Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- How safe is travelling in Mindanao? There's so much bad publicity about this area of the Philippines called the Red Zone, that I thought I'd best go and explore the place myself. Have been in western Mindanao almost 3 weeks: spent 4 nights in Dipolog City, a place I'd wanted to come to for awhile, having been on my radar since I heard about its fabulous Boulevard; a sad night in Oroquieta City which had nothing to offer; 4 nights in Ozamiz City; 6 nights in Iligan; now in Pagadian city where I stayed for 4 nights. I'm on my way to Zamboanga City which is 270km away. Too far for an old codger like me to do in one journey. So I'm stopping off in Ipil which is exactly halfway for the night.
On the morning I left Ozamiz city I received a text from a filipina I’d been chatting to asking if I had any foreign friends in Ozamiz. Then forwarded a Facebook post regarding a foreigner who’d been discovered dead that morning with gunshot wounds to the head who’d been executed. He had no phone or anything on his possession, so police couldn’t identify him. It was a chilling thought knowing that a foreigner was murdered in a place where I’d been staying for the previous 4 nights.
I’d not spent much time on the Ozamiz streets, as I’d been holed up in my hotel room editing. There’s a handful of good places to eat, but that’s about it. Fortunately the Royal Garden Hotel where I'd stayed was really lovely, which was probably the best thing about Ozamiz city. Apart from leaving.
This was my first time visiting western Mindanao. I have previously taken a ferry from Camiguin to Cagayan De Oro, spent time in that city, before travelling on to Davao, spending 3 weeks in Davao over Christmas 2022.
How safe is Mindanao Island? On the United Kingdom’s Foreign Travel Advice Website, they’ve virtually drawn a line down the middle of Mindanao depicting which are the safe places to travel to and those that are not so safe. The website states that there’s a high threat of kidnap in the Philippines, with foreign nationals targeted by both criminal and terrorist groups. The threat of kidnapping is particularly acute in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and offshore areas in the nearby waters of the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea.
A British national and a dual Filipino-British national were kidnapped on 4 October 2019 from a resort in Zamboanga, Western Mindanao. They were successfully rescued on 25 November 2019 by the Philippines Armed Forces. Some hostages however, including foreign nationals, have been murdered.
According to the 2020 census, CDO has a population of over 728,000. It is a vibrant multi-cultural city with over 50 mosques dotted around the city. I love cities. I walk each day for hours pounding the streets. I find much more life to see on the streets than a hike up a mountainside. Even if I’m not taking photographs or shooting video I still like the energy and interest that a city provides.
The Philippines should be on everyone’s bucket list with its beautiful white sand beaches, fabulous idyllic islands, turquoise sea and stunning scenery. The Philippines is a traveller’s paradise and regularly included in top ten favorite places to visit in Asia and affordable, favorite world holiday destination.
Many foreigners/expats choose the Philippines as the best country to retire in Asia and live in paradise. The Philippines is one of the cheapest countries to live in the world with its low cost of living and all year sunshine. Retiring in the Philippines is affordable on a budget of less than $1000 per month.
Filipinos are welcome and warm people. Filipinos are often regarded as the most friendliest nation in Asia and nicest people in the world. English is widely spoken throughout the country. The Philippines is included in the top ten English speaking countries in the world. The majority of Filipinos are highly proficient in English, so it is very easy to strike up a conversation and make new friends.
EQUIPMENT USED:
Canon Sureshot G7X Mark II.
GoPro HERO9 Black.
SUPPORT MY CHANNEL:
ko-fi.com/bigg...
www.paypal.com...
SOCIAL MEDIA:
/ biggworldcinema
/ biggworldcinema
/ bigg_world_cinema
t.me/BiggWorld... (Telegram)
PHOTOGRAPHS FOR LICENSE OR SALE:
www.alamy.com/...
COLOUR BARS TESTCARD:
vidfy.com/vide...
