Hi we have been watching your channel now for years great stuff. We bought at one oasis in April 2017 off plan building 9. We loved our stay here great place. We were promised December 2018 handover. To date building 9 is not handed over. It is at least 18 months delayed depending on the current crisis. They did not handle the delay well and on completion of deposit when they should have handed over in early 2019 demanded more money for six months, a complete break of the contract to sell. They knew condo prices had gone up so they kept breaking the contract to sell. and then full payment was demanded in November last year or we would lose our condo. We can understand delays but their handling of the matter is not good at all. They simply don't care that we can't move to Philippines and have to pay rent in the UK. If we went with avida riala or ayala the towers would have been handed over a long time ago. I would think twice if your are planning to buy the new building up for sale now.
Thanks for sharing your experience Skye. Delays are common here with some developers. They will now be hurt with the downturn in the economy for a couple of years or longer.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 Hi, sorry skye is my daughter I am Stephen. We can understand delays but the lack of communication was an issue. They give updates at the 11th hour with no explanation. By the time they told us of delays in late 2018 avida and horizons had went up in price by 1 million pesos. Another example was they asked us to attend the bank for the loan transfer in November for turnover in Dec 19. So we booked flights from UK for Nov 20th. The bank then later informed us that filinvest deadline was Nov 5th for Dec 5th over. We asked filinvest if it was 100 percent 5th of December and if we could attend the bank on November 20th. They said it was 100 percent 5th of dec and we had to get to tha bank by Nov 5th. So we were forced to pay to change our flights. Then just before December they said it wasn't ready for handover no explanation and we are still waiting for news. We do live Cebu it's an awesome place.
Hmm this all looks very nice, and a well equipped gym too, and it's good to see if one is prepared to pay the sort of rent being asked here, or if one was thinking of buying one, what you could get for your money.. The Girl was nice too (smile) Great video my friend, i very much enjoyed this... Carl
Wow that air con wasent mounted very wel in the display room and in the vacant room the floor wasn't layed very well all bumpy with the float floor. Any emergency electricity ? at all ? yes the property in Damagetti Ned showed that a while ago
Little details in the quality do stand out. I believe there was backup generator but I forgot to ask. I will be meeting them again next year to discuss other projects and that will be one of my questions. Thanks for watching and commenting Kriss.
Great Rod thanks but that was show room should have been good the A/c mounted wrong seems to me that show room one was very small also as if you have to pay the water seperate or is that in the monthly fee you have to pay ?also the taxes every year of the barangi ?sorry (council )
Thanks for watching Sherwin. I have met a few people who have rented there and they liked it. A couple said the pool policy was strict but I am not sure what that means.
Finishing it the way you like it would have a wide range based on what you want and your budget but one can have a nice place at a bargain if they take time to shop for decor. Thanks for watching and commenting.
A property i have been looking at is Modena town square near Minglanilla 67 sq metres 2 bed 2 bath not ready until late 2018 but seems to represent good value at 3 mil php a bit out of town but not far from the new SM seaside development and we have a beach property at Argao so easy commute ..thanks for your info on properties best wishes for Xmas
Many foreigners and developments out that direction. Argao looked like a nice area when I went through on a bus many months ago. You also have Mybus running out of Talisay City into Cebu City. Merry Christmas to all of you. Thanks for watching and commenting David.
It looks like the balcony is less than two feet wide, too small for a couple chairs and table. Three foot would be much better. I like this place, maybe a update video is in order.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 I was going by the tile, if they are 12 inch. I think they have to keep the cost down so the OFW can afford the time payments. As affordable as these places are, it is cheaper to rent. I worry about maintenance as the building gets older. I recall you had issues with broken pools and gym equipment, as well as the roof leak.
A split type with inverter could be set on the small balcony. My window AC and refrigerator is costing me an average of 2100 pesos/month for a studio with 22 Sq meters. My last place would have been 1500 p higher I think as the walls would stay warm until 10 pm. Thanks for watching and commenting.
There are a few cameras out now that do very good without a gimbal Paul. I am waiting to see what else comes out in the next couple of months. This is an older video with a different camera also.
