You ruled out bigger cities, so I ruled out Manila, Davao, Cebu etc. I 've been so many places in Philippines. If you are still thinking, google also Dumaguete, Ormoc, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro. I liked those places. Or come to my city, Dipolog.
Many smaller towns have nice and expensive houses to rent and some good restaurants and bars too. It mainly depends where you wish to be. If you like beaches, look for Boracay, Palawan of Siargao. If you like bars, go to Angeles or Subic.
That is so unlikely that he survived. He was in warm water face down maybe 5 min, 20 min CPR and no breathing, 5 min to hospital. I think somebody just told you he survived to make you feel better. If you met him later, I believe.
Its easy and cheap to get Philippine license if you have for example European license. You get first 5 year and then 10 year license. It is valid in all ASEAN countries, for example Thailand.
And European license is valid first 3 months in Philippines.
My Click was also noisy when accelerating harder. Funny thing, it didn't happen after wash or when riding in rain. For months I try to understand why.
When I open air filter there was some dirt in wrong, inner side. I replace filter and also long 2mm O-ring that is in groove. Problem solved! I think water sealed small gap and made it more quiet.
Btw, there is 2 kind of air filters, one with hard plastic and one with rubber body. Mine was plastic, but I believe rubber is better.