6 THINGS in the Philippines that are strange to me as an American Expat
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- 6 Strange things in the Philippines that I discovered living as an American Expat visiting the Philippines. Expat life in the Philippines. Call centers, fruit, one day millionaires and more.
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I jumped into a taxi and a cool song started playing on the radio. So I began singing quietly (which I am not even that good) then the driver started singing with me. Soon we were belting out. Every time i visit there it's like I am experiencing reminders of the most important aspects in life.
The reason why people in buffet places don't prioritize the fruit section is that these fruits they've already had tasted it in their daily lives. Of course you approach first the section where food you haven't or rarely had before is located. Diners will go back later for the fruits and sweets.😊😊😊
Not to mention by experience the sourcing for those fruits is not so great. I would go eat it once then never again.
Been here for a year now, you nailed this content. I'm feeling blessed living here, loaded with experiences and adventures on a daily basis! God Bless!
Yes, that's the Filipino way in celebrating any occassion. They're so happy in any way. Enjoy and be merry. Thank you for being part of the vlogs and You are Most Welcome 🙂❤️ to the Phils.
The reason that people doesn't seems to help those who got into accidents is because here in the Philippines You cannot touch a person who've been involved in an accident if You're not a Medical practitioner or You know nothing about medical/ first aid procedures 'cause You might be blamed if that person's injuries got worst neither families or relatives cannot touch the injured person except for the rescuers or first aiders. and also They're posting it live or taking photos so that people may know and could disseminate the information so that it would reach Their Families or relatives.
lol. brilliant.
I am a paramedic and LVN in the USA and the one time I tried to render aid 20 years ago when a jeep flipped on its side I had two police officers physically stop me from doing anything. They kept me safe legally but two kids bled out when I could have prevented it
@@bradhart2 that's sad.
True.
Y there is such thing as protocols;e.g. in a setting where medical caregivers who have licenses y who are employed by a private entity that take good care of people who are elderly (are independently living at the end stages of their lives at these institutions) aren’t in the position of attending to cases where if one or more of these elderly dwellers get into medical emergency situations.The management leading staff is responsible for calling the ambulance, first responders in such cases.
Everything that you're saying is true. So I maybe in the USA, but my heart always belongs to the Philippines because that's where home is. The desire to be happy is important especially having no material things to grow up with. I think it's sweeter.
"Live life to the fullest like there's no tomorrow", always have been the Filipino way of life. I'm glad that you're enjoying! 👍👍
Yes, Mindanao is the Garden of Eden. So sweet and so abundant. I am Mindanaoan. And I’m proud of it. We have everything in the land.
tarshis
even onions?
You said there are similarities in behaviors between the Southern United States and The Philippines, This reminds me of something historical. The Southern Part of the United States was actually once called "New Philippines". Maybe there really is a relationship between them. 🙂
You're referring to a large part of Texas before 1821. It was once called "Nuevas Filipinas" by Spain.
It seems like anything and everything grows in the Philippines. With so much rainfall I see things like mango and papaya trees growing everywhere. If I lived in the province I would be growing my own food.🍍🍌🥥🥑🍆🍉🏝️
It is always fascinating to me walking down the streets in the provinces and seeing such exotic fruit growing in folks yards just like apples grow here in the Midwest
what about onions?
I lived in Mindanao , in my younger days , from sea in my young years and move in middle of the island to Bukidnon province, its true about our fruits it’s so incredibly the sweetest you ever tested , I went back before the pandemic and still its the best and beautiful places to visit in the mountain, it’s green and most of all pineapple, banana, Etc thanks on your beautiful pictures and our island .🇸🇽🇸🇽🇸🇽🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I agree Filipinos know how to celebrate no matter their poverty level, that's one reason I married a philopena. I will be traveling to Davao in the coming fall and would love to meet up
Ugh! I like you already after just watching two videos! Being half-American, half-Filipino, this is very interesting to watch. I've been there countless times to know how to speak my mother tongue fluently. Yes, Filipinos love all things Filipino probably because the country had been in the shadows for so long, and now it's on the rise. You are on the right track. Well, you got my attention, I subbed.
Ang gwapo mo. Baby
We have this philosophy as a filipino that, live life to the fullest, be happy and enjoy no matter what your circumstances, because we don't know if tomorrow we are still alive.
About the chocolate and some stuffs we cannot decide on if it goes to the cart or just take a glance, it's "Priority" thing. Most important first, those things are for extra money only, which is rare. On "one day millionaire" I remember when I was in Canada, the Indians we call Native Canadians (only those that don't work) are one day millionaires once they get their government checks. Very quickly they go penniless within a weeks time. But for the Filipinos, it's not a good thing but they can't help it with their Live-happy no-worry culture and it's true, they get over the one day spend it all thing. They' can genuinely smile in their heavy problems and move one.
