Why I no longer enjoy the Philippines

First of all I am a foreigner but this is not in any way to bash the Philippines. I love the cultures huge focus on laughter and music, when I first arrived it seemed like such a happy place. However, it seems like the more time I stay here that was just a mask.

Not a day goes by I don't hear some nasty rumor