First Impressions of MANILA, Philippines | BLOWN AWAY By This Metropolis🇵🇭
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Welcome to my TH-cam video where I will be sharing my first impressions of Manila, Philippines!
Manila is a vibrant city that is often overlooked by travelers who spend very little time exploring and discovering its diversity of people, restaurants, and shopping. Makati, a popular area for first-time visitors, is a bustling commercial and financial hub that offers a glimpse of the city's modern side.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Manila is its transport system. The jeepney, a colorful and unique form of public transport, is the most popular way to get around the city. It's an experience like no other, as you hop on board and weave your way through traffic while observing the hustle and bustle of the city.
For history enthusiasts, Intramuros is a must-visit destination. This walled city within Manila feels like you've traveled back in time, with its Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You can take a guided tour or explore the area on your own, but either way, it's an experience that will transport you to a different era.
Lastly, I visited the beautiful Rizal Park, named after the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The park is a massive urban green space that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with its gardens, monuments, and fountains that make for a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Overall, my first impressions of Manila were that it's a city that is full of life, culture, and history. There is so much to discover, and I highly recommend spending more than just a few days in this bustling city to truly appreciate all that it has to offer.
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Andrew - / alwaysonajourney1
Jerry - / middleagedhomeless
🔴 Welcome! Please subscribe if you're new here and say hello in the comments. ;-) 🔴
Welcome, new subscriber here.
Always on a Journey hi! fyi sisig before eat it's nice to mix it first so you can enjoy the taste.enjoy your staying in the Philippines.
They're phasing out those jeepneys with more efficient transport. Hopefully they'll keep the colourful designs that make them quintessential Filipino.
Oh, I didn't know that. I really enjoyed travelling in them. It was fun.;-0
Keep rolling, darling I recommend you to try bulalo adobo and halo halo
Aww thank you so much. Love these tips. ;-0
I really love that you genuinely find the good in your journeys. It's very relaxing to watch
Thanks Marq. I think every situation is about what you make of it. Everything here is new and interesting for us and the people we have meet have been so lovely.
You made the right decision to just walk otherwise they will charge you more and insisted to go on a tour with them where you'll pay more. Intramuros is can be tour around by just walking around it.
Thank you. That's good to know.
Still Manila is very dirty...Old and messy cable wirings...You can still see rubbish....Bangkok is cleaner than Manila.
I can't make a fair comparison as I know Bangkok much better than Manila.
Go to BGC HIGHSTREET 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻and then go to best island in the world boracay, Cebu,bohol and palawan 🚣🏻🏄♂️🏊🏼🌴🌴🌴
Thank you. We will be in Bohol in our next video. ;-)
The food enthusiast and a vlogger like a journalist perfect combination😊
You're very kind with your comments. Thank you.
Jeepneys will be gone soon. Old design will be replaced. Glad you've tried the old one's. New design will be big. That's all for new design...
I am glad we got to experience the Jeepney. I read that there has been a strike recently due to the possible phasing out of the Jeepney's.
great vlog im new to your channel, idk why but i enjoy watching foreigners exploring our great country, i watched go with ali, harry jaggard and dany, and i also enjoy your vlogs, calm and informative.
Thank you for watching and welcome. :-)
Welcome to our county 🇵🇭 if you meet locals always great "KUMUSTA KA" means how are you. Stay safe❤️👍
Thanks! 😃That's good to know. Have a lovely day. ;-)
You can check in vigan city ..many old buildings or remains during Spanish time…✌🏼🇫🇷
Excellent. Thanks for sharing this info with us. ;-)
just be a little careful on your belonging coz there are some snatchers/pickpockets as well in Manila. but they might seldom target foreigners, but be mindful as well.
Thanks for your concern. :-)
Hello when you are walking on the street please put your backpack in your side or front, beware the pickpocket.,Thank you.
