Honest first experience with 🇵🇭 whale shark swimming in Donsol, Philippines
Вставка
- Опубліковано 14 чер 2024
- 👉🏼👉🏼 🇵🇭 Let's help UA-cam spread the beauty of the Philippines to as much of the world as possible! Like, comment, and subscribe so that this episode gets maximum reach 👍🏼
We’ve left the hustle and bustle of BGC Manila and flown down to the beach city of Donsol, where we’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the glowing trees of fireflies and cash in a raincheck for swimming with the majestic whale sharks of the Philippines. But speaking of rain, we’ve had constant showers since stepping off the plane last night, so we’re hoping to attract a little luck this morning while we wait for our guide.
We had a whale shark excursion booked in the south of Cebu, but after doing a little research on the most ethical ways to interact with these gentle giants, we decided to cancel that opportunity and instead spend the day searching for the most adventurous street foods in Cebu City.
As much as we love the idea of hugging baby penguins and as much as Colt likes catching lizards, as a general rule, we respect the mentality of observing nature instead of interfering with it. Other dive sites attract whale sharks by chumming the water, which creates an unnatural dependencies. Here in Donsol, these activities are done right, which can mean less reliability that you’ll encounter any of them but when you do, you know that you’re doing much less to disturb their existence.
Contents:
0:00 Intro
0:34 Elysia Beach Resort
2:23 Searching for Whale Sharks
7:48 Beachside Lunch
9:16 Downtown Donsol
10:33 Nighttime Firefly River Tour
14:47 Dinner at Barracuda
17:20 Conclusion
19:32 Outro
Here's the equipment we use for vlogging:
followabc.com/gear
Find and use the music tracks we feature in our episodes:
share.epidemicsound.com/n1fh98
Join our Inner Circle email list to get immediate notifications of new episodes, behind-the-scenes content, giveaways, and news: followabc.com/join
We’re passionate about our lifestyle of luxury family travel, remote business ownership, unschooling, and contributing positively to the future of the world. If you’re a like-minded brand or content creator and would like to explore sponsorships, collabs, or other ideas, please get in touch at followabc.com/inquiries
Learn more about how we stay in multi-million dollar homes around the world for a low, flat monthly subscription and no nightly rates, taxes, or hidden fees. followabc.com/pass
If you want to send us something, please email merch@followabc.com and we'll provide our mailing address.
Follow us on other platforms:
/ alwaysbechanging
/ alwaysbechanging
/ alwaysbechanging
Some of the links provided in our episodes and on our website utilize merchant affiliate programs that may pay commissions to us whenever people use them to make purchases.
ABOUT US
We’re the Lockwoods. And we’re traveling the world to experience-up close and in person-all the natural wonders and distinct cultures that our kids would otherwise be consuming only through textbooks and TV. We think it’s a better way to learn and we’re working hard to fund this little experiment in the hope that our kids will grow up wiser, kinder, and more grateful for the beauty of our diverse planet and its people.
👉🏼👉🏼 🇵🇭 Let's help UA-cam spread the beauty of the Philippines to as much of the world as possible! Like, comment, and subscribe so that this episode gets maximum reach 👍🏼
I really admire this couple how they bring their kids up, by showing them the real simple life in the other part of the world like ours, the PHILIPPINES🇵🇭. Thank you for enjoying your stay in our country. Best regards from Germany🇩🇪
You’re so very welcome. We’re happy to visit as much of the Philippines as we can. And we love bringing our kids here 🥰
This family is so positive, a real adventurer trait
Thank you 🙏 We love adventuring 🤩
I totally agree! And their positivity is so inspiring. 🥰😍😀
This channel deserves hundreds of millions subs and views. It has everything that a travel/adventure vlog has to have. Kudos.
Thank you so much! We hope to get there someday 🤗. We really appreciate the encouragement and support!
