A very good friend of mine that lived in manila for 18 years managed to become so sick , tired and bitter towards taxi drivers ripping him off,he would ask the driver to put on the meter and would slash the back of the drivers seats with a razor blade if he refused.
If living in the P.I ever made me that bitter and angry Id simply leave the country.

Personally,I just ask them to put the meter on and if they do not,I ask them to stop immedietly and then get out.. I do somtimes negotiate with the driver before the journey starts in a rush hour period when taxis are hard to find but never get stressed out arguing with them as I once did..Its just too damned hot to argue!!

In regards the anthem,I always stand up and sing along with them all just to keep the peace,and for a quiet life.
However,as I have never learned the words to it,I make up my own adding many 4 letter words in my native cockney slang.. Its quite amusing when I get approving nods from the odd Filipino impressed that at least I have tried my best to respect their nation.
Its a great way of letting off steam and I recommend you try it if ever you feel the need.

from first or second post
after all, the Philippines is their little thiefdom, that is if anyone is going to bleed the country dry of its natual resources which is precious little
This is soooo untrue. The Philippines have some world class gold,nickel and copper resourses.
Some of these are owned 100% by foriegn investors including Brit mining companies. It has been forecast that 8 billion $$ will be ploughed into the R.P economy in the next 5 years..