Inside Hyper Modern MANILA - Is this AMERICA or Philippines? 🇵🇭

Summary

In this video, the vlogger challenges Western perceptions of Metro Manila, showcasing its modern side through areas like Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The vlogger explores BGC's urban developments, including Bonifacio High Street, Uptown Mall, and Venice Grand Canal Mall, highlighting their modernity and beauty. Drawing from personal experiences living in the US and Europe, the vlogger emphasizes the underrated nature of the Philippines, particularly its modern, vibrant locales. The video also touches on cultural observations, including Filipinos’ warmth and the country’s scenic landscapes, providing an alternative view to typical Western media depictions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Metro Manila has a modern side that many Westerners don't see, such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
• 😀 BGC offers a clean, modern, and vibrant environment, resembling major metropolitan cities like New York or Miami.
• 😀 Bonifacio High Street is a popular spot in BGC, featuring parks, cafes, and high-end stores like Starbucks and Zara.
• 😀 The video showcases not just the beauty of Metro Manila but challenges common Western perceptions about the country.
• 😀 The vlogger, after spending time in the US, shares his experiences in Southeast Asia and how it contrasts with Western ideas of 'the good life'.
• 😀 BGC is a perfect example of how modern and luxurious areas exist in the Philippines, often overlooked by outsiders.
• 😀 The Philippines is often misrepresented in Western media, which focuses too much on poverty and political drama, while the country's natural beauty and modern areas remain less highlighted.
• 😀 The video aims to introduce viewers to the less-known side of the Philippines, like the spectacular nature in Palawan and its friendly people.
• 😀 Despite the contrast between modern and poorer areas, the focus of the video is to promote the Philippines as a wonderful, underrated place to visit or live.
• 😀 The vlogger is on a personal journey of exploring where he could find the best quality of life, with an open-minded approach to different cultures and locations like Southeast Asia and South America.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The main theme of the video is to challenge Western perceptions of the Philippines by showcasing the modern, clean, and sophisticated side of Metro Manila, particularly Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

What aspects of BGC are highlighted as modern and impressive?

The video highlights clean streets, modern skyscrapers, outdoor malls, parks, and recreational areas. The creator compares the area to parts of Manhattan and Miami, mentioning stores like Starbucks, Shake Shack, and impressive architectural designs.

How does the creator contrast their perception of the Philippines with typical Western portrayals?

The creator contrasts their perception by pointing out that Western media often focuses on political drama and poverty in the Philippines, neglecting its modern areas, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty, such as Palawan.

What personal experience does the creator share to demonstrate the modernity of BGC?

The creator shares their experiences of visiting Starbucks and Shake Shack in BGC, noting how the design and ambiance of these stores are superior to those they've encountered in the US, thus demonstrating the modernity of the area.

What is the significance of the Venice Grand Canal Mall in the video?

The Venice Grand Canal Mall is presented as a special and unique location in Metro Manila, with its gondola boats that replicate the feel of Venice, Italy. However, the creator’s visit is cut short by rain, which prevents them from fully exploring the place.

How does the creator’s background influence their perspective on the Philippines?

The creator, having lived in various parts of Europe and the US, began questioning the notion that the Western world is the best. Their travels in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, led them to feel more connected to the region and explore it as a potential place for a fulfilling life.

What does the creator mean by 'the good life'?

The creator defines 'the good life' as a personal journey to find a place where they can feel happy and fulfilled. It's an individual concept, and for them, it involves exploring different regions to discover where they feel most at home.

What is the creator’s opinion on Western vloggers who focus on slum areas in the Philippines?

The creator expresses frustration with Western vloggers who focus on slum areas, arguing that while poverty is a reality, it doesn't represent the full picture of the Philippines. They prefer to showcase the beautiful, modern aspects of the country instead.

What is the creator’s reaction to the comment about the Philippines being underrated?

The creator is intrigued by a comment comparing the Philippines to Latin American countries, noting the shared historical ties due to the Spanish influence. They find it interesting and resonate with the idea that the Philippines, like South America, offers a unique and vibrant culture that is often overlooked.

Would the creator consider living in Metro Manila based on their experience?

The creator suggests that they could see themselves living in BGC due to its modern amenities and urban appeal, but they also mention their preference for nature and islands, implying that they may eventually settle somewhere more tranquil.