WIA Episode 8 | MADRID: Rediscovering the Pinoy’s Spanish Roots

We're happy to be back with new travels and new stories to tell! That's why we're kicking off our new adventures in the stunning country of Spain! For more than 300 years the Philippines has been under the rule of the Spanish empire. The Spanish rule definitely left a painful narrative to us, but we can't deny that they have greatly influenced the Filipinos- from our religion, traditions, history and of course up to our cuisine.
We're excited to show you around the city of Madrid and take you to the places special to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal!
We'll also introduce you to the proud Filipinos who are making their mark in their fields here plus, a lot of food!
P.S. One of the highlights of our trip is dining at the world's oldest restaurant:
Restaurante Botin!
So, I hope you enjoy this WIA Episode shot in Spain!

[@GretchenHoOfficial]

Thank you very much for watching! It's good to be back! :)

[@danieljohncastillo2014]

Salamat po ate gretchen ho

[@andrearoces8597]

I like your voice. Classic and clear. Maganda ka pakinfgan kapag nagi- Espanyol sounds pangmayaman na sopistikada.

[@Heartgold77]

galing mo idol!!!

[@PinoyAbroader]

yeahh! napa subs ako sa video mo dito

[@benniealmocera3551]

tagal ko Rin nag antay mga ilang buwan din thanks Po 🤗

[@dannynicart2389]

My first lesson on the history of the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule was through my Filipina wife, though it's just a snippet. With your documentary, I learned a lot. You're a great storyteller! Keep it up!

[@nancyogena9123]

Congrats Gretchen! Good job!!

[@BoggzCepe]

42:22 - Nakita ko itong restaurant sa vlog ni Mark Weins. Nahirapan pa si Mark makapasok dahil mahaba ang pila. Samantalang ikaw, Gretchen Ho, exclusive mong napasok ang restaurant ng ikaw lamang. Napakahusay ng iyong video. Nakakamangha. In-extend mo ang News Journalism skills mo dito sa channel mo. Isang special documentary ang ginawa mo. We are so proud of you. Keep making this kind of vlog.

[@tonyp2601]

Kailangan kasi mag book ng table at least 2 months in advance. Di puwede walk in.

[@JoeyPenuela]

This is such a great vlog/docuseries about Filipinos in Madrid. We learned so much about Dr. Rizal and how the Spanish-Filipino culture infused itself in Spain.

[@edcellezabala8963]

Ang ganda ng series na to. Thanks Ms. Gretchen ❤

[@orchidgal6843]

We were in Spain in 2018 and saw most of the places featured here as well as ate in Botin whereby we (since tourists) were serenaded by a group of good looking and talented medical students who do this as their part time jobs. Back then we didn’t have any tour guide and did the rounds on our own. Now I have a better understanding of what significance those places are that we visited. I appreciate this so much.

[@travelingkulambo]

Ang ganda ng flow ng story telling mo gretch!!!❤ very clear and engaging!

[@ShellyViajeraTravel]

Also an auxiliar de conversación here. Thanks for mentioning that we’re the English teachers now in this country and the ambassador even recognized us.😊 For the history part, you got the right person, Quino, to ask about Rizal’s life in Madrid.😃 Nice episode.

[@anndelacruz1986]

Muchas gracias Grechen por hacer este documental sobre la cultura de Madrid y la influencia que tiene los españoles a Filipinas. Soy española-filipina. Pero siempe I'm a proud filipina parin. 🇪🇦🇵🇭❤

[@michellefelizarte2452]

Grabe, naiyak ako. Nakaka proud na may Dr.Jose Rizal tayo.

[@davisurdaneta1426]

Best international episode. Well-researched/documented, and excellent camera shosts. A well deserve congratulations to the entire team. Mi encanta mucho! Sigue viniendo!

[@nenitaschmidt7197]

Spain is awesome, I went there for a holiday with my children, Costa Brava and Mallorca, and now my children are grown up they are still making a holiday in Spain. Spain is our favorite place. We felt safe and not boring. About history we did not care much but we visited a lot of places. a lot of Germans have their vacation houses in Costa Blanca and the rich one in Marbella. We love the spanish food and we were pampered in the hotel.

[@aprillygrace4329]

Costa Brava the best ❤

[@donnabicolana6928]

This documentary video is educational, many young viewers would learning the history of the Philippines and Spain. We knew that some of the youth are lazy to read so, this is good for them. Thank you for sharing this with us❤

[@lissafoster]

Hello from USA! We were in Spain last April. Watching your vlog is like reliving our vacation. Love the way you explain things. Very clear and interesting. Your diction is clear, not maarte. I appreciate that. Well done, Gretchen!

