It's actually not too bad as long as you stay out of the far southern provinces. Mindanao and Davao are pretty dangerous for westerners, but the northern areas are still just as friendly and inviting as you remember. We're actually considering moving there when I retire. We're planning to spend next Christmas there and I can hardly wait to go back.
One of my inlaws uses her sewing machine to make windshield polishing pads from scrap fabric. All the local jeepney drivers buy them to keep the glass clean. My sister in law and her husband own a couple of jeepneys and run a route. I got to drive one around a few blocks on my last visit.
That's some beautiful woodwork. I especially like the carpenters tool box.
