What Commuting in Philippines' Capital (Manila) is Like

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

I feel like it's obvious, but of course this video is only about a single person's commute. I'd be interested in hearing from other Filipinos, and other people around the world, about what their commute is like. Emiko, the lady in the video, leaves for work early as traffic is not as bad. I know some Japanese people who do the same thing, so that they can get a seat on the train. Like I say at the end of the video, I have 17 hours of footage and I actually cut out a lot of stuff I recorded about traffic in the Philippines. I kind of want to make a "Manila's Traffic Problem" video, although after reading some news articles and a couple reports doesn't make me at all qualified to say anything. I got to experience a lot in the Philippines thanks to many friendly locals who took me along and showed me their everyday lives. Thanks everyone! So you'll probably get a couple videos about my journey to the Philippines. Have a great day!

[@leenmochizuki5642]

Life Where I'm From The traffic is bad, yes. But do you know about the internet speed? Like geez... I cant even watch anime in 780p without waiting for like what? 30 mins. Even when most people just use data to connect and its not even all purpose. * sigh * I don’t like going outside much ‘cause there is A LOT of people not to mention the smog. Horray for shut-ins!

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

@@leenmochizuki5642 Yes, I was sorely disappointed with the speed when I saw a couple different people watch my 4K videos in like 480p. I was crying on the inside.

[@leenmochizuki5642]

Life Where I'm From Watching something in 4K regularly is the same as picking up a wallet off the street everyday. Also... hows the feeling of waking up in the morning and smelling smog? And when you ride the jeepney in the afternoon the heat is just unbearable! You cant hang out with friends if you don’t have any. Plus... dealing with people my age irl is just trouble. All they talk about is moblie legends,viral challenges,k-pop etc. and here I am, thinking to myself how these teens even get all that energy socializing.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

@@leenmochizuki5642 Interestingly, I was really worried about the smog, since I have asthma, but I was okay for the week in Manila. But the smell, and the stickiness, I wasn't a big fan 😂

[@analiane1]

You should have taken a bus ride, end to end of EDSA road during rush hour. That will take at least 2.5 hrs lol.

[@ShAwTee1436]

I’m glad you mentioned that the price was half the daily minimum wage. It really shows why it’s a privilege to be able to ride in something we’d consider to be cheap.

[@Missmethinksalot1]

I know right? It was so insightful.

[@hillroberts1311]

Elizabeth B a response of a braggart!

[@ShAwTee1436]

Hill Roberts I don’t understand what you mean?

[@ChordXY]

@@hillroberts1311 i think you misunderstood the original post.

[@user-fl9fp5vi7d]

Elizabeth B depends on some provinces though. I only pay 100-150 PHP (2-3USD, sometimes even less than that.) in the city that I live in and it's almost as big as Metro Manila (the latter being 600 sq km, while the former is about 400 sq km.) maybe it's because of the traffic.....and Grab. Jeepneys are much better though. If only the jeepney modernization program would push through we'd probably see less taxis on the streets.

[@syuenartist7704]

Respect to Emiko..she is still very humble and nice and willing to teach with a smile although her life is stressful.....good on you Emiko for being a good , patient and a kind person.

[@emikogarcia6687]

thank you! 😍

[@syuenartist7704]

You're welcome sweet heart.

[@powerlogic13]

@@emikogarcia6687 Girl, mag rent ka nalang malapit sa work mo, para na rin sa health mo. Btw, used to work sa area ng Pearl Drive kaya familiar yung nagtatakbuhan sa van pa Antipolo. :)

[@emikogarcia6687]

@@powerlogic13 yup, naghahanap nga ako ng room na mura, ayoko kasi ng bedspace, kaso hirap humanap

[@powerlogic13]

@@emikogarcia6687 or maybe you can rent a place with your officemates. Or find a work closer to home. Di ko na kinaya ang hirap commute from QC to Ortigas kaya lumipat ako ng work dito sa QC nalang kaya hayahay na buhay. Anyway, best of luck and hope you find a place/work na di ka na mahihirapan mag commute!

[@sp00kdagul]

Ahh Manila, where you need 2 hours to fly to the southern most part of the country, but a drive to the airport equates to 6 hours.

[@shrock6629]

😂😂😂

[@ainsleyfrastructurekpopmashups]

That's Because of Poor Governance in the Philippines Because the Philippines is Full of Corruption instead of Development, Which Happens in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam Only, Hoping by the Next Administration, The Philippines will be Developing Like Other ASEAN Countries Which Lagged Behind our Country and It Will have Strict Discipline Rules Like Singapore.

[@elkinshiner5066]

I will never complain about my daily commute in Toronto ever again.

[@matt-sr3kp]

Lol Hhaahahahahha,

[@GE0attack]

then try to commute here in India it's much harder, jumping over cows that's a hard job

[@dunnowy123]

Seriously. At least you can get into the city from the suburbs in less than 2 hours...and there are a few options. This commute is nightmarish

[@GE0attack]

@@taxfraudition yah i do parkour

[@nobilitas16]

go subway / GO train, nothing to complain about.

[@chaos_omega_zero]

If the roads were blood vessels, the city will die from stroke.

[@ajmc7461]

Elzero Dragon it already is

[@gelatinocyte6270]

@@ajmc7461 I was about to say that!

[@JP-vg8vl]

manila is already a dying city

[@andresvillanueva5421]

Sadly, Manila is dying.

[@agentsus9681]

Die? Brother, it's a shriveled up corpse of what it once was.

[@allistrata]

What a sweet lady! I swear Filipinos are some of the nicest people. It's a shame her commute doesn't allow her to have much of a life outside of work.

[@kenken02]

Yess! Her hospitable gesture @19:21"...share [your] location if anything happens," was so sweet despite her crazy work/commute schedule.

[@scubarubanzaii]

The public familial bonds are insane out there honestly. Every Filipino here in the USA will say that, when we see another Filipino, we are already family. Even if we literally have never seen each other before.

[@Weak1987]

This was exactly my idea too, what a sweet person she is :)

[@emikogarcia6687]

That's why I try to balance my Saturdays between having fun with friends and/or having a good sleep.

[@emikogarcia6687]

@@kenken02 I was just concerned because you know, Filipinos... 😅

[@jedlaborada1344]

This is why growth is extremely slow in the Philippines, the economy is extremely inefficient, this is besides multiple factors such as corruption etc etc. Now know what Filipinos have to go through just to get their bare minimums in life hays.

[@nestorbondoc7329]

Very difficult to say “i’m proud to be a Filipino” with corrupt leaders in our govt. instead of serving first to the Fil people. We are the number 1 exporters of human labors throughout the world.. so as to save the bankrupt economy with a huge debt that even our great grandchildren couldnt pay back .. Almighty God, please help us!

[@maruwan-dono]

The case of every third world country..

[@maruwan-dono]

@ thats a good thing to know. I wish i can visit soon enough your country👌

[@rye8711]

@ nope not true :)) out of the 76 original projects of the build build build program, only 6 projs were completed. hush now die hard fan we know we’re far from what u claim

@@rye8711 lets see about that. :) im no die hard fan, just like all other countries, we stsrt from the hard way. All countries started from the small and hard way. Philippines is just starting and we are rapidly growing. All other countries call Philippines as the Rising Tiger of Asia. Do you think we can built thr 76 project all in one? No, right? All other countries and civil engineers knows this. Even USA and China is struggling with their hundreds of projects, so they took it one by one. This takes time and its not a blink of an eye, everything is finished? No, it takes all the time it needs, everything takes time.

[@MpReDeH]

Someone mentioned how you'll never be alone when commuting here, which is something you'll really sympathize with when you live here. I go home at night after college, riding a jeep to Antipolo after getting off the train. There has always been a long line just to get a jeep, not to mention a longer line to board a train so most of the time I sleep myself off after getting inside. This actually made me miss my stop a few times. But this one particular jeepney ride I had, I got woken up by a slight tap on my shoulders, I look over to find an old woman unknowingly sleeping on my shoulder. Then I saw pretty much every passenger inside was sleeping, most had their heads down while hanging on to the iron bars just so they won't fall off. Some were clutching their belongings placed on their laps while they rest. That sight gave off this strange yet comforting feeling. I was really tired, but I smiled, and thought that I wasn't alone when it comes to dealing with the hash daily basis of commuting in the country. A sense of camaraderie perhaps. I guess misery really does love company. :)

[@clarby197]

This made me smile 😊 God bless!

