You are respectful of the culture of others. Humble and unpretentious, that is why Filipinos love you.

we filipino likes to say ingat(stay safe) and I believe its a sincere gesture, and we do say it even to strangers

As a Filipino-American who was raised in the Philippines and who has now lived in the US for the past 35 years, I speak from both sides of the world and I have to tell you that your observations are pretty spot on especially with the car honking and when people say yes to you. Filipino drivers honk their horns as a warning or to give notice to the other driver to say "hey I am making sure you see me right beside you so please don't make any hasty moves or please drive carefully." It's totally not an aggressive move as in the West which usually means "get out of my way or I'll run you over."

The word "ingat" which literally translates to be careful, may be taken out of context especially for someone who may not be aware of the culture. "Ingat" could also mean "take care". Filipinos if you haven't noticed during you previous travels there are very family-oriented and very social people. When someone says "ingat" when you are saying your goodbyes, it simply means that they are trying to show you that they care about you kinda like a salutation in a letter "take care".

Had some thoughts this morning, and recorded them for you :) As I say in the video - I am not saying any of this is true, I am speaking from what I've seen and what triggered me to talk to you about this. If you want to talk back (yay!), please do so in the descriptionbox down below! I read all. And follow on Facebook - where I react even better and faster since it's less chaotic than KZfaq: facebook.com/travelgretl Love from Amsterdam!

Your observations and views of the Philippines are correct. You are a keen observer. Maybe because you go deep in the remote areas and spent a lot of time with the locals.. You should be a tour guide for other dutchmen who wants to visit Philippines especially Palawan. You're awesome!

Your a smart woman,..:) and very observant person.., and the way you talk,its very classy hehehe...,i like you gretl.., your very open minded..,if every filipino have watch your travel here in the phil. ... they would absolutely fall in love with you...coz not all westeners are as open as you in terms of culture.

Some thoughts about the differences you've mentioned: 1. Staying Safe: it is both a sincere gesture and actually wanting you to be safe. There are places, especially in the big cities like all other cities in the world, you might want to avoid. 2. Driving: unlike western countries where there's a strict implementation of securing driving licences, the Philippines is completely the opposite So long as one can actually drive a vehicle, even without knowledge of road signs or rules, they'll give you a license. 3. Being polite. Having good manners is thought both in school and at home. Respect your elders, obey your parents, help the needy, give up your seat for a pregnant woman or elder. These are commonly practiced as these shows one's upbringing and social class. If you're offered food during a celebration i.e. birthdays, it's a genuine offer and you can actually eat. 4. Bikes and Weather: You don't see bikes in the cities oftrn because a) it's hot or rainy and going around isn't just fun. And, b) it makes one smell funky afterwards. Filipinos are so delicate in terms of hygiene. It's common practice to take a shower atleast once during the rainy season and as much as you need to stay fresh during the summer. Unbeknownst to most Westerners, Filipinos crave cold weather. I guess, it's just the way it is. One wants what one doesn't have. You like the heat, Filipinos love the cold. That's the reason they blast you with 18° air-conditioning on malls. Happy Kingsday! Did you get the crown or that hidden piece on the cake?

Ingat means take care. Ingat has two meaning. Take care or be careful. I know! I know! This might be strange if people keeps on saying be careful. But I do believe what they really mean when they say ingat is "take care". I always say Ingat to my friends everytime we part ways. Genuine way to say you care for them. Nowadays, I believe that's a normal thing in the Philippines when you part ways. :)

nice to hear your comments about the philippines gretel..ingat!

Thank you for being an observant and not complaining. Yes, we do differ in culture but we all united with our humanity, and that we strive to inspire others. Your city of Amsterdam leads an example to the world for energy efficient and that bike-use is what I hope to see too in Manila.