First of all, we miss you guys🥹😭And second of all, I LOVE how positive you guys are. When things don’t go your way, you just roll with the punches and have huge smiles on your faces. Wow, what an experience!! Hope Colt found more geckos!🦎🤪
🥰 We miss you too!! 😭🫶 The kids really miss Nia and Knox. Positivity, that’s how you get through the challenges 😊. 😆 Colt always finds lizards 🦎
I just saw your collab! I am subscribing shortly to your channel! 🥰
Just found this channel and i love it, you guys are so positive even though you’ve had some hiccups. Your kids are very articulate and i’m sure that’s from being exposed to the other cultures on the world. Thank you for visiting my motherland 😊
Thank you so much! Hiccups and challenges are always a part of life and travel. Might as well smoke and have a good time 👍🏻
This episode had everything: the hidden whale sharks, the rain, enchanting fire flies, lovely local folk, the market, the food, wide-eyed Brooklyn & Cole, positive vibes throughout, and great hosting and narration. The videography ( hope i’m calling it right) is beautiful, as always. Your videos always lift my mood!
From a US veteran here, who is also Filipino, I really appreciate this. I wish more parents raise their children like this. Expose them to other culture 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you 🙏 we appreciate that. And thank you for your service!
12 years ago I was there anddddd swam with those whales ❤️🇵🇭
You’re very fortunate! So glad to hear stories of people who succeeded in seeing them ❤️
No whalesharks no problem to ABC Fam! Sir Phil , just love your message / concluding statement ! Sums up what we expect in the way you travel and what we are getting from your channel. ♥️ Always Be Changing - and game changing too -- Lockwoods! 👏
🤗 We appreciate that! We try to stay positive because there’s no point in ruining a trip with a bad attitude. 👍🏻 There’s so much more to appreciate 😊
Glad that your family still enjoyed your time in Donsol. Sometimes it’s the people that makes a big difference when traveling. Looking forward to your vlog in Siargao.👍🏼❤️
Absolutely. We’ve found the warmest and most welcoming people in the Philippines 🥰🇵🇭
Love the energy of this vid! Your family’s vibe and attitude really sold me. ❤❤
Thank you so much 🤗
i love the positivity when it rained in the middle of the ocean! love your family! ever since I found your channel, cant stop waiting for new uploads
Thank you so much!! We’re trying to have as much fun as possible 😊
Thank you so much for promoting sustainable and responsible tourism ❤
🙏 We’re Trying to make the best decisions we can and appreciating the journey along the way.
There's a chance that you may not be able to see one.if you want to see them like seeing them in front of you.Cebu Oslob is the best place to see them.but its nice to know that you want to see them the natural way.glad to see you back.our home in bicol by the way is just about 2hrs away from donsol.God bless your trip.
We knew we were taking a chance but we still had a great time 😊
Go to OSLOB Cebu and u can really swim w/ them in the beach
@@rangerc8345 But like what it says it's wierd to see the whale sharks in Oslob because of its unnatural activity.
Yes Coz they Feeding the Sharks so they Can Come Close to the Shore…. I don’t like that Either….
The issue with Oslob is, the whale sharks are getting injured because they have come to associate other boats (with propellers) with food. They’re getting cuts on their bodies.
It’s unfortunate that you’re not able to witness the whale sharks. But I commend you for choosing Donsol over Oslob. If I’m asked for recommendations, I would suggest Donsol in a snap, for reasons that I guess you already were informed. Thank you for this feature! Watching your vlogs is ‘guaranteed’ to not disappoint. At least that’s one guarantee! Lol. God bless your family and may you have an enjoyable experience in your Philippines 2.0 trip.
🥰 thank you. We’ll take that guarantee with gratitude 🤗
17:22 As a Filipino, I really appreciate your warm messages about your experiences with the locals... Thank you for all the love you've shown... and we love your family, too
. ❤❤❤
Thank you too! 🤗🥰
You are one of my most favorite content creators. Actually the best for me.
.Glad you"re back in the Philippines.