[@mac7889]

thats true

[@JanSuing]

This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. My train commute is one of the highlights of my day!

[@michelleb4940]

OMG I remember having that feeling of camaraderie during my every day struggle commuting to and from cubao every day. HAY ANG HIRAP. I don't miss it at all lol

[@Crabking19]

You'll never feel lonely in the Philippines.

[@awkwardpanda1081]

*Rules of thumb for public transport in Metro Manila:* 1. *Set out much earlier (30mins - 1hour) than your expected travel time for important engagements.* 2. *Keep your bags where you can see them.* Snatchers can sidle up to you in a cramped vehicle and steal your valuables. Some would even have knives to cut into the side of bags to make a hole they can exploit. 3. *The foot of a footbridge (or somewhere near) is unofficially a jeepney/UV/bus stop.* You can stand there and flag down public transpo vehicles by raising your hand. 4. *If you don't know how much the fare costs, quietly give a 50 or 100 peso bill* (fares are usually less than this so you can just wait for the change) or ask a fellow passenger instead of the driver. Sometimes drivers will tell you a higher price. 5. *If you don't know where to go and what to ride, ask a local street vendor.* A Barker (person whose job is to call out for passengers and/or collect fare) is also a good info source on routes in the area if you see one. 6. The "Zombies" rushing to a UV is actually a good methos to get a ride quick. If a vehicle is slowing down, it's either picking up or letting down a passenger which means room for you. So head over to it before it stops to get ahead of everyone. 7. *If you don't want to be hassled, just book a Grab.* Angkas (motorcycle booking service also a Filipino word) if you're really in a tight spot.

[@marialourdesdiocera8525]

Number 4 is very true especially for jeepney drivers. After you've been given change, take note of how much the fare is then when you ride the next one, give the exact amount, it's much better if it's coins.

[@animaticToshiue]

For the 7 years I lived in Manila, jeepney drivers are actually honest. Or maybe because I look like a lost kid. Hahahaha

[@elegantmature1662]

@@animaticToshiue Yeah. From my experience, it's the tricycles that give you dishonest prices.

[@deznuey1327]

@@animaticToshiue ahhahahaha me too. I wear less clothing to make me look like a street beggar and go to work. My actual working clothes are in my locker.

[@mkyx6441]

i think the 4th rule mostly applies to tricycle drivers because for the most part, jeepney drivers are honest about fare prices and partly because it's much more regulated by authorities compared to tricycles where there is basically zero uniform fare guidelines and it vastly differs from place to place

[@deaderluv]

Lived in Manila for over 18 years then I came back to South Korea. And honestly I'm a bit scared because people here drive so fast and I'm used to jaywalking.

[@farhanainjan746]

Mola Mola lmaooo

[@rickg8015]

Mola Mola damn you should do stand up.. that jaywalking part was lol..

[@roelsalva7955]

But you still lived there for 18 years? Lol

[@mesoridazine]

It is best to live in Manila. I grew up there.

[@nerbioldennisdave8155]

@Shadow Hedgehog that is because we or atleast am proud of my jaywalking skills. 😂👌

[@loveaodai100]

For someone who has to bear such a difficult life she is still so sweet!

[@emikogarcia6687]

thank youu

[@sheilahc3209]

@@emikogarcia6687 ❤

[@jacquelinesmart2260]

Emiko goes through all that every working day with a beautiful smile on her face. This is why Filipinos can go and work anywhere in the world and flourish.

[@ter0874]

It's pretty ironic that Filipinos can't make the Philippines flourish.

[@dogeyt5995]

ter 08 shitty jobs, better to work abroad rather than here unless you get a high position

[@dogeyt5995]

LagiNaLangAko23 true

[@timachinox6234]

She is absolutely one of the many respectable girls in that place, and in any other cities like Manila, so optimistic with a sunflower in her heart!

[@samthepoet107]

@@ter0874 corrupt officials put themselves, families, and friends first before nation. I remember one good example. A shipping company wanted to build a port in the Philippines which would have created construction jobs, then permanent jobs in the shipping industry. In order to get anything done different politicians were demanding bribes. I don't know if you know it but in the Philippines they have several layers of politicians to get permits. Same like if you need to get married there as a foreigner, Watch The Brit In the Philippines video on all the different fees he had to pay to be cleared to marry. He could have flown to Hong Kong and get married for cheaper. You start with the branagay captain. You need to go to the mayor's office to get some type of clearance. That power should be in the hands of an agency like a commission. In the end the South Korean company pulled out and never build the shipping port due to too many demands for bribes. The people who were demanding bribes already living the high life. The only losers are the Filipino people who lost out on good permanent jobs.

[@ohdangmybad]

Damn, that is a tough commute. Props to everyone out there just trying to make a living.

[@sho.9722]

funkboat Im from the PH and you are right in manila there are most accidents happen so it makes traffic

[@achuuuooooosuu]

Not just workers, but students as well. (Long comment ahead). I'm a Filipino student in the Philippines and I typically wake up at 5am to commute to school before class starts at 8:30am. I usually arrive at 7am because traffic isn't as bad, but long lines for the jeepney often occur occasionally. It's a different story once commuting home, I usually ride a bus, it's worse during Tuesdays because class ends at 5pm which is a rush hour, we had to go home with the workers, and buses get full like sardines that I had to squish myself through. I didn't like the routine at first but I often watch videos on my phone to keep myself busy, typically, a lot of us commuters do because traffic is hectic. We're just enduring this but hopefully, transportation gets better in here in the future. I apologize for the long comment, just sharing my experiences being a commuter and a student as well.

[@samthepoet107]

@@achuuuooooosuu your comment is not long. It's just to the point considering some of my comments. I know two people from that area who work on a cruise ship. I bet they don't miss the long commute. Just a short walk from their cabin to the crew room for free breakfast then a short distance to work. I'm saving this video link so they can check it out.

[@romella_karmey]

@@achuuuooooosuu yep traffic is so bad that I plug in my earphones play some emotional song and stare blankly in the horizon while riding a public transportation vehicle thinking about why am I born in this country LOL

[@MsMalik1Dismylife]

yeah, i'm sick of the daily commute that I decided to study in a university outside of Metro Manila. The heavy traffic eats so much of my time.

[@mjfab74]

you should try the traffic during valentines day, Christmas rush and the day before all saints day. it would make your enemy's mother cry for you.

[@jett1007]

ooooohhh the christmas rush traffic... i usually avoid manila during that season

[@javiercs006]

Or Holy Week.

[@marcelineb4931]

I've seen the standstill traffic last til 2am on christmas week. I've never known a deeper hell.

[@pongpong123able4]

1tiercel was stuck in ayala tunnel for one hour during christmas carmageddon last year. It would drive you crazy

[@xanh01]

Having a friend like Emiko is a blessing. Very sweet and friendly girl.

[@emikogarcia6687]

Thank you! :)

[@Go_with_modgill]

@@emikogarcia6687 emiko big respect to you. im very impressive with ur life story very hard worker girl. God bless you ❤️❤️

[@antoyamet1]

I left the Philippines to work in Singapore... the main reason of which is commuting. It somehow burns out one day by day and yup, it takes the hours you could have been spending for leisure or... rest.

[@Hazemann]

Or coming to Kuala Lumpur, much better than Manila

[@kamelauy]

Same. i left for UK bec of better wage and THE TRAFFIC! Haha I kennat! Dame nauubos na oras sa UV, Fairview pako! Haha

[@guywithmanyname5247]

I might leave coz of the freaking slow internet

[@antoyamet1]

@stella_ maru17 Able to relate to your night shift. I used to work 3pm-12mn and 7am-4pm. I didn't like it before until i realize i am dodging the traffic. Yup, SG has very organized public transport :)

[@antoyamet1]

@@kamelauy Pacubao pa nga lng from makati halos 2hrs na😅 Gusto q rn mg-uk😄😄😄

[@meh4062]

Hmm I’m starting to understand why Filipinos are late too. 3 hours sleep no thanks

[@Treiunrey]

​@@dangda-ww7de Yeah definitely. Condoms man, they really should use condoms on the roads so it doesn't pop out more cars. Condoms are definitely the reason for traffics. You're very smart. ( Sarcasm )

[@dangda-ww7de]

That name is a pinoy name dude. I dont know any pinoy that dont have kids, 9 out of 10 of them they all got mistakes they cant afford. Condom is the word of the day.@@Treiunrey

[@soleil2934]

Ouch thats dark considering I'm a FILIPINA

[@johnmelescoto7337]

@Super Mega Strong Armpit Power i used to commute from valenzuela to makati im leaving @4am just to avoid heavy traffic starting @6am in ortigas and cubao, if i leave at 4 i'll reach guadalupe makati @5:30 because the road are empty that time, imagine all the efforts just not to be late is really hard then my work is 8am-5pm if im lucky to ride a bus i will reach home 8pm or 9 going home just to eat and sleep for a few hours

[@P51D-Mustang]

@@dangda-ww7de that's not a very nice thing to say!

