Manila's MOST "Dangerous" SLUM? (Tondo, Philippines)

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Manila's MOST "Dangerous" SLUM? (Tondo, Philippines)

Рет қаралды 30,340

Күн бұрын

In this video of Living the Jo Life, we continue our exploration of the Philippines and visit Happyland and Smokey Mountain inside Tondo, Manila’s largest and most densely populated district, consisting mainly of slum settlements. What an eye-opening experience it was to visit these places. Happyland is known for its challenging living conditions, slum settlements and for being unsafe, but what we experienced gave us a completely different perspective of the people living and working in this area. We were greeted by the most incredible and smiley people, who were not afraid to share their stories and let us be part of their daily lives. We then caught a tricycle to Smokey Mountain, which was once a vast landfill. On top of 50 m of trash, Smokey Mountain has become the residence of a local community and agricultural land. We got to meet many of the locals and see how they live. We are very thankful to Smokey Tours by Bless the Children Foundation for taking us on this tour.
We can't wait to share more of our adventures around this magnificent island nation with you!
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment below and let us know what you would love to see us explore next!
#philippines #manila #tondo #happyland
For all the behind the scenes action, come follow us on Instagram: www.instagram....
We highly recommend doing a tour with Smokey Tours. Ask for our AMAZING guide Jocelyn! www.bysmpblesst...
If you would like to sponsor a child or making a donation, head to Bless the Children Foundation: www.bysmpblesst...

Пікірлер: 322

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching 🙏 Our intention with this video was to show a different and more positive side to this area. Most videos on YT only focus on the "dangerous" aspect and create a negative view on the place and the people and we were determined squash these perceptions. The people were the kindest people we have ever met and the sense of community is something to be admired. We also hope that through our video, we can help Bless the Children Foundation to raise more money to give the children in the area a chance to go to school and have better opportunities. See the link in the description 🙏 Please see our other Manila video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qq2Ao8ti0ba9YX0.htmlsi=q7OM1lAZHuZhxv3J kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qq2Ao8ti0ba9YX0.htmlsi=q7OM1lAZHuZhxv3J

@rafkcwithrk 3 ай бұрын

Yes it's true, it's just the media turned the place to negative and dangerous area but it's the opposite, people in the Happy land is more way kind, respectful that the westerners.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

@@rafkcwithrk Totally agree - it's all you see about this area. We knew there was more to this place. Happy we could show the beautiful people and hopefully raise awareness so more kids can be sponsored 🙏

@basictipsandtools4380 3 ай бұрын

Aw, Ella's so emotional 😭. You must have a kind heart, beautiful lady. God bless you and your family 🙏❤️

@InvestedAdventure 3 ай бұрын

I visited Happyland about 3 weeks ago and got to see the strong community spirit despite the tough conditions there myself. I talked to a couple of people who lost their homes yet remained optimistic. 🇵🇭 Sure, there might be areas that are considered dangerous, but the positivity and warmth of the locals truly made my visit worth it. Sharing my experience on my channel and watching your video relived the memories of interacting with them. 🙏🏼

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Totally agree. Despite their conditions they found reasons to smile. They were the friendliest and most welcoming people we met in the Philippines. Happy you enjoyed our video.

@denhenry239 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing not only the beauty of the Philippines but also sharing the challenging areas as well!

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

You are welcome 🤗 We always deep dive into places, not just visit the touristy places.

@marcoroams 3 ай бұрын

I never went to the Smokey Mountain part, but its amazing the resilience of the people there. I think its great you shed a light on this, despite the living conditions, they have build a community which is welcoming and they all have smiles on there face's. I wish the local government in Manila would help allocate basic housing for the people here, just like what they did in Vietnam. Everyone deserves a basic standard of living. I really did learn so much from the people of Tondo, they taught me to be grateful for what you have ❤

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Smokey Mountain was very eye opening. Ella was very impacted by what she saw - some things didn't make the video. However, despite their conditions, the people were so positive and welcoming. We feel very grateful that we could visit and support the residents in that area. We were supposed to come to Manila back in 2020 and visit these areas but we had to cancel due to the pandemic. Happy we finally got the chance to go there and raise awareness about Bless the Children Foundation - they are doing amazing work!

@homerbulos 3 ай бұрын

I’m a Manila resident and it’s only now that I got to be fully aware of my fellow Filipinos’ living conditions. It’s painful to watch.

