Oh they are definitely rampant there. Funny thing is, Philippines is one of the most catholic countries there is - something like 94% - and yet they tolerate gays/lesbians/trans waaaay more than here in the US. I asked my wife about it & she said it's just always been that way haha. Trans dudes will frequently go out door to door asking for donations for some parade/activity they are putting on. They came to my door once and I was like WTF no way - my wife gave him 20 pesos. It's a whole different world over there man. Karaoke drunken parties until 4am, blasting that shit on 5000 watt systems you can hear a mile away. Neighbors dogs barking all night long. 911? Dafuq outta here - that would be laughable to turn someone in as it's the norm - it's just their culture. End of the day they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet - they just don't see their loud noise as being a nuisance. You either adjust, get used to it or move haha.
While I wouldn't want to live there again, mainly bcoz of the oppressive heat & humidity, there are many things I miss. I miss going to the gym and them letting me plug in my mp3 player to blast my Metallica, AC/DC, G & R, etc on their kick ass system every workout. I miss going to Inisal restaurant and getting the best damn tasting grilled chicken breast & garlic rice you ever had for $2. I miss getting an hour-long full body massage after hitting the iron for $4 by some hot young chica haha. I miss all the water parks they have everywhere to take my kid to. I miss the non-GMO fresh foods from the market. BUT I don't miss the heat and the noise factors.