[@bobcee8126]

Have to mention that your camera is so stable while on the tricycle 😂

[@rodrick_0982]

@Jebus foxe damn, this is why I love KFC

[@macdee6040]

LA: So much traffic... MANILA: Hold my coconut juice...

[@kusumasuresh6203]

Coconut water*

[@ronb7062]

I am sorry Mac Dee, I drank your coconut juice. LOL

[@AvtoWow]

"Hold my buko..."

[@ZuoCruz]

"Hold my Red Horse"

[@secrethehe9738]

More like hold my shitty government

[@kobs9636]

did you know that manila is 2 hrs away from manila?

[@TackKeyNack]

Quezon City is sometimes 3 hours away from Quezon City.

[@kobs9636]

Vince not sometimes. always 😂😂

[@TackKeyNack]

@@kobs9636, it took me 30 minutes to traverse Fairview to Rotunda on holy week. Lmao.

[@kobs9636]

@@TackKeyNack well, not everyday is holyweek

[@TackKeyNack]

@@kobs9636, well, then if you want an example of something more frequent, I went from SM Fairview to Rotunda on a Tuesday at 9AM and it took me a little over an hour.

[@philip8177]

The main problem is there is no systematic planning for the transport system in manila, and the infrastructure really badly needs huge upgrading .

[@misakiyoshikawa312]

This was what I thought of too before I took up civil eng'g in college. There are actually a lot of proposed transport system plans. What's really just missing is the government's support and implementation.

[@kornkernel2232]

@@misakiyoshikawa312 Very true, the plan is there and has been for several decades already. The problem is that the government initiative to actually build them in a priority and do it correctly. It's really sad since Metro Manila and Philippines as a whole would benefit alot with better transport infrastructure, but the incompetent plus corrupt government officials are always on the way. Citizens do also contribute on which everybody is just doing their own way now, adding more chaos on already chaotic transport system, if its even called a system. On a positive note, recent administration has been building and giving green light on multiple long-overdue transport projects that should improve the situation in the Philippines. Of course there are still delays and sadly even opposition, like the PUV Modernization Program which is taking a slow pace since there are people who don't want it to get change. I wish Philippines would finally fix their transport problems within my lifetime. There are so much beautiful things in the country, but ruined it by bad infrastructure and incompetent officials that acts like the people owe them.

[@mrjppizza6507]

Not until Duterte's Build Build Build. Finally transport systems that will make our lives easier. And these pathetic youth and activists still wanted to vote Aquinos and liberals while all they wanted to do is corrupt the money and scrap projects of the previous administartion. Noynoy scrapped some of Gloria Arroyo's proposed projects in his term. If they started working or live as a working class Filipino citizen, i bet they will realize the stress of how we feel and what we go through just to get to work and school everyday. They will realize they will need a leader who is like Marcos and Duterte. *Mark my words*

[@webdev217]

@@mrjppizza6507 how did that work out?

[@hakakarumadamu]

This is the reason why I resigned from my job in manila and find a job here in Cebu.

[@KKenRalota]

I've been hearing that Cebu is not faring too well with regards to traffic either

[@marccerojano4192]

@@KKenRalota I grew up in here (Cebu). But after watching this video. id rather stay here forever

[@Ks3N]

@@KKenRalota but it's better than manila

[@kafkaaaaa12345]

No offense but i can say the commute situation is prob the same, not to mention the traffic esp if you live in Lapu-Lapu or Mandaue

[@eddiesaninocencio6635]

Cebus is the same i lived in Cebu for 4 yrs in Mandaue that is little Manila.

[@Milk_Bag67]

You missed the anxiety as a kid where the jeep suddenly starts moving and your parents haven't gone on

[@bedheadead]

LMAOOO

[@theTHwa3tes11]

Same lol.

[@the_defaultguy]

lol ye hahahaha

[@elements1168]

Hahahaha same

[@shrock6629]

😂

[@narwynsantos7829]

I'm a Filipino living here in Japan for 7 months. What I love about Japan is their modes of transportation

[@summerghost6551]

This commute specifically shows you how Filipinos with social anxiety may hard to cope with to function normally daily in society.

[@justinnamuco9096]

Yeah they're forced to face their anxiety

[@shrock6629]

@@justinnamuco9096 believe it or not, that might actually be good

[@CFinch360]

I got a huge dose of gratitude! In Singapore, I spend 45 min by train or 1 hr by bus to work each way and it's clean and cheap (around $1.25 USD each way). I leave for work at 8 am and leave from work at 6 pm. So so grateful. Great video.

[@mattpadillaa]

I’m currently staying in Manila for vacation and this is so true. I live in Montreal and would complain about the 30-45 minute traffic. Staying here in Manila really changed my perspective. Amazing video! Subbed

[@bolts5994]

My gf lives in metro Manila and I have been there twice and I can tell you that I have NEVER seen traffic like they have there. It's INSANE. I really don't know how they do it. They are very nice people, very polite and VERY patient especially dealing with that traffic. Good Vid

[@zelle6158]

filipino got used on waiting that's why they are very patient, coz they know that there's no use to get angry, it will not do anything...

[@mesoridazine]

You will get used to it if you live there long enough.

[@nandorblue]

Why Filipinos don't do anything about it? Maybe low IQ has something to do with it.

[@ronb7062]

@@nandorblue IQ is just a standard made to measure intelligence theoretically. But mindset is a clear pixel of a bigger picture. In other words, you're wrong.

[@nandorblue]

@@ronb7062 ignorance is bliss

[@Fafnerluver922]

Some people intentionally leave late after work to let the traffic die down.

[@annelately]

Fafnerluver922 Used to work somewhere in MOA thank god for the sleeping quarters lol

[@downthispath6538]

Yeah. My classes ended at 5 but I'd wait at the library or at a coffee shop until 9 or 10. I'd get home in an hour whereas if I went home at 5, it would have taken me 3 to 4 hours with a tired and sore body to boot.

[@loadingname6367]

@@downthispath6538 literally me but i go to computer cafes, 5pm-7pm is the worst time for commute. Edit: spelling

[@deliciousnoodles5505]

In Singapore, sometimes they will just eat dinner and leave at 8pm

[@ajp3912]

Yeh, my last class hour is at 4.30 but I prefer to go home at 9:00 pm

[@aeronsumilong]

We have trash transportation system in here so people resort to buying their own cars or motorcycles which helps congest the traffic.

[@johncyruspangan1460]

which contributes to more heavy traffic, so there's that

[@rajkamat3474]

I feel you... we got the same problem in India

[@ShangZilla]

Force your politicians to do something about public transportation.

[@aeronsumilong]

Shang Zilla we are always complaining but the situation is so bad its not gonna be properly fixed right away

[@ShangZilla]

@@aeronsumilong Time to politically organize and do some civil disobedience. Block the streets of those politicians for example so they can't travel anywhere.

[@kevinflorenzdaus]

watching this makes me appreciate my job even more . I've been doing remote job ever since I started my career as a web developer . I don't have to commute on my way to work . I just pop out of my bed , get a quick shower and grab a coffee .

[@celcius_87]

The 4K picture quality in your videos is always so crisp and clear!

[@AcidGlow]

*That traffic is so slow there.. But the sunset view at Manila Bay is beautiful. And the malls are big. But i prefer less-traffic places* ✅🙂

[@peppasmile3760]

AcidGlow where place in manila u are?

[@emikogarcia6687]

You should also try the overlooking view from Antipolo. :)

[@juanantoniocruz2937]

Its kinda hard to enjoy the sunset when youhave smoke blowing in your face, innit?

