The Genius of the Filipino Poor | Thomas Graham | TEDxADMU

Thomas Graham was a journalist in the UK whose work brought him to the Philippines and inspired him to ditch the shirt and tie. He then ventured to the Gawad Kalinga communities up and down the Philippines in order to discover the "genius" of the Filipino poor. Thomas Graham was a journalist in the UK whose work brought him to the Philippines and inspired him to ditch the shirt and tie. He then ventured to the Gawad Kalinga communities up and down the Philippines in order to discover the "genius" of the Filipino poor. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@MRDPG59]

I am a Kiwi (New Zealander) now living in Australia previously married in Hong Kong and have traveled all over the Philippines solo on many trips and I have found that even if I arrive somewhere within a half hour I make dozens of new friends and to this day even if it is say 2 years later that I go back to a particular place they remember me even remember my name . Out of all the countries I have been to Philippines is the place that is in my heart....watching this makes me so look forward to my next adventure there . Mahal ko ang Pilipinas :)

[@Fury658]

English : We love you too Tagalog : Mahal din namin kayo A Filipino man who teaches Love for one another

[@karlseverus604]

-love from ❤️❤️❤️🇵🇭

[@cringeaholic4082]

Mahal ka rin namin!

[@laurence9825]

We love you too

[@MLELELELEL]

FREE HONG KONG thank you!

[@herculhesebol3237]

I often find it ironic how foreigners admire our country so much and yet we, Filipinos, can't see that ourselves. If only we can appreciate our culture then maybe we can make something out of it.

[@santoriomaker69]

Don't worry, we're not the only one with this situation. Almost every country has that kind of situation where the foreigners usually admire that country more than the people who actually lived in it. We, Filipinos, usually think that America is a really great place to live, but the Americans thought otherwise. It is also possible because we know more about our country than the others, so we already know the cons and pros of living in our country. But just like any other people, we tend to be ashamed on the cons, but be proud on the pros, hence, people tend to think that the Philippines IS and IS NOT a great place to live at the same time. Hope this will cheer you up

[@herculhesebol3237]

yeah. I think having been so familiar with our condition lessens the opportunity for us to admire it. I mean, its just neutral. We just take things for granted the way they were. This instances where foreigners show their reverence to our country give us the chance to reflect to ourselves on how things aren't that really that bad after all.

[@ekulerudamuru]

Herculhes Ebol it's basic human nature and also curiosity..people will want something they don't have than the things they already have..

[@DoubtingThomas333]

Very few wonderful things about the Philippines, sorry to say. Though there are many good community, personal and family traits Filipino people have that are wonderful, which can be missing, or hard to come by in the west. Give it another 20 years perhaps, and there might be some progress in the Phils.

[@rdc1431]

I feel that this admiration we have of other countries is more of what we just don't know or see yet. But once we do, then we turn and look at our own country and say "well, you're not that bad after all" LOL for real. Even with all the things that is happening in the Philippines, I still feel the love and genuineness in the core of the Filipino culture. A big plus is the happiness that somehow is inherent in each of us. I didn't know how happy I was in PI till I lived in the US :( Even if we are not rich in PI, I find happiness in little things. Do you know how sad I was eating spaghetti in US and happy I was eating it in PI? CAn you figure it out? That is why the poor is rich, they just don't know it. :) well, being poor or being rich is relative anyway. I'd rather be poor and happy than be rich and sad.

[@KatherineSinahon]

Pero kahit ganito, I hope people will stop romanticizing our resiliency because we still deserve better.

[@cpr876]

THIS COMMENT NEEDS TO BE AMPLIFIED

[@ayden_james]

so true!! hindi porket kaya nating magtiis kailangan na nating magtiis. deserve din nating magkaroon ng magaan na buhay

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

THANK YOU!!

[@kapitansino9718]

Being resilient doesn't mean they don't want change. 🙂

[@blanched.oleander]

Louder!

[@kelvinham8576]

The Philippines is a complex mix of multiple culures and languages existing across thousands of islands in an area subject to earth quakes and typhoons. Has been subject to occupation by the Spanish, then by the USA. It had a difficult transition to independence with Japan essentially burning the country to the ground during WW2. Transitioning from subsistence farming with thousands of Isolated communities to a modern nation has been, at times, a slow painful process. But yes it is happening. Philippines is a reflection of the rest of the world, problems are many, poverty is endemic, the super rich display greed with them able to corrupt politicians in positions of power. But the country is now moving forward at an accelerating pace. It is an amazing place and I have been privileged to see and experience some of it.

[@melaniedenuna8936]

Thanks for the Sweet words...Sir.

[@rai54720]

Thank you, sir! 🙂 From: a filipina.🇵🇭

[@luisisidro204]

Thank you..

[@erlindafields8897]

Kelvin Ham thank you for your insight of the Philippine history...Greediness (the word corruption is overused). &. lack of emphatic behavior of the government hurts the Filipino people.

