The Thrilla in Manillappines

We landed in Angeles City, the equivalent to Avalon only so much more disgusting than you could ever imagine! We probably should of done a bit more research so we would know what to expect. Lonely plantet describes it as "sleazy, filthy and dirty" and they are spot on.
Turns out that it is an ex-US army base that had some 40,000 prostitutes back in the day and now still only exists for its sex tourism industry.
We got our of there pretty fast and headed for the madness of Manila.
Again we were not prepared for the large number children beggars, but had to accept that it was very common in this undeveloped country.
We boarded a overnight ferry to Cebu scheduled to take 24 hours, it took 32!!
Cebu to the island of Bohol where we stayed in the jungle on the river in huts, trekked through the jungle, zip lined over a gorge, rode 20kms (it took 1.5hours) to see some sleeping tarsiers (like little monkeys) then rode back again (15 mins downhill) cooling down with a 50 cent beer.
After Bohol we ferried across to another island called Siquijor.
Ancient folklore has it that healers and black magic inhibit the island and it is difficult to find a native Filipino who would visit the island. This didn't stop us!!
We arrived at midnight after our ferry was delayed 13 hours!!
Here we snorkelled, ate super cheap fresh seafood with two blokes from Bendigo and hired a scooter for $9 a day!
We took the scooter everywhere it shouldn't have gone. Through dirt roads, road construction sites and occasionally on the bitumen.
The not nerve racking bit, Ned's driving!
after Siquijor we started our trip back to Manila, but not before we ha to take another ferry that had us strategising how we would escape if it was to sinking. It was so clapped out and definitely NOT seaworthy.
Once back in Manila we headed for KL on route to freezing, cold Melbourne.
All going to plan we will be back before year's end I do the northern Philippines.