[@hazzaf1761]

All sunsets r nice in island countries, but damn commuting is a threat there bec of government corruption thats why most would migrate to better government systems in the end what matters is lifestyle:P

[@LaughLounge11]

its lesser now with newer roads, bridges and skyways because of president duterte's Build.Build.Build Project. u should visit again after covid, a lot has changed.

[@Niso_Sopas]

Thanks for sharing this video, Greg. I'm a Filipino American born and raised in the U.S., and visited the Philippines in 2017. The traffic in Manila is no joke. While everyone in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I'm from) complains about the worsening of traffic and inefficiency of public transportation, it pales in comparison to Manila. When I came back from the Philippines, I noticed myself driving more slowly, enjoying the open streets during non-peak hours, and the fact that people actually followed lane designations even in traffic. Manila traffic takes a certain kind of tenacity, but I imagine that it just adds to the stress of living in that city. To me, it's no wonder that people don't follow simple rules of etiquette in public because doing so will just leave you behind. The current Philippine government recently finalized a deal with Japan (if my memory serves me correctly) to partially fund and help develop a subway system in Metro Manila. Though that sounds hopeful, I can only wonder how the people will be able to maintain such a system with the same standard that Japan sets with their trains. I was in Japan just earlier this month, and couldn't imagine such a system working in the Philippines, sadly.

[@Airstrip1000M]

Its good for us, its the north and south commuter rail.

[@mesoridazine]

Grew up in Tondo, Manila during my first 24 years there. Things must have changed.

[@ronb7062]

FTSkthxdie, yes most likely, when it is done, operation efficiency might not be the same as Japan's. But hopefully, its not.

[@hamingnu6610]

I don't think most of us are hoping anyways to maintain the cleanliness, efficiency, etc.... Standards that Japan has for its trains, but given the extreme demand for public transportation, it'll always be given enough attention to still be useful. The point is that more and more public transportation has to be built, because in an urban area as dense as Metro / Mega Manila, you literally have no other choice than to do so. I believe these systems will be maintained well enough to keep them running reliably. No, not as pristine and perfect as Japan's systems, but we usually have a track record of being able to maintain public transportation as long as attention isn't artificially taken away by special interests (Thankfully we don't have stuff like oil lobbyists here).

[@Axer128]

Even if it was magically possible within a short time (It's not).... A subway system would solve nothing directly. More transit available simply more more filipinos that live in rural areas will move to manila to take advantage of the more availability, the subway would become as 100% saturated as eveyr other mode of transportation, and nothing would change. The only viable solutions are population control and enhancing job availability within walking distance. (And 2ndly, making roads actually faster than walking)

[@GeloDianela]

As a Filipino born and still living in Bangkok, Thailand. I feel so grateful of the amount of skytrains and subways here. I can’t cope with commuting there, it’s crazy

[@justinnamuco9096]

Theres also less people there

[@alexanderwindsor996]

@@justinnamuco9096 not fewer people but just less density.

[@dokodemo4]

I live in the Philippines and I am very lucky that my company lets me work from home

[@gigiwellplayd]

yuppp a lot of my friends here started to work from home because they all come from places just outside of metro manila. its a big plus, you don't get extremely stressed because you don't have to deal with the commute, you get proper rest and spend plenty of time with friends and family, and you save money as well.

[@westerlywinds5684]

I assume you're not a pilot.

[@peopleandplaces2012]

"Magic stick confirms I'm not a threat" lol!

[@raistormrs]

wow how do they ... how can they … now i feel bad for complaining about the "always late" Public Transportation here in Germany >.< well i am German so complaining is in my DNA :P can't help it ^^

[@silviastanziola659]

Just out of curiosity, how late is late for German standards? I hear good things about transportation in Europe in general.

[@raistormrs]

@@silviastanziola659 That depends on the Region in the High density Areas you have delays of 15 min. up to 1h sometimes you even have them arrive in a row with the first Tram/Train/Bus overcrowded and the last half empty xD If the Weather comes in with extremes in winter/summer it can even break down alltogether cause of too much Hightech vs. cold/heat >.

[@einom1236]

Tbh, I am quite disappointed in the German public transport system. It's got a good reputation but in reality it's neither convenient nor punctual. At least that's my experience in Frankfurt.

[@silviastanziola659]

@@raistormrs Sounds like the Transportation city in my city in Canada. Snow and freezing rain still wreak havoc in traffic, even if you'd think that they would know to plan for that by now.

[@ferosacalpe5958]

I've never tried the Public transport in Germany, but I have tried Flixbus (NL to Germany or to France or Belgium).. I've also tried the train and bus and commute by car in Europe and it's far more comfortable.. I hear them complain about traffic, and i would just say, you can't say traffic unless it's Manila traffic.

[@athorpe630]

She goes to bed at 11 and gets up at 3 omg I would be dead on my feet she's amazing.And the commute is just crazy.

[@emikogarcia6687]

Now I have lots of sleep because of the quarantine lol

[@aveli_nooo]

Ann_N_NC North Carolina its actually normal for filipinos. students (like me) wakes up early, most of us at 4 AM so that we can just go to school (school starts as early as 6 AM here). once you’re in high school, you won’t sleep early. i sleep at 11 PM (after doing homeworks and other important annual assignments).

[@lonelyheart1539]

And thats how most of us experience almost everyday just to earn a living.

[@joyowon1]

Almost all Filipinos does that esp in metro manila. Me and my husband does that. Wake at 3 am..be out in the house at 4am...goes home at 9..sleep at 11pm...Thats the reality of Filipino people in Metro Manila.

[@rush6837]

@@joyowon1 man I'm lucky i get like 9 hours of sleep and my dream is to live at the city but now I'm more than okay living on a province

[@Jakeylicious7891]

When I stayed in the philippines for work for a year, the company provided a condo unit in Makati. Problem was, the branch I was supporting was located in Antipolo. So I commuted for 4 days to truly immerse myself in the daily hustles and bustles of the filipino worker's life, and rode grab on Fridays, just so I won't smell like smog and feel sweaty when I'm out and about drinking with friends on a Friday night. And yes, commute was a nightmare. But I did enjoy it. I somewhat liked the warm feeling inside the jeepney, compared to the cold unnerving london trains. Hahaha.

[@abrahamdsl]

Good Lord, when I was there two months ago it seems the trains have heating ah?

[@emikogarcia6687]

what kind of work in Antipolo is that? May I know? I would really love to work nearer :(

[@abrahamdsl]

@ Hopefully you aren't driving on the sidewalks. I would like to do that too but I would have to traverse the whole SLEx to makati. :'(

[@anjirikachan]

I'm pretty sure there are places for rent/airbnb's in Antipolo... I wonder why the unit they provided was in Makati

[@Jakeylicious7891]

@@anjirikachanthe apartment in makati was similar to my apartment in london. I was at one rockwell west towers. They told me they couldn't find the same accomodations in antipolo.

[@chuckgrotnes2762]

Most Filipinos are very resilient (she never complains) and I have learned a lot from them. I love being there, even though it can be a bit challenging sometimes.

[@tropturd6458]

And that's also the reason why the Philippines became like this - no criticisms to the government even though it's a democratic country.

[@hazzaf1761]

Its a Corrupt country 🇵🇭 and most of them r good on outside but wait till u meet the bad guys the robbers/scammers they need money everyday its not normal. Its not safe for kids like streets etc Worse Government too because they never help poor kids! Always Corrup Corrupt! Never upgrade the roads either Corrupt!

[@chuckgrotnes2762]

@@hazzaf1761 I do volunteer work there, I know all about it.

[@irisvoneverec4712]

@@tropturd6458 people call it reselience, I call it stupidity and low standards for a nation that has 300 billion gdp.

[@JArtfulLiving]

Now you know why we Filipinos can survive anywhere on this planet.

[@hazzaf1761]

Problem is Poverty and CORRUPT government tangina!

[@nesadcruz7840]

No system

[@arisgolseen2693]

Except for highly regulated places in the world you'll be fined and arrested on the double lol

[@bikertales4343]

Same applies for us Indians.. 😁

[@808BLAddict]

This kind of video makes me really appreciate the luxuries I have living where and how I live now... I’m very fortunate and I’ll definitely think about situations like in the videos whenever I feel like complaining about my life... 🙁🙁

[@kaikei1013]

You can summarize it in one word: hell Every time some kind of event like a reunion with relatives takes us to manila, I want to cry. It's a lot easier and faster to just walk.