Move on
live your life to the fullest pero pagnagkasakit at walang pera iiyak iyak.
@@czandriyeaduchannes9078 mali ang pagkakaintindi mo...
It's a good philosophy. With the collapsing ecosystem, none of us knows if we'll be alive tomorrow. So yes, live fully now!
I have several Filipino friends here in California. I've never seen such an obsession with photography in any culture. Pictures of groups of people from all different angles, often silly pictures with their hands up in the air. Also, they live stream almost every party or event and put it live on Facebook.
As a Filipino who didn't care about taking pictures before, but now do after realizing that I can forget important things or people, I've decided to take pictures of anything that I wish to remember haha, so much so that my storage is full. It would be nice if phone companies stopped Giving their phones dumb features like being able to bend, and started giving their phones bigger storage.
We love taking pictures for remembrance.😄
My family live streamed Christmas and New Years. Lots of OFW in the family. The ones overseas would record video messages and they played them on the big screen at the party. When we lived in the US my wife would watch the Christmas party on facebook live all morning after Santa for the kids at home. Was wild to witness in person this time.
The 'obsession' that you are refering to is just us trying our best to maintain our connection with friends, relatives, and acquaintances no matter the distance and length of time. Am still unbelieving that a childhood friend of mine who was younger than me, and who i have'nt seen or talked to for the past 30 years, had passed last year..and im 64 years old..
Photographs makes happy memories even more memorable. Filipinos love to be happy in most simplest way.
That's why I fell in love with the Philippines and the People.....They are such happy folks !!
they are not interested in Politics, Religion or other brainy stuff.....They live today and die tomorrow and they couldn't care less !!!
Filipinos are joyful and happy people and thats what I'm proud of. Hope your vlog here in the Philippines will go bigger and bigger. Good luck and enjoy your staying here.
The shopping behavior is so true!😁After getting the product off the shelf, the mental processing on whether you should really get it keeps on until you get to the cashier. And beyond, thinking you should've gotten it😄 The one day millionaire syndrome happens because it's good to treat oneself to a good time after a long period of working hard. The philosophy of all work and no play makes Juan a dull boy is very real.
Hey Dr. Laway. Be informed that every community barrio town city in the Philippines has fiesta to celebrate yearly. It depends how they celebrate fiesta. But in my barrio in Samar we celebrate fiesta for 2 days. We have parade, games, kinds of contest, every night is dancing in auditorium, everybody is dressed nicely for the dancing party. The next day is eating where almost evey house has lechon. That is our fiesta in my region of Waray People, who love dancing.
In general, life is simple in the Philippines. Not a lot of money or material things but people are happy. Life is to be celebrated no matter how simple. Coming from a Filipino who’s been living in North America for more rhan 40 years!
Amen...
We were staying in Makati in Manila, and I had to call back about a problem with our Chase card. The Philippines Chase call center was about three blocks away from our hotel. So, of course, calling to the US to Chase got me talking to a customer support girl just down the street.
Been there done that in an even better way. Called support and ended up talking to a neighbor.
😅
A little back story here for you. The people who started S&R here were part of the same group that started Costco. They were able to use exactly the same layout and products because they are affiliated/connected to the Costco group. The "S&R" relates to their surnames.
Thank You! Makes sense why it feels like a Costco to me then.
@@DrLawaytravels I love your videos. They're well thought out and fun to watch. Keep 'em coming!
I think Lucio Co now owns S&R. Who are the original owners, with such initials? Thanks
@@fredtacang3624 I can't remember but I looked it up online 4 or 5 years ago
S&R prices are comparable to Costco except it’s lesser merchandise. Take for example the Hawaiian bread that’s usually two packs here in the States. There it’s only one package almost the same price here.
Thanks for ur honest feedback. We make do of what we have and celebrate life. Sad but true... filipinos can sustain restaurants businesses here and abroad ( One day millionaire habit). I was like that before but not anymore. Wishing you and your family the best of everything. Great content.
About the fruits. We've been eating so much of it that we are sick of it sometimes.
The second to the last part is one of many bad things in my country, we can't really do anything about it. Filipinos are obsessed with photos and videos. They document everything they find intriguing.
I have to point out that there are regional cultural differences in behavior between the north and south. Being from the north and working in the south, I would say yes you're observations about financial behavior of Filipinos in the south are quite true, but also very different from those in the north who are more known to be kuripot and matipid. Splurging on special days, yes, but not all the time.
