Welcome to PHILIPPINE MAGAZINE – your ultimate guide to Philippine life through the lens of an expat! 🌏
Embark on a vibrant journey with us as we explore the rich tapestry of daily life, culture, and traditions in the Visayan Mindanao region, also known as VisMin. Our focus zooms in on the heart of the central Visayas, particularly the enchanting province of Negros Oriental and its diverse cities and municipalities.
Join us as we wander through the charming landscapes and bustling streets of Negros Island.🏞️
We uncover the unique flavors of their local cuisine, explore the vibrant markets bursting with life, and witness the incredible craftsmanship and trades. 🍲🛍️🔨
IMPORTANT NOTICE to Viewers & Participants
If you happen to appear in any of my videos and would prefer to be blurred out, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [dieterwsokoll@gmail.com]. I respect everyone's privacy and will gladly accommodate your request.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
Philippine Magazine
A Walk Through Dumaguete’s Pre-Christmas Chaos 🎄🚶♂️
Last Friday afternoon, I took my camera and went for a walk through downtown Dumaguete to capture the city in full pre-Christmas mode.
Traffic was thick and slow, parking spaces were nowhere to be found, and every street seemed to compete for the title of most congested. Police cars with flashing lights showed presence, but most drivers and pedestrians were left to negotiate the chaos on their own.
Walking through the city also highlights a very Philippine phenomenon: sidewalks that suddenly change height, width—or simply disappear. In older parts of town, sidewalks belong to property owners, not the city, which explains why pedestrians often end up sharing the road with motorcycles, cars, and delivery trucks.
Around Lee Plaza, the crowds were heavy. ATMs were busy, shops were full, and street vendors filled every available corner. Some people had just received their 13th-month pay, others were collecting remittances sent home by OFWs. Money was moving, and Christmas was clearly coming.
In the middle of all this, a wedding took place in one of the churches—elegant guests stepping into shiny cars, while just meters away a fully loaded multicab fought its way through traffic. Dumaguete in one single scene.
As dusk approached, I stopped at the Painitan at the public market for coffee, watching the city slowly switch from daylight chaos to evening lights. Later, I ended the walk at the cathedral, glowing warmly from inside, with more chairs being placed outside for the evening Mass.
This video is not about perfection—it’s about real life in Dumaguete before Christmas: noisy, crowded, chaotic… and very alive.
1 week ago | [YT] | 0
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Philippine Magazine
As the first light touches Dumaguete Boulevard, the city slowly wakes up.
Fishermen return from the sea, joggers claim the empty pathways, and vendors prepare for another day.
Every sunrise brings its own rhythm — simple moments, everyday routines, and small stories you only see if you're here early enough.
So… what really happens early morning at Dumaguete Boulevard?
Let’s take a closer look - COMING SOON!
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 1
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Philippine Magazine
🎥 Sunday Morning at Dumaguete’s Painitan – Video Preview
Early this Sunday, around 7:30 AM, we visited the famous Painitan inside the public market of Dumaguete City. Every Sunday, one of the inner lanes of the market transforms completely: from 4:00 to 9:00 AM (sometimes until 9:30), the street is closed to all motorcycle traffic. Instead of parked bikes, long tables fill the road, and the entire stretch becomes a lively breakfast hub.
Locals and returning visitors gather here to enjoy a true Negros Oriental breakfast: native coffee or hot cacao served with budbud (sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves), warm noodle dishes, or simple favorites like toasted buns with egg or ham. People sit side by side at the long communal tables, sharing conversations, laughter, and good food.
Since we were only two, we quickly found a spot to place our gear—and more importantly, to return to our coffee between shots. Soon we were joined by a cheerful group of young ladies visiting from Cebu, who kindly agreed to a short interview.
From there, I dove back into the action with my camera: capturing the bustling open-air tables, the narrow cooking spaces behind each stall, the glass displays full of local delicacies, and the warm interaction between vendors and customers. Under the covered section, space is tight but full of character—exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes Painitan so special.
I’m excited about the footage we captured today, and I think it shows the authentic, lively charm of a Dumaguete Sunday morning. The full video will be online very soon—stay tuned!
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 2
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Philippine Magazine
🌅 Good morning from Zamboanguita!
Yesterday I released a new video about a full day in our little coastal town — from the busy main road in the morning to the fishermen at the beach, the lively market, and the evening scenes with the pedicab drivers and the vulcanizer.