[@harukazeeh]

This is a well documented representation of how commuting in Philippines looks like.

[@livingaloneinjapan]

I'm quite disappointed that Greg didn't mention how Emiko stopped the cars while crossing the street with just her hands 😆

[@emikogarcia6687]

Hahahaha 😅

[@rafaelleandredelossantos5283]

Well thats the normal thing to do if ur rushing to cross the road

[@ninja.saywhat]

the power of her hands compels you

[@averagecitizen408usa8]

You are so lucky to have her as your guide. She’s very kind, full of patience and very knowledgeable with giving you a tour of her home town such as the church. Even help set you up with a place to stay, and a ride. She’s cool!

[@kzgc8y3n]

Excellent video quality, sound quality, and editing. Top notch. Many KZbin videos lack in these departments but this video hits all my checkboxes. I love these style walkthroughs, it's like tourism for the 21st century. And a great advertisement for Manilla. Traffic wouldn't be a problem since I will just fly around in my private helicopter. ;-)

[@zy3556]

I actually saw you when i was walking on the street! And thank you for finally visiting my moms country (Korea) and visiting my dads (phillippines)

[@ronb7062]

nice

[@elaineyeo5214]

Wow! Makes me realise how blessed I am and I should stop complaining about my commute here in Sydney.

[@officialspock]

Filo here living in Sydney, commute in Sydney is walk in the park while in Manila, everyday is like mission impossible. I have lots of story like holdup, pickpockets, waiting for the bus for 2 hrs etc...😂

[@eddiesaninocencio6635]

I thought New York City was bad, hell New York City is heaven compare to this hell hole.

[@ultimatewarriorfrieza275]

Oh no hold on. You just saw the tip of the iceberg. You're more than blessed you are chosen!

[@hailgoenitz1061]

@@officialspock lmao i died reading this

[@jessiemontero4875]

Imagine being in a wheelchair and live in this country. But Im surviving somehow.

[@happyface96]

Courage and strength to you my friend especially in these troubling times. Respect.

[@jw2473]

😕

[@theTHwa3tes11]

Wut? BTW, from Antipolo, Philippines.

[@rush6837]

Change that to manila I think manila only has traffics

[@flipboi952]

This is pretty much any larger city in southeast Asia. From Thailand to Vietnam and the Philippines. A surge of population and modernization in these cities and the increase of cars/vehicles. The cities can't build the roads/infrastructure fast enough to keep up.

[@evilevan9687]

Manila is way worse though. Bangkok, HCMC, even Jakarta don't compare.

[@SAM_Felipe]

Manila now has a law preventing or prohibiting people from owning a vehicle if they do not have drive way in front of their homes. Sadly, enforcing this is really difficult in Manila.

[@mrjppizza6507]

The government is considering developing some of the provinces North and South of Manila to decongest the city. There's this New Clark City being built on the former American Military Base in Clark. A high speed train will connect Manila and New Clark for fast travel

[@jxkcd7124]

Kuala Lumpur is first world compared to this. No joke.

[@alvinlukas02]

never thought commuting in Manila would be worse than Jakarta. With all the traffic in Jakarta, at least there are lots of buses and trains.

[@streetcred31]

Yes please make a second video! This reminds me of Kathmandu when I went back in 2008. That was 11 years ago, I can only imagine how it is now. The pollution was horrible back then too. I had asthma as well, though it seems to have gotten better as I get older in age. But back then, my lungs were not prepared for the smog in the Kathmandu valley. I was hospitalized twice for asthma. During recovery, I was coughing up black phlegm for 4 days straight - my body's way of trying to clear the lungs of the pollution in the air. At any rate, this was a great video on a topic not usually highlighted in mainstream "vacation" videos/ads. But this is why I subscribe to your channel - focused societal topics in places not usually discussed here in the western hemisphere besides sensationalism and fear, mostly in the news. Mainstream travel shows don't usually talk about these things either so thank you Greg for all the work you put into these videos!

[@Rabbittomaru]

Yup, Greg viewid it on the side like a commoner like us. Living every day life, and describe the sensation structured and well explained. Without any commercial or monetizing intention. So his videos feel so authentic and related to us, as everyday people, stranger you meet at the street. 😊

[@wanderingtin]

That morning jeepney ride when everyone looks sleepy, and tired. I remember the days. 😭

[@michael8590]

What time did you have to go to work

[@wanderingtin]

Michael Hallak usually office work hours is 8am-5pm. But Most people will do overtime for 1-3 hrs just to avoid the traffic. Payday 15th and 30th will always have worst traffic. They haven’t even shown how the MRT/ LRT commute is. It’s a battle.

[@michael8590]

@@wanderingtin amazing, i wish you the best. Philipines is such an interesting country and the beaches are amazing its a shame manila is so crowded

[@achuuuooooosuu]

@@michael8590 It's even the capital city. It actually needs to be decongested.

[@cubicleight]

And when it rains, it pours!!! Literally, flooding everywhere.

[@ZebraFacts]

Maybe of some interest to those that have not either been to the Philippines or lived there as I have. In the US, some ethnic groups are not treated the same by police and security companies as others. Not trying to make any social or political statement here. Just a fact of life in the US for some, and to compare something you said about security in the Philippines. When I first arrived in the Philippines, I was a bit insulted and intimidated by security guards everywhere I turned. When entering a business, some are touching you, regardless if they are male or female. Some looking in my wife's purse and sometimes my young daughters bag. But remembering and keeping in mind where I was and who I was, (not my country and not being Filipino), I soon accepted the seemingly intrusive attention by security guards everywhere, and began to appreciate and even depend on them for my security and in many cases, (especially the ones in white uniforms) these guards can tell you where you are, how to get where you are going and able to give you more information about the products and services in many of the businesses they guard. Go to the grocery store and can't find a product? Find yourself having to go to some government agency and you don't know where to go or how to fill out a form? These guards often will help you or, it is also their jobs to help customers. Once I found myself in a part of Metro Manila, my wife later told me wasn't a good neighborhood to be in for even Filipinos, let alone an American. As I was walking across the street to a mall, the security guard in the hotel Philippine Airlines set me up in, saw a suspicious person walking towards me. The guard came from behind his platform and began to head towards me. The suspicious character suddenly turned around and walked away. I looked at the security guard and we both acknowledged (with a nod and a smile) what he had just done for me. It's interesting to find a video here on KZbin showing that security guard companies commitment to service with respect. The time I spent in the Philippines has caused me to view it as my second home. Now back in the US, my wife, youngest daughter and I often refer to Davao City as "back home". I enjoyed your videos. One bit of advice. Visiting the Philippines should be seen as a must for any traveler, but if you were visiting the US for the first time, I wouldn't send you to New York or LA. Might as well add in most of the South or North West. I would send you to most of the mid-West. As related to the Philippines, I would advise any visitors for the first time to not judge the Philippines or Filipinos by what you find in Metro Manila. Most everywhere else (besides the far South West of Mindanao, is where you find the best of the Philippines in my opinion and most Filipinos feel the same. I'd strongly recommend Davao City. The current president was mayor there. His daughter and son seem to take turns being mayor of Davao City. It is the second largest city in the world (land mass wise). It is a small/big city, full of an incredible amount of diversity. Everything is fresh there from water, to fruits and vegetables. The people are friendly and the country side is incredibly beautiful. Best of all, it is seen as one of the safest cities in the Philippines and some say in the world. I love the Philippines and I must add that I believe my mind and body feels the same way. I was healthier in the Philippines than I have ever been anywhere in the US. As far as the difference between my experience with law enforcement in the Philippines and the US is concerned. I'm sure there must have been at least one time in the six years I lived in the Philippines that a security guard was rude to me. I just can't think of any. I do remember the police making me feel a little intimidated and left me wondering how they would treat me if my wife was not with me. Exactly my experience here in the US. The police here in Los Angeles look like a wild animal waiting for an opportunity to pounce until their gaze moves from me to my wife. Immediately their expression or gaze changes. I didn't add these comments to point fingers at anyone, but to give a better since of security one may feel or face when visiting the Philippines.