Thanks Connie. I appreciate you telling me that. 😘
Just saw your vlog. Good to see you tried the jeepney ride. Yes, the signboard on the side of the jeep says the route it plys, but you have to read the little signboard hanging on the windshield to help you gauge if it is going to or from its origin station. Just be careful on the jeepneys, sometimes, there might be a pickpocket riding along or someone may do a quick grab and run of your electronics. It is indeed the easiest way to go around, but it makes a lot of stops since people board and alight along the way plus it gets too humid and dusty, so some people if they can afford it take grab vehicles. Or use the MRT or LRT train systems.
If you notice, most people will ride a tuktuk or tricycle, because it gets too hot during daytime to walk. But if one wants to walk , you would see some women using their umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. But it really is up to you if you want to walk. In Intramuros, that is the walled city during the Spanish era, so you can visit Fort Santiago, museums, San Agustin Church, try their bamboo bike rides.
In Manila, there are the big shopping malls like SM Mall of Asia and I believe there is now an Ikea Store there. But mostly people love to enjoy the views around Manila Bay. The other big malls are in Mandaluyong called Mega Mall. You were in Makati and reached Greenbelt, you were walking distance then to Glorietta and there are elevated walkways interconnecting the malls there. You can also visit Binondo area, that is where Chinatown is located. There is a ferry service from that side and can ferry you back to Makati. Along the way you will get to see Malacanang Palace.
All cities/towns have big churches, so as Holy Week comes around expect more activity around those areas. Btw, be aware Apr 2 is start of Holy Week, so at times from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday, many establisments may close or have shortened hours. Plan ahead, many people may be doing their week long vacation trips already to take advantage of the Holy Week long weekend.
You can also plan later to visit Tagaytay, so you can see Taal volcano and there are many majestic views there.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this comment. I appreciate it a lot. You have shared so much useful information and it's very helpful and valuable. Salamat!. ;-)
@@AlwaysonaJourney Walang anuman po. (This is how we say- You are welcome - remember no long vowel sounds..😀 )
The world is a big playground..
Enjoy your stay...😊
You are right there. It really is. Thank you. ;-)
Soon we have jeepney rehabilatation make high and wider with aircon, no more diesel to avoid smoke hopefully someday youcan come back Philippines to see how thank you so so much i am your new subscribers.
Thank you. We love it here. We've already decided to come again in June this year. 😀
Hi sir! new subscriber here, i really enjoy watching your vlog. i hope you enjoy exploring our country.
Thank you! 😃 I am enjoying my time here. I love ❤️ it. :-)
Any white taxi u can hail is safe. Been taking them for decadea without any incident. Jyst alway iinsist on using the meter.MRT trains abd tricycles are also safe
That's good to know. Thank you!
Hi good morning , i like your youtube vedeo filipina watching from France thank u for visiting our country God bless both of you
Thanks Daisy. I hope life is treating you well in France.
I'm glad you did not buy those fake coins and that's the ones to watch out for, not to be scam. Enjoy the rest of your day trip in entramuros.
Thank you. I loved Intramuros so much and will definitely visit again asap.
just remember that the philippines is a rice country ... if you think the dish is salty or too tasty , try it with rice and the taste will blend well
Thank you. I found that out yesterday when I ate chicken adobo. It was salty but delicious. Jerry told me to eat it with the rice and it was much better.
Be careful with the coins being sold. I'm pretty sure most of them are Chinese fakes.
Thank you. Many people have also said that.
Love your energy guys! Enjoy and keep safe! New sub here❤
Thank you so much Mikko. That means a lot to hear that. ;-)
Intramuros, Rizal Park is downtown Manila (City of Manila) not to be confused with Metro Manila (greater Manila which comprises many different cities such as the City of Makati where you stayed and of course downtown Manila). Manila is really what you can call the old town. It feels old as it is old. It houses the oldest China town in the world. Where you went in Fort Santiago is where Dr. Jose Rizal was kept in Prison before he was shot in Rizal Park (formerly known as bagumbayan) so you walked the streets where the great Jose Riizal spent his last hours before he was shot dead by the Guardia Civil (the guards in Intramuros is wearing something a guard during the Spanish time would have worn.) I don't know if you read in Intramuros but there was a time that the British took hold of Manila/ Intramuros for a short time (at that time you can call Intramuros as where the seat of power lies) before the British left in 1764 so there was a bit of British history there too! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_occupation_of_Manila
Wonderful information
Thank so much for taking your time to send this to us.