[@lustrouspearlsphilippines8684]

Kelvin Ham: thank you!

[@bluedancelilly]

I'm American and used to live in the Philippines - still have many friends there and visit on occasion. It is true that Filipinos are some of the most hospitable and communal people in the world. They routinely give up so much for the stranger. Children are raised to be hospitable and are even disciplined if their parents find out they had not been. Truly an amazing culture. We Americans could learn a lot from them.

[@MsWatchamakulit]

Eye opener vid. Never realized that the simple gesture of passing the fare we've been doing is already an example of bayanihan. 😊

[@GENOSANDIEGO]

MsWatchamakulit that's because for years, our go-to image for bayanihan is a group of people carrying a house. Always that.

[@sikareeins85]

MWF yeah and simple party of using flashlight and a phone on music is walang iwanan spirit itself

[@karinas5833]

Or probably common sense ;)

[@andronicoevangelista5119]

Because bayanihan is in our nature. Its too normal for us. Im proud of it. Like a butterfly who dont see its beautiful wings

[@nivrrtakr2891]

er

[@fonziru9357]

I wish all Filipinos would still practice walang iwanan

[@joshuaemuslan8076]

HUGOT!

[@n4gauge]

Hindi ka ma iiwan kung nde nmn talaga nagjng kau

[@LEZAZA]

Hahaha

[@danaantonesgensancity6634]

Fonzi Ru Haha laptrip ito oh hehe

[@praysuguitan779]

Fonzi Ru Marami satin nangunguna sa iba pagdating sa pera 😳😳😳

[@mydogneo]

Yes the poor pinoys are happy with 3 meals a day with a good roof over their heads. They love to sing and dance and the family comes first. Simple life. And that is genius!

[@cheddarbaldivia4233]

WISDOM, indeed.

[@jasmineromano5554]

Yes I am,thank you😍

[@fergiegee7476]

Except the reality is that most Filipinos are in poverty and scrape by with 1 meal a day, if they're lucky.

[@Supirbemo]

Philippines poverty rate is 21.6% thats a lot for 100 million population country.

[@Supirbemo]

@fellow human being i'm you So, do you now where i come from ?

[@uzumakiberg2334]

The couple, who gave up their bed to a guest, brought tear to my eye; true Filipinos.

[@zil_eyuh]

Your username and pic can't get out of my head-

[@PrimoConfidence]

Ganda ng Channel name mo ah...pati pic hahahhahah

[@zenostrom2974]

Mark zuckerberg became a hokage

[@johndecastro1518]

HAHAHAHAJAHAHHAHAHAHAHABAHABBA NATATAWA KO SA PROFILE MO😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂AHAHHAHABSJKZJSJAJJANQNWHSHXBSHWBEBCBJWIW

[@スコッチチャゴ]

I always experience this whenever our house have visitors 🙂 it's like I'm starting to think " are they really my parents ?" because they're favoring our visitors more than me but the plot twist is that I couldn't say no either 😭😭😆

[@hopeunhoop5471]

When a British man in his 15mns of talk teaches you more of being a Filipino more than your 17years of academic studies Thank you Thomas Graham Thank you @TEDx Talks

[@lovesickparamore14]

I'm never gonna get tired of listening to his jeepney story.

[@BLaCkKsHeEp]

he said "BAYAG PO!" hahaha the driver's like "i dont want that, you got money?"

[@mephistopheles7388]

@@BLaCkKsHeEp he said 'BAYAD PO!' 6:02

[@BLaCkKsHeEp]

@@mephistopheles7388 sounds like bayag to me lol

[@HittingBandy]

He mistook that line so hard

[@reynolddelgado1403]

@Kory bayag po means something else 😂😂😂

[@RoydexChannel]

I like his closing remarks: "...just like the butterfly who perhaps doesn't know quite how beautiful his own wings are I wonder if it's time that Filipinos themselves are reminded of the potential for genius all around you" -Thomas Graham @TEDxADMU

[@jasmincastro1986]

😊

[@PutingPinoy]

randy rey oo nga! Napakaganda ng comment niyon!

[@vstarradiance]

Roydex Channel True

[@grande6075]

indeed true！

[@raspberrycrowns9494]

Reminds me of that one song A single thread in a tapestry Though its color brightly shines Can never see its purpose In the pattern of the grand design And the stone that sits on the very top Of the mountains mighty face Does it think it's more important Than the stones that form the base?

[@cdojoedesign]

Welcome to the Philippines Thomas, I loved your presentation. Im a Brit living in Cagayan de Oro. Mindanao. These are trully the most wonderfull people, from the best country in the world. God bless them.

[@fendi8854]

Are you a Philippine citizen?

[@cdojoedesign]

@@fendi8854 No. Im a citizen from the second best country in the world.