Even when it comes to food: in the south it's not uncommon to find that the last portion on the table is not touched, because allegedly, this means if you get it, you're still hungry, and the host will bring out more. In the north, you are not supposed to waste food, that's considered sayang.
As to leaving fruits untouched, people from the north like vegetables and fruits. Also, leaving fruits untouched is sayang. But I have observed a few from the south who snub mangoes, bananas etc for apples, pears, "imported" fruits.
To me, as someone from the far south, we snub those commercialized mangoes. It often doesn't taste sweet. 99.99% of the time that I tried. Like, na-f-fake news ako ng sobrang yellow na mangga pero maasim naman. Or kung anuman taste nun other than being sweet. We often go with local mangoes like manga carabao or evergreen. Not only is it bigger, it's also certified sweet most of time even if it's still a bit green. Or, we snub fruits during those parties coz, oftentimes, we have them at our backyard. Like say, watermelon, pinya, papaya, mangoes, lanzones, rambotan, etc in various varieties. Or say we don't have some of those, but we can buy it cheaply often and enjoy it. Or maybe our neighbors have it and we enjoy the harvest together. And we also snub imported fruits if it's not even tasty. Some imported apples taste like sand so that's a no-go.
@Dr Laway, shout out for accidentally bumping and meeting you in person today(01/11/2023) at the Dolomite Beach in Manila. It was nice seeing and meeting your Beautiful Filipina wife in person as well. I hope we could see her too here in your vlogs. Hehehe. Me and my wife and son wishes blessings to you, your family, and your vlog/channel. God bless! ✌🏼❤️🙂❤️✌🏼🙏🙏🙏
Was a great surprise! Enjoyed meeting you and your family as well. Lucky the rain held off and was a nice time at the beach. Hopefully our paths will cross again my friend. God bless you and your family as well.
It's inspiring hearing your positive feedback about the Philippines. I hope you'll stay and become part of this tropical country.
As someone who has been living in Philippines off and on for over 30 years most of it in Davao City and the provinces north of there. I can confirm it all. Most of what you have described can be distilled down to: Eat, Drink, and be Merry for tomorrow we may die. I am only in my late 40s and seen so many people younger than me die from everything from heart disease to diabetes that I wouldnt have believed it if I didn't live here. With a national life expectancy of only 70, and even shorter in the provinces and among the very poor, every chance to live it up with a Starbucks or fancy donut that costs more than a week's worth of rice is taken especially by the young.
every word that comes from your mouth is precisely true... philippines is not actually alluring tourist to lie but the tourist simply tells the truth.... there is no need to medially promote the philippines but it is the tourist telling thru media about the beauty in it.. not only one vloger but every vloger that visit the philippines is positively narrating what is in it.... there is no need of comparison between any countries because every place has its own identity but if you are a tourist you can compare the difference from there you can tell which is which..
Watching ur videos makes me miss my country. Can’t wait to visit again.
I love the Philippines. I been to Davao and Cebu . Great people to talk to. I'm thinking of retiring over there.
You killed me at the shopping part. That's so true! 😂 I'm a Filipino btw.
Glad to see your vlog 🙏🇵🇭🇺🇸
to your second point about how there seems to be a celebration of life in the Filipino community. Well, that's just it man. They are celebrating life. They're happy to have what they have and live much happier lives than most of us in the west even though by societal standards we've got more than them that you'd think would equate to happier lifestyles. Sure, we've got better job opportunities and much less people in poverty (although these days that's debatable with all the homelessness across America) but what more do we really have? we have far more focus on materialism than overall quality of life. Growing up in Canada and visiting my parents home town in Serbia many times as a child (country in eastern europe) I've grown up to appreciate the small things in life. Even more so now having gone to the Philippines with my Fiancée. One of the things I always look forward to every year is my backcountry camping trips. But, it never truly hit me how happy I was with so little until recently. I like all the fancy things like most other people. Nice cars, the latest and greatest gadgets but when I'm out in the backcountry without any of that stuff I'm happier than when I'm with it in the city.
Short story long, we don't need any of this materialistic crap to be happy and if there is any nation out there that show's that best it's the people of the Philippines. They have so little yet are some of the happiest people I've come across. Money is unfortunately vital to life in todays world but it's just crazy to me that most of us out there will spend most of our lives working our assess off to spend only a fraction of that money on truly being able to enjoy life.
Thunbs up👍it's the simple things that bring the simplest pleasures in life. Materialism distorts this very basic principle.
99.9% of them would trade their lifestyle for one here in the US, and all that awful "materialism" that goes along with it..
Thank you for appreciating our country and culture.god bless u.
