Yes i know many "US" people! Hahaha, my dad is one and so is are some of my family members.
Drivers licence YES you actually can buy these. Or you can just get one like normal people!
You hardly even need to do a damn drivers test.

Ok manila is different from "metro manila" quezon city is in metro manila. And no it doesnt flood.
You can find MANY places in metro manila where you can get cheap condos or apartments.
Pasig City is also a great place, pretty near Quezon. Katipunan, Cubao, the list goes on!

Ok here are places pretty far from Metro Manila but are still descent. Baguio City, one of the chilliest cities in the Philippines.
Probably not for you guys tho, nowhere close to snowing haha! Its up near the mountains.

BOTTOM LINE, stay in a nice small city like Quezon or Pasig, people are nice, civillized and overall.. a great great place!
Plus if you move anytime soon and im not paranoid that your gonna kill me or something like that, id be happy to see you!

goodluck!