Wow, thank you!
First of all, I want to say that I stumbled upon your channel somehow through another UA-cam blogger I love. I think it was from one of your wine tasting tour videos. I absolutely fell in love with your wife charismatic energy. I wasn't sure what content you had, but it's definitely changed my life. I'm a full time working mom outside of home, had my second child, and going through some martial problems. I must watching your videos has been uplifting. Your family and travels are so beautiful. You guys have a wonderful perspective in life and how you love each other and support one another dreams and goals. After watching several of your travels in the states, I sat down with my partner and talked out our differences. We talked about our kids and travels. Things we are missing in life. With our work keeping us so busy, it put a told in relationship and family time. I just wanted to say thank you again for the great message you up and hardwork in every video. Work will always be there, but family time is a must.
We are humbled and honored to have given you inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. It means more to us than you realize. To put so much work into our episodes, kids, relationship, etc and to hear that it’s had a positive effect on another person, feels so gratifying and encouraging. We wish you and your family so much happiness 🥰.
May Godbless this kind and amazing family. ❤️👨👩👦🙏🏻🇵🇭
🙏 Thank you for supporting us.
I honestly am starting to like this family because of the richness of their personalities, which makes me follow every step of their journey throughout the world. This couple possesses so much positivity, and that has hooked me as a subscriber and a critic of their UA-cam channel. Good luck all the way, guys! Thanks for sharing your amazing trips with us!
We appreciate that! Thank you 🙏
same here!! now, im a new subscriber!
I cannot believe I have just subscribed to your channel when I have been watching you for like FOREVER! I love your narratives. You are one of the best in sharing must and good to know information about each place you visit. It's like an infomercial slash vlog slash diary slash movie (when you get sentimental, 😅) Just amazzzzing! Thanks for spending a good amount of time in the Philippines. We are such an underrated country but I can never imagine myself living elsewhere. Makes me proud when everyone visits and appreciate our culture, our people and our land! More power to your entire family. Keep taking us to these wonderful places. 😍🥰😘
🙏🙏🙏 We really appreciate your comment. It means so much to us that you have an appreciation for our videos and see them in that light. 😊
Thanks for your positive comments. Keep safe as you continue your tour of the Philippines. God bless you.
Thank you so much! 🙏😊
So much positivity in this family. Love it! ❤️❤️❤️God Bless to you all
You are so kind. Thank you 😀
Genuinely immerse to pure nature &less touristy of Donsol wow.. Nxt, so excited now4 ur Siargao trip🤩
Can’t wait to share Siargao too! 🤩🤩
Good for you guys! I have been to Cebu a few times and it has never attracted me because of how many the tourists are and how it affects the whale sharks. Glad to know that Donsol is a better option.
It’s very eco-friendly and respectful to all animals there 🥰
I’m sure you guys were a bit disappointed for not being able to see the whale sharks, and that’s understandable. 😔😔😔 But compare to another vlogger I watched recently (which I unsubscribed), it is so nice to see how you embraced the situation in such a positive manner and didn’t let it affect the other event you had planned throughout the day. 😁😁😁
Thank you 😊 We appreciate you seeing us in that light.
Thank you for showing my beautiful country PH. Enjoy, take care always
Our pleasure! We ❤️🇵🇭
The unexpected experience usually are super memorable
We agree 🥰. We still cherish this experience, even without the whale sharks.
I love you guys! Glad you are back in the Philippines. Yay!!!
👏🏼🙏🤗🥰 We’re happy to be back too.
Phil's message at the end was the icing of the cake. well said sir.
We’re so happy you liked it. We meant every word of it. We loved everyone we met and felt like family while we were there. 🥰
🇵🇭🤟Sometimes, you don't see the precious things in front of you because you're too preoccupied with finding something else. At Donsol, you didn't see the whalesharks but you found the warmth and inner beauty of the Filipinos. Thank you for your wonderful journeys!👍🤟
Thank you for watching and appreciating our journey. Our family is on our own path and we’re trying to learn and find gratitude everywhere we go 🥰.