About the bikes, while I do want to see it promoted in the PH just like in Netherlands, it is not that easy due to several factors: 1. Weather. As you already know, it's so hot, people don't want to get sweaty and smelly and tired just before they get to work. 2. It's dangerous. We don't have much bike lanes here so riding on the roads where vehicles passed by is really dangerous. You can get hit and run by someone. 3. Bike thieves. Because it's so portable, it's not really safe to leave anywhere. (We had bikes stolen right inside our house gate.) So leaving it on the parking lot is not safe even if chained. MMDA even provided bikes to be used on EDSA but now all of them are gone. Fortunately, in BGC, they had bike racks and guards are constantly roaming so it's safe to leave your bike there. 4. Health issues. Since it's hot, people worries about skin cancer from UV rays and there's also the air pollution from jeepneys and ancient cars. 5. Main reason and most important factor is that Filipinos don't like to be tanned.

Wow, an English Dutch accent which is pleasant to listen to... As an Dutch man, some people talk English with a very annoying bad accent in which you can clearly hear they don't do any effort to sound remotely decent. This fine young lady sound very nice, wel done

if we say "ingat" it means a lot of things for us .It can be like watch out always when you cross the street or it might rain later have your umbrella with you don't get wet in the rain don't get sick it can also mean stay away from bad people out there...for us it is very important to say ingat when the person leave it's like saying a little prayer for the person for her to be safe and sound but for me it's not saying stay safe but rather take care always because I care about you so much ...It's not only a gesture we really mean it! And the honing is just very common it's like a reminder that someone's behind you don't be slow jeje nobody gets mad at horning in the Philippines it's more for safety while on the road ...here abroad it's more of You don't have to blow ur horn on me I know what I'm doing and then the "f" sign! hahaha

Came over from the Live the Adventure website ... amazing stuff! Keep creating and sharing - wow!

As I watched this video, I hear in your voice of someone that is home sick. That is how I usually feel when I leave the Philippines.😊 . Hope to see you posting more "let's explore" videos from the Philippines soon. Ingat ka lagi (Take good care always) 😊😊

You deserve more pinoy to subscribe! You’re awesome! Keep it up!

Your way of talking is very calming. I enjoyed this video and subscribing.👍

Yes, you are on point. Stay safe (ingat) is not a warning it's just a parting word for someone who will leave or go elsewhere. Filipinos normally show courtesy to strangers which are not a norm in many parts of the world

You earn yourself a new subscriber and a like. Thanks for coming to the Philippines.

Im subscribing because of Vexento. lol Hope you had fun in The Philippines! Amping!

hello gretl.im always watching ur vlog and many thanks for promoting our country it help a lot,just to add we always saying keep safe not just because there is a danger but because he or she wants to show the hospitality and concern."ingat po"

new subscriber here, and I like the way you give the difference between 2 cultures. just keep it up

Travel Gretel, by listening to you makes me missed my home and my neighbourhood. Thank you for appreciating our cultures and Filipino hospitality. That is what we really are. God bless you more.

accurate and informative insight on a first hand basis. good job.

hello ms. gretel! we missed u so much! always saying be safe, is our gesture, bcoz filipinos loves u so much so we care for you.....! ❤❤❤❤hope u come back again.

It is nice to see this video. It kind of reminds me of my conversations with my Dutch friends.

We always say "ingat" (stay safe) even to our nemesis. We always eat every part of an animal, because it's economical. Very different in western countries where they throw away parts they don't like. Wasting any part of an animal is a big no-no. Even blood is not wasted, it's used on dishes or barbeque.

Thanks for visiting the Philippines. Glad you liked it here. I'll visit Amsterdam for 2 days. I'm excited to see the city

You've really got me going, looking at me like I'm close by in your bed talking about HORNING in the morning. I understand what you meant but I had to laugh out loud and stop the video to dry my eyes ha ha ha. Big hug you lovely woman, have it good! Chris.

like the video, honest. just subscribed!:)

We always say "stay safe "to everyone(departing) not because its so dangerous in the Philippines but its our way of showing we care about you and we dont want anything bad happen to you.

you just earned another subscriber.. keep it up.. "ingat" for your travel

Thankyou sm for showcasing the beauty of the Philippines 😘

You are right Gretl, regarding Filipino's saying "Yes" instead of we cant do that. For my experience we tend to yes first and do our best to please our guest/visitors and then if we can't grant their request we apologize later.

