From my experience in the Philippines, things very rarely ever work 100% right. No matter what it was, something was always screwed up. The power would randomly go out. The water supply would randomly run out. Almost every restaurant I went to was missing menu items. Public bathrooms in the mall didn't offer toilet paper (They didn't run out of toilet paper, it literally wasn't offered except at a nearby store for purchase). They wouldn't accept super crisp $100 bills at the money exchange because they claimed they weren't crisp enough. The plumbing at our rental was clogged up. The driver taking us to the airport showed up an hour late. The airport didn't offer any food options once you make it through customs into the secured area.
I can go on and on and on...I guess that's a third world country for ya. So am I surprised that they don't have online brackets to track their tournament???...ummmm NO lol
Guess what, we don't live in a perfect world. Yes, the Philippines is Third World, but far better than many other countries you might chose to visit, including those in the higher echelons. You forgot to mention how courteous and kind the people are there, how inexpensive everything is compared to the USA and Europe (so many beautiful beach and mountain resorts at motel prices), great food too at very low cost, good service everywhere with large and energetic staffs of people in every mall and market (and they speak English too).
Unlike you I've never had a problem exchanging money, with money changing shops everywhere offering good rates of exchange. Yes, their culture is different than ours in many ways and I make sure to carry tissue with me. It's not a big inconvenience. Also true that their power grid often cannot handle the problems brought on by torrential downpours or prolonged heat spells. They are working now to upgrade it. We've been here two weeks and have had two brief (10-15 minute) power outages. The cheap hotels are more likely to have plumbing or electrical issues, also true. I prefer the nicer hotels that offer free full buffet breakfasts. They can be had for around $75-100 a night.
One other big thing you left out. It's much, much safer here than in any major city in the United States period. There are no random acts of violence or criminal gangs breaking into businesses. Women can walk the street alone at night and not be assaulted. Road rage is a very rare occurence on their heavily traveled streets and highways. You just won't see it here. Shoplifting is equally rare. People shop and they pay for their goods. It's that simple. They have beautiful clean malls with all the amenities you can find in the USA, plus every type of fast food place we all like from KFC to Shakeys to McDonalds etc. And there has never been a mall or school shooting as far as I know. Not one! Mass shootings just don't happen here!
Domestic airlines will take you anywhere here at discount prices, all with clean flight records. The longest flight is only two hours and most flights are an hour to 90 minutes.
There is a good reason the Philippines is a desired retirement community for so many foreigners.
