Just got an email from a very legit recruiter about a possible role. In Manila, of all places. I was a bit intrigued because I didn't expect much in the way of demand for expensive westerners in the Philippines, but it sounds like they want a western design manager leading a team of locals. Company is unknown at this stage but am assured it's a major global multinational engineering and design consultancy.

I want to leave Qatar but Manila?

Anyone have experience with life in Manila? Assuming there's a big package and not some grubby ESOL lifestyle.

Hard to find a big package in Manila from what I've heard...

Oh god, just realised what Grindr must be like over there

I had a stint there in the 90's for around 3 years and Loved it , been back a few times since.

It's a funny place that's for sure and definitely rough around the edges and unlike any other city in S.E Asia . Obviously it's changed an awful lot but it was a mad as a bag of ferrets when i was there.

Filipinos are peculiar people. Madder than anyone else in SE Asia. I've a feeling if I moved there it'd be a constant battle fighting off the women (and the men ). Could be a fun spell but if they drive me crazy here then how much more crazier would I get there?

It'll be a lonely, thankless task churning out design work for projects here (and / or elsewhere).

You speak from experience?

Tell me more.

Think that location and others similar (India). They're design sweatshops with an Expat manager overseeing football field size offices of people producing design docs and drawings for project here.

Many big engineering consultancies will have something along these lines.

The role will be almost purely QA/QC, sampling some of what goes out and dishing out kickings when the complaints come in.

That's what I think / know from experience. As much as you and I don't get on I don't think Doha is worth sacrificing for a role like that. Leave it to the bloke with a Filipino wife who wants to move there and do a job.

I find them very different here than when they're on home turf . No need for the 'Yes Ma'm Sir' routine in the fleshpots of Pasay City

Very interesting place though and there's a lot to see . Manila itself is still a sprawling disjointed polluted nightmare of a city but has a rough diamond charm about it.

Yeah, that's my instinct. I'm aware of these sweatshops. Not too sure if it's a decent step up in my career.

Hyder (Arcadis) Consulting Int. have their Global Design Centre in Manila. Might be them.

That's the other thing. A decade ago it'd be an adventure and I'd be keen on it.

Now I value efficiency and quality and professionalism, and a properly made cappuccino every morning. Going to BKK for a wild weekend every now and then is a blast, and I'm sure Manila falls in the same category, but on a day to day basis? Eh.

I poked around a bit more and I suspect you're right.

Um. Ok.

I don't know your background or CV but I can almost guarantee it's not.