[@hitet1359]

For me! Spanish is the most sweet languange in the world. More content like this Ms Gretchen. GBU

[@marsmallow_17]

History, food, language, and travel. KZbin never fails me to amaze. As someone who's currently learning Spanish. I tend to appreciate Spain more lately. ❤

[@luelzone7474]

Muchísimas gracias por este vídeo, ojalá que puedo visitar España muy pronto 🤩

[@cecilerealizan7718]

Grabe ang galing mo, Gretchen. Dami ko nalaman❤❤❤.

[@michiemarbella5092]

Im so inspired to watch Ms. Gretchen. The country that influenced us in many ways to our country Philippines..Hopefully i can visit there soon…😊

[@nataliacheryllifeadventure]

Come visit here

[@ugotmalenurse]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭 *Madrid is pretty awesome!* *My wife and I had a wonderful week there in 2018* *We visited many of the major attractions in Madrid and we had the privilege of experiencing a truly memorable roasted pig meal at BOTIN RESTAURANT and a sweet treat of Spanish churros dipped in melted semi-sweet thick chocolate at the world famous CHOCOLATERIA SAN GINES* *This KZbin vlog is beautifully and professionally done, a far cry from my non-monetized, amateur KZbin vlog I shot in Madrid* 😬😂*CHEERS FROM CALIFORNIA!* 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@joclem78]

This one is very much educational, something for travel enthusiast to save and share. For me as a Filipino who have the Spanish culture in my blood should commend this content. More of this Ms. Gretchen, congratulations!

[@cesardeguzman7108]

If I were a Malacañang insider I will suggest to PBBM to appoint this well traveled lady to be the county's Sec of Tourism. She's intelligent, active and beautiful.

[@danilokabigting8403]

Oo nga. Kulang na kulang ang Pilipinas sa information sa tourism. Ni walang tourist office na mapupuntahan to ask for info on a particular destinations. Or even a simple map of a city or how to navigate the roads or available hotels.

[@danilokabigting8403]

Thailand, Japan, S. Korea their numbers on tourism is about 40 to 50 million (actual visitors) ang Pilipinas happy na sa 5 million tourists.

[@joyvee7432]

@@danilokabigting8403mas gusto kc ng government na aalis mga Pinoy dahil mas malaki ang kita sa OFW. Million Dollar Business kaya wala silang pakialam sa mga tourists. Maraming umuuwi kc na mga Pinoy taon taon kasama mga asawa at pamilyang Foreigners.

[@mrjoepira]

Kudos to the entire team. Sobrang ang enjoy aka panoorin. Very educational, informative, historical. I learned a lot especially in regards to Dr Jose Rizal , the oldest restaurant in the world chaka siyempre mag kababayan nating may magandang tarbaho. I like the way how Gretchen do her job, very natural and cordial. I also like edting part. galing ng editor...Looking forward to more like this pls. Ansarap when your living your dreams...

[@Phipol1997]

Finally! I love your channel, so much substance. It's true, Philippines was the Paris of Asia and our country would've been as beautiful as some European country if we had rebuilt it the way it was before the war.

[@GameplayTubeYT]

Wala eh buhat bangko yung mga Pinoy sa Pilipinas

[@bmona7550]

If only we maintained the Pasig River at its pristine state after WWII..

[@jigero560]

Sinira Ng hapon at America yung mgandang lugar sa mànila

[@nadinenaadat3593]

So nice naman this episode. Congrats Gretchen & to ur team! Nakaka proud maging Pinoy.. Cheers! 🎉🇵🇭🎉

[@KC-hd3wi]

11:16 Pinoy Auxiliares 15:33 Ateneo de Manila 16:30 Calle amor de Dios, pagtitipid ni Rizal & pag-iimmerse sa cultura 17:00 Calle Alcala, La Indolencia 19:00 Excel, tao lang din siya tulad natin 23:00 Pan & Food History 26:14 Parque del Retiro 27:13 Crystal Palace, human zoo & multo ng nakaraan 31:00 Kitchie & other Fil in Spain 31:44 Kitchie singing her song in spanish 33:24 oldest restaurant in the world

[@ianlulu]

yo thanks so much for this. keep it going!

[@LasQuez]

Viva España...!!!🎉🎉🎉 Y filipinas 🎉🎉🎉 de esperanza ❤

[@louiep9295]

Retracing back Rizal's footprint in Madrid gives me goosebumps and pride that Spain gave him the recognition in spite of the fact that our country during those times was just one of their colonies. Great job Gretchen!

[@simpaticaafilipina]

Colony is an English made up word. Spain didn't have colonies. They had provinces.