[@MRDPG59]

One of the nicest comments made to me by a pinoy was...Are you sure you are not Philipno? " In context she was saying I fit in so well when I was with the Philipnos even though my 'visual' appearance (being a white Kiwi) I stand out .my heart and thinking was very pinoy :) :) Maraming salamat to the people of the Philippines for always making my trips full of great memories every time I get over there :)

[@darwindelacruz6380]

You wc

[@retsreinyrelgeinthrelaveri1456]

It's "Filipino" btw

[@MRDPG59]

@@retsreinyrelgeinthrelaveri1456 oops miss key I had it somewhere between Filipino and Pilipino :)

[@Sarah-yg8kt]

I'm Malay, and am proud to say that I've befriended some Filipinos people from my old school! They are one of the most understanding people I've ever encountered, along with some really kind northern Chinese students. My old school was diverse so I get to see many types of people, but filipinos are the most chill people 😂 since Malays chill a lot too I guess we can vibe

[@KNYF3]

😂😂😂

[@gabrielferrer3205]

Malays and Filipinos have the same racial and linguistic roots.

[@francislouisrala3345]

@@gabrielferrer3205 m mm Km M Mm mm M M Kkkm Kmk Mim 2 Mm.. Mm M mm l mm mm 2 kk M mm mm Mm mm mm. Km.m .mm Mm mm K mm m K Mm mm m Mmm Mmm. Mm k.kmm

[@retsreinyrelgeinthrelaveri1456]

@@francislouisrala3345 wtf

[@grammarpolice3212]

@@gabrielferrer3205 what does kantot mean in Malaysia?

[@avariceseven9443]

Not trying to smear dirt or anything but this experience will only be possible if you too show goodness to them. Treat them badly and you'll not be treated like the speaker was treated. Bayanihan and walang iwanan are more like bonds between people. What makes Filipino a bit different than others, I think, is that it's not hard to please us for that tie to start developing. Give us little and we give you the best we can offer in return. It doesn't have to be something material either, even kind words or just patronizing "Filipino" will gain you subscribers and thumbs up. Most of us, usually think this is a dying tradition. When I hear bayanihan, I'd usually think of people carrying their neighbors nipa hut. But it's more than that. I hope a lot of us can see what this Brit saw in us. We're very apologetic about our culture and ethnicity. I was growing up hearing stories of how Filipino working abroad are ashamed of being found out they are Filipino. The world don't even know where Philippines is back then. I hope we can finally get over that shame and be proud (not boastful) where we came from.

[@ligayautsig7428]

avarice seven ×

[@leakyfaucet1000]

avarice seven u got it

[@dreysantillan]

Enough said

[@snow8617]

"not that hard to please us to start that tie" And that's how we were conquered hahahaha

[@adonismodaser]

Absolutely!

[@raydreamer7566]

I am living in the Philippines now in the province and I can really appreciate your talk. I always believe if you have insight you can and will always learn from someone else.

[@MissMichi]

Mr. Tony Meloto is such a beautiful soul. He and Gawad Kalinga are blessings to so many poor Filipinos. Glad you met him in person.

[@wilr.2594]

Only if we Filipinos will be more united as one and stop pulling each other down.

[@OPERA943]

B R A V O!!!!

[@cabs9310]

Imagine if the world will be united.

[@mikeoxlong7607]

"tAnGInA mO Dds"

[@wilr.2594]

@Mofu Mofu yes exactly! you're so wise! d gaya ng mga iba dyan na utak patatas este talangka. 👍

[@wilr.2594]

@@mikeoxlong7607 back to u! 😊

[@boniknik1981]

I'm a Filipina, born and raised in the Philippines. Then I immigrated to the US. After so many years, I went back to visit bacause my Mom was in the hospital. At the time there was a dengue outbreak and the only available hospital is a public hospital. Only 1 nurse available to make rounds on hundreds of patients. So somebody had to be there to watch my Mom 24 hours a day. But I never had any problem, our neighbors took turns watching and caring for her. They volunteered to run errands for us whenever we need something. Even brought food to make sure we weren't hungry. Mind you, they are all very poor but they volunteered their time and offered what little money they have. That's when I realized, in the US, I have a really great insurance provided by the company I work for. When I got sick, I was taken care of by nurses. And my co-workers and friends sent me "get well" text messages. But no one visited me or asked if I needed anything. In the PH, I had no health insurance but I always knew my family, friends and neighbors got my back. Walang Iwanan.

[@giof6754]

Filipinos are resilient, kind, generous, forgiving. Often times these good traits of the ordinary Filipino are the subject of abuse, mostly by politicians and the self-serving. Pakikisama and utang na loob has been the most exploited trait of the Filipino, to keep them in bondage and to keep them from truly achieving their potential in life.

[@philipagtuca5486]

But the politicians and the self-serving are also Filipinos. You talk like they're two different people. It's one people abusing each other.

[@adiksadiatabs]

And unfortunately complacent and easily swayed.

[@vcentvillalon7695]

"Pakikisama and utang na loob" bata pa lang tayo yan na lagi tinuturo saten ng mga magulang naten. Sakin lagi sinabi yang magulang ko dati, laging tumanaw ng utang na loob maliit man yan o malaki.