Geweldig!!! :)

Gretl, I just realized. I think it would be awesome if you collaborated with Kyle Jennermann because you two have similar bubbly and inquisitive personalities. That would be a dream video!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts G. The first difference that impacted me the most, was how excellent drivers the Filipinos are! I was scared and holding tight to whatever I can get my hands on ha, ha. Then, the honking started. That made me say "woooohhhh, woooohhh" a lot. LOL. But yes, the honking is different here in the US also. Here, it's like a boxing ring bell...you better be ready to fight ha, ha. Any who, have a great day G. Mahalo!

I love watching your blog very entertaining. I lost count how many times I watched your videos. itsmorefuninthephilippines

Travel is an experience...good or bad...you seem to make the best of it and try to learn the local culture...same way with me...I have learned a lot since living here full time...I really enjoy it!...We hope to see you when you visit Palawan again! We would be glad to show you around!

thanks for visiting us.... take care po!!

we love to say stay safe when you have care to someone. because we love you so we have care for you 🌸😊

Hello Gretl, my Wife is living in Manila and i now have stayed 4 Times at then Phils, i am from Germany and the difference in behavior could´t be bigger then this. The people are so friendly and i love the climate and in a few years i am going to retire in this real wonderful and amazing country. To sty there is one of the greatest experiences you can ever have your whole live long.

Your Observations are Excellent , I am from Southern California. The Philippines on my Long stays are Much different and I Love it....The Food ...I tried Chicken Feed and it was Ok but to Boney and Chicken Butt....and that was actually Good....I have never seen that here In Cali......one of My Favorite is Sisig...that's many parts of a Piggy.....throw away parts in the States.....any-way Keep up the Good work.

Glad to here your home safe, and yes what you say say about using horn is true, those experience u have in our country will be treasured

A round about way of saying Hi, Hello... Take care is Stay Safe or in tagalog Ingat... I hope you can come back to Philippines again. 😊

Filipinos in general have difficulty in saying no to anybody who needed our help, even if we dont know how to do it or the place that u intended to go to but we will find the way to ask someone to help us to help you do it or arrive at the place u wanted to. Another thing, since the Philippines belong to a developing country there are others who does not eat. Instead of throwing some parts of the animal that we butchered we try to create something edible out of it; for we were trained by our parents that wasting food is not a good habit.

we love you Gretl.

BTW, I love King's day and experienced it in Amsterdam, everyone partying and having fun! What's even more amazing was that the next day, everything was clean and back to normal, like nothing happened- Dutch efficiency!

Hi Gretl! Most (all) of what you said in this video are correct. Waiting for you to come back. =)

Hi!, I was working with my Dutch colleagues when I was a Seaman in a Dutch company and I'd also been in your country twice, The differences you commented on the situations could also happen in any part of the world due to cultures and customs built in the past as part of history, but, here in the Philippines as a conservative Nation in the civilized world you can find comfort in many ways especially with real friends that willing to give support all the way but also have to keep in mind that unavoidable circumstances may obtain due to incidence that's why We always say "ingat" when someone has left, meaning "take care or be careful" as part of expressing concern, love, and care but then again sometimes it is a state of nervousness, so..., be prepared to new place to go into and expect the unexpected is the Best rule to live by....

I'm the 7000th subscriber.

"ingat" is not only keep safe but also terms of endearment

Thank you, I enjoyed you videos!

"Ingat" means "Take Care". It's a pleasantry we always send to anyone traveling or leaving. But in my case, i always say "God bless".

Wish i could go back and see the netherlands again..i remember seeing this house(we're on our way to keukenhof) near the side of the road with glass walls and it's surrounded by flowers..it's like a dreamland.

Ingat or take care is like saying bon voyage. They wish you well on your trip or wherever you go to as you part away from them. They show care and love through the word, even though your a stranger, it's common for anyone to say this.Nothing negative. It's actually a positive gesture in word. Sending you off with blessings of safety. Like a mother saying take care my daughter may God bless you with safety you take care now, but just in one word. I can really see why one may think, take care, English translation of the Filipino word Ingat may mean one will be going to a scary place so you must watch out or sometimes it may seem and sound that many are wishing you badluck. But it really isn't that way. When the word Ingat is translated to English, it removes alot of meaning in the whole. Most times they include happy trip, Ingat.well I'm Filipino, but I grew up outside the Philippines, but whenever I would hear Filipinos say this growing up I'd understood it this way

thanks for your sincere observation about the philippines,that makes me press the subscribe,thank you soo much,any way where ever you are today (ingats lagi) always take care where ever you go,be safe always.