[@louiep9295]

@@simpaticaafilipina Oh really! so where are those provinces now of Spain that their conquistadores colonized all around the world in the 15th and 16th centuries? Did they suddenly vanish? I think you need to brush up not only with your history but your geography as well.

[@simpaticaafilipina]

@@louiep9295 you better research ... They were not called Colonies but Provincias de Ultra Mar. Colony is an English made up word for the colonies of the UK.

[@louiep9295]

@@simpaticaafilipina The basis of your argument is because you read it from an article. Have you ever thought that the authors of what you read are just making assumptions and not stating some facts? Answer these 2 questions: 1. How did the Philippines bacame a province of Spain? 2. Why did the Philippines fought Spain for its independence if it was a legal province and not its colony?

[@simpaticaafilipina]

@@louiep9295 first of all it was not the whole Philippines that fought for independence. The Visayans and Rizal did not fight for it, only the Katipuneros did and they are mostly from Luzon. The Visayans did not want to be independent from Spain at all because they were loyal to Spain. After all, so many of them had a good life. Even Rizal did not flight to have independence, he just wanted Reforms as he saw how different it was in the Mother country compare to the Philippines. Also you look for it yourself .. Look for Provincias de Ultra Mar de España so you will have answers for your question. It's not just any article because that article is in a Spanish museum. Why do you think the Filipinos have the privilege of acquiring the Spanish citizenship after only 2 years of residence in Spain ? Because the Filipinos were Spanish during the Spanish era.

[@sofiab27]

Nice episode! Next to the Philippines, Spain is the closest country to my heart. Muchas gracias para este documental! ❤🎉

[@rikopersian6407]

Galing ng pagka edit at ang flow ng story maganda. Nagtour kami ng Madrid noong Nov. 2019 before the pandemic shut down. I’ve been to those places that you’ve shown. I love the food , very accessible lahat. Galing public transportation at mababait ang mga Espanol. Galing ng producer at writer ng show mo. Very informative. Keep up the good work.🎉

[@peppaslittleadventures5935]

Jamon Iberico 😋 it‘s a melt-in-your-mouth goodness! Can‘t wait to visit spain again.

[@jankatesamson]

Sobrang ganda ng flow ng story. Made me want to travel or even work in Spain. 🥺🤍

[@mervyfaith4876]

There was never a dull moment watching this episode dami kong natutunan about Rizal's history. Wala palang keso ang ensaymada ng Spain. Salamat Gretchen dahil naexplore ko ang Spain dahil dito. Ang yaman pala ng kultura ng Spain.

[@Xela07727]

How come I only seen this today? I’ve been a History lover, and I love our history the most especially about our heroes, mainly Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. This made me cry and overwhelmed with all the information regarding our connection with Spain.

[@veronicap.ferrer1651]

Ang galing👏👏👏 Yes nabitin😊 Masaya kami na your back again in KZbin Woman in action as always

[@ejaysbox157]

Grabe!!!!! I stumbled upon this vlog looking for something new to watch. Glad it came across my feed. Ang ganda ng buong vlog!!!!

[@jsalmagrinde]

MORE VLOGS TO COME PLS!! THE EDIT, THE VIBES, EVERYTHING IS SO *chef’s kiss 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

[@joven5921]

Really enjoying the content WiA puts out! Very entertaining and enlightening. This show is such a gem.

[@123fourU]

Amazing docu po Gretchen love the stories of our kababayans, good job as always 👍😄😁

[@akosirolandr]

I'm such a fan of your work, and it inspires me a lot. I look forward to Part 2. Maraming salamat Gretchen and team. Proud Pinoy from SoCal and looking forward to retiring in Valencia or Barcelona in a few years \m/

[@jeffcuenca2373]

Grabeee Ms. Gretch ang ganda ng mga episodes mo! Natapos ko in a day lahat ng mga episodes and can't wait sa next episode! Lablab! ❤️

[@MichelleQuintiaVLOGS]

Sayang I wasn’t able to take videos when I was in Barcelona year 2010! 🤩 now that I’m into vlogging, I now regret that cuz now it’s too far na pala from Pinas. I flew there twice when I was still a cabin crew for Qatar Airways. Didn’t enjoy the job but I really do love to travel! Love love this travel documentary. Thanks Ms. Gretchen Ho! 🥰 Edit: Kitchie Nadal performed in the bar where I also used to sing before in Marikina year 2008. Those were the days! 🤩

[@judecaraoa6441]

Ganda Gretchen! Well explained! Hindi kalat. Love it ❤️❤️🔥🔥

[@pinay_and_languages]

Maraming salamat dito, Ms. Gretchen at sa buong team! Napaka-immersive at informative! Gracias!!! 🤩 (Also as a Spanish language enthusiast, I recognized Sir Joaquin De Jesus from his cool blog called Hecho Ayer 🤩Galing! Salamat din po, sir! Mabuhay ka!)