I love this Family. Thank you for your Good Words. It seems I'm watching a Television Show. I was born in Donsol and I am residing now in Manila. You guys have a long way to go. Such a Beautiful Vlog from my former province. Keep safe everyone.
im here because of that tiktok video where the little girl shows her cool outfit ❤ you all are so amazing!
Thank you :) She is so talented! So happy you found us! :)
The power of positivity!!! Love from the Philippines 🇵🇭!!!! 💙💙💙
Thank you! 🤗 we love visiting the Philippines
Sorry to hear you missed the whale sharks. Glad you still enjoyed your stay.
If you go back to the island of Cebu with Reagan, do consider Malapascua for the thresher sharks. Good snorkeling also.
Thanks for the tip! I bet she’d love that! 🙏
.., I’m convinced a have a new favourite group of bloggers .., that’s the Lockwood’s Always be changin 😊
Wow, thank you! Honored to be your favorite 🥰
husband speaking - Fri. 24 Feb. love your stories. During my 3 months On Mactan Island, We were surprised at how cool it was this trip. Lots of clouds and pouring down
rain at night. Rain, even what we call heavy in Wash. State is nothing to the down pours in the Philippines. Maybe 6 days were really hot, the rest nice for us, cold for the locals.
The tropical rain storms have so much moisture! And if you’re not used to cooler weather, you’ll probably feel cold easier.
Thank you so.mych for coming to our country!
Our pleasure! We ❤️🇵🇭
Love the positive attitude. We always have to respect nature. Bravo guys
🙏 appreciate that!
luvvv the candid humor mixed in to the whole chill presentation.
Thank you 😊 sometimes you have to laugh through it 😝
Looks like you guys are finally seeing some viewers! Glad to see you guys getting the recognition you deserve!
Thank you 🙏 Much appreciated!
This is exactly the goal I wanted for my family!!! Thanks for inspiring!
That means a lot to hear 🙏
You guys are so natural in front of the camera it's so hard not to fall in love and follow along on your journey! Erin has a very distinctive charm when she talks and Phil is so pro and smooth, I've learned a lot just by watching your videos. Can't wait for more!
Thank you so much!! We appreciate you 🤗
GOOD DAY !!!!! MS . ERIN , SIR PHIL & THE KIDS . ENJOY THE STAY IN SIARGAO . 👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️👍👋✌️🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭
Thank you 🙏 Thanks for watching 🤗
You deserved more views and subscribers 🎉 I really love your family doing some challenge and activities around the world 🌎 more fun in the Philippines 🇵🇭
Thanks 😊 We’re really enjoying ourselves 🙏
Another awesome vlog! Thank you ❤❤❤😍🇵🇭🇦🇺👏😎
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
I LOVE 💕 THE WAY THEY VLOGS COZ THEY REALLY RESEARCH THE PLACE BEFORE THEY VISIT… VERY INFORMATIVE AND I REALLY LOVE ❤️ THE NARRATIVE…HI BROOKLYN and Cole MY 2 FAVORITE KIDS ON UA-cam….THEY HAVE ANOTHER FAMILY RIGHT NOW IN THE Philippines THE BACKMAN CHANNEL…STAY SAFE GUYS 👍👍👍👍🙌👌✌️❤💕🇺🇸
Thanks for supporting our channel! Colt and Brooklyn say hi 👋
Aww, bummer. I wish you much luck next time! Love your positive attitudes!
Once upon my younger years when the river was untouched yet, everyday in our village is full of fireflies. Its just a normal sightings before. Too bad camera phones are still not that accessible before... ❤️
Yes, and too bad it’s so difficult to capture such beautiful moments. We want to share with the world 🤗
Your right. During summer which started March UpTo May and ends June, rainy season starts from June to October and ends at November , the Ber season starts from September to December which is preparation for December or Christmas. Hope you can spend your Christmas UpTo new year you might also enjoy them.