Thank you thank you for showcasing this part of Manila
My pleasure 😊 Our time in Manila was very short. I am looking forward to visiting again to explore more. ;-0
Spicy here in the philippines is level 1 spicy for a thailander 😅
That's true. Jerry missed eating spicy food.
Hello..mabuhay!😍😎🎉🇵🇭🇵🇭
Thank you! Mabuhay.
Countrybicon colourful Jeepney hahaha
They are very cool. ;-)
New subscriber here from Australia but proud pinay
Aww thank you. I hope the sun is shing as much in Oz as it is here. ;-0
pls don't give money rather food
OK. Thank you.
New follower here.😊👋🏻 i love your videos.😊
Thank you. I'm happy to hear that. Where are you from?
@@AlwaysonaJourney I’m from the North of Cebu, a town called Carmen, next to danao city.. but my family and I moved here in the states years ago. I’m here in Los angeles now.😊 but I go home to the Philippines once or twice a year for vacation, especially around Sinulog which is every 3rd Sunday in January. You should try Sinulog too it is very fun.😊
And also if you ever come back to Cebu and you love Nature and adventures we also have some attractions in my hometown in Carmen cebu, try search 1. Cebu Safari and adventure Park, it’s one of the biggest Zoo in the Philippines. 2. Mt. Uragay spring resort, it’s a cold spring up in the mountains but not too far and its very accessible 3.Durano eco farm resort 4. St. Benedict's Monastery (Our Lady of Manaoag Cebu), So if ever you decide to go give me a buzz I’ll give you a free accommodation in my house and a car service since no one is using our house right now because we are all here in the US. But our care taker is there so my place is always clean and tidy..😊 anyway goodluck on your journey and take care.
Thank you so much for the unformationb. I have heard of Sinulog but don''t know what it is. I will have a look and watch a video about it. ;-0 I also love Los Angeles. I'd love to live there.
Visit BGC and Venice Piazza. Don't stay too long in the city because its more fun in the islands.
Thank you. We are in the islands now and wow. We love both.;-)
Visit Venice Mall in McKinley hills
Thank you. I appreciate that. :-)
Wow ancient walled city intramuros Manila👍 Beautiful
It really is. I really wnated to spend longer there sometime soon. ;-0
You speak really well on your vlogs, you are so good in storytelling and giving insights and comments. Keep pushing, filipinos will support both of you.😊
I really appreciate your kind words. They put a smile on my face, Thank you. ;-)
I hope you can visit the modern Manila.... Metro Manila has 13 Million people. We have huge modern beautiful malls in BGC, Makati, Ortigas and Eastwood.
Thank you. We will definitely explore more of Manila.
Hope you', re enjoying your stay in the Philippines. Hope also that you have visited BGC, Maksti Ayala Glorietta, McKindley - Vemice, Rockwell, Manila Bay MOA, Ortigas Center, Eastwood City, Etc
Thanks. We haven't visited any of the places you mentioned yet. I have created a list with recommendations and fully intend to spend much more time exploring Manila this year. ;-)
Yeah, let's thank the americans for bombing intramuros.
The japanese would have surrendered anyway.
That bombing killed more people than japan did.
Thanks for sharing historic facts here with us.
Welcome to the Philippines. Thank you for the visit. Enjoy your stay. New subscriber.
Thank you! 😃
Visit the modern Manila that is BGC...and one of the biggest malls in the country...Mall of Asia. Enjoy your stay and have fun.