[@eeuunniiccee]

This will be my itinerary on our journey to Spain. Thanks to your team! 😊

[@wiselivingph9371]

Thank you Ms. Gretchen. Looking forward to more videos like this. It’s definitely more than a travel vlog. It’s bringing us back and forward to our rich history

[@ruselleguiangpineofficial]

Sana lahat malibot mo po lahat ng bansa ate gret and to show history of the country. ❤

[@piggyyu5160]

Ang dami mong matututunan sa video na ito about Jose R.,galing mo ms.Gretchen 😊.T.C sa mga travel na malayo .

[@JohnDoe-fk6uu]

i cant with the superb quality of your vlog. This is soo goood! Glad to have come across this channel!. Im impressed!!

[@tpjrcj]

I've been to Spain myself (Barcelona), that's why I really enjoyed watching this vlog. For us Filipinos, it won't be hard to converse in Spanish maski broken pa 'yan kasi nga most of our Tagalog language is synonymous with Spanish. My father is a "chabacano" born in Cavite City, PHIL. so I really enjoyed my trip in Barcelona kasi ang sarap mag "Habla Español." I just wished I visited Madrid too at the time I've lived in Europe. Ang galing mo Gretchen and your editing team, this video was professionally made; clarity, color, etc. More power to you and for sure will watch more of your vlogs!!

[@ourtravellifevideos6885]

Thanks for this content Ms Gretchen. Perfect for our incoming Spain trip this November.

[@mariemarie6142]

Though it’s been almost a year - my first time watching and enjoying very much ! So educational! Gretchen spoke all in Tagalog with the exceptions of names in English ! Thank you Woman in Action

[@nieves2984]

Nice one👏👏👏...parang kasama na rin kami sa España.❤️❤️❤️

[@thelmaparis7197]

I find your show very enjoyable, excellently written and produced. You are very articulate and engaging. You are very natural and at ease. This show is perfect for Senior Citizens like me. Congratulations and I look forward to travelling with you via You Tube.

[@mcec4797]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful travel video. It is very informative especially we are planning to visit Spain.

[@CresildaMaeAfable]

Napaka educational po ng episode na ito po..great job Ms. Gretchen,👏👏👏God bless your travel alwaya

[@fortunatoabrio4169]

Thanks much ma'am Gretchen for having a great story of Spain just stay humble God bless you allways praying ur safety travel.

[@angelicas.keyser1711]

Love this vlog, Gretchen! Very educational 🇪🇸

[@MM-NolascoPH]

Saw this on my KZbin's Homepage (All) and clicked on it but I want to start on Episode 1 first so wait for me to watch this episode after watching the episodes before this episode. This is going to be a great binge watch!

[@PsyphaX09]

Panalo talaga mga dokyumentaryo mo Gretchen. Mabuhay kayo ng buong team mo!

[@marilouguinita2986]

This is impormative video, thank you Miss Gretchen. GOD Bless you and take care always❤

[@AdolphJrBravo]

Aww glad to have seen this before my visit to Madrid (tomorrow! 😅) Hope you can visit Iceland!!

[@divine14344]

Worthy to watch and share. Thank you for doing this documentary. Young generation will enjoy watching this too 😊 because your story telling is fun and educational at the same time 😀

[@JocelynGadin-sg9rg]

I stumbled on your channel and really enjoyed your watching your travel in Spain, it does make me want to go and visit.

[@fugak-han0072]

¡Me encanta esa versión de "Huwag na huwag mong sasabihin"!❤ Espero que esa versión (traducido en español) también se publique en Filipinas.

[@YumiFaeldo]

Somehow ngayon lang lumabas sa feed ko ang WIA ni Gretchen. Going to binge watch. Parang made for this type of show si GH

[@elenavios9658]

Ganda! What an history! Thank you Gretchen!

[@nixsgarage3027]

Nakaka inspire mga videos niyo po ma'am Gretchen,Dami kong natututunan.. thank you very much and God Bless po❤️

[@jmclay4317]

Wow! Reminds me of our almost 2 week vacation in Spain-Madrid, Barcelona and Granada plus a side trip to Avila and Toledo. Love it! Hope to come again soon.❤

[@jimmyespanola1882]

Anggaling mo magkwento mam Gretch..kahit ipikit ko lng po yungga mata ko, naiintindihannko p din ang kwento.ang ganda, anggaling mo kc mgsalita mam

[@itsTheYan_D]

Super ganda ng quality of this content. Ang ganda ng story telling. This will be my guide when I visit Spain this month. ❤

[@ditotelecommunitydito4529]

Sama mo nmn ako jeje..jok..✌️😛😂

[@steniepherranjo3094]

Cant wait for the next episode, featuring don ramon and company kasama ako...more power gretch...