[@vcentvillalon7695]

@Ganda Gandara iskwater? Wtf! Lol. Kahit mismo sa loob ng bahay ginagawa yan.

[@vcentvillalon7695]

Pano kayo kakakasundo sundo kung kahit sa sarili mong pamilya wala ka pakisama? Lol.

[@armisky9495]

This is so true. Filipinos courtesy is always to make the guest feel warm and welcome even if they have to give up being comfortable for awhile.

[@Flyerstone]

That's the culture of Filipinos very hospitable.I am proud being a Filipino. We might be poor but rich in many ways, like we could afford to smile even in our poorest situation.

[@sometimeschicken2115]

Flyerstone pota pwde tigilin nyo na yng proud pilipino n yn nkakairita ipokrito ka pa

[@bukonut]

Here we go again with the "proud to be Filipino" comments.

[@bukonut]

Here is an advice, if you want to be proud of yourself then try to achieve something for yourself and others. I assure you, it's the most satisfying way to gain a sense of pride. Being Filipino isn't an accomplishment so why would you be proud on something that you didn't even accomplish? You never see others bragging how they are "proud to be British" or "proud to be American" all the time.

[@milkbrother0322]

Don't you get tired of saying "proud to be Filipino"? What's to be proud of by having simply that nationality? It's not like you were a Filipino by choice, you were a Filipino by chance. You go saying proud to be Filipino when it's convenient for you, but when you hear a Filipino woman caught on another country for being a drug mule, what do you say? Still proud of that? I am a Filipino but I am disgusted by the likes of you who spout those nonsense. Go do something you can be proud of instead. Grow some pants.

[@johnroy5477]

Flyerstone ate Mina ikaw ba to? Tiga Pampanga?

[@philcarnage1152]

Filipinos are hybrid race people. Confused, but dwells a hidden kind of ingenuity.

[@Path_to_becoming_HIM]

Like an underlying true identity that is hidden from the influence of our colonizers. Its quite odd that in the most progressive cities in our country, ive met the most terrible people and the most selfless ones are those in provinces without anything to give but genuine hospitality

[@jayrfrancisco2320]

@@Path_to_becoming_HIM couldn't agree more, how sad

[@lc-mx1ir]

Filipinos are free to determine their own identity, im filipino and i am more on spanish culture and language and i have the right to do that

[@adonismodaser]

in bold caps: YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!

[@kagamitaiga6856]

Mali. May sarili nang pamumuhay ang mga pinoy bago pa dumating ang mga malay at chinese..

[@kimeli]

that fact is that they a need a white guy to point things out so that filipinos will listen, if the one talking is filipino nobody would listen.

[@craiver00]

Thanks to filipino's "Crab mentality" they drag down each other that's why it's so hard to progress with such community.

[@Tanus912]

This. This is the sad reality.

[@adonismodaser]

Meron din naman po.

[@JaraFPV]

True. It's very different when some other Filipinos are infront of a white person. Most look at them like gods and geniuses and they have to listen and follow.

[@k3qever413]

Not all the time. There are Filipino countrymen too who remind us that we're special.

[@naknampucha5236]

You know the most generous people are those who doesn't have anything cause they know how it feel to have nothing. That's what a Filipino generosity have and we'll always be hospitable😊😊 We aren't that selfish to think cause we got big hearts to share even we don't have anything😊 And yeah, I would definitely prefer to be married to a Filipina wife, most of the foreigner people I know tend to say, they're the most lovable and caring wife ever 😘😘

[@honeyfernandez114]

I agree with you.and its better to give than to receive.gracias

[@CordVarty]

My partner lives in the Philippines and I stay with him every few months for a month. Heading back in a few days. Great community of people 😊

[@jasperranola2277]

Cord Varty hey joe 😂😂

[@sladeTek]

Yoo just checked your channel. Its awesome that you pride your love

[@山寨]

Every few months for a month 🤔🤔🤔

[@adiksadiatabs]

山寨 was that hard to understand?

[@山寨]

adiksadiatabs did he mean few months annually?

[@monkeyzeetube]

Thomas made me cry and made ms so proud of my heritage..Proud to be a Filipino..

[@Raymartd2118]

ako din nakakaiyak

[@aresbeta9146]

I'm a Filipino and this message regained the hope I have for my people, even just a little. Thank you.

[@EmaA-pu7nc]

We're so hospitable that we even invite hurricanes and volcanic eruptions into our country. Yay, Philippines. - My Geography Teacher. I never forgot the line.

[@jimaldenmoquete3694]

And china. Duts the great

[@jon_leemadrid2987]

@@jimaldenmoquete3694 lmaooo

[@naknampochi]

We don't have hurricanes, we have typhoon

[@Nino-pp5hr]

@@naknampochi hurricane and typhoon are the same they only differ in location .

