I'm going to Manila in a month to look around for places to live. Which neighborhoods in Manila do foreigners tend to live in? Thank you for your help.

If you want to hang out with people from your own country, why even come to the Philippines? You're surrounded by them already! I've traveled to more than 20 countries and have been settled in the Philippines for over 10 years. I traveled to learn new customs, meet new people, and enjoy new cultures. I do have a few expat acquaintances here, but we don't hang out together. When we meet at the HOA, we talk about local things like a newly discovered beach or a new restaurant, not politics or the problems of the old country we left behind. That's what I came here to get away from. The Philippines is a beautiful place. I hope you'll treat it as a new experience, learn the customs and culture, and meet lots of locals so you can blend into local life. You'll never forget it!

Start with Cebu. Manila is too crowded and dirty everywhere except BGC and the area called Makati. And Manila's airport was named one of the worst airports in the world, while Cebu's airport was named one of the best.

Eastwood, Quezon City

The Tondo and Binondo areas. Especially at night, carry lots of cash and keep it visible.