9. People who invented the concept of mail-order brides
We love that foreigners go out of their way to discover the many charms of Manila, but not when the charms they seek are that of women who they think can be ordered to be a wife.
The incantation: Anti-instantius asawus
How it works: While the spell sounds hostile, it simply works to remind men that Filipinas, and women in general, are not playthings and that they should be looking for real love, not just an ego boost.
10. Annoyingly loud videoke sessions at night
The occasional party and singing session is all right, but some neighbors just take their love of singing a little too far by cranking up the videoke machine every. Single. Night.
The incantation: Hatinggabina
How it works: This puts an abrupt end to spirited and wildly off-key renditions of Air Supply and Celine Dion songs by rendering the videoke machine inoperative for an undetermined period of time. If you've been sleepless for one week, for example, the machine can't be used for the same amount of time.
Artwork by Warren Espejo.
SPOT.ph wants to know: What pesky ills in Manila would you like to go away?