Your city is huge and overwhelming different blogger just did a two-part series on cebu business park another neighborhood specializing in technology it looked extremely expensive rod what i need to find is a studio apartment or condo inexpensive with stable electricity and internet due to the possibility of a major seismic event like would just happened in taiwan and mexico i want to try to find something single storey bohol has too many problems blackout and internet after typhoon we had no power or water for 47 days but cebu recovered quickly
A few years ago I was stopped from filming in IT Park twice Michael. I stated that people do it all the time with a phone. They said a phone pic and video is allowed but not a camera. How odd is that?! For a condo, I would be sure they have 100% backup power as many just have power to the common areas in a brownout. Also, most building 5 years or newer have fiber optic internet but nothing is guaranteed during a typhoon. Cell service came back on quicker than the internet and I used that a few weeks pretty reliably with a data plan connecting phone to the computer.
I came across this group while looking for something else. It is nice and quiet. Only 2 bedrooms were available in Bldg 3. I think that is a bit much for me. The next building opens up late next year but not decisions now. Thanks for watching and commenting Malou.
I like your videos. Very informative and helps me narrow down my search to live in Cebu. However, here is some friendly advice...You come off very anxious at times. You're tone of your voice is calm, although you seem to "Bum Rush" the unit once you step inside. Don't make us Americans look typical.
Door knobs are included Jim. LOL. This is a different culture and different practices. I would prefer to get it without floor tile also so I can put in proper sound proofing.
Yes I live part time in Escalante city..cross the water from you...my wife is there..she has a house in Pasig...very Small indeed...by the way thanks for your review on my favorite place to stay Bai hotel..where we go and stay when I fly in...thanks to you sir😁
Good question Cavin. There is a main road a few blocks away so getting a Grab car or Grab taxi should be easy. I would guess that they also are dropping people off there often but not like right on a main road where they drive by constantly.
So $85k for a large 2-bedroom - plus another $10k to $20k to actually finish and furnish it. It is actually cheaper than some of the others you've reviewed, and quieter too. The advantage to that 2-bedroom style is you can have a separate office, or open it up into one large master suite and include the office in the same large room. So call it $100k for 430 sq ft, complete. And the first thing I would do is to bar the hallway windows - OMG - hahaha.
That hallway window was a bit of a surpise. I think many people do not use AC here and they will just leave the window partly open which will allow their noise out into the hallway. Not very secure and it is in the very area one would put much needed cabinets. Cabinets would act as bars. I do like the quiet area. Thanks for watching and commenting mercxmorris.
I used to live on Mactan Island. Cebu City is pretty much congested; that's why they call Cebu the small version of Manila. But I like the fact that I can have both beach resort and the city. Ayala mall is not too far away from Mactan and the new SM Seaside Mall.
It is a learning experience. I am not comfortable with buying right now as I want to travel a bit also. It is an option I will consider if I find a special place and good price. I was doing research on a different sort of project when I stumbled upon this operation. Thanks for watching and commenting Boggan.
One Oasis would be my choice Sabby. I think it is in a quieter area and a larger area also. Both are off of the main road a bit so traffic noise would be less. There are no guarantees about barangy noise, karaoke noise, etc coming from outside of the condos so one might want to face the inside area. Part of One Oasis faces the Country Club Golf Coarse so that should be quiet.
Amazing Philippines thank you so much! your thoughts will really help us in coming up with a decision whether to buy the one from midpoint or one oasis. though both dont allow animals (one con that im really sad about), i think one oasis is really nice based on the videos you showed plus it has a balcony :) thank you so much and hope you'll continue to put out more videos like this! 👍🏽
The golf side would be even more quiet I am sure. My experience is that these condos are appreciating in value if one was looking for an investment. There are several other buildings going up in the coming years also. Thanks for watching and commenting David.
Security guards are always present when I view condos. Do I look suspicious?! lol. Just a precaution I presume. Thanks for watching and commenting John.
same goofy design of the condo we rented near Seaside mall this last June. Must be built by same outfit. Enjoying your vids you are posting on the condos and other things. When I get ready to retire there, I will be using my secret weapon to find a good place to live....my brother in law in Mactan. He showed me a 3 bed 2 bath house in a gated sub that was for rent near him for 5500 php per month. You had to bring your own aircon, but otherwise move in ready. Maybe I should tell him to start a business finding foreigners better deals.