@carljamesm8668 2 ай бұрын

@@bluewolf4789 not everyone knows what going on in every corner of our country, specially if you are busy yourself. so, dont tell other people that they are on drugs or something if they are not aware.

@jadecummings8093 3 ай бұрын

Watching the Philippines makes me happy, it's so much to see and do there!

@francisthegreat4064 3 ай бұрын

The poverty in Tondo, Manila is so overwhelming.

@ZanderDy-tv4fz 3 ай бұрын

I love this KZfaq channel the content is more about humanities and cultures which is very important aspect to educate people the main reason human exist

@jamesfernandez3139 3 ай бұрын

What an amazing and wonderful daughter you have. an angel!

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you! That's very kind of you 🤗

@ROVS-JC-7 2 ай бұрын

This family really is sincere for what they're doing , humble and no pretensions

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏼

@tagbon 3 ай бұрын

Amazing how resilient people are to make a life in any circumstances. Thanks for making this video and spreading awareness to help the foundation ❤

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Yes absolutely! It was a humbling experience. Ella was very emotional! It's truly inspiring that despite their conditions, they have the biggest smiles! Really hoping our video helps the foundation 🙏

@user-kk7fq8nb7m 3 ай бұрын

Happyland as the name implies is where u can find the nicest, warmest friendliest place Manila n is not dangerous as what foreigners think it to be...foreigners is safe compared to the slum area of Harlem in New York, USA or Cracklandia slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

The most beautiful kind hearted people! Happy we could show a different perspective of this area!

@chitocucio4573 3 ай бұрын

I worked as a feeding volunter for four years in Happy Land pre pandemic and i can say it is very safe there, and there is economic activity (sari-sari store, carinderias, push carts of varied goods and commodities) everywhere.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Wow, bless you for your work 🙏

@user-nr1gg4lw5i 3 ай бұрын

no matter the situation in life...people in the philippines are one of the happiest people on earth proud filipino👍👍👍

@mariomislang9430 3 ай бұрын

How wonderful lovely family for showing to the world the life situation of very poor family in tondo a greatest unforgatable experience that you been done in the Philippines I was touched to much for there situation .Hoping the world will open there hearth to help these people In be half of more than 100 million pilipinos. Thank you so much. Greatly appreciated..

@Imru_gamer 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful awesome people of the Philippines 💜💜🇵🇭🇵🇭💜💜

@benedictosaguid9421 3 ай бұрын

WELCOME IN THE PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭 AND MABUHAY.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the welcome 🤗

@FLipSide5254 3 ай бұрын

I liked that you guys show the beauty of the Philippines and also the poverty's area too I mean everywhere in the world has them and you guys did a great job doing researched. Good job and keep up the good work.

@francisthegreat4064 3 ай бұрын

After visiting Happy Land, you will be grateful for all the blessings you have in your life.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Absolutely! Their smiles will be with us forever!

@user-nk9yl2wj3m 2 ай бұрын

when my dad passed away in 1965 my mom took us out of the P.I.As teens my friends and I went to Tondo to see for ourselves what people were talking about!We noticed tho' they lived very poor,the kids seemed happy,we were in no danger,every one we talked to were really friendly!

@epaki 3 ай бұрын

Great timing, just as I logged onto KZfaq. Thanks guy 😊

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Ha ha you are welcome 🤗 Hope you enjoyed it! 🙏

@pogi6092 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for approaching our country..even you are foriegner here we appreciate your kind ..!

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching 🙏

@striderhiryu8549 3 ай бұрын

Try to visit this places (Manila:Okada, Mall of Asia, Manila Ocean Park, Intramuros, BGC, Makati-Greenbelt-Ayalatriangle, Quezon City, Megamall, Chinatown) Tagaytay-Taal Volcano just hours from Manila. Batangas beach, Laguna-Pagsanjan Falls or hotspring, Quezon Province, Mt Makiling, Hundred Island, Baguio-City of Pines coldest place in the Ph, Sagada, Mt Pinatubo, Subic, Banaue Rice Terraces. Boracay, El Nido Coron-Palawan, Bohol-Chocolate Hills. Cebu Oslob-Whale Shark, Moalboal Sardines, Kawasan Falls, Tumalog falls, Moalboal, Batanes. Siargao

@ponorj 2 ай бұрын

I absolutely love how kind and compassionate your whole family is to the people and environment around you. Your love and openness is truly a blessing and lovely contribution to the communities you visit. Sending you lots of love and safe travels to your family ❤

