Originally Posted by
downinit
..English in the Philippines is probably more widespread than Singapore, but it occurs in an almost 50/50 mix with Tagalog in the form of Taglish. Even the newscasts and newspapers will split English and Tagalog in a single sentence. You will not have a problem communicating as long as you are patient and friendly, but it can still be difficult to understand and be understood if you are not a good communicator...
I've only ever visited Manila, and I've got to say i was surprised, humbled and very very pleased at the widespread-icity of English throughout the sprawl.
But I wonder - and in a non-provocative way! - just how wide that spread is outside the city and in areas where someone seeking inexpensive living might find himself. Or herself.