My impression is that there is a lot of properties on Mactan with lower rents. The traffic can be bad getting to and from Cebu City but I have met a couple expats who live there and like it. Thanks for watching and commenting Keith.
I have been overly cautious over the years and it has cost me by not buying in at the lower prices. Most people think the Philippine economy is due to continue growing. Lots of foreign investment and companies moving in. The low cost of labor and English speaking workforce are one draw. Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea are all quite expensive. I am not an expert but I think growth will continue for many years. There is always some risk. I had Ayala properties offer me a 15-20% discount on high end condos near Ayala Mall, Cebu City until Dec. 31 so there are "deals" to be made also. Thanks for watching and commenting.
One Oasis is probably a 30 minute walk from Ayala. There is a narrow winding road that takes you from this condo to the main road. I would walk it but many would not be comfortable walking it as it is the basic poor neighborhood along that narrow road. Thanks for watching Reginald.
strange to have a window to the hallway.... The condos are becoming way over priced imo in the philippines.. you get a shoe box to live in for a ton of money.. better to rent something if you ask me. The only attraction is the silence.. no dogs barking, no chickens, no videoke, and no sounds of traffic..
I have observed that condos built in the last 5-7 years have much smaller units than previously. Most of these highrises have been built in the last 7 years during the building boom. I agree, expensive, but that is the market at this time. Oasis one should be quieter than most condos. Thanks for watching.
Windows to the hall is a bit strange and it takes up the area one would put much needed cabinets. Many people in the Philippines do not use AC so they open windows for air flow but that also allows for more noise to enter the hallway. Most condos here come pretty bare although occasionally some furnishings are offered as an incentive. Thanks for watching and commenting Aj
Strange design. Some have upper windows into hall allowing for air flow and many here do not use AC, but this takes up the whole area one would put cabinets into. Thanks for watching and commenting Aj.
Problem is you start talking about things in America they don't care and have no concept of what your telling them. And they really don't understand . All they know is they will die if they don't eat rice every meal.
It is true that people from other cultures have many misconceptions about "America". I have taken the time to explain some of the differences to some people and they have been interested to learn about it. I have been in the Philippines over 2 years and still learning about the culture here. I understand what you are saying. Videos help but the best way to learn about a culture is to experience it which often isn't possible.
Hi we have been watching your channel now for years great stuff. We bought at one oasis in April 2017 off plan building 9. We loved our stay here great place. We were promised December 2018 handover. To date building 9 is not handed over. It is at least 18 months delayed depending on the current crisis. They did not handle the delay well and on completion of deposit when they should have handed over in early 2019 demanded more money for six months, a complete break of the contract to sell. They knew condo prices had gone up so they kept breaking the contract to sell. and then full payment was demanded in November last year or we would lose our condo. We can understand delays but their handling of the matter is not good at all. They simply don't care that we can't move to Philippines and have to pay rent in the UK. If we went with avida riala or ayala the towers would have been handed over a long time ago. I would think twice if your are planning to buy the new building up for sale now.
Thanks for sharing your experience Skye. Delays are common here with some developers. They will now be hurt with the downturn in the economy for a couple of years or longer.
@@AmazingPhilippines1
Hi, sorry skye is my daughter I am Stephen. We can understand delays but the lack of communication was an issue. They give updates at the 11th hour with no explanation. By the time they told us of delays in late 2018 avida and horizons had went up in price by 1 million pesos. Another example was they asked us to attend the bank for the loan transfer in November for turnover in Dec 19. So we booked flights from UK for Nov 20th. The bank then later informed us that filinvest deadline was Nov 5th for Dec 5th over. We asked filinvest if it was 100 percent 5th of December and if we could attend the bank on November 20th. They said it was 100 percent 5th of dec and we had to get to tha bank by Nov 5th. So we were forced to pay to change our flights. Then just before December they said it wasn't ready for handover no explanation and we are still waiting for news.
We do live Cebu it's an awesome place.
Hmm this all looks very nice, and a well equipped gym too, and it's good to see if one is prepared to pay the sort of rent being asked here, or if one was thinking of buying one, what you could get for your money.. The Girl was nice too (smile) Great video my friend, i very much enjoyed this... Carl
Interesting visit. I was looking for something else when I met this group so it was a learning experience at the very least. I do like the quiet area.