I’m really happy to see that so many of you enjoyed it — the watch time and the feedback were amazing. Thank you so much! 🙏
If you haven’t seen it yet, feel free to check it out. And if you want more from Zamboanguita, let me know:
Would you prefer a video about the beach resorts, the hot springs, or maybe some kitesurfing scenes next?
Thanks for being here and supporting the channel — it means a lot! 🌴🎥
1 month ago | [YT] | 4
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Philippine Magazine
Getting Ready for Undas 2025 in Dumaguete 🌼💀
This year I’ll be spending Undas 2025 (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days) in Dumaguete City, trying to capture the unique atmosphere with my camera. To prepare, my daughter showed me the city’s different cemeteries — and I focused more on the older ones rather than the new, garden-style memorial parks.
One section of the public cemetery really caught my attention: semicircular clusters of double-layer tombs that form complete circles, divided only by narrow walkways. Around the outer edges, there are even four-story walls of tombs, leaving almost no space for trees or shade.
Another cemetery still needs a lot of cleaning before Undas begins. But by the evening of November 1st and 2nd, I expect the streets will be packed with flower, candle, and food stalls, and traffic will be at a standstill. I’ll probably have to walk quite a distance — but that’s part of the experience!
2 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Philippine Magazine
This video takes you back to a day in Siaton, Negros Oriental. My son-in-law, a black-and-white photographer, and I rarely go out together, and when we do, we usually follow our own paths. That day, while he photographed the sunlight at the shore, I filmed boats, fishermen, and families at the beach. Here’s the result – a glimpse of everyday life by the sea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB-Xf...
2 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Philippine Magazine
🎥 Today I’d like to share my lightweight but very versatile video setup!
At the heart of it is a custom frame where my camera (Samsung Galaxy A55) can be mounted securely. I usually prefer the handheld rig, even though I also carry a DJI gimbal—which, to be honest, mostly stays in the backpack.
Attached to the rig is either a simple handgrip or my Manfrotto monopod. Both can be mounted in different positions:
Bottom: extend the monopod to reach impressive heights.
Side: get shots over tables, displays, or even across water without getting wet.
Top: hold the camera low while moving, like on a vehicle.
For audio, I rely on the BOYA Magic wireless microphone, which provides great sound quality with two small mics (windshields included). They usually stay mounted on the rig.
When the light gets tricky, a compact ULANZI light comes to the rescue.
Editing is done with CapCut Pro, and to keep things copyright-safe I use a yearly subscription with Epidemic Sound for background music and effects.
3 months ago | [YT] | 2
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Philippine Magazine
DAUIN TOURISM WEEK 2025 - Trashion Show
Experience the vibrant celebration of Tourism Week 2025 in Dauin, Negros Oriental! 🌏✨
Yesterday afternoon, the municipality hosted a unique “Trashion Show”, where different departments of the local government showcased their creativity and environmental commitment. Participants walked the catwalk in stunning costumes made entirely from recycled materials and everyday waste – turning trash into fashion with an important message about sustainability and waste management.
This coming video brings you closer to the event with numerous photos and screenshots, capturing the energy, innovation, and community spirit of Dauin as it highlights the importance of caring for our environment. 🌿
3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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Philippine Magazine
If you were to travel to the Philippines, what would be the first thing you would do?
3 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Philippine Magazine
Latest Video
JEEPNEY RIDE | Zamboanguita to Dumaguete | PHILIPPINES
Early Morning Jeepney Ride from Zamboanguita to Dumaguete City | Daily Vlog Philippines
In this daily vlog, we take you on an authentic jeepney ride in the Philippines from Zamboanguita to Dumaguete City during the early morning rush hour. Starting our journey at the Old Spanish Road in Zamboanguita, we travel through the scenic countryside as the jeepney picks up passengers one by one and in groups, filling up quickly as we approach Dumaguete. As the ride gets more crowded, the iconic wooden stools – the emergency seats – are placed in the aisle, allowing even more passengers to squeeze in, showcasing the vibrant and dynamic way of living in the Philippines. Join us on this lively trip as we head towards our destination near the bustling public market in Dumaguete City. Experience the true essence of local transport and daily life in the Philippines in this Zamboanguita to Dumaguete commute!
1 year ago | [YT] | 0
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