Great content glad I ran across your channel. I've been to the Philippines twice and went to Davao on my last trip there.
Really enjoy watching your videos. Definitely can relate as an ex-pat in Cebu for 7 years. 😊
Welcome to the Philippines sir. This is what we are here. Hope you enjoy your stay.
Really appreciate your channel bro.
I miss my country so much. I will be retiring soon, so I’m planning to stay there later. Thanks to your blog.
Thanks for watching
Thank you for sharing this video. Take care and God bless
during Christmas party and new year our family suddenly turns into a tv show where we have these games and our nephews and nieces or grandkids is obliged to showcase their talent may it be dancing or singing everybody needs to perform specially kids 😂
Hi Dr Laway, I just subscribed to your channel!
Leaving to visit Sual Pangasinan on Tuesday and your videos have brought me a lot of peace of mind. I'm TOTALLY looking forward to trying the different fruits.
It is great that you get to experience life in the Philippines.. just enjoy it!
This is my world.. I'm in davao myself for a few years now.. great place to be.
Thank you sir, very entertaining video indeed. My husband n I are looking forward to be spending more time in Philippines once our place is done in Cagayan de Oro.
Nice to see your videos I'm in the process planning a visit and maybe moving there. I see some nice affordable homes for rent.
Very affordable compared to western countries for renting
Most weird thing to me has been how death is handled. It is like a week long party then one day at the end of extreme emotional pain. All your other points I have noticed too though.
Godbless you more Dr. Laway.
Thank goodness when you're lucky enough to reach a call center in Pinas, as opposed to India! I can't understand half of what the Indian operators are saying
I’m be proud You like Philippines 🇵🇭 💪Nice country in Asia People good, happy always even a lot of problem Smile 😃 Only!💪😍🥰🙏❤️
Enjoy your travel godbless.
Hello Dr. L . I’m glad I come across your channel. You are just telling the truth. I’m a filipino but living in the US. Really the Philippines is a happy place to live a life. Enjoy your stay. God bless.
Hello friend thank you for sharing your six strange things in Philippines 🇵🇭.
Yes your definitely right on some of them but you cannot beat the people.
And of course those sweet and tasty tropical fruits 😋.
Take care and greetings from England 🇬🇧 Beth and Simon 👍❤️👋
Having phone calls rerouted through the Philippines is quite common happens in many western countries today
Hey Doc.
Ever been to a Filipino funeral? OMG! They video those too! I went to one about 10 years ago. Was totally strange!
It was a funeral for an aunt and her favorite grandson was sitting right next to me in the front row crying his eyes out. The guy doing to video came right up in front of us to video this poor little boy crying!
Then they take the pictures after posing with the deceased person. Was too strange for me. lol
Maybe, they didn't have a picture of the person when he was alive, and that was their last chance. lol. As a Filipino, I also find that strange, and I must say that it's not a common thing in the Phil.
It's for the memories I guess. Sad memories.
Have not been to one of those yet.
When I was growing up in Appalachia taking pictures with the deceased was really common in the scots-irish community. That pretty much ended with my grandad's generation passing. I always found it strange. That was one tradition we abandoned
@@desertfox5361that’s a normal for Filipino they always do that for the last memories for their loved one’s ..
That was uncommon here in my region but Filipino funeral culture in general is very strange to Westerners. Gambling and poker games is a must, getting wasted and karaoke is very common, and funerals usually last from 3 days to 2 weeks. I've been to funeral in Ilocos just recently and they hire live bands there. It's similar to birthday parties but with a little bit of Bible sessions and prayer vigils sprinkled all through out.
always really like the positive(s) that you share in your videos. Hopefully oine day i will run accross you in Davao!!! Thank you and keep it up awesome
Eating Happy with Friends and Family makes food taste so good that’s why,
Nice surroundings sir of cassava plant.
Thank you Dr Lawy and really true
Everything you say
#6 I relate to that a lot! 😆
Hey Dr. New subscriber here. The rationale why seldom or probably no help being offered by people in an accident is because only people who are trained should help an injured person to prevent further injury.
Actually, in the Philippines, the ones who are not that injured should check all persons in an accident to see if medical personnel are needed. It's stated under MMDA for them to call for help, such as an ambulance and a traffic investigator. Also, they should take pictures then, if possible, move to the side of the road.
Living in the Philippines is like you are in a movie musical where anyone can belt out a song or dance at any given time anywhere.
That is why they say Mabuhay! --- which is an expression of long living or long life with joy.
Lots of fruit. Equals smoothies and great ice cream and sorbets
I love this reaction.. thanks for this truth.. 🥰
Great video my friend
100% agree to the fruits esp in Mindanao!
