Just come to Dumaguete check into a cheap hotel and check out the place as all comments are only another persons opinion and what suits one does not necessary suit another.

 

Many expats are here because their wives are Filipinas and want to be here. But given a free choice and no work ties, I would live in Cambodia (one year easily-renewable Visa) - probably with my time spent between Phnom Penh and the coastal town of Sihanoukville and then visit Vietnam, Thailand and Laos (from Thailand or Vietnam) with far more ease than travelling out of the Philippines (can use bus or car and, I believe, no exit clearance). The cultural opportunities would be huge compared with the Philippines, where they are almost non-existent. This is not a dig at the Philippines, it is what it is - it is an alternative view to assist your thinking.

 

The expats and locals defintely stay out into the evening here in Dumaguete.. The Why Not, Honeycomb, HayaHay, Tiki Bar, Flip Flops, Octogon amongst others have live music ...The Hayahay for example is open to 4am on the weekends. So should meet your needs... as someone suggested visit here first and stay a few weeks to see if you like it.
Cheers
Mike

 

No! Wrong choice.

 

I'm also British, 45 years old, and moving to Davao soon (beginning of April)
I also enjoy a drink and a bit of banter so hopefully I'll see you both there some time soon.
I've lived in Cebu and Davao, and travelled quite extensively around The Philippines, and can assure you that people do go out at night, especially at the weekend. The bars tend to be quite, how can I say, rustic, but I suspect if you have lived in Thailand and Mexico it won't be anything you're not used to.
There are live bands everywhere (generally mediocre but acceptable),I have found Filipinos to be very friendly and fun to be with, and the alcohol is ridiculously cheap.
I reckon you'll love it as you long as you don't need to glam it up.

Dare I say it, I think the get pissed during happy hour and go to bed early is an American thing. I experienced this a lot around Central America and The Caribbean. I guess they just aren't as civilized as us Europeans (braces himself for the verbal attack!)

 

Probably better to rent a place on the S side of Dumaguete. That way you have some good bars / restos and can get to Robinson's mall / Hypermart without having to drive thru the city centre, which gets really congested during the day.