Another great write up of your experiences and thoughts Stu and a warning to others not to expect UK style standards in the Phil's. I'm sure you were well aware that the extended Filipino family would all crawl out of the woodwork and eat you out of house and home, use your facilities and live with you 24/7/365.....free of charge, of course
I hope that everything works out and you get your place sorted to standard you are happy with and at a price within your budget