I find this really helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for a very detailed video of the property.
Thanks for watching Rodel.
I really like these.
I haven't been back there since I did the video but it is a nice layout and reasonably convenient layout also Matt.
I'm coming and stay for 17 days. thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching Chirriru. Enjoy your stay.
@6:05... why would u have this, a window going through the hall? its a big flaw, but the model unit looks pretty sweat!
I have seen a few places with the hall windows Takashi. Many Filipinos do not use air conditioning so it is a way to provide air circulation.
Wow that air con wasent mounted very wel in the display room and in the vacant room the floor wasn't layed very well all bumpy with the float floor. Any emergency electricity ? at all ? yes the property in Damagetti Ned showed that a while ago
Little details in the quality do stand out. I believe there was backup generator but I forgot to ask. I will be meeting them again next year to discuss other projects and that will be one of my questions.
Thanks for watching and commenting Kriss.
Great Rod thanks but that was show room should have been good the A/c mounted wrong seems to me that show room one was very small also as if you have to pay the water seperate or is that in the monthly fee you have to pay ?also the taxes every year of the barangi ?sorry (council )
Condo dues are 60 pesos/sq meter/month. Electric and water are extra. My experience is water will usually run about 150 pesos per month.
Thanks sir 😊👏👏👏
Thanks for watching Sherwin. I have met a few people who have rented there and they liked it. A couple said the pool policy was strict but I am not sure what that means.
I am going out there soon I might want to stay here
I like Cebu City. It is a small big city. Thanks for watching Christopher.
Thank you.
You're welcome Agnes.
Nice place. Wonder how much it would take to finish one from how they leave it to what was shown in model room.
Finishing it the way you like it would have a wide range based on what you want and your budget but one can have a nice place at a bargain if they take time to shop for decor.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
A property i have been looking at is Modena town square near Minglanilla 67 sq metres 2 bed 2 bath not ready until late 2018 but seems to represent good value at 3 mil php a bit out of town but not far from the new SM seaside development and we have a beach property at Argao so easy commute ..thanks for your info on properties best wishes for Xmas
Many foreigners and developments out that direction. Argao looked like a nice area when I went through on a bus many months ago. You also have Mybus running out of Talisay City into Cebu City. Merry Christmas to all of you.
Thanks for watching and commenting David.
I live here!!! thanks for showing it rod.i miss this place..damn i wanna meet that chick that showed you the place..LOLS.
It is a nice complex and quiet if your neighbors don't make a lot of noise.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
It looks like the balcony is less than two feet wide, too small for a couple chairs and table. Three foot would be much better. I like this place, maybe a update video is in order.
If I remember correctly, it is a little wider than the video makes it look Tim, but most balconies here could use more space.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 I was going by the tile, if they are 12 inch. I think they have to keep the cost down so the OFW can afford the time payments.
As affordable as these places are, it is cheaper to rent. I worry about maintenance as the building gets older. I recall you had issues with broken pools and gym equipment, as well as the roof leak.
The room air cons do not have inverters that you will surely be billed with large sums for electricity.
A split type with inverter could be set on the small balcony. My window AC and refrigerator is costing me an average of 2100 pesos/month for a studio with 22 Sq meters. My last place would have been 1500 p higher I think as the walls would stay warm until 10 pm.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
RENT FOR 2 BEDROOM FOR 1 MONTH WAS 27,000 ACCORDING TO 2 AMERICAN LADIES I TALKED TO AS I WAS LEAVING.
27k per month is not bad, but is that furnished?
Love your videos, a gimbal would be good for the shaking, they are $100 now :)
There are a few cameras out now that do very good without a gimbal Paul. I am waiting to see what else comes out in the next couple of months. This is an older video with a different camera also.
Your city is huge and overwhelming different blogger just did a two-part series on cebu business park another neighborhood specializing in technology it looked extremely expensive rod what i need to find is a studio apartment or condo inexpensive with stable electricity and internet due to the possibility of a major seismic event like would just happened in taiwan and mexico i want to try to find something single storey bohol has too many problems blackout and internet after typhoon we had no power or water for 47 days but cebu recovered quickly
A few years ago I was stopped from filming in IT Park twice Michael. I stated that people do it all the time with a phone. They said a phone pic and video is allowed but not a camera. How odd is that?!