[@abelim9783]

Thank you for sharing your positive experience while in the Philippines ❤️

[@solkalibri1376]

Yeah, yeah,yeah

[@ばかーんいやーん]

I had opportunity to visit to Manila in 1985,I remember there is so many poor people and duty street,lot of little kids sold newspapers or snacks or flowers on the streets. Now in Manila,watching Greg video,there is so many cars and buildings.Road condition is so good than when I visited. May be needs improvement about traffic manner or else,but I'm so glad to watch developing Manila. Thank you Greg👍

[@abrahamdsl]

Actually, there are still so many poor people and dirty street. You could see some in the video, but I guess not that many.

[@achuuuooooosuu]

@@abrahamdsl Human development is already increasing in the Philippines, although steady or slow, it's at 0.699 which is at a medium but one point until high HDI. Once it touches to 0.700 beyond, it will be considered as high human development. (0.800-1.000 is considered "very high" HDI like in the US, Japan, Singapore, etc.). Poverty is kinda visible but it's slowly disappearing.

[@Ken-uf2se]

@@abrahamdsl How? I very rarely see poor people walking around in Manila, I only see some "tropas" (group of friends) in the streets in Saturday or Sunday

[@abrahamdsl]

@@Ken-uf2se Good Lord, perhaps widen your area covered in your walks? For the good part of the past 2 years, I most of the time was just walking from PNR Buendia along dela Rosa to my office in the CBD. Good Lord the destitute people I see along dela Rosa before Makati med.

[@Yobidefy]

@@Ken-uf2se They live on the outskirt of the business district or under the bridges.

[@albertoramiroruiz4999]

Will never complain about Chicago traffic again. This is so interesting.

[@mesoridazine]

I lived in Chicago before. Chicago traffic at Dan Ryan ? can be as bad as Manila at time.

[@connordrake5713]

Yeah, never do that again. I've experience a two hours traffic here in Metro Manila.😭😭😭 it's just morning. Evening is also a same story. Raining is also the same. Imagining that there's no traffic is a miracle and it is does, you're so very lucky.

[@papayapeaks1693]

You leave the house as early 5am then go back home at 9pm. Commute takes about 6 hours from your day. You don't even have enough time to spend with your family on weekdays. Commuting is hell. It's humid and so polluted, snatchers are everywhere that's why you notice the bag are worn at the front. It's depressing. I hate Manila tbh. I can't wait to go back home to my province but most people don't have the privilege to leave the opportunities of the city.

[@robertnguyen2025]

Isha Aguilera worst if you even leave 15 later after 5 am..add at least another an hour and half

[@erasjt2585]

My commute is usally just an hour and a half. But 6 months later here I am, x2 of the commuting hours I had. Hay.

[@ronb7062]

Isha Aguilera, have you considered establishing your own business in your home province? I think that's a better solution.

[@mariovh]

If everyone would be atleast polite , respectfull and disciplined maybe it would get better but i don’t see that happen coz filipino’s are the most selfish drivers in the world ! Jeepneys drive at night without head or taillights it’s mindblowing ! Tricycle go from left to right without using signals , people cross the street not even looking , I have been all over the world but this is by far the worst I have ever seen ! 1 hour for 2 km because the jeepneys, tricycles stop Every meter Absolutely crazy

[@ronb7062]

@@mariovh you haven't been to Baguio or Cebu or Davao. Don't treat Metro Manila drivers as if they are the only Filipinos in the country.

[@40lolabunny]

i am from the philippines and before the pandemic i used to commute to work, spending 2 1/2 hrs just getting there and that’s not even rush hour. my house is also not that far from my workplace but the public transportation sucks and traffic is really really bad. Despite all that, we still smile and try to find happiness in little things.

[@erickpalacios8904]

YES. Please make a second video! I watched the whole video to the end and I was completely enthralled, my heart racing almost to the beat of your rushed and hurried steps as you weaved in and out of traffic! Reminds me so much of Nicaragua and my time living in the capital. The sights, the sounds, the wandering street dogs, the constant honking, the garbage bags sitting at the foot of electricity poles.... dark streets with only the faint fluorescent glow of a small house/street food eatery in the distance. I could almost smell it. Just brilliantly captured! Thanks for that adventure, and I much preferred it over the tired tourist videos that only show the beaches. You, sir, have guts. Great job!

[@jorvicgalvan741]

I experienced that when I went to visit Nicaragua everything looked and felt familiar! It's similar to the Philippines in many waysm I even got to take a tuktuk around Granada.

[@bmona7550]

Erick Palacios Did it also smell of pee once in a while?

[@doutorgori327]

This isn't a life. I feel lucky watching this. I live in a small town. And I just spend 10 minutes going or coming back from work.

[@InAUGral]

My partner is from the Philippine and she is always late. Plus since she has been living with me in Australia her health has improved a lot without all that pollution.

[@uex6317]

The infamous Filipino time haha

[@shohamdas]

She no loves you, when die you she look for other men rich bye bye, ping pong

[@rapitup45]

Bet she is lovely.

[@mr.commentboi3707]

Shoham Das Your grammar is way fucked up than how a fetus can write lol

[@shohamdas]

@@mr.commentboi3707 what.i good writting in skil, shut up

[@ayaphobia-ph]

I couldn't help but laugh when the lady asked if there was a vast difference between Japan and the Philippines. I've been to Japan thrice and no other country comes close to when it comes to public transportation

[@justinnamuco9096]

Whats their mode of public transport?

[@ayaphobia-ph]

@@justinnamuco9096 Trains

[@commendatore1159]

oh, she is well aware of it for sure. a lot of Filipinos actually hail Japan as something close to a paradise so I'm sure she knows the difference is night and day. she was just trying to strike up a conversation and get his reaction lol

[@alet4205]

Wait til you ride MRT and PNR you'll know how difficult it is especially for students. But great video! Subscribed.

[@TerenceReltp]

em are tea

[@ButacuPpucatuB]

Commuting can be a killer as our new friend was saying. I have learned to listen to podcasts, radio shows, audio books, and to check on sns in order to be caught up on materials whilst waiting for traffic to actually move along. I would love to see more footage. I think you really captured the true essence of Manila’s traffic. Great and stellar work as always ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@xyzeke985]

hey Greg! Longtime subscriber to your channel, never thought you'd come to Manila! Yeah this is pretty much what it's like, except you actually made the chaos look beautiful lol Keep up the awesome work!

[@mkamalm3]

Pity those in Manila who hv to travel by hours to reach their workplaces. Hope things will get better and love to all Filipinos. Here, I can reach my workplace in not more than 20 mins... And I thank الله for making our lives here easy and peaceful. Love form North Peninsula Malaysia.

[@surasura6333]

Now LRT 2 east extension is now open it adds 2 stations Marikina and Antipolo it's now 40mins travel time compare to hours

[@justinnamuco9096]

Maybe you have less people in the cities. In BGC, Metro Manila the roads are quite clear. It's the less organised areas that have these problems. Greg wouldnt experience these there

[@nathanwang9481]

Wow, I thought that Bangkok, Thailand have a really heavy traffic on weekdays but it can't compete with Manila lol. Thank you Greg for this really interesting video!

[@cHemon]

Bangkok's traffic sometimes is worse. But it feel much less chaotic. Bangkokians/Thais seem to be a bit more disciplined and patient. Car honking is hardly heard in Bangkok.

[@qutepotato7828]

@@cHemon as someone who worked and lived in Metro Manila and now living in Thailand, I couldn't agree more.

[@rjcwithrice]

On the bright side: you're never alone while commuting in Manila. XD

[@tytube3001]

why don't they use bicycles

[@rjcwithrice]

@@tytube3001 lack of bicycle lanes. There's a few bicycle lanes in some areas, but vehicles just take over their lane. 😭

[@rjcwithrice]

@@tytube3001 correct me if i'm wrong, but Greg's footage wasn't even able to feature any bike lane. Maybe there weren't any bike lane at all?

[@f424m0nd]

Some might feel a bit too uncomfortable being too "not alone" though, like being in the trains during rush hour.

[@rjcwithrice]

@@f424m0nd No one likes to be squished like sardines on a train

[@LimingLyn]

Wow!! it takes 30-45 minutes from Richmond to UBC and I complain endlessly of bad drivers, no signals. Guess I will thank my lucky stars and blessings that I don't have to commute that length of time to work. No wonder my Filipino friends don't complain as Vancouver is a luxury. Another great video Greg. Looking forward to the other Episode 2, to 4.

