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First Impressions of Manila, Philippines 🇵🇭

Travel with Julius

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🇵🇭 Manila, Philippines | First Time Experience

Today I visited the Philippines for the very first time — and wow, what an experience! Manila is an incredible city full of contrasts and character.
I started my day just outside BGC with a banana cue from an amazing street vendor named Joy — an unforgettable introduction to local life. From there, I explored Bonifacio Global City (BGC), checking out its modern vibe, businesses, cafés, restaurants, and high-rise condos.
Later, I tried a Chinese bun from 7-Eleven before hopping on a jeepney and heading into the local neighborhoods. I spent time playing basketball, learning a bit of Tagalog, shooting pool, and seeing a completely different side of Manila.
The contrast between BGC and the poorer areas of the city is huge, but I loved experiencing both. The smaller streets felt raw, real, and full of heart — giving me a deeper understanding of the country and its people.
This was an unforgettable first day, and I can’t wait to explore more of the Philippines. 🇵🇭✨

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TIME STAMPS
00:00 Intro
1:13 Tricycle ride
2:39 Tasty Bananaque
5:42 Exploring BGC
10:58 7-Eleven
13:20 Meeting Joy again
15:55 Kids in the hood
18:39 Jeepney
21:01 Outskirts Manila
25:42 Learning Tagalog
27:56 Basketball challenge
30:02 Playing pool

#travelvlog #manila #philippines

20 Comments

@travelwithjulius Creator 9 months ago Pinned

My first time visiting the Philippines! What an amazing country so far. Absolutely loving Manila 😍 Where should I go next?

@RubyPalec-tf2zd 5 months ago

Welcome bro❤

@NicoleLee07 9 months ago

First video I watched from ur page. It was great to know that you're loving our country. Enjoy your stay, and Happy New Year!

@unifiedfields1 9 months ago

They speak English so well over there❤

@AndrodeCruz08 7 months ago

Nice idol Julius ❤

@DoloresDecritoBangawan 8 months ago

Welcome to phillipines ❤❤❤

@booboo6714 9 months ago (edited)

Based on your statement, it seems that if a Filipino does not live in BGC, they must be living in slums. However, I live in a village in Parañaque, which is also part of Metro Manila, and I had no idea I was living in a slum. My family members who reside in Makati are also unaware that they are living in slums. Thank you for providing this insightful information.

@unifiedfields1 9 months ago

Hey so kool to have you back❤

@wishfulanthony 8 months ago

Hey! Let me give you a few hints:

16:44 - “Kamote” in Filipino translates to sweet potato. If you see or hear the word “ube” (which originally comes from the Philippines), it is purple yam that grows similar to the sweet potato. Ube in this case can be found as ice cream, halaya (jam), or as a flavoring for snacks and treats.

19:07 - Jeepneys do stop and board anywhere along their designated routes, and those usually wait until they get filled with passengers before setting off from their terminals. Some jeepneys can carry as much as 20 people (including 2 at the front next to the driver, riding shotgun); in the provinces, jeepneys double as cargo haulers for agricultural and livestock products alongside carrying people. And while the base fare for jeepneys is PHP13, you need to tell your destination to the driver so that he’ll tell you how much fare you need to pay. And when you want to get off from the jeep, say “Para (po)” so that the driver can pull out to a nearby curb for you to get off safely. It’s good to ask the locals where you want to go so that they can tell you if you’re going on the right track.

22:19 - Think of Jollibee as the Philippines’ answer to McDonald’s, with Chickenjoy (regular or spicy; spicy is a favorite of mine), spaghetti (not like your Italian spaghetti), Amazing Aloha Burger (a large burger with lettuce, bacon, pineapple, and a special sauce on a toasted bun), Peach Mango Pie, and Pineapple Quencher as its flagship options. Have the Chickenjoy without gravy first, then with gravy, and then complete it with rice (if you want). And if you want a Filipino dish at Jollibee, Palabok Fiesta is your ticket, with rice noodles smothered with a shrimp-based sauce with pork cracklings and served with calamansi (a small citrus fruit) that you can smother the dish with for a tangy flavor.