For a condo, I would be sure they have 100% backup power as many just have power to the common areas in a brownout. Also, most building 5 years or newer have fiber optic internet but nothing is guaranteed during a typhoon. Cell service came back on quicker than the internet and I used that a few weeks pretty reliably with a data plan connecting phone to the computer.
@@AmazingPhilippines1 understood
WOW! that place is really nice but looks expensive. Rod are you moving there?
I came across this group while looking for something else. It is nice and quiet. Only 2 bedrooms were available in Bldg 3. I think that is a bit much for me. The next building opens up late next year but not decisions now.
Thanks for watching and commenting Malou.
I like your videos. Very informative and helps me narrow down my search to live in Cebu. However, here is some friendly advice...You come off very anxious at times. You're tone of your voice is calm, although you seem to "Bum Rush" the unit once you step inside. Don't make us Americans look typical.
Thanks. This video was a couple of years ago and I don't remember the details of the visit.
Geez..is the door knobs included...lol
Door knobs are included Jim. LOL. This is a different culture and different practices. I would prefer to get it without floor tile also so I can put in proper sound proofing.
Yes I live part time in Escalante city..cross the water from you...my wife is there..she has a house in Pasig...very Small indeed...by the way thanks for your review on my favorite place to stay Bai hotel..where we go and stay when I fly in...thanks to you sir😁
Good choice with Bai Hotel Jim.
how about the transportation outside of the condo?
Good question Cavin. There is a main road a few blocks away so getting a Grab car or Grab taxi should be easy. I would guess that they also are dropping people off there often but not like right on a main road where they drive by constantly.
just the pool alone is worth the money.
I like that it is enclosed and quiet. Pool, gym, and basketball court also.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
So $85k for a large 2-bedroom - plus another $10k to $20k to actually finish and furnish it. It is actually cheaper than some of the others you've reviewed, and quieter too. The advantage to that 2-bedroom style is you can have a separate office, or open it up into one large master suite and include the office in the same large room. So call it $100k for 430 sq ft, complete. And the first thing I would do is to bar the hallway windows - OMG - hahaha.
That hallway window was a bit of a surpise. I think many people do not use AC here and they will just leave the window partly open which will allow their noise out into the hallway. Not very secure and it is in the very area one would put much needed cabinets. Cabinets would act as bars. I do like the quiet area.
Thanks for watching and commenting mercxmorris.
She's pretty cute.
Pretty real estate agents are always a plus. She is smart also.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
I used to live on Mactan Island. Cebu City is pretty much congested; that's why they call Cebu the small version of Manila. But I like the fact that I can have both beach resort and the city. Ayala mall is not too far away from Mactan and the new SM Seaside Mall.
Rod, are you looking to buy, or are you just reviewing for us? Thanks, and Merry Christmas.....
It is a learning experience. I am not comfortable with buying right now as I want to travel a bit also. It is an option I will consider if I find a special place and good price. I was doing research on a different sort of project when I stumbled upon this operation.
Thanks for watching and commenting Boggan.
Were you checking out the golf course?
I did not check out the golf course. Haven't played in years. It is an interesting game until you start keeping score. Hahaha.
Damn, wrong again - hehehe. Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see what you have in store for us. Until next time.
Hahaha. I get distracted easily by girls who want to show me their condo.
so in you opinion, wc is better? this one or midpoint?
One Oasis would be my choice Sabby. I think it is in a quieter area and a larger area also. Both are off of the main road a bit so traffic noise would be less. There are no guarantees about barangy noise, karaoke noise, etc coming from outside of the condos so one might want to face the inside area. Part of One Oasis faces the Country Club Golf Coarse so that should be quiet.
Amazing Philippines thank you so much! your thoughts will really help us in coming up with a decision whether to buy the one from midpoint or one oasis. though both dont allow animals (one con that im really sad about), i think one oasis is really nice based on the videos you showed plus it has a balcony :) thank you so much and hope you'll continue to put out more videos like this! 👍🏽
Thanks again Rod, a 22sqm for 1.4 mil php on the golf side would so be worth it. I'm a dreamer though :)
The golf side would be even more quiet I am sure. My experience is that these condos are appreciating in value if one was looking for an investment. There are several other buildings going up in the coming years also.
