What Nobody Tells You About the Philippines GIRLS, ROOSTERS & TOILETS

What Nobody Tells You About the Philippines GIRLS, ROOSTERS & TOILETS I absolutely love the Philippines, but let’s be honest—sometimes it tests your patience! After 20 years of visiting this beautiful country, I’ve realized that "Island Time" and "Island Reality" are two very different things. Today, I’m sharing some of my biggest frustrations in hopes that they help you prepare and laugh for your next trip. #philippines #girls #roosters From the 4 AM rooster "alarm clocks" seriously, why is everyone carrying a rooster? to the mystery of the restaurant menu where half the items are "not available," living and traveling here is an adventure in itself. We talk about the struggle of never having small bills, the mountain of coins in your pocket, and the "interesting" logic of the local cell phone data plans. If you’re planning a drive, throw the map out the window! I recently drove from Ozamiz to CDO—a mere 143 km—and it took almost five hours. Whether it’s the constant honking or the sheer variety of trikes, ferries, and planes, you have to learn to embrace the transit struggle. I also touch on some of the heavier sights, like the heavy security presence at every Jollibee and pharmacy, the persistent brownouts that haven't changed in two decades, and the environmental challenges like littering and trash. Plus, I dive into the "Fee for Everything" culture—environmental fees, port fees, terminal fees... you name it, you’ll pay it! I share how I navigate the hotel game using Agoda to get the best deals and how I try to handle the local beggars and homeless with as much generosity as I can afford. What’s the one thing in the Philippines that drives you crazy but you love anyway? Let me know in the comments below! Subscribe to Margaritas in Paradise for the real, raw, and humorous side of travel! Please consider getting Tom a drink at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/margaritas2 I opened my Members Only area. You can find out more information about it here how to access it & enjoy the special perks:    / @margaritasinparadise   Some things are meant to be private. Please feel free to Send me a message directly at [email protected] Check out the Grab App here https://www.grab.com/th/en/download/ Here’s a link for Bolt App for all your taxi needs. Check out Bolt App for all your taxi needs here: https://bolt.eu/en/business/?utm_sour... Wise App to transfer money from the USA to Thailand. Use the link below, they'll give you a free transfer for up to 500 Euro. https://wise.com/invite/ata/thomasc2034 I also like Metal Detecting Beaches. Here's my other YouTube channel Treasure in the Sand    / @treasureinthesand   I'm a retired US Air Force Veteran & a Master Mason. ------------------------------- Follow me here: Instagram - https://instagram.com/margaritasinpar... TikTok -   / tomc32574   Now enjoy life, have some fun and check out my videos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Music by Audionautix.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 Frustration in the Philippines 01:26 Small Money 02:19 Out of Stock 05:37 Trash 09:36 Why Are They Honking The Horns So Much? 10:35 Armed Guards Everywhere! 11:07 Brown Outs Still Exist 13:07 No Network Connection 15:27 There's Always Something Wrong! 16:58 Why Do You Have Someone Elses ID? 19:17 Money Transfers 19:55 Late Departures 21:05 4 Hours to Drive 100 Kms 22:09 #15 Cars, Trikes, Motorbikes, Boats, Ferries, Airplanes 23:50 #16 Fee-Lipinos 26:47 #17 Negotiating Taxi's 28:04 #18 Working ATM's 28:29 #19 Toilets 29:32 #20 The National Bird 30:05 #21 Body Language 30:47 #22 Pocket Full of Coins 31:56 #23 Beggars 33:34 #24 Getting Reservations 35:43 #25 Helping Hands 38:21 Pro Tip