MUSIC KINDLY SUPPLIED BY:
Artist: Rymdklang Soundtracks
Song: Eternal Sunshine
Licensed to UA-cam by Epidemic Sounds
Artist: Aiyo
Song: Shuffle Showdown
Licensed to UA-cam by Epidemic Sounds
Artist: Lindsey Abraham
Song: When we Come Together
Licensed to UA-cam by Epidemic Sounds
Artist: Trailer Worx
Song: The Landowner
Licensed to UA-cam by Epidemic Sounds
CURRENT SUBSCRIBER COUNT: 21,718
#mindanao
#REDZONE
#philippines
Been watching your videos, off and on, for about a year. This one, and really the whole RedZone series, is some of the best Philippines-related content I've seen on UA-cam lately. It fills a gap in knowledge. Granted, I can't decide if you're a bit crazy or just uncommonly sane. But either way, I appreciate the effort.
I live in CDO at the moment, and have never dared venture west. It surprises me how normal these towns look, how normal the people are. I don't know what I was expecting. But Ipil -- a town I previously would never have imagined visiting -- looks pretty much like any small, poor town in Mindanao. It wouldn't be wise to live there as a white person, because there are active kidnappers in that region and they would eventually get a bead on you. But passing through seems, apparently, survivable, and probably quite interesting.
And I really enjoyed the music with the bus scenery. That was a nice touch.
Thank you for watching and your appreciation. I'm probably a blend of crazee/insane. I visited CDO last year also and loved the cultural blend (see what I did there? lol). Coming from multicultural UK, Mindanao feels different to the other Philippine islands, but I feel more at home here. Sure, living in this area would prove that I'm absolutely nuts, but I've loved exploring this area. And shall return. Best Wishes.
@@BiggWorldCinema so is it true Zamboanga is 40% muslim ? some even claim 60% which is BOGUS. I was more surpise Iligan had many m00slims. You are right Mindanao is like Indonesia and Malaysia, very different from Cebu and Manila
I haven't visited this part of Mindanao yet, I've spent time in Butuan, Davao and Gensan, I think overall it's one of the most interesting islands and great people. Also not too many foreigners around, thanks for great video.
Try to visit Polomolok very close to gensan like 30 minutes
In 2005 in Pagadian, little kids came up just to touch the hair on my arm because I was the first whitey they had ever seen.
keep including those pretty ladies so i can enjoy vicariously 😊
I 100% enjoy this Mindanao series 😊 something way different than the normal Philippines videos out lately 😄
I was just down there across from Ozamiz in the province, smaill towns. Like it there very much!!!
@@jeffjeff4477 Did they ever have more information on the guy Phil talked about. The guy who was murdered in Ozamiz.
really enjoy your videos and kindness
Love your work Phil, highway to the danger zone.
You've got balls
Thanks!
That's very kind of you. Much appreciated my friend!
Try to visit the province of Polomolok . Have pineapple field like 15 hectares and waterfalls
Definitely a different "vibe" down there 😅
Loving the regular vids , can't say anything has caught my eye to head that way, except for the sunsets in dipolog
Admire your adventurous spirit in giving full exploration of Mindanao region . Be safe in your travels and enjoy Sir.
I am impressed that you are going all the way down to Zamboanga. Not a lot of vloggers willing to do that. Should be interesting.
You seem to be able to stay healthy eating the typical filipino fair, high carbs highly processed, something fried in cheap oil and plenty of salt no doubt, little if anything fresh or green. I couldn't do it. You have a strong constitution, good on you
He should have ordered the broccoli w/peanut butter(at the bottom of the menu)for lunch. 30:01
18:45 "I cant find her, one day I will find her... one day!" 😍
You are going further south than I've been now. Should get interesting.
HEY Phil, I like the curvy receptionist with the yellow shirt, I think you know why
Nice travelling music Philip.
You have some pretty big Huevos to walk around that part of the Philippines my Friend. Stay Safe always watch your Six.
It’s perfectly safe. Videoing Muslim females isn’t but otherwise there is no issue.
