[mephisto]

If you don't like BKK traffic, you will HATE Manila traffic, and that's the truth. I'd say Manila traffic is easly twice as bad as BKK's and the poverty level all around you is pretty horrible. That's why I highly recommend living and existing purely within the Makati disctrict, you basically don't need to leave that area and you would think you are in Honolulu because it's so modern.

As for internet connections, I would research this throughougly before making a destination stop somewhere outside of Manila to grind online. I'd say your best bet outside of Manila is Cebu as its prolly 2nd most developped infrastructure. It's a huge resort island and it's gorgeous.