[@naknampochi]

@@Nino-pp5hr I know, that's why i said we have typhoon and not hurricanes

[@elwhizard]

Salamat Tom for sharing what the real Filipino culture is like and the real situation of our beloved country. As opposed to those journalist who write what's going on and what to do with our country but have never set foot here or only stayed for a few days on those posh places. Then they rely on the internet for information and what they think what we need to do based on what they're doing on their contry. The Philippines is different, the Filipinos are different.

[@merciditagauna3908]

elwhizard

[@djeorgette]

But they’re two sides of the same coin :(

[@tunes.gelaivenales4439]

Sir Thomas Graham, i myself am a filipina and i teared up hearing this speech of yours! It is an honour that you had shed some light on My country and My people. God Bless you and Mabuhay!!!

[@dcardigan13]

I like how he eloquently articulated why he started feeling depressed after coming back to London. I like how he listed what was missing, what he was longing for. Because these are the things that many of the foreigners or Filipinos who don't live in PH anymore miss after leaving Philippines or after having visited once for a long time. They get homesick and wish to stay in the Philippines despite its shortcomings, especially the foreigners, because of how welcoming and warm the people are to them.

[@FernandoOrtegaJimenez]

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

[@Mack697]

@Rae Duval You can as well message her via Facebook. Below is her user👇

[@Mack697]

Dailey Carinn Fx

[@Mack697]

Dailey Carinn Fx

[@Mack697]

Her what sapp digits 👇⬇️

[@Mack697]

+121

[@Toolgdskli]

I have met and interacted with several Filipinos, they are the nicest people. Greetings from your neighbor.

[@bemeacademy2932]

If we are not poor, we would not ride the jeepneys fearing that we might be robbed. If we are not poor, we would give away only a little part of what we own to help others. However, because we are poor, we learn to trust others. Nothing valuable can be stolen from poor people. No one would covet your 10 pesos fare. Because we are poor, we learn compassion. We know what it is like to have nothing. So, we learn to trust others and share what little we have.

[@jaymate2k12]

I suddenly missed my country. I am glad that you made a an effort of letting Filipinos be reminded of the potential that we have and the capability to excel no matter the situation is. I want to buy your book.

[@sgt.krakatoa1093]

Gian Carlo Gumilao we have the same name WHOOP i mean its a common name but WHOOP

[@pah5900]

Lovely talk. The Christmas story moved me to tears.

[@rowellsonparrilla6260]

P AH same here

[@pah5900]

I have no intention of moving there, James; I´m very happy where I am. I might visit, though. P.S. You seem to be in a bad mood; hope you feel better soon :)

[@gweniepye]

@James Barlow Why do you have to be rude? Jeez.

[@elsakimura9187]

thank you We are so proud of our beloved Country...Thank you so much Thomas Graham.

[@PaulG.333]

“Bayanihan” When we’re together, everything seems possible, until now still seeing this in every Filipino people, thanks TEDx, thanks Thomas Graham this is a true meaning of research and mediawork. Godbless.

[@bbullwits258]

GReat video, Mr. Graham! Filipinos are truly the kindest people on earth. They have done so much for me, and the Bayanihan spirit can really influence the world. Salamat for inspiring and ingat ka. - Blaise Francis

[@bongtv3670]

Salamat Mr. Thomas Graham, a truly remarkable talk. What you've said are all true. Thank you!

[@johng8152]

Actually in my humble opinion what he described as walang iwanan is the exceptional hospitality of Filipinos. We literally give our shirts off our backs to make visitors comfortable when they are with us or we are hosting them. No one else in the world does that. Something that we should be really really proud of.

[@sherrygilbertson4002]

It's in our DNA.

[@alanb.caldino4958]

Maraming maraming salamat sayo Mr. Thomas Graham and TEDx..that's really the spirit of Pinoy, BAYANIHAN!

[@jackroth5110]

I am a USA ex pat living in Gingoog City, Mindanao, Philippines. I work in a Filipino factory. The idea was to use cheaper labor rates here to do highly technical machine shop work to make products to sell in the USA and Europe. It seems to have worked and this factory is the highest paid factory in the province. That is what we use here is the genius of the Filipino agricultural worker. We needed cnc milling machines so these guys built them. We needed a rollingmill to make aluminum sheet metal and they made it. I have never worked in a factory like this. Getting close to world class all on Filipino ingenuity and bayanihan.

[@MChristina]

Cool. Whats the name of your company?

[@louhymlabe2734]

I find it sweet. This is how we really are. Hungry stomach and empty pocket brings out the best in Filipinos. We learn how to give and also we learn how to steal. That's what poverty did to our fellow Filipinos, so if you decided to come here, be friendly because we are hospitable, but also be cautious because we are really dangerous.

[@francisromel596]

Hahaha. So true!

[@Nil_Sama]

Messiah Louhym Labe Sadly true...

[@maayongaga729]

Read Me Haha 😅😅😅

[@reploid001]

politicians very dangerous.. they resort into guns if they felt they're losing.. into anything

[@NoVisionGuy]

Philippines, the land of Robin Hoods..