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment. We feel very grateful to be able to spread awareness about a very worthy cause. It's amazing what Bless the Children Foundation are doing ❤️❤️❤️

@rolandoisaac9216 3 ай бұрын

Wow thank you for sharing this story every detail and communicating to the locals its awesome. Stay safe and god bless ❤❤❤😊

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 🙏 Happy you enjoyed our video 🤗

@nicoleladroma2117 2 ай бұрын

Inspite of their situation on these areas Filipinos were still able to smile and grateful, so admirable. True happiness are too visible on their eyes. Tha's how resilient Filipinos are.

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

You are so right! They had the biggest smiles. Bless them

@PusangInaNyo 3 ай бұрын

thank you for sharing your experience, this really is an eye-opener to all the Filipinos and the people around the world. This is the best use of the platform ❤️

@InvestedAdventure 3 ай бұрын

I agree! I got to talk to the locals of Happyland myself about two weeks ago. I'm glad more of us on KZfaq are sharing about the resilience of the locals here instead of painting them as dangerous, like the media often does.🙏🏼

@daebak3240 3 ай бұрын

Many foreign vloggers go to the "slums" of Manila like it's an amusement park. They are very amused to see poverty in the Philippines; it makes them happy to see many poor people as if it's a sort of entertainment.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

I can't speak for other channels only our own. Our intention was to show a different side to these areas because most videos focus on the "dangerous" side which creates a negative view on the areas. We also really wanted to promote the Bless the Children foundation in the hopes they can raise more money and help more of the children in these areas to go to school and have better opportunities. We are so happy to have a platform to do this! Thanks for watching 🙏

@nlf17 2 ай бұрын

Yes! That's what you called "Poverty PORN."

@WorldlyExplorers-Top10 2 ай бұрын

Hey, this video was so cool 🔥 Thank you for showing the real side of Manila's HappyLand district. It's incredible to see the resilience and happiness of the people living there despite the challenging conditions. I'll be traveling to the Philippines with my parents this summer, and I feel so inspired to visit these places and meet these amazing people.. Huge thanks for this nice video! Tyree🌟😊

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching our video. Happy you enjoyed it. We highly recommend the tour we went of. We have put a link in the description to Smokey Mountain Tours. It was a very eye opening experience! Enjoy your trip!

@IronBorne-yh7cj 3 ай бұрын

There was a Philippine band named Smokey Mountain that was named after the said garbage dump in Manila. One of their hit songs was "Paraiso" where it refers to living in the said conditions. They had multiple awards and won an international song fest in Japan singing that song, If you're interested in hearing it just search it in youtube and know the lyrics of the song.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

That's interesting. Thanks for sharing. I will look it up.

@striderhiryu8549 3 ай бұрын

Manila is a region that consists of 16 major cities like Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Marikina and others, also included The City of Manila, the City of Manila is in Manila. Some cities in Manila are very neat and Clean. that area of Manila is tondo a formerly a dump Site. It is also called Smokey Mountain.

@ilabmuzic2461 3 ай бұрын

Watching from 🇸🇦🇵🇭❤️❤️❤️

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching 🙏

@candidobantayan7797 3 ай бұрын

Even they are poor as you can see they are still happy.They came from different provinces and try to find their fortune in Manila.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Yes so happy! We met some very inspiring people.

@killer.kidlat 3 ай бұрын

Many countries said that Philippines is dangerous but is not. Theres a lot of country that more even dangerous.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

We felt safe. The people are very kind and caring. It's a beautiful place!

@lemitour9701 3 ай бұрын

Wow thank you for you showing us such a beautiful life wich is so intersting to see❤❤❤

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching! It was amazing to meet such happy and welcoming people 😊

@i-am-your-conscience 21 күн бұрын

You raised a wonderful kid. What a great personality - reflective, empathic, humble and grateful. Compare that to most others her age.

@JEPOYHEROBLOGG 3 ай бұрын

THEY MAYBE POOR BUT THEY HEART IS FULL OF LOVE

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Such beautiful people!!! ❤️

@InvestedAdventure 3 ай бұрын

Totally agree! Their spirit and warmth are amazing despite everything. 🙏🏼🇵🇭

@alannavx 3 ай бұрын

Been to Happy Land twice before. Despite the squalor, people there go about their lives as normally as possible. In the evenings, watchers patrol the whole neighborhood spread out in different groups. It's relatively safe there.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

It's an amazing place and we are so happy we can show it in a different light! 😊

@margiedioquino595 2 ай бұрын

Mabuhay I'm so happy to visit you in our country God bless & keep safe everyone!