I've only been to Amsterdam one time, and it was only for a few hours and it was rainy and cold, but I really loved it there. This year I hope to go back, but this time longer

I have subscribed - you make me wanna go home, ty so much for sharing your travels - its WONDERFUL :)

That's true, most of the time we don't say no without even trying.

Thankyou gretl for visiting my country, your the best!! Just be careful around the streets,and its hot too right?

zet em op twitter hoor - dit is zo veel beter dan slecht nieuws!

You make me nostalgic of my former love. She’s a Belgian that fell in love with this Filipino boy, unfortunately long distance didn’t work. But anyway, she talks exactly like you lol seeing you talk about the Philippines makes me think of what it would’ve been had it worked. Glad you enjoyed your stay here :)

You are very observant and nice. Ingat (stay safe) has another meaning in the Philippines. Sometimes Filipinos just say that to be polite and let you know they care for you as a friend or family.

Its really nice to travel you will really learn a lot.... I wish one day i can travel in the Netherlands❤️❤️❤️❤️

yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!!. rain is a part weather in the phil and also hot like me and lastly typhoon its not me..by the way " ingat" means "take care" it means to avoid any accidents in the road to your love one

'Ingat' or 'Stay Safe' means 'I like/love you very much the way you treated us nicely...'

Nice and keen observations, there. :) Any more possibilities of coming back to the Philippines to visit?

im ur new subbie...tnx 4 visiting our country!

thank you for visiting Philippines islands

Hello!!! Maa'm welcome in the Phil's.. Always careful were you go.No ashaimed and afraid you treat you as a great woman untill end of the world.Phil's there are plenty of Islands, Hotel, Caves, Blue and green Pinakawan river, Lechon pig Foods or exotic foods and etc. Always cameback tourist in the Phil's... Phil's. cameback again reach and great country untill end of the world..May God bless all

We are not so in to bikes because it's very hot in here besides we have tricycle, jeepneys and other mode of transportation with shades. Thank you for visiting the Philippines.

I love you Gretl, I will watch this later. need to pick up my wife from work. =)

Filipinos are very hospitable and accommodating. They would walk the extra mile for you. My Filipino friends would secretly talk with each other, if one can't afford something, and each of them would contribute what they can to make that something happen or achievable to make their guests happy or feel welcome.

Love your channel, and your observations. "horning" sounds funny, at least to Americans. You were correct with "honking" as the proper term. You may be picking up some Filipino habits of converting nouns to verbs, particularly foreign words that don't have a translation. I live and grew up in the US and don't speak Tagalog well, but when I want to go shopping I'll tell my friends "mag-mall tayo" which literally translates to "let's mall". Take any english/foreign word and add mag to make it a verb, mag-bike, mag-horn or horned, horning... You're Taglishing, it's all good. It's nice that you're becoming a little bit Pinay from spending time there.

Happy Kingsday Gretl!

your eyes is beautiful...im in the philippines and im a new subscriber...

So I should be looking for you when I visit The Netherlands. I hope, one day.

I'm Pinay, and currently staying here in Holland. this country is also awesome. BTW new subscriber her.

we filipinos always give good vibes to our family, friends and visitors by saying INGAT (take care or have a safe trip)

hi, i came across your chanel. thank you for kind words about Philippines. hope you visit Bacolod City. City of Smile. ☺💕😙😊

I like your video.goed gedaan..btw im filipino living in amsterdam

"Be safe" is the literal translation of a common Filipino greeting, "Ingat" whenever you part with friends. We say "hi" in the States, and when we part we say, "See ya." In the Philippines, you say, "Ingat (Be safe)". It is similar to "drive safely" when you sometimes say when parting with friends.

the difference between the NL and PH is that NL is rich in material things and PH is rich in nature thing. BUT because of our understanding with each others this bonds of knowing how it feels like to have nothing. if we have something we always share it even its the tiniest something. and YES Filipinos always say YES! even its a little difficult but we manage to sort it out along the way specially for the Foreigners like you.

liked and subscribed! :-)

when you're in the Philippines you're like in a different world because...1.we are influence by different cultures.....2.we are a country of 7 thousand plus islands......etc,etc,.....but: it's REALLY BEAUTIFUL HERE.