It appears that the Muslim ladies want to be videoed. Plus I always ask their permission if it's okay. But you knew that didn't you?
@@BiggWorldCinema I knew. I just mean in general walking down the street. When I lived in Qatar this was a huge no can do. I assume it’s the same for all women of that faith. I enjoy your content as does my Filipina. But we are perplexed as to why you didn’t continue with the lovely dark skinned girl you meet at the beach.
17:50 I would have paid him 100. He had a great sense of humor about it and changed his price instantly to 50.
You went to Tukaran , I was there with 3 lovely ladies and a Brit back in 2019, fantastic day, weather, beach, food , the Brit and I were like 100 metres out in waist deep water , sun cvaressing our bodies, the 3 girls preparing the food , he said you live for momenst like this ! he was right , and Springlands Resort you could have visited, well worth it, 70 pesos and 2 good adult pools, the lap pool (little over 4ft height) have swum in many times, the food is good and reasonable, about 2 K passed Gaisano Mall on same side, did you go to Boss Gym on F.S Fajares Ave ? 700 pesos a month I paid 2022, plenty of weights there for you Philipp ! yeah Pagadian has a heart, a soul, many great parties and karaoke and plenty good food nights enjoyed over the times have been in that city, like your positive vibe and connecting with the locals, need that when you travel alone, cheers and san miguel !
30:01 How was your curry chop suey? It's kind of an odd menu, especially the broccoli w/peanut butter at the bottom of the menu. It looks like you had an egg w/rice for supper. It doesn't look like the town is going to win any Michelin awards in the near future.
Careful
Get an umbrella for walking. It will reduce the heat greatly.
Master of the Traveling Montage👍
Very useful material. You've visited and documented Mindanao adequately enough to strike it off my list of possible destinations when I get over there.
LOL. There must be some beauty in the ares he goes to. He says he won't do waterfalls, tours, boat tours, or anything a tourist would do. then he says the town doesn't really have a "vibe" and then head on to the next. It makes for some weird videos.
Glad to read another positive comment from you. Why are you still watching?
@@BiggWorldCinema were you asking that of Misterboo, or me? My original comment was genuine. I genuinely meant that your vids from Mindinao are extremely useful, as they have shown me that the region isn’t for me. Saves me the trouble of spending time and resources learning that for myself. Your channel is great!!! 👍🏼
@NunyaBidness-zr5mn Yeah, it was directed at Misterboo who's been jabbing away for weeks now.
Sorry, my friend.
@matrices3987 My beef is not with you my friend, but Misterbooby. My apologies.
At the 14:30 mark you were in my town of Buug.
Hi there. You live in Buug? If you don't mind me asking, how long have you lived there, and do you ever feel in any danger? I mean, am I completely off in thinking that it would be dangerous for a foreigner to live in such a place?
@@international_man_1 Buug has a mixed population of two religions. It is overwhelmingly Christian. Ive lived here since 2019 with no problems. I traved between here and Pagadian. Margosatubig and Ozamis by bus alone and have had no problems. My gf doesn't want me venturing out to some of the small towns along the coast maybe would not find problems there maybe just a case of insecurity on my gf's part.
@@garyharris4361 That's good to hear. I live in CDO, maybe I'll pass through there one of these days. Best of luck to you.
was that a goat he was slicing, or mans best friend?
Hey, Kalbo!
Venturing into the heart of darkness.
Dont JUDGE 5:55 i enjoy most of your vlogs and dont ever forget youre a foreigner
Your format is unusual. You don't really aggravate your footage or provide any context for what we are about to see. It falls into either walk and talks amid squalor or CCTV footage that is time sped with copyright free music under it. No one but a dog would be that interested in 4 minutes of footage out of a moving bus or trike. The theme seems to be that there are friendly people on the street and that no one has raised a machete at you yet. Even the white balance of the video footage seems to be off. It adds to a bleak landscape littered with trash and abandoned construction.