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏🏼

@thotosamz737 3 ай бұрын

Happy exploring the world.

@MikkosFree 3 ай бұрын

Happy Land is safe. I've led 3 seperate food drives in the area, and each one has been great and a success. The people were appreciative of our efforts and paid us in kind by being hospitable and great hosts. On the other hand, when I did a food drive in a small slum in a different city which wasn't as depressed, within 20 minutes, 2 of my young female volunteers were "mildly" molested, and we had to pack up the drive for the safety of the girls.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the work you do 🙏 We felt completely safe there. The people were so kind and welcoming. Their smiles will stick with us forever!

@TheLifeOfJoyVee 3 ай бұрын

I salute your family for tackling the HappyLand. I was impressed on how they portray themselves during the vlog. I wont be able to go there as a local living in the Philippines for 43. Salute and more power to your channel.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. Happy you enjoyed our vlog. We really enjoyed meeting the people in this area and learning about their lives

@tigerlover9464 3 ай бұрын

great video i thing i notes in slum area around the world people's looks much happy then the people's live in modern area

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

You are right! We could learn so much from these people. Despite their situation, their smiles are the biggest ever. Truly inspirational!

@johncarlolibadia4052 3 ай бұрын

Manila is beautiful

@edcor12345 3 ай бұрын

Very nice (and courageous) of you to explore the "real" Philippines.

@homey4523 3 ай бұрын

The people in the slums are still showing happy faces. It's good you explored this area in Manila. Any developed city in the world has similar issues. I heard about a young man living in the slums of Manila. Day-in, day-out collecting bottles, things to be recycled. That man finished school and became the CEO of a huge pharmaceutical firm. We need to help these people. It's not their choice to be in that situation. God bless🙂 the poor.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment. Wow that's an amazing story! I hope our video will raise awareness and people will support the Bless the Children Foundation and help more people improve their lives 🙏🙏🙏

@AlvaroTr3s 2 ай бұрын

This is a brave decision you have ever made... Thank you for showing the world even in the ugliest place of the Philippines. You will never go wrong meeting a very welcoming Filipinos... Manila's Tondo is one of the places has bad reputation and from everyone's POV even other locals they tend to think that tondo is a place to avoid. Philippines is a very lovely country, they may be poor of resources, They have the best heart that every foreigners would love... Salamat... and enjoy the rest of your stay.... Mabuhay❤❤❤

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

I'm happy we were able to show this area in a different light. The people were so friendly and kind. We felt completely safe and welcomed by the locals. It was an eye opening experience and it definitely made us feel grateful for what we have.

@AlvaroTr3s 2 ай бұрын

@livingthejolife indeed... putting ur foot in the others' shoes and giving them importance is the best feeling. They felt that they are also needed in our society ... Equality... Godbless you guys...

@happy2bnoypi_001 3 ай бұрын

I like how you presented Happyland in your vlog. This is different from the others i have seen. You all look calm and comfortable, no awkward faces, I cannot sense any fear. It doesn't make me feel that you're just there to make make money out of the situation, feel sorry for them or use the people for clicks and views. At least from what I've seen, you intentionally focus on the people, their disposition and life and how they live on a daily basis. . Thank you.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching! We appreciate your kind comment. Actually, we made the video for views - to raise awareness about people's living conditions and hope that viewers will support the Bless the Children Foundation and help give these kids a better future 🙏 Without views we can't raise this awareness. We wanted to show a different side to Tondo as most videos only show the negative aspects and don't show the amazing communities that live there. We will never forget the kindness and warmth of the people we met. They will stay with us a lifetime.

@happy2bnoypi_001 3 ай бұрын

@@livingthejolife And that too. I appreciate the fact that you chose to highlight the actions that could be taken to help the people by support the Bless the Children organization. I became a part of a group like them, that gives free classes for kids around Manila...its such an amazing, once in a lifetime experience, and I hope you felt the same way too by doing this for the Philippines.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

@@happy2bnoypi_001 That's amazing! Such a rewarding feeling. Unfortunately, for some reason YT are not pushing this video out. If you can share with your circle we would be very grateful 🙏

@ervind1133 2 ай бұрын

This is the worth to watch! THANK YOU!!!