[@erickpalacios8904]

Love these videos because they put things into perspective, right? I drive from the township of Langley to South Surrey for work every day and same. I end up endlessly complaining if it takes me just 5 minutes more than half an hour to get home/work!

[@reignejejekdjdr9688]

My daily commute to work when I was working in Manila was 3 hours so I go straight to bed when i get home. After moving to Alberta, i dont know what to do with my "extra hours" since my commute is just 20-30 mins on bus.

[@zyruh6178]

@@reignejejekdjdr9688 Weird that you commute in Canada. Most Filipinos there I've seen either do car pool or buy their own car.

[@reignejejekdjdr9688]

@@zyruh6178 ive only been living here for a year and i also dont know how to drive yet. (currently working on it)

[@andresession2235]

Oh man, I remember when I was there, nobody was on their lane. Lanes are pretty much pointless in some parts of Manila.

[@kahosin890]

It's changing now for some of the younger drivers. We're more aware of past mistakes, follow road etiquette and are very much demanding progress from our transport department. Unfortunately, the government doesn't really care for us here. It's all about their selfish intents.

[@RFGHD]

Our so-called "leaders" should watch this video.

[@liyuu7033]

they cant do anything about it cuz our county is super overpopulated

[@Gilvids]

"our so called leaders" its the citizens that has to make the initiative. laws are being broken left and right and if people get punish you have the media to thank for saying EJK etc

[@rendellvalles6749]

They're busy plastering their faces for election, they only care about running the country not maintaining and improving. This is also a problem in our culture, if you would observe filipino facilities, you'll notice that most lack of maintenance and upgrades.

[@chwerizard7875]

@@Gilvids Perhaps our "so called leaders" should develop or invest on the provinces more, so people wouldnt have to leave their hometown to find decent-paying jobs ^___^

[@Gilvids]

@@chwerizard7875 isnt that what duterte was pushing federalisim for? everyone wants to be somebody thats why they go to the big city to feel special

[@missvicm5561]

manila traffic will make u feel tired and sleepy. Try to take a nap and expect that you're still in that same place when you wake up 🤦‍♀️

[@hyrralei]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm lucky I got assigned to a rural town in the Philippines so I don't experience this kind of traffic everyday but it must be so tiring for people working in Manila to do this everyday. Looking forward to more content in your channel! 😊🤙

[@goodcitizensinactionnow9601]

I feel sad for these young adults in the philippines who have to go through the difficulties of life in the Philippines. I feel glad though that no matter what the adversity, Filipinos are resilient and still manage to smile. Yes I've experienced what's shown on the video myself. But mine was the late 80s version. I happened to be fortunate to "escape" it...

[@hazzaf1761]

Theres much worst than that in india 🇮🇳 people have to ride trains on top of it which is the roof😜😜😜😜

[@rash6821]

@@hazzaf1761 Hey it is not possible in india now and almost 60 percent of tracks are electrified in india now

[@adiksadiatabs]

@@hazzaf1761 I would suffocate in all that B.O.

[@xymonvillapando9129]

These days, I don't think the Filipino can keep a smile through these kinds of traffic. Such resilience doesn't last a lifetime

[@justinnamuco9096]

Escaping the problem they say is the asian way

[@krigerx.2247]

1900: "we will invent flying cars" 2019: *still on the ground stuck in traffic*

[@floridaaguada4216]

😁😊😁

[@calleywang6203]

Imagine every person with a regular car now has a flying car...

[@dazza2151]

Elon should start building his tunnels here.

[@certifiedforkliftdriver9987]

dazza2151 or get some good public transportation

[@vapor-sings]

My Dad went to Manilla to see his wife's family and lost his shoe riding a trike, never seen it again.

[@animaticToshiue]

Is it okay to laugh?

[@k-studio8112]

@@animaticToshiue 😂😂😂😂

[@leokatigbak6102]

You're so lucky because uou only lost a shoe, one time, I lost my wallet in the crowd.

[@urfavchickenlegs8797]

@@leokatigbak6102 im indonesian and i have a friend who once went to philippines. she lost her new iphone in a fckn elevator. she said the thieve was so fast that she didnt notice it on the spot, she assumed that she probably had been overseen by the thieve all along. that is so scary wth 😫

[@jplanta95]

The problem with manila is that it is overly populated by day why? The people who lives in the nearby suburbs/provinces go to work in the capital actually that is the problem you can see the economic failure of the government in which some provinces is stagnant of economic growth why? No one is investing in those areas that has a big potential to provide jobs to these people who works in the metro and lives outside the metro And the failure to fix the train system in the country is also the root cause of these and the low cost of buying a car or should i say the cost of downpayment The only solution for these is to limit the future investors or companies who will establish an office in the capital and offer other cities in the province not just it will lower the cost of establishing or building an office and also it will provide jobs to the people in the province Manila gdp is the highest of all in the philippines it is about time to diversify the economic growth and bring the high economic growth in the nearby provinces especially that buying a land in a province is cheaper than buying a land or office in the metro. And for the law abolish the provincial rate that is also the problem why? If the typical employee in manila is earning 15 to 20k or 300 to 400us dollsrs in the province they only get 10k below or 200 below dollars which is very low if you even out the salary gap then these people will just work in their provinces.

[@etreni]

"And for the law abolish the provincial rate" many politicians have "connections" to those private companies outside metro manila. These companies escape the higher salary pay for their own employees than themselves. I would say they against it out of their own greed for money. Needs a STRONG political will to abolish the shitty provincial rate.

[@reltanahkusir]

If you want to see magical and radical train system change, go to jakarta, perhaps jakarta has #1 public transportation growth in Southeast Asia. In 2013, nobody wants to take the KRL (like Manila MRT/LRT). In 2016, nobody wants to ride Transjakarta especially after massive bus explosion news and poor routes. Now come to Jakarta in 2019 and see the difference, everyone that has tried MRT felt that the Commuter Line (KRL) is so poor. Neither KL, BK, nor Singapore grow as fast as Jakarta. But some cities without proper railway system are in danger of metro Manila trouble, try to go to Makassar, Samarinda, Pekanbaru, and Manila's nearest neighbor Manado. The govt is building new rail network in Makassar, but for the last 3, railway system is still a big question.

[@reltanahkusir]

@@rudnamm I think Indonesia is also the same. Jakarta has extremely fast transportation infrastructure growth while even Bandung has done nothing to transportation system in recent 5 years. Some lesser and remote area also grow so slowly.... Especially in lesser islands (rarely mentioned in the media). Our countries are different with most of the countries in the world. Japan is the only benchmark, and actually no benchmark at all for Indonesia and the Philippines since Japanese main islands are close enough to connect with bridges. While we have Cebu that is far enough to sail from both Luzon and Mindanao, also Java and Kalimantan, Java and Sumatra (only 30 km but it's now impossible due to 2018 Krakatoa eruption) With such connection problem between islands, the country's budget is used for air and sea connection. [Indonesia invested for 100+ new airports in Jokowi's era, also the popular "tol laut" or ship to access remote islands] This made massive building in only one island impossible due to..... Damn, the govt runs out of money. Both Luzon and Java has underdeveloped area or lagged infrastructure building due to this reason. Compare Jakarta and Banten, Manila and Dagupan maybe. I heard Bandung postponed the LRT because they ran out of money, plus special geological reason.

[@mrjppizza6507]

Hopefully New Clark City will be the gateway for investors to invest in its neighboring provinces.

[@khaddiction101]

As a student who lives in Quzon City and goes to college in Makati who's daily commute spans a total of 3-4hrs you start to find yourself wanting to go home but also feeling too lazy to leave campus 😂 And I'm one of the luckier ones I have blockmates who's commutes take them over 8 hours total

[@Marco-gu8zj]

There's no traffic if Manny Pacquiao's have a fight.

[@johnnevergiveup4300]

Haha right💕

[@psychedelicwolf9697]

The crime rates even scales low.

[@jdchanel7529]

Hahaha true

[@NightOwlr]

Manny Pacquiao supposed to have a fight every day

[@noni7406]

@@NightOwlr Lmao😂 fr

[@rbgv2b]

You have to understand that Emi lives outside Manila in Antipolo. Most people usually rent a room close to where they work in Manila. I used to live in QC and my commute from QC to Greenhills was between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

[@markreginald]

That's not traffic. It's a symphony of organized chaos. Manila drivers are probably some of the best drivers in the world.

