A wide choice of excellent restaurants, reasonable priced compared to most large cities. Local produce, with some exceptions, is not of same quality as found in West. Some stores import produce from Australia, the US, and other regions. Many imported food items are available, but at a price. Most expats have at least one maid.
Domestic help is generally very good and the cost is very affordable.
It is rare in Manila to find someone who does not speak English. Signs, including road signs and those for stores, are in English. International Herald Tribune and USA Today are available for home subscription. Cable TV is available from several competing companies. Internet services, including dial-up service and DSL, are available.