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Happy you enjoyed watching

@Phoebephoenix1096 2 ай бұрын

I am filipina myself but I don't have any idea or guts to visit that place. Kudos for your family

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching 🙏🏼

@noypeedoh 2 ай бұрын

my new favorite channel...

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Awe that's awesome! So happy you enjoyed our video 😊 Lots more to come ❤️

@RaoulSoliven 3 ай бұрын

God bless you !

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching 🙏

@Hale-Bopp 2 ай бұрын

Ella interacting and playing games with the people in Tondo thought they're being visited by real life Disney Princess 😂❤

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Actually they kept calling me Barbie 😂

@GKtravel2024 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for such informative videos you guys are amazing and definitely world needs to do better providing people with food and water.

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so very much for watching our video 😊❤️

@alotlikeyou 3 ай бұрын

Love your videos of the Philippines. Spreading awareness of the foundation that is helping the children of the slums. Ela having a deep realization of how lucky and blessed she is because she saw how some people live is something she will always remember and will serve as her anchor to stay grounded and thankul. I know my kids to this day still remember, even though it's been 14 years since they saw the underprivileged kids of Manila. They've been thankful for every little thing they have. Bless your family.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for this kind and thoughtful comment 🙏 Happy you enjoyed our video. Yes it was definitely an eye opening experience for her. Actually, it touched us all. We are grateful to have a platform like this to raise awareness. Praying that more people will support the foundation and help give the children a better future 🙏 Thanks for watching

@charmsmanz6204 3 ай бұрын

20:58 I cried too. Thank you for sharing this part of the Philippines in your vlog.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching 🙏 It was very emotional. Made us feel guilty for all the silly things we complain about. We all need to smile more!

@bluemoon5027 2 ай бұрын

I love the ending with Ella..... thank you all

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching. It was a very touching experience.

@shahfaisalfaisal705 3 ай бұрын

Hi how are you sir & mam nice to see you 😊😊

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

We are great thanks! Thanks so much for watching 🙏

@ericmjrs798 3 ай бұрын

Wow what an encounter

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

It was an inspiring experience that we will never forget!

@rjcasanova2951 2 ай бұрын

all I can see is a great family here. Ella is a well raised child❤

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏼

@emmatheresa 2 ай бұрын

Wow nice to know that you have a tour guide!!!

@sensitivityzero 3 ай бұрын

L♥️VE FROM THE PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭

@ernaldmariano5517 3 ай бұрын

Wooow.. thank you for visiting our Country, take care and enjoy ❤

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for leaving a comment 🙏 Happy you enjoyed our video 😊

@vielsantos 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing this video,stay safe ,Godbless!

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching 🙏🏼

@bigradwolf5001 2 ай бұрын

I plan to retire in similar areas but perhaps somewhere in Caloocan. That's where I could really help more people. But I like that I'd be able to walk to SM even if I live in the slum areas. My kids would have their own lives in US but I can't in my conscience enjoy US retirement knowing I could help out really people in dire need.

@randomquestions7741 3 ай бұрын

This is better than many Bangalore streets

@lixie4817 2 ай бұрын

I also feel grateful for what I have now after watching your video... Love from China❤️

@livingthejolife 2 ай бұрын

Yes absolutely! We do too 😢

@rommel1324 3 ай бұрын

Just watched your video and subscribed to your channel. It's really an eye opener and got tears while watching. Thank you for showing us this video that other bloggers never showed before and hopefully the government will do something for the betterment of their lives and have a bright future. Pls. can I have the exact name of their foundation so that I can send a little help. Thank you! Keep safe & God bless your family.

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and subbing! We really appreciate it! Our aim was to raise awareness and advocate for these amazing people. Happy we could show the beauty of this area and the people through our experience. Please check the description, I have left links there to the website. Thanks for your generosity ❤️

@denhenry239 3 ай бұрын

Im a silent viewer ever since the pandemic days, This is the first time I comment and subscribe, sorry for taking so long =)

@livingthejolife 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment 🙂🙏

@TheLifeOfJoyVee 3 ай бұрын

You can also see how safe, Philippines, They have their thousand dollars vlogging materials, but, they can walk around safely. Surely Mang Benito, can not protectthem physically. It’s just that they know how to control themselves in comparison to the U S A homeless people and their aggressive behaviours.