"They call the Philippines the land of smiles - so might as well get one there, even if out in the sticks most of them are toothless."
Sorry to correct you HappyCats, but Thailand is called the 'land of smiles', not the PI.
But you're actually more likely to get a smile in the PI than Thailand, IMO.
Just got back from there last week.
Managed to dodge the typhoon on Luzon, as I was in Palawan at the time.
Monsoon season doesn't spare anywhere though, and there was major flooding in Olongapo and Manila, and everywhere in between.
Torrential rain was the order of the day, and night, and I mean TORRENTIAL, as in full on rain 24 hrs per day!
I've never seen anything like it, even in Nth Qld and Thailand.
Hanrahan:
Why would you want to go to expat bars in Manila?
You might as well check into a resort if you want to be surrounded by Aussies.
Or go to Bali!
Go for the authentic experience, and mix with the locals IMO.
They don't bite!
Although some of the local beers do, Red Horse and Colt45 for example...;-)
Handy hint: don't go to the PI for the local cuisine, unless you're into offal and chickens feet, boiled, dried and fried pork belly, and Balut etc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balut_(egg)
I've been told that Balut is best eaten in the dark!!
I had a better time in the PI than I've ever had in Thailand.
Especially as the local beer, San Miguel Light,(low carb, 5%), is 240 pesos (around $6.20) per six pack in an ice bucket, at one establishment that I frequented!
And the people are genuinely friendlier than Thailand IMO.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on the dental treatment, but HappyCats has already described that in detail.