One of your best videos! ❤️❤️❤️🫶🏻
Awww, thank you so much! Warms our hearts that you think so 🥰
thank you for promoting the philippines beautiful beaches and tourist attraction
We truly enjoy it 🤗🙏❤️🇵🇭
Your family is such an inspiration. Looking forward to watching more of your vlogs. ❤
Thank you so much!
that's right don't let mother nature stop you from seeing amazing adventures! i wish juliet could have said a few words. she seems like an awesome person.
She was! And so outgoing too. Wish we captured more of her too. You’ll just have to head to Donsol and meet her yourself 😊
Yay! You're back!
And I hope we continue to come back to the Philippines 🤩
@@AlwaysBeChanging Yes!!
Respect for choosing the ethical way to see the whale
sharks!
Thank you 🙏 Everyone has to decide for themselves what kind of experiences they want. It’s worth the risk to do it the natural way.
Your video is awesome.im always watching your vlog
I hope i can visit that place too. Thank you for promoting our country.
🙏 we hope you can visit Donsol too.
I always admire your family exudes a positive vibes in all the given situation,love how you describe things o your vlog.More power to your jo😙urney
Thank you so much 😊
Sorry that the whale sharks did not cooperate, guys! At least you had better luck with the fireflies. Hopefully you will have better weather for the rest of your PH adventures!
That’s the way it goes 🤷♀️. We fully understood that whale shark are not a guarantee when trying to interact with them in a natural way.
I'm excited to see your adventures in Siargao. It's one of the places in my bucket list. Love it!
We’re so excited to share it too! That should be our early next week 🤞
I love your vlogs... so authentic!
Thank you 😊
I'm addicted to this channel 💯🔥🔥🔥
We love hearing that and we appreciate you! 🤗
Wow Siargao!
Don’t forget to visit new attraction in Siargao- The Canijugan Peak. It’s overlooking the sea and coconut trees. It has a Bali vibes. It’s just a 5 minute walk uphill and at the top there’s a resto with a hanging cliff. Then they also have massage and kawa bath.
Don’t forget to try smoothie bowls in Shaka near Cloud 9.
Kermit Pizza 🍕 very popular and yummy pizza.
Thanks for the recs!
New sub here! Thank you for your love for our country. That is right! Filipinos are surely the nicest people on earth.
Welcome to our channel 🤗
liking the video and hoping for more videos . encouraging and lively content. good commmentary too
Thank you 🙏 So happy you like our videos.
I can't believe you guys were so near my hometown!!! I love watching you guys. It would have been awesome to see you in person! You should have also went to Subic beach in Matnog. There's also a fish sanctuary there. Ahhh I hope you guys come back and I get to see you! More power to you guys and I hope you get a million views on all your videos!
We hope we meet you too some day 🤗
WoWowww! The best food ever! You can have! Fresh c fish from the sea
My appreciation of your choice of ethical interaction with whale sharks. 😍😘😗
🙏 We knew it was the right choice for us 😊
yes dalin welcome hopenjoy your stay here in donsol and thank you because im watching your vlog right now and i didnt expect tha i can see that your in alicia resort im living in here donsol thank you so much from palawan to bohol siargao boracay im watching your vlog,,congrats..
Thank you for watching and supporting 🤗
brave and patient ... your family is amazing ...
Thank you 🙏 If you focus on the one thing that could make you upset you’ll miss all the other good things that can bring you joy.
@@AlwaysBeChanging you are absolutely correct!
❤️ Can’t wait for the next vlog
That makes us smile 😃🙏🥰
Your video is so educational and entertaining
Thank you 🙏 So happy you like it 😊
Hi your new Filipino subscriber! Keep safe.