I hope you can visit iloilo city,to witness the grandest and famous Dinagyang Festival on the fourth week of January.
OMG they are like that here too, pictures all the time
Putting back items that we really like, but a bit expensive. Because our thoughts process is If I just dont buy this and just save the money so next payday I can buy a pair of shoes for my kid. or use the money to take the family to a movie. We are hopelessly unselfish beyond comprehension most of the time. You know this, just ask your wife how many distant relatives she paid for their educations?
Spontaneous singing and dancing... basically living in a musical...
I am learning a lot about expats. Question, how would boat life be there? Thanks!
Hi,I like your videos and even shared to my american Boyfriend.Keep it up and Godbless!
Wow! Sounds like I will enjoy my time living there. I look forward to relocating after my parents pass and my fiancé and I save money for a house
enjoy the Philippines,
Philippines is considered as the happiest country in the world just recently followed by Ecuador...Malaysia..Japan..Mexico...We always smile or even laugh in the midst of disasters and calamities...We sing when we are sad and lonely...We celebrate even with little things..We have no time to worry..We have strong faith in God....
Japan is like bottom tier for happiness. Locals anyways.
fruits are everywhere in the philippines. one of the reason why we chose not to touch them is due to availability. we can grow fruits in our back yards and can have them at arms reach.
I subscribed for your honesty and I can truly say no pinoy baits for views. I support so many foreigner vloggers especially if married to kababayan. But once I see or felt that they're only after views and subs I blocked them. Looking forward to more meaningful and different contents... No mukbang and pranks pls... Just honest opinions, observations and daily life activities. More power bro.
I remember witnessing the aftermath of a RTA on the digos to Davao road , between some school kids in their scooter and a bus ,both kids in their school uniform were lying in the dirt by the roadside face down and about a hundred philipinos were standing close by all were rubber necking the scene and no one was offering help ,my gf explained the situation , you do not touch the bodies or you are accepting responsibility for the accident
The MMDA states, it's required for the ones in the accident to check if anyone is injured and call for medical help, including a traffic investigator.
good observations.. very pinoy...
Yes I agree with you I'm crying when I lessen what you said about my country .I'm here in New Zealand for 28 year I want to go home huhuhuhuhu there's no place like home . Thank you for what you said it touch my heart
The shopping part hits me. You can't bargain at the grocery store, so you have to be wise in your decision. 😁🤣
Lots of call centers in the P.I cuz most are fluent in English...Pinoys love music and dancing...other thing for sure is that Pinoys will make the best of any situation and come up with creative ways to make a living..
#6 "Live for the day" To tell you the truth.....We sometimes must do this.
👍
New subscriber
I want to tell you. My favorite fruit is Santol. It's kinda sweet and sour. You may not like it. But I was able to grow a tree from a seed. The frost is not so good though.
I've done that "shopping" thing. Took the item all the way to the counter to just leave it there and decided not to take it at all.
Headed to Davo in feb. Let me know how to get ahold of you..ty
Probably over there in Mindanao but it is the opposite here in the north especially us, the Ilokanos. The Ilokanos have a very tight hands when it comes to monet
nice video
Thanks for the visit!
actually im currently ten and there was a motorcycle accident its was a grade six and i did not see but see survived
I have called several times and got someone from Bacolod which is the same area my wife is from.
The number 6 is a normal thing you see even in animals. It is called the feast/famine strategy or cycle. This is an adaptive strategy when a certain group of animals cannot be assured of a consistent source of food and therefore they get their fill whenever they get the chance. I guess being a country where natural disasters come in almost regularly year in and year out, this strategy worked well in the past. So we haven't kicked the habit even when many are already getting steady income from their employment.
a lot of these things i don't do like buy at starbucks after payday, but i do return items that i think is too expensive or just a whim the others i dont do at all
I was laughing so much with your humble honest observations. The positive vibes, believe it or not, even loonies who go around, poor people in rags, remain positive! oh, and the one day millionaire? SO TRUEEEEEE....we work our asses off, most of us have the same routinary work, and TREAT OURSELVES, to food and stuff that normally rich people go for. Love it!!!! good and bad habits, Filipinos are funny positive people. God bless you man, and hope you enjoy your stay in Davao!
living in a major city, like manila is a different experience also
The Bananas in Davao are tiny and sweet, can only get them there. Their Pomelos are sweet too. Maybe this is because of high amounts of ash in the soil?
I don't know, but they are the best I have had anywhere.
it is said that companies in US saves a lot of money if they have an offshore call center. it is much cheaper for them to have these centers abroad rather than in the US.