[@josephgooga3872]

My mother is dead now, and I live now in the US . But why I always go home in the Philippines and visit my mother when she was alive.The reason is I feel home, when I stay at my mother house , I don't feel alone. reason why is my mother have so many friends around the neighborhood, who visit her. Friends who come just to talk with my mother, some come to ask for help, some come because they just want to see my mother, because in the past , they where people who is a customer of us when we have a small business. Most of them , in one way or another where help by my mother in a little way, and they come back and visit and talk, there where always gratefull and I am always grateful that I could talk to them .

[@joyceperdon]

That story of finding yourself a bit complaining then realizing they actually offered the best bed/ spot they had without expecting anything in return,dang it hit me.I was genuinely weeping and being reminded that most of my "kababayans" are truly kind in nature. This is one of the values I'm grateful I learned growing up in the Philippines and that I'm proud of.I experienced living in 3 different countries thousands of miles away from Philippines,traveled for the last couple of years and this value really served me a long way.Sure there's some people who would take advantage of you but generally,Filipinos are proven hospitable, good-natured and fun.Thank you for sharing.

[@arar3182]

When my teacher was a rather large, Chinese student in the Philippines, he was stranded on a poor area during a storm. He knocked on big houses for help however they never answered and it was only desperation that made him ask for help from a poor house. They welcomed him and for dinner, had sardines from a can. Fun fact is that he HATED sardines because it’s what they fed the dogs and so he grew up with a mindset that it’s only for dogs. Then he realized the mom gave him two big pieces and a cup of rice while the family each got one piece with their rice. He slept in the masters bedroom that night while the family stayed in the living room. It’s good to say that he now actually eats sardines with that memory.

[@jefftors5944]

I literally cried when he talks about "bayanihan" and "walang iwanan" 'coz me in myself are relate of what his talking. And I really admire him

[@octaviusmanago8640]

"I've had enough of writing these false reports.." that says it all for most foreigners.

[@pablobeltran3028]

he's wrong when he said 'false reports'.. i believe the observation someone can make in a very short time would never be absolute... it will only reveal the head, not the whole body... an educated man like him can come up with a valid, though incomplete, report (sad)

[@CA-gk6ss]

Came from him personally 😂

[@sunlimien5319]

My deepest thanks to you Sir Thomas Graham! !!! God bless you and your family always! !!!

[@cuetea8462]

"Like a butterfly, sometimes we don't realize how beautiful we are."💚💚

[@thefilipinojoe]

I am from the USA and have been living in the Philippine countryside for over three years now. It's a wonderful place to live because of the beautiful climate, greenery, people, frugal mindedness, community dynamic, thriving small cities nearby, etc. Most Filipinos don't know how good they've got it here because they've never lived anywhere else. But we who have lived in other places, see how beautiful life is here. My channel has a great movie I made about my area. It's called Dancing with Bamboo. It gives a real authentic taste of this beautiful place and the freedoms alive and well here that no longer exist in the West.

[@fhalib]

the fact that a foreigner has to educate Filipinos about how special our community is really speak volumes

[@Alexos86]

I had the great chance to experience quite of your words. I subscribe all those emotions and feelings and realisations. Same, a Londoner who travels any time I can to the Visayas! Bad people, is bad everywhere, but the good people is specially good in the Philippines. All my love and support to you!

[@nixzfaico]

So inspirational. Knowing that other people would appreciate us Filipinos more than we could. They see and appreciate alot from us and we only complain and compare what should or could have been. Such an eye opening, hope alot could see how blessed we are. Simplicity to it's finest. We may not have alot but we can still contribute so much🙏

[@inabeena8407]

Filipinos always treat stranger special! Walang iwanan . That's how we treat people no matter how poor we are!

[@aldrindecena1606]

The poor are genuis for creating happiness with a minimum materials to use thus preserving earth's resources.

[@Dan-sz1lr]

This made me so emotional, if many foreigners are amazed of the hospitality of Filipinos, why can't other Filipinos appreciate the hospitality of other Filipinos... As a Filipino, I actually thought that this is normal for foreign countries (I guess there are some other countries that do the same), but apparently it isn't. This made me inspirational, thank you.

[@jadegauran5239]

I LUV UR EXPERIENCE. YOUR STORY IS WORTH RETELLING. THANK YOU.

[@freedomfunwithjlbfriends7193]

GREAT SPEECH MATE, SO TRUE..

[@BLaCkKsHeEp]

BAYAG PO! LMFAO

[@terradrive]

I went to Philippines Manila less than two weeks ago and I was surprised that filipinos are very friendly and helpful. My filipino friend told me earlier that if they had a guest, they are willing to give their bed to the guest, I was like ok..... sure thats good. Now that I heard your story, I'm very impressed and my filipino friend told me :"I told you so" lol

[@francisbacus1321]

I am a Filipino and I am happy on how you see the goodness of us.Thank you!