Thank you. We will definitely visit BGC and Mall of Asia. Three days in Manila was too short. We will be back there this weekend. ;-)
I like how Jerry always wants to try the new things.
Lumpia is fried spring rolls. There are many different variants. "Shanghai" just means the generic meat Lumpia, so named because it is vaguely reminiscent of Chinese cuisine (even though it is not found in China). Gulaman is seaweed jelly, kind of like gelatin but plant-based (similar to agar used in Japanese cuisine).
Jerry is very adventurous with food.
Don't sit at the back of the driver when riding a jeepney because it's a lot of work handing the money and back. 😅
LOL. Very good advice. We found that out. ;-)
You are correct the first time, ride on LRT Libertad Station and drop off on Carriedo Station, and ride a jeep to Intarmuros.
Thank you. We are learning as we go. ;-0
this was an awesome trip i had with you guys :) only there for so little time! you haven't checked out the more fully developed places like makati, BGC, eastwood! you won't even realize you're in the philippines and think you're in manhattan or singapore. edit: oh i just saw your other video. your place is in makati!
We already have plans to visit Manaila again as three days was nowhere near enough. There's so much more we want to see and do. We will be back very soon. ;-)
most philippine cities are dirty specially whole of metro manila with the exception of bgc, greenbelt areas in makati.
We loved it just as it is. It was a great experience. ;-0
Nice vid
Thank you. ;-)
The population is actually around 113 million 😁
Thank you.
Welcome to the Philippines 🇵🇭. Enjoy your stay
Thank you very much. ;-)
Love to see the real side of Manila not only Makati and BGC
Good vibes around the city
We need to spend more time in Manila. It's huge
Re sisig, you have to mix the egg with the sisig and put calamansi in it so it would taste better 🙂
Thanks, that's good to know. ;-)
jeepney is the most popular form of transport in the ENTIRE country, not just in Manila. the government's push for the jeepneys had caused an uproar nationwide so they just had a strike which explains why they dissapeared this week
Is it even more popular than the tricyle? I have seen them everywhere so far.
@@AlwaysonaJourney yes, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Philippines is the jeepney. its the country's major cultural icon and pretty much embedded in the nation's pop culture. you cant really seperate philippines and jeepney 😆
its good you didnt ride the tricycle because many would charge high when they see you are a foreigner
Thanks for this info.
Helloooo
Hello. How are you>
OMG!
Thank you
Welcome to the Heart of the World - Philippines
Thank you. It is amazing. I'm in love already. ;-)
Your too tall to ride on a jeepney. Next time get a share ride with a motor cycle
I wanted to try the jeepney.
omg its my neighborhood the libertad street 😍 first time i saw it in a vlog
Really? Have you lived there all of your life?
Can't wait for your next video in my hometown, Cebu! Hope you will have fun and enjoy your stay😊
Thank you. We are publishing our journey to Cebu later today. Which part of Cebu are you from?
@@AlwaysonaJourney I grew up in the southern part of Cebu called Barili. It's 45 minutes bus ride to Moalboal and 1.5 hour to the famous kawasan falls.
I really like you're content very informative thank you for choosing Philippine for your travel enjoy and be safe
Thank you! 😃 I appreciate you saying that. We are loving our time here. ;-)
Very nice. With the additional details in the background about the historic places and sites are very educational. I have only visoted Intramuros once when I was in junior high school so it's refreshing to hear parts of our history through you while you tour around. Thank you for that. Can't wait to see your Cebu adventure. You have to try the famous Cebu lechon when you het there.❤
That means a lot to me to hear lovely comments like yours. Thank you. Lechon is delicious. i tried it this week. I think I want to live here permanently. ;-)
@@AlwaysonaJourney Sweet. Many foreigners fall in love with our coubtry after visiting because of the climate in general, the food, culture, places and the people. And I'm sure people will welcome you both with open arms if you and jerry decide to live there permanently. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
p.s. cebu is lechon is 👌👌👌
Thank you. We are going to try a place called House of Lechon in Cebu.