Thanks for watching and commenting David.
Windows to the hallways???
No way
That is the 1st time I have seen that. I would want to put cabinets in that area.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Why was the security guard with you?
Security guards are always present when I view condos. Do I look suspicious?! lol. Just a precaution I presume. Thanks for watching and commenting John.
same goofy design of the condo we rented near Seaside mall this last June. Must be built by same outfit. Enjoying your vids you are posting on the condos and other things. When I get ready to retire there, I will be using my secret weapon to find a good place to live....my brother in law in Mactan. He showed me a 3 bed 2 bath house in a gated sub that was for rent near him for 5500 php per month. You had to bring your own aircon, but otherwise move in ready. Maybe I should tell him to start a business finding foreigners better deals.
My impression is that there is a lot of properties on Mactan with lower rents. The traffic can be bad getting to and from Cebu City but I have met a couple expats who live there and like it.
Thanks for watching and commenting Keith.
Is that cebu? becuse i know there is a ayala on cebu
This is Cebu City. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Do you think would be a safe investment putting 40,000 In the Philippines.
I have been overly cautious over the years and it has cost me by not buying in at the lower prices. Most people think the Philippine economy is due to continue growing. Lots of foreign investment and companies moving in. The low cost of labor and English speaking workforce are one draw. Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea are all quite expensive. I am not an expert but I think growth will continue for many years. There is always some risk. I had Ayala properties offer me a 15-20% discount on high end condos near Ayala Mall, Cebu City until Dec. 31 so there are "deals" to be made also.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
No real-estate appreciates in the Philippines just observe the condos 10yrs old and they look run down. Looks nice poorly built.
How long would it take me to get to Ayala Mall? Taxi? Walk (3K/hr speed)
One Oasis is probably a 30 minute walk from Ayala. There is a narrow winding road that takes you from this condo to the main road. I would walk it but many would not be comfortable walking it as it is the basic poor neighborhood along that narrow road. Thanks for watching Reginald.
10mins on motorbike
strange to have a window to the hallway.... The condos are becoming way over priced imo in the philippines.. you get a shoe box to live in for a ton of money.. better to rent something if you ask me. The only attraction is the silence.. no dogs barking, no chickens, no videoke, and no sounds of traffic..
I have observed that condos built in the last 5-7 years have much smaller units than previously. Most of these highrises have been built in the last 7 years during the building boom. I agree, expensive, but that is the market at this time. Oasis one should be quieter than most condos. Thanks for watching.
They tolerate the kanos for the money we provide, once the money stops flowing so does the pinays loving.
ITS so gahi...heheheh.... ^____^
Dude... I think you’re the only one in the country who mis-pronounces Cebu as SEE-boo, lol. 😆 Nice informative video though.
I am corrected often regardless of how I pronounce it Steven but I will keep trying to improve. Thanks for watching and commenting.
👍 😎
Window facing the hall? That is really stupid design...lol...Does the unit come with anything beside the walls and floors?
Windows to the hall is a bit strange and it takes up the area one would put much needed cabinets. Many people in the Philippines do not use AC so they open windows for air flow but that also allows for more noise to enter the hallway. Most condos here come pretty bare although occasionally some furnishings are offered as an incentive.
Thanks for watching and commenting Aj
Amazing Philippines window facing the hall so they can sari sari out of their apartment LOL
Strange design. Some have upper windows into hall allowing for air flow and many here do not use AC, but this takes up the whole area one would put cabinets into.
Thanks for watching and commenting Aj.
Quick escape but the door may work better. lol.
Thanks for watching and commenting Keith.
nice but not a great view
I prefer a higher view or sea view myself. It is quieter than many buildings off the busy streets.
Thanks for watching and commenting John.
Your never gonna have a deep conversation with a Filipina ,
That may be true of much of the population of the world but I have had some very good "deep" conversations with Filipinos.
Problem is you start talking about things in America they don't care and have no concept of what your telling them. And they really don't understand . All they know is they will die if they don't eat rice every meal.
It is true that people from other cultures have many misconceptions about "America". I have taken the time to explain some of the differences to some people and they have been interested to learn about it. I have been in the Philippines over 2 years and still learning about the culture here.
I understand what you are saying. Videos help but the best way to learn about a culture is to experience it which often isn't possible.