Having driven, been driven and use public transport to get around in both cities it is Manila FTW.

As has been mentioned, driving here is a bit "third world" but not terribly bad for someone who is used to driving in any major US city. Lane markers are only suggestions. You get used to it.

I would suggest bringing a cheap windshield suction mount like this one, and an unlocked GSM smartphone with Google Maps on it that is capable of turn-by-turn directions. You can get a local Globe SIM card for a buck and prepay about $20 for kinda-unlimited data for a month. It really takes the stress out of driving if you have good turn-by-turn directions, and Google Maps has the best coverage that I have found for the Philippines.

If that doesn't suit your fancy, Garmin sells windshield-mountable GPS units that work pretty good in Manila. But once you get outside of Manila they aren't much help. Having a cell phone backup is nice. If you want to buy one of those you probably need to do it at an electronics shop in Manila.

I use NavSat feature on smartphones for location, so no need for internet or even an unlocked phone.

This has been my best travel tool for years. I use this around the world and am very happy:

http://osmand.net/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...et.osmand.plus

Cheaper on Amazon?
http://www.amazon.com/OsmAnd-Maps-Na.../dp/B00D0SEGMC

Update maps regularly, add waypoints before you leave home and away you go.

Still looking for a cheaper car rental option in MNL.

Get a car with a driver. You won't regret it.