Your guide has an accent and I guess he’s a Thai. ✅
He's not my guide. He's my partner. He is Thai. :-)
I’m obsesssed with Jerry’s laugh
Aww it's very warm and friendly. I agree with you. ;-0
Try to visit Tagaytay City. It is just south of Manila. You can ride a bus. Then eat the famous Bulalo for lunch or dinner and Buko pie for dessert.
Ohh excellent Paul. I must try these two foods as many people have recommended them to us now and also Tagatay City is now on my list of places to visit. Thank you
@@AlwaysonaJourney Welcome. It is just an hour away and there are may bus stations you can go to. Weather is a bit colder as well since it is higher. Enjoy Philippines.
Hi guys, just saw this yesterday. Welcome to PH, World’s Leading Beach and Dive Destination in 2022 at the 29th World Travel Awards. ᵔᴗᵔ
Glad you enjoyed Manila despite the chaos in some of the areas. And awesome to see you try the jeepneys. There were plans before to completely phase them out but glad that some will still be retained and/or replaced by new improved one that still look like jeepneys. I think they are an iconic part of our country (the first jeepneys were repurposed Willys Jeeps left behind by American GIs at the end of WWII) and should stay. I remember commenting in one local news clip about how popular they are with tourists but got a reply from someone saying forget about the tourists, blah blah blah. He clearly had no idea how much tourism contributes to the economy.
Anyway, sorry for the long litany. Hope you guys enjoy PH. ᵔᴗᵔ
I love the Irish btw. I think it's because of that old Tom Cruise movie Far and Away which i loved, hehehe.
☘
Many people think I'm Irish. I am from Newcastle in the north of England. ;-)
Thanks for your message. It's good to read about the history of the jeepney. We are living our tem here in the Philippones.
@@AlwaysonaJourney Oh sorry for getting it wrong on the accent. 😁
No problem 😊
Just found out your channel, sir 🤗. We appreciate you for exploring our country and for your humble words ❤️. Cheers to more adventures 🥂🥂🥂. Watching from S Korea 🇰🇷❤️
So nice of you. Thank you. 😀
Lovely video, we are going in April and your video makes us excited to go!!! First stop Bali haha!
Thank you. I've fallen in love with th Philippines. The people here are the friendliest people I've ever met. Bali is exciting also. ;-0
05:59 This is the place where I grew up, near 7-11. Our family house is just right up the street. Very commercial and chaotic place but a very peaceful neighborhood.
Oh really. That's lovely. We had a wonderful time exploring. ;-0
Welcome ❤
Thank you very much. ;-)
When you guys came back from the islands, there were still so many places to visit in manila like the ultra modern first world city of BGC.
Thanks Rick. We've had so many recommendations. It's incredible. I am so happy today and excited to spend more time in Manila.
You missed the main historical significance of Intramuros. Intramuros is a city in itself but there are dungeons, moat, park, museum and other great historical findings in the area. What you basically saw was the people living inside Intramuros. It is great you see the 2 churches but surprising you didn't go inside.
This is similar to even you went to Glorietta in your first video. You went to one shopping mall (of which there are at least 11 different malls interconnected by walkways or close by) but you didn't the beautiful greenery with massive trees that look like forest.. or maybe you saw them and didn't record?
Anyway, I have done that myself. I travel to a place but only realised after that I actually miss a lot of things!
Also, we (i for certain) don't actually like jeepneys - that are noisy, cause a lot of pollution, crowded and creates traffic. I hope they get rid of them (though the drivers need help to find another job).
Thank you for pointing all of this out to us. We appreciate it. We already realized that we only touched the surface of what Manila has to offer. We have already decided that it's absolutely essential to spend more time in the city to discover a lot more. Your info has given us even more reason to return asap. Thank you.
Visit Bonifacio global city better than Bangkok Thailand !!! Very clean and modern look like NYC !
Thank you. We are going there this weekend. ;-)