If you're talking about the livestock meat, it's so expensive in PH so it's understandable if people don't want to waste any parts especially when prices are constantly rising. It is a blessing if we can eat meat, because others can't and worst, many people get malnourished or die because of starvation. We are taught not to take what we have for granted. Anyway, Filipinos will find ways on how to cook those internal parts in a way that they can eat it even if they don't like it.

Go to davao city please. :)

Hey Travel Gretl, it's kinda true what you've said. Majority of Filipino's are not straight up or frank people. :)

Gretl, honking is much worse in Thailand than here in the Philippines. I observed it when I was in Thailand several years back.

Hi gretl,regarding the trait of inviting a stranger to party,it is not exclusive for foreigners. That usually happens during fiesta (festival) we tend to invite people to partake of blessings we have received as was our tradition,as much as it is a courteous thing to do.For example, when a neighbor happened to pass by our house and we were about to have lunch,as per upbringing, we will invite the said neighbor to join us.We observed this from our parents,i dont know if i explained it well or proceeded to confuse you more. Anyway,thanks a lot for your videos.it made me appreciate my country more than ever. Btw,please check videos of kyle jennerman so you will understand more about us from a foreigners perspective. More power to you.... Be safe always😅😄😄

subscribed :) good day

honking/horning means a lot of things here. i tap my horn lightly esp on bikers pedestrians just to make sure they are aware i am near them so they don't suddenly change lanes or cross street without looking ..esp my car's engine is so quiet.

i agree with the bikes there, it was crazy seeing too much bikes!..i went to saturn store there and saw a whole area parked only by bikes..i also agree with the rain there it's crazy! the weather there is similar with paris 5 minutes it's sunny then just few minutes it gets cloudy 😂

We FILIPINO's, in any occasion, (wedding, birthday parties, baptismal, etc.) if anybody passed by, foreigner or not, we certainly invite them! ask them to eat or offer them something... :) everywhere!

Expecting of some differences coz your European and we are Asian, but the good thing is you adopt and respect the Filipino culture, and beside foreigner would not difficulties to communicate local, mostly local in the Philippines speaking and understand English, only in Asia Filipino using English for daily conversation

When we are eating (any meal), we are supposed to offer food to everybody. People are mostly expected to politely turn it down and say thanks.

Filipino invitations: if it a tagay it is not a free lunch but free pass, if it fiesta invitation accept the invitation especially catholic fiestas

Some Pinoys also don't like liver and organs, and the ones who do don't eat it everyday. I don't know if it's true, but we were told that liver was good for us to encourage us to eat it, I guess it is a good source of iron, but then again, a plant-based diet seems to be the thing these days... Anyway...you're so cool for being so interested in the Philippines, when most Dutch people only want to talk about Indonesia and not even know how close it is to the Philippines. As far as friendliness is concerned, Southeast Asians are generally considerate and welcoming towards Westerners so complete strangers will definitely offer you food or anything and they're sincerely concerned for your wellbeing and enjoyment in their country in general. Plus, food there is just A LOT cheaper than here in the Netherlands, so even I have not been that generous even though I'm a Filipino...lol. "Do as the Romans do" as they say. I have also learned to appreciate Dutch honesty/bluntness, it took a while but now I have to stop myself from being too honest. My life in the Netherlands has taught me to be less of a people pleaser and stand up for my own opinions which was hard to do back home, case in point, when my parents converted to Protestantism in the 70s, all hell broke lose. These days things have changed a little, there seems to be more plurality in opinions and Pinoys are getting more comfortable expressing them. Keep being awesome! And I hope you join Expeditie Robinson LOL