[@evelynalbrando8701]

Wow...... I was amazed, Power !!! It was my first time to see your documentary. Yung tipong craving for more despite ng maraming ads.

[@rezangeliezanoriapartible2019]

I love watching different places abroad..para narin ako nkapunta sa ibang bansa..dahil sa woman in action aside from that mayroon din akong natutunan about their History sa mga lugar na napupuntahan nyo po..salamat po😊

[@augustusmerc2610]

Thanks for this, muchas gracias Gretchen!!!! Defitely will be going here, next, Espana!!!!

[@genmanuel748]

Such a great story teller Gretch! looking forward for more videos🍷🕶️

[@nelsonmero161]

Very nice ma’am Gretchen super galing ng vlog nyo amazing dami kong natuklasan at na tututunan. I’m Pinoy living in Italy ng tour kami Barcelona last week lang but I feel mas maganda pala dyan sa Madrid.

[@cristinaperez5081]

Thanks Ms. G for the nice & informative travels...we are traveling with you...

[@hermygimena5485]

Hindi ito vlog,, show na ni Gretchen to, you own it, galing ng pagkakaexplaine, informative tlaga, bumalik ung kabataan k habang ngaaral ng aralin panlipunan tongkol sa mfa bayani especially jose rizal

[@AlexGSalvador-cv9ln]

That was enjoyable and educational. Thank you Ms. Gretchen. Perhaps someday you can do one of Barcelona.

[@gracearguidas]

i'm so amazed to this episode. thank you, gretchen!

[@edrossbernadettecasillan5856]

So informative. Napakagaling!!

[@AlexGSalvador-cv9ln]

Found the one for Barcelona! Enjoyed it. Nice job.

[@All4JESUSpinoy]

So inspiring, very informative at nakaka aliw panoorin.

[@user-bd1md6gt5i]

Can't help but teary eye, thank you for travel doc Gretch#! Long time no see.

[@dinafernandez954]

Ngayon ko lang po napanood ito, soon makarating ako jan sa Spain together with my family, my mother has a Spanish blood because our great great grandfather is a Pure Spaniard 😊

[@dinafernandez954]

pure Spanish

[@Minecraft-bq6zz]

Ang galing2x mo maam idol! Ingat lagi sa mga pinupuntahan! God bless your journey.

[@aprillygrace4329]

Exactly my thoughts! Kung marunong lang tayo magpahalaga sa ating nakaraan. Here in Spain protected talaga lahat ng mga buildings like di basta2x nababago ang facade. Sa loob sí, pwedeng ma renovate.

[@sephalviar291]

Very informative travel vlog about spain.. Thanks Gretchen :)

[@padyakcnior3995]

iba ka! galing mo Miss Gretchen! ❤

[@gilberttello08]

Keep traveling so you keep educating us Filipinos as well about other places in the world

[@rosarioorosco8281]

Ang galing ng mga episodes mo,,I am so impressed , enjoy your travel keep safe and I am with you all the way,,,watching from Vancouver Canada

[@ellainebesitan3551]

thank u ms. gretchen for this fabulous clips, isheshare k sa mga learners ko ito.

[@zeezeetravelwork8420]

Wooow you gave me a place where to go next Ms. Gretchen. ❤️❤️❤️gracias!

[@cromwellvillaflores-ni4ps]

Galing mo gretch.congrats.ur d best!!

[@edgartopico5595]

Excellent travel vlog and documentary Ms Gretchen. God bless 🙏 🙏

[@jonathanabustan9036]

One of the best vlogs I've seen lately! Ganito ang content, may sense, very informative, and entertaining! New subscriber here!

[@bat-elisrael]

Been there!! So beautiful!! I love Spain!! ❤

[@martinaquezada3880]

Wow! Ang ganda ng pagkakagawa ng vlog na to, docu level. Is this a show po ba sa TV? Anyways, Gretchen you're intelligent. I like history and your way of telling us more details about Spain and Philippines is so good! Keep it up 🎉

[@user-bd1md6gt5i]

Watched the video till the end, early am, mabuhay ang Kalayaan!#

[@letscelebratelife1]

Love it! The video is very informative and well produced. ❤