Manila isnt exactly the upper reaches of the amazon nor Borneos Low's Gully,you dont exactly need a guide to find your way around,get a guide book and ask questions here,voila you have dispensed with Spencer,he is now out of the equation If he is a Mensa member does it make him a better guide?Some of the brightest people I have met had no street smarts and couldnt find their way from one end of the street to another,get a guide book,hire a car and driver,your problems are now non-existant Just enjoy your vacation and dont brook any nonsense from people sending secret e-mailed warnings