[@dadplscomhome5380]

Also they only use their horn if necessarily(if their in a good mood) and doesnt smash it continuously and expect the traffic to move for them.

[@G.O.D..]

you gotta be a good driver over there. otherwise you'll get nowhere. they will overtake you if you give an inch... literally

[@metal665lica]

Back when I had Japanese language classes, the school was about 50k/30 miles away from my home. When my class started at 9am, I'd leave the house about 5am. If I'm lucky, a jeep that's not already filled with people would stop within 30 minutes of waiting. Then after about 30 minutes on the jeep, I'd go to a mall where there's a van that passes my school along it's route. The first van takes about 2 hours to fill up, but I need to leave home early because if I leave an hour later, then I'd be met with rush hour or miss the van, forcing me to wait a couple more hours and miss my class entirely. The van is normally good enough for 3 people in a row, but we are forced to cram 4 in a row, which is another reason I leave early is so I can reserve the seat in front and have a modicum of space. I did that for six months. Yet some of the people there were regulars who did that way before I started and after my schooling was done.

[@CN-qw1rf]

that is the new normal here during rush hours, its a hellish undertaking! a rule of thumb... don't flash your expensive gadgets while using public transport.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Yeah, so many Filipinos told me that. So that's why I filmed in major areas when traveling with locals.

[@CN-qw1rf]

@@LifeWhereImFrom In order to address the traffic situation. Our MMDA authorities initiated the numbering scheme- The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or Number Coding Scheme is a traffic decongestion scheme which bans private and public utility vehicles from plying the roads on weekdays.-No window hours in some cities and municipalities. What is the general rule for plate numbers under the Number Coding Scheme? Plates ending on the following numbers are covered by the Number Coding Scheme on the following days: Monday 1 & 2 Tuesday 3 & 4 Wednesday 5 & 6 Thursday 7 & 8 Friday 9 & 0 In conclusion, the current traffic situation in Metro Manila defeats the purpose of the number coding scheme. The reason for this is that the volume of cars in the metro is just too huge since we don’t have an efficient and reliable public transport system like Japan. As a result, most Filipinos tend to buy their own car, brand new or second hand. Moreover, some Filipinos own two or more cars in order to have a substitute when the other car is ban from traveling. As such, the concept behind the number coding scheme is now useless or obsolete. Will Metro Manila traffic ever be solved? Haha...I doubt it! The Number Coding Scheme is Not applicable during weekends and holidays.

[@ult7511]

If you go in city like Taguig or Makati, it kinda safe but if you go in high density people like Manila... uhmm... yeah you need to take more care of your belongings.

[@zeroedout]

I was scared for you when you rode the jeepney from Antipolo while filming. That route is notorious for holduppers any time of the day. They say almost everyone who lives in the area experiences a holdup or snatching at least once in their lives. For me I had experienced it 2x when I rode in that route back in the day.

[@mignuette]

Thank you for showing the real side of manila! It’s really worse especially during the rush hour period.

[@Inferryu]

"What's the commute like where you are from" After seeing this, I really can't complain, do I? But I still do ;)

[@Timenow1]

😂 Yeah

[@hazeljanfuertes8048]

Hello! Filipino here! I think your video just summarized the general travel condition in the Philippines. The traffic, the long waiting line, the convenient yet not safe travel conditions are all experienced by Filipinos (even in provinces) everyday! How I wish our government officials can see this and donsomething about it.

[@_ysai]

Haven’t been to my home country in two years. Looking at Manila again brings me much happiness

[@raiderwarrior2725]

Wow. I really enjoyed this video. I’m a Filipino living in the US. People always tell me that if you think you’re a very good driver here in the US, wait till you drive in the 🇵🇭!

[@LukeAMendoza]

Amazing footage. Thank you for capturing such an honest local perspective. It really brings me back to the time when I used to live in Manila, a foundational experience that is slowly fading away from my memories as I continue to live in California. Thank you

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

After watching Emiko's daily commute (getting up at 3 am, Good Lord!), I won't complain about my 30-40 minute commute

[@emikogarcia6687]

Haha!

[@bunnssgalore5407]

Considering it's the most densely populated city in the world, it's not much a surprise

[@ShangZilla]

They could like build a subway? Public transportation like trams? Trolleys? Mono Rails? You know like how in civilized countries they solve the issue.

[@pauld761]

Shang Zilla Bold for you to assume we’re civilized

[@ShangZilla]

@@pauld761 Politically organize yourself. Find out where your politicians live, and block their houses with a human chain until they do something about it.

[@The_D0RK_KNIGHT]

@@ShangZilla I think most Filipinos are simple minded/carefree. Whatever works...works. Coming from NYC I talked to my relatives when I visited Manila about subway/speed rail, better mass transit and the replies I got were mostly "ehhh we don't need those...we're fine". I did get to enjoy long conversations when we were stuck in traffic lol

[@kimberlyannmendoza5324]

@@ShangZilla easier said than done. As if if you clap your hand, a subway, mono rail or trolley will appear.

[@guillermojrboy3292]

Just stumbled upon your channel thanks to the YT algorithm. I, too, struggled with Manila traffic eating up my time daily. My solution: Folding bicycles. I've been cycling to and from work since 2016. A 4-hour daily commute now reduced to just an hour and a half.

[@hyorirocks]

I visited metro Manila before, and I spent 80% of my time stuck in traffic. 😱

[@d3nx0explorer12]

The same like me... The MRT LRT has long line that make us stuck for an hour to just get inside the train. Not to mention LRT runs with 30km per hour ....

[@chiangsuikhoo5567]

Same experience in Manila

[@alywinbaje758]

that was so horrible

[@muhammadkikiwardana]

I was trapped in notorious EDSA while in manila and almost missed my flight back to Indonesia. I had at least spared 4 hours before departure but still the traffic was no joke there. People say Jakarta's traffic is the worst but to commute from city centre to Jakarta airport and vice verse is way easier than in Manila, thanks to the Airport Train, Manila should have one.

[@ianhomerpura8937]

@@muhammadkikiwardana we're building two rail lines now for NAIA, but we might have to wait until 2023 for both to open. We're also building a brand new railway link to Clark International Airport, around 80 km north of Manila, which will likely be finished at the same time.

[@kiague9398]

Thank you so much for this video! I will be coming back to home to my native country which is the Philippines and thanks to this i know what its like to commute. This was also a great refresher of what i used to go through every day for the past 11 years that i lived there!! Keep up the good work!:)

[@ronb7062]

have a safe flight

[@audrey.c1]

First time I went to the Philippines I was 24 and I went with my husband to visit his family. My father in law picked us up from the airport and while we were waiting in traffic a car was coming at us at about 40mph! I was screaming my head off thinking he was going to hit us but he stopped an inch before the door. i was told this was normal. From that point on I just closed my eyes whenever we were in a car LOL

[@eddiesaninocencio6635]

Good luck happens to me many times. Just try crossing the street and see if they will stop, they won't.

[@jamescatlover123]

This is the main reason why I went back here in the province, little traffic and fresher air.

[@trishamontefalco469]

6:20 “The magic stick confirms I’m not a threat “ HAHAHAHAHA 😂

[@carvercapitalequitypartner122]

Thank God.

[@BrashFink]

Yeah... they are always like, “Westerner... nah, just go through” 😂

[@anneteves1634]

Hahahaahaha!!

[@asyongmatipid2]

At 8:48 did anyone notice that the price of a roasted chicken is P259. At the time this video was posted the exchange rate was P51.96 to 1 US Dollar which means Filipinos were paying $4.83 for a whole roasted chicken. In Los Angeles you can buy the same item for $5.00 at Vons or Food4Less. The average monthly gross salary of a call center agent in Manila which is one of the most coveted jobs in the Philippines and the most likely job that lady and other commuters waiting for a ride had at the time was P17,000. This equates to a daily salary of $14.87. So that chicken is about a third of a typical worker's daily wage in Manila. By comparison, in Los Angeles a typical minimum wage earner last year earned $106 a day so if you bought the same item you wouldn't think twice about it since it's less than 5% of your daily wage. This is one of the reasons why Pinoys think you are well off if you eat chicken everyday whereas in America it's considered part of a poor man's diet. With food being this expensive relative to local salaries one can now understand why most Pinoys want to work overseas or even migrate.