Phillippines..armpit of asia
 

is it really such a dump?

its not HKG or SIN !

Most of asia is 3rd world, its what you make of it.

Well now, it depends.

If you live in Frasier Park, not bad at all.

OTOH, it ain't a bed of roses either.
Investment for example.
Several years ago our company interested a large investment group in forming a cargo airline company in Manila, only to have the local group we were dealing with get greedy, and want far too much.
Bottom line, I requested 'em to look elsewhere, as many of the folks in the Philippines simply have scared off quality investment with their underhanded way of doing business.

In short, nice place to visit...working and especially business investment comes up looking rather sad.

The girls are very friendly to and you can have a fun night out if you know were to look. unfortunatly the territory comes with some pretty grim squalor in places,
Enjoy,