[@oncetwicethird456]

Kaya siguro hindi natin makita yung mga factors bakit "gustong-gusto" ng mga foreigners sa pilipinas dahil pilipino tayo.. Imagine if nung Christmas pinoy yun at hindi foreigner, do you actually think gagawin parin nila yun? No judgement but iba na ngayon ang pag trato ng mga pilipino sa kapwa pilipino eh, much different kung paano natin tinatrato ang mga foreigners tinatrato natin ang mga foreigners like they are much more superior than us! SNS but thats the reality

[@nonesensecomment3403]

tama tama . kaya tinitake advantage nila

[@nexustri1146]

Uhh not all my friend

[@islaparaiso7]

Hindi nman lahat, yung iba jan ng gagaya lang sa ugali ng mga banyaga 😂😂😂

[@inanisneminem]

haha yan din iniisip ko.

[@rdcyoutubediary]

Magpunta ka sa mga tribo natin para malaman mo kung gaano ka parin kaiba sa kanila. Di ko man nakausap yung mga Aeta sa Pampanga, iba pa rin naramdaman ko nung nakita ko sila. Pakiramdam ko nun ang tingin nila sa kin banyaga.

[@ic3xiii]

I really appreciate this talk. As a Filipino, I never knew that bayanihan could be as little as passing the jeepney fare.

[@rizzamaeong]

everyday, i realize how amazing our country is. the people here are lovely. simple and good. most of all, we know how to be happy everyday.

[@TakashiNippon]

its the people why philippines is amazing

[@jork4318]

Takashi no

[@zehl45]

Its also the people is the reason why philippines is poor and corrupt.

[@bmona7550]

Gretz .88 *corrupt people

[@myevega5665]

Corrupt govt..

[@milkiromera]

clearly, many Filipino still don't see the "beauty of the wings" (i.e. butterfly) that surrounds them

[@jeffreyroylopez733]

Thank you dear Sir Speaker, you made me happily cry. I am even more proud now of being a Filipino --- we are indeed unique & good human beings, and we sure keep doing that amidst poverty, we even totally ignore poverty... we may even transform poverty into love & happiness,

[@mariosrizk]

I have been living in the Philippines for 17 years my kids are half Pinoy I am actually a Lebanese grow up in Manila let me tell you there is no better place to be aside from Philippines 🇵🇭♥️♥️

[@natanieljames6998]

Wonderfull so inspiring story... and true sometimes we forget that we have beautiful qualities too, we are not just “pasaway” or “matigas ang ulo” we also have potential and warm heart. We just have to remind ourselves of that.❤️

[@christiandelacruz1362]

Despite of the negative news happening here in the Philippines, I am still proud to be a Filipino. I love the place, lots of beautiful beaches, standard of living is really cheap, and most especially, the people. I can go abroad if I want to, I'm a registered nurse but currently teaching as an English teacher, I'll just get a TESOL certificate and that would bring me to other countries already. But no, I don't wanna leave the Philippines,why?It's simply because I just love my nation.

[@ARosethatBloomsinEarlyMay]

I love our nation. I agree with most of your remarks except sa pag-a-abroad. Nothing wrong with that.

[@not1but2and37]

There's no place like home, but one can start over and make a new home somewhere else. : )

[@rudez453]

❤️❤️❤️

[@loa6223]

Dec 12, 2019.. right, when do we Filipinos see how beautiful our country is? May the spirit of the "original bayanihan" awaken us from slumber of clouded minds.

[@teanamariechannel3724]

Maraming salamat po Mr. Thomas Graham for believing in us Filipinos and seeing who we truly are but sadly most of us already forgot. May God bless you always po. ❤

[@mayalmario2915]

I didn’t even realized it until he say it. It was something natural to me,

[@mikeebanana8091]

I remember when I was a small kid back in the Philippines, we had a bike but both tires are flat and being poor we don't have extra money to buy inner tubes or have them patched-up in the tire shop. My big brother had an idea that I think is a genius Filipino poor, he asked me to get lots of dried banana leaves. Yes, we removed the inner tubes and replaced them with dried banana leaves. It wasn't the best solution but it made me go from point A to point B. I think my big brother is a genius. Now, I have bikes that run tubeless and I have a lot of extra inner tubes just in case.

[@johnmariano47]

I got his message. True Filipino culture. I heard every detail and the sound is pretty good to think there is a leaking radio signal with good music on my speakers. Bayanihan (the whole community helping for a common cause), Walang iwanan (No one left behind), Unparalleled Hospitality (Filipinos treat their visitors with gladness and extend the best accommodations and do not mind themselves being inconvenienced in the process even to the point of sacrifice). Filipinos have a deep sense of empathy when it comes to fellow human beings needing help in all circumstances of life. These values, perhaps a result of the experiences of knowing how it is to need help and no one is there to offer it, are taught subliminally to younger generations by the actions of their parents of true Filipinos at heart. Thank you for sharing this experience.