On arrival the presenter haggles for a trike ride to the hotel. Once he arrives at the hotel he speaks clipped, western English. he gets the rate that is close to their profit margin, he says he wants a senior's discount. Then he tells them that he cannot specify the length of this stay but that he will "extend" if content. Then he demands to see the room, which looks identical to every other room in this area. Once he unloads his 4 t-shirt wardrobe he then begins creating another 29 minute epic about the rain and lack of wardrobe hangers.
Stop watching then
Misterboo's in love with me.
@@misterboo72 There's always a negative person in every vlog doesn't matter who the vlogger is. The insecure people of the world.
@@garyharris4361 Constructive criticism doesn't mean that I am "negative". I am just critical. I wouldn't say that I am more insecure than anyone else. And yes, I am in love with BWC. Else, why would I watch?
What free dating apps do you like best.?
Had better success on Badoo and Pina Love. Just need lots of patience.
Thank you Philip @@BiggWorldCinema
Will you be considering travelling to Sulu islands when you are nearby as well?
and never be seen again?
@@JohnnyLawrence293 Sure, and you think Zamboanga is instant death too?
@@blomster4304 didn't say that, but clearly no normal whitey would be traveling to sulu for tourist purposes unescorted. let us know how it turns out for you
What was up with the guy at the start chopping with the machete, did he ask are you Muslim? Then ignored you , did I catch that right ?
That was the elephant in the room.
He was working as was the butcher. You failed to mention that the other Muslim men in the restaurant had smiles on their faces. Regardless of someone's faith not everyone wants to be recorded. How would you react if when working at your job a stranger walked up to you and started taking a video or pictures of you?
@@KC-in9px Yes, the men were busy working and smiled. The boy was gesturing to Philip about not having a beard. They were probably wondering why Philip was in a Muslim area and were amused.
@@KC-in9px The conversation once they got the mosque later:
"did you see the foreigner?"
"the one with the cameras and the clip on sunglasses?"
"He was photographing the women and the children"
"should we exit him?"
"Yes. It is written. Go and bring him to me."
"Immam. He has left on the bus this morning. Next town will see him, God willing".
@@KC-in9px ohh I'd be angry if someone came up and just started filming me "anywhere " not just at work , but I wouldn't ask them their religion
The quality of the food you eat is dreadful healthwise.
They'll catch you
Who?
@@BiggWorldCinema They have evidence against you
Just don't go out in the boondocks down in this region. Cities and towns are okay or we might not see you again. Oh, Phil, ask them "Kumasta ka?" which in Bisaya means "How are you?" Maayo = Good or well. It might help with the cute women there.
15:13 Not Handicap Accessible I see.
Why would a guy go to Zamboanga? Does he just want to prove he can do it and not be killed by the locals. Of all the places in the Philippines why go here dude?
Better than being sat on my couch beaching about life.
You said "lots of Mosque here" with a laughter, we understood your message delivered in the old and classic British way. Becareful Filipinos are one big family irrespective of their believe system and tribes. An insult/attack on ONE is an insult/attack on ALL Filipinos.
guess we have another religion of peace cry baby here
You need to chill. No disrespect here at all. Or jog on Sweetheart.
Im 68yo and l could never live in the squalid cheap hotels eating awful food in the peens its terrible lve lived in Thailand 12 year's l live very comfortably and don't have to keep asking for senior discounts its degrading for a few worthless pesos
i feel opposite about your comments. videos are great example of enjoying travel within you means
Kudos on your Cooper Tire Adventurer lifestyle, but I find the adventures of Kwai-Chang Caine more entertaining.
No offence sir but if u filmed a day in your life no one would watch ,this on the other hand is pure adventure, even better on a bike
I’m sure there are some very wealthy people that love doing exactly what he does. Open your mind
@@mikelandry6397 all he does is go from one grim destitute hovel to another it all looks the same endless tin roof shacks Havana Cuba has faded grandure the peens is just a sh&thole and lve been to both