Welcome to our channel 🤗
Hooraay to you guys..this family travel vlog are awesome 1st time i see you guys i know there somthing in you that is unique and natural in a way tour us viewers as if we are part of your travel..your positive and energy is so magnificent those two little angels are also so positive and cute and they never complain at all..family is so cute and natural.btw thanks for promoting our tourist spots especially our own Donsol.keep vlogging.
Thank you so much!! And thank you for seeing our vlogs in that light 🥰
This is much better way to educate kids on how to interact wild animals. Good job guys. But i guess summer is much better if you to want to see those sharks even dolphins too.
We appreciate that!
I love the positivity of your family. With their diverse experience and exposure to different cultures, I'm sure the kids will grow up as good and responsible citizens of the world.
Thank you 🙏 We’re so proud of our kids and love how they’re growing up. 🥰
New subscriber, I love your video thank you for sharing
Thanks 😊 Welcome to our channel 🤗
New subscriber here. Really love ur vlogs and ur content. Starting to do vlog marathon
Yay! So happy you found our channel 🤗
Subscribed ❤️🇵🇭
Welcome to our channel 🤗
❤️ loved watching this video❤️
Thank you! 🤗
I love your vlog, it's very informative and enjoyable. I like the narration, the charm, and your family's chemistry. Even the kids gave life to your videos, and they are open in trying new things. I suggest you visit amanpulo and siargao next. Cheers!
Thank you so much! You’re in luck 🤗 We visit Siargao. That’s coming up…
@@AlwaysBeChanging You HAVE TO VISIT AMANPULO IN PALAWAN NEXT TIME YOU COME BACK IN THE Philippines…. THAT BEACH IS FOR THE ELITE PEOPLES SO MANY RICH CELEBRITIES COME TO THIS ISLAND is PURE WHITE SAND BETTER THAN BORACAY….. YOU MUST VISIT IT NEXT…❤💕✌️👌👍🙌
@@AlwaysBeChanging I'll be waiting for the Siargao video. Your videos look great, looks professional. May I ask what gears are you using? Do you color grade them? and btw nice bag! I love peak design, fits my a7c and two lenses and is very stylish.
Thank you guys for a nice video but plz stay safe okey
Thank you! Will do!
Welcome back to the Phils!!
Thank you!
See you in your next vlog! Take care guys.❤
Yay! See you then 🥰
Lovely family! Hope you can stay longer and travel more in the Philippines. You should try going up north like Baguio and Sagada. Cool weather, great food and cool people.
Thanks for the suggestions! We’d love to visit those places too 😊.
Love. Scenery
Siargao is waiting for you guy's!!
❤️ 🙏🇵🇭 Siargao is coming soon. One more episode then an epic adventure in Siargao 🤩
First Welcome to Bicol Region😊 Donsol Sorsogon!
Thank you! 🏅
It is great to hear that you have visited Donsol Sorsogon and hopefully you will also consider other provinces here in Bicol, watched this from Naga City Camarines Sur. Stay safe, God bless you and your family more!
Thank you 🙏 We hope to continue to come back to the Philippines and experience more and more.
This is my UA-cam channel, if you have extra time 🙏
Awesome
🙏
Hope you'll come back for the Bulusan Lake, it's a special place with hot spring resorts in the area, thank you for visiting Sorsogon
That sounds lovely! I bet it’s beautiful 😍
Yes there is. It depends on the luck nature will give you.
Great vlog guys, I’m glad you guys went to donsol… better choice in my opinion than oslob.
Thank you 😊 we knew it was the right choice for us.
Hi everyone. Greetings from Fort Wayne,Indiana.
Hello 👋 in Indiana. Phil was born there 😊
Awesome Family
Thank you 🤗
Hope you'll find some whale sharks, and enjoy your stay. God bless you all.
We just swam with whale sharks! We caved in and went to Oslob. Hope you catch that episode.
Come visit Iloilo Philippines😊
NatGeo Family Version. Would it be nice if youre family us featured with episodes? I definitely watch everyday. Love the trivia part too. Stay safe!
Thank you! We’re getting there 😊