[@carboz7]

So inspiring how a foreigner could see that in the FIlipino poor. Kudos to you!

[@fatimamancio4536]

Wow! This talk inspired me so much. Im a local from the bantayan island where he experienced the "walang iwanan"value. Where all the houses are devastated by the said typhoon. As of this time we still have that spirit which makes us proud! Kudos

[@itfs1981]

Thank for appreciating our culture... Your talk inspires millions of Filipinos... God bless you and your family...

[@kuartekonga]

Beautiful country, and people overall!!

[@sometimeschicken2115]

Sebastián Mazzini we are one of the ugliest human race on earth before. thanks for Spaniards colonization.

[@skinner81]

sometimes rara beautiful people means inside characteristics not the outside appearance,, moron!!

[@akia7612]

sometimes rara By saying 'WE' I take it to mean that you're speaking for yourself and your relatives only, right?

[@sometimeschicken2115]

Aki A "race" read it carefully!!

[@mystiqua3107]

"When all you have is nothing, there's enough to go around." Through Heaven's Eyes by Brian Stokes Mitchell

[@miinacho9196]

Prince of Egypt, right?

[@mystiqua3107]

@@miinacho9196 Yeah! :)

[@tonygallagher6989]

A lesson I learned, when my Filipino fiancée came to visit the UK, was that someone not familiar with our country and culture would obviously see the things we considered normal as different. That's what has happened with Thomas Graham, and what happens when I visit the Philippines too. Sometimes, we need to hear from someone who doesn't regularly experience these things, to remind us of what we have.

[@mjohnhayes]

i have also felt the genius of the poor in the philippines........walang iwanan is a real thing there we do not understand in canada either. i will be happy again when i move back to philippines this year...... my filipina wife is the best kind of person ive ever met, and she challenges me to be my better self. i am him when i am home, in the philippines.

[@ofeliaaquino5093]

Thank you so much Thomas, IT'S well said. BAYANIHAN is in the heart and soul of FILIPINOS.

[@manongraymond5481]

To all of you " proud to be a Filipino ", just letting you know, being born into a certain nationality isn't something to be proud of, why be proud of something you didn't do anything to get? If you attempt in doing anything and put effort in it, once it succeeds, that's truly something to be proud of.

[@Sniffowasabi]

Watching this during the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the entire country in the midst of the China (Covid-19) pandemic. This is the best time to witness the genius of the Filipino-- sans the government and its useless officials--in taking care of each other.

[@eljhaylee8571]

We Filipinos be proud of what we are.. Coz a lot of foreigners wants to become like us... Our country is poor but we are rich of love and hospitality.. And also we have so much fun in our country... We must be proud to our culture and country.. I am one of the proud Filipino... Wala sa kanila ang nasa atin mabuhay pilipino.. Saan man tayo dako ng mundo pinoy parin tayo

[@newexodus20]

Bravo...Well said and spoken. You are an Ambassador in disguise to the world. Now, the people of the world will have a knowledge about the Philippines in 15 minutes. You are kind. May God bless you. Shalom!

[@lawrencetesoro5436]

Thank you Thom, for visiting the Philippines. You are always welcome here. The Spirit of Bayanihan here is still alive! You are amazing!

[@lucasandrileysadventure]

When I live in the Western country after a year that’s when I realized how beautiful the Filipino culture is, the values and traditions. I am missing those things. My husband(white) can’t understand why I want to go back and raise my child back home. It’s because of the people and the food.

[@jovymunoz8611]

I was laughing so hard when he was telling his jeepney ride story 😂😂😂

[@sisidmarinoyow5182]

Hi idol.

[@thethirdjegs]

He might misunderstood the terms slightly wrong but he misunderstood beautifully.

[@stacy8443]

I love the Philippines. It's a humbling experience. The kindness and smiles keep me going there until i can move there full time. Salamat Po. Great video

[@roiferreach100]

Makes me feel crying watching this talk. We Filipinos are just brought to mess, poverty, disconnected from the real identities but we are deep, the spirit of our dignified culture is somehow not totally lost, that's what you called the "Bayanihan" we are in this together shoulder to shoulder, catching each others back.

[@MRSECEA]

The speaker reminds me of that Brit that I had an argument about this youtube video about politics in the Philippines..and he said that there was a journalist who wrote something about the PH and stayed for a week.. and I said doesn't matter how elite the school he went to, he would never understand what the Filipinos what truely feel and experience.

[@wel2myworld]

Thomas Graham you just earned yourself another fan

[@ionah8205]

this was really good i've never felt so validated in my entire life

[@maypostrero5073]

I was teary eyed while watching this video from 2 years ago. Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful ecperience you had with us and our beloved country. Proud Filipina here.

[@karenkristie]

I joined Mad Travel's Tribes and Trek tree-planting adventure a few years ago and it's one of the most in unforgettable experiences in my life. Thank you! ❤️