloilo. You'll see that the cities are a lot cleaner and greener, people are more disciplined, taxi drivers are more honest and prices are cheaper. Cebu's issues are similar to Manila, so, I don't think it would offer a new perspective of the Philippines. Also, tackle the cultural issues - Cordilleran tribes heritage preservation, Bangsamoro/muslim struggle in Mindanao. You may find connections in Baguio and Davao. So, you wouldn't have to go to the remote places and find it difficult to get to or feel unsafe.

[@gabrielevergreen7699]

People may be offended for calling these cities as provinces. That's an issue you may want to explore too. Filipinos have regionalistic pride. They battle over who's the best city and people from provinces consider the capital as "Imperial Manila".. This is why a president from down south is elected now to shift the dynamics of power to the provinces. Hopefully, federalism gets passed sooner.

[@peeplup]

0:48 “porto pruncheska” 😂😂 it’s really: *pu-wehr-to prin-se-sa*

[@detraymundo9338]

Thank you for your kindness and understanding that they charge more to tourists because they hardly get by in life. True there aren't strict laws in the Phils. for fair pricing amongst local and foreign tourists, where there shld be. As a Filipino, I'm sorry that you had to go through that ordeal. I hope next time, you'll have some locals to accompany you/and your family in tours, so you could avoid getting the same bad experiences. Yea, you may also try to get the services of tour companies for more convenient and comfortable trips. And for public commuting in Metro Mla, your safest option as a foreigner, are the ride sharing companies, like Grab. Safe travels!

[@riahernando9577]

poor transportation and price regulation is the problem of tourism in the Philippines. locals automatically assume foreigners have more money and they overprice everything which is very annoying experience. i hope the government will fix these issues to protect tourist and the entire tourism industry.

[@marcelinauy9037]

Very very true. Take Panglaw island in Bohol for example. All of the hotels there are super super expensive. A 4 star hotel there would be more expensive than a 5 star hotel in Cebu proper. Its super annoying.

[@udishomer5852]

Other problems are the trash being thrown everywhere, and sewage flowing into rivers or the sea. As well as lack of infrastructure like proper roads and sidewalks.

[@danielbaird7419]

Marcelina Uy I’m not sure I agree with you. Define ‘ very very expensive’ I stayed at a seaside resort on Panglao Island in 2019 for a week and truly loved it. The cost was 2700 PHP / $55 per day The food and drinks were a little pricey though. My wife and I had a great time there.

[@danielbaird7419]

Well done video. I have seen many blogs of the Philippines from so called experts that weren’t as good as yours. I have spent many months there since 1972 and I’m married to a Filipina so I know a lot about the Philippines and you captured a lot of reality there. Well done. Those small shantytown areas you showed are actually squatter villages. My father-in-law lives in one. And I hate being charged the Kano prices there when I do so much for the poor people there. That’s insulting.

[@vendela7226]

once my mom, dad and I were leaving our bedsheets to be pressed/ironed and the price was 95 pesos per kg, so we weighed in at 8,6kg. So we left the bedsheets there and went. then we get a phone call saying they accidentally said the wrong price and it was actually 220 pesos per kg. My mom was like nope, we leaving, because she had mailed them beforehand and had gotten the price. so we went all the way to fetch the bedsheets and went to another place. And at that place it only weighed 7,8kg lol. so they were cheating 1kg every time someone went there. the struggle being foreigner in the philippines lol

[@jtwix03]

Great Video Greg! Transparency is so difficult when more than half the people who lives in the Philippines live in poverty. Your video showed both sides of the story which means no sugar coating the reality that exists whether be good or bad. I do hope you enjoyed your stay there

[@jeffkennedy4889]

Wow Greg with the clean cut look Nice sir

[@hopeworld2855]

It is so good that you brought to light the things that aren't so common to talk about

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Gorgeous scenery, nice diving spot

[@fktyt2898]

Thanks for showing Philippines on different perspectives. I hope you enjoy and give you new insights in life. Hanggang sa muli, kaibigan.

[@martinmartin8666]

Awesome series..great job showing the real Philippines!most vloggers only show the good side and pretend its all rainbows and butterflies.tbh im getting sick of it..i hope you and your family can come back..keep up the great work!

[@nomennescio7457]

Beware of these over enthousiast vloggers. They are pinoy baiting, even the ones sponsored by the DOT. Google for the meaning if you dont already know.

[@themediterraneanguy]

I watched all 3 parts , GREAT videos about Philippines, paradise on earth

[@MrSprikiting]

It's a shame that people take advantage in pricing if they see that you're not a pinoy. It even happened to me even though pinoy ako. It was because I'm not from their place

[@j134679]

Ha! Yeah he didn't discover that part of the deal. In terms of pricing: Foreigners>Tourist locals>true local

[@MrSprikiting]

@@j134679 good point! The thing is it'd be reallyyy difficult to be part of the "true local" group unless you talk like them. 😂

[@marcelinauy9037]

Me too! I always ask a random local who sits beside me what the true fare is. They are mostly honest and disapproving of the mark ups.

[@MrSprikiting]

@@marcelinauy9037 this! I totally agree. Locals in the Philippines are really helpful.

[@kjam4236]

I just watched your Philippines video series I enjoyed every last video I plan to visit real soon and the info you provide is really good stuff...thanks for sharing!

[@minami_chan9887]

Wth! Your showing japan life story now philippines!? The reason im freaking out Bc my mom and dad are form the philippines but im was born in japan C:

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

Good of you to keep it honest. Thanks for visiting. Needless to say, you're way better off in Japan.

[@nathanslijkhuis7159]

its forbidden in a lot of EU countries to extra price for tourist because its discrimination and you can go to jail for it

[@BambryanPH]

NIce video. As a FilAm, a lot of what you went through resonated with me also. Transparency in tourism pricing is something that we have been intentional about at Bambike Ecotours in Intramuros.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Philippines has the best spaghetti, hands down.

[@Cj-tg3ms]

Just Some Guy without a Mustache are you filipino

[@naomigracenolasco4976]

It’s also good that you traveled when it’s not raining. In the province where I live in (General Santos City) they charge you 10-20 pesos to go from one point to another and 50-100 pesos when it’s raining

[@melvincarbonel964]

Thailand a d Vietnam is far more problematic in pricing

[@katalahan]

Is it true? OMG

[@angelinaYYZ]

Love your honesty. Yes , foreigner pricing is NOT fair, but you can very well afford it. I love the presentation, even the bad ones. Makes us appreciate life.

[@Denden-mx9gl]

It should've been "An introvert tourist's perspective"

[@throughblindeyesmyphilippi2015]

Can't wait to go!!! It will surely change my life forever....

[@kevin080592]

and yes local here.. Learn to haggle my friend.. haggling prizes is a south east asian thing

[@granrappanotyouraveragemoe2682]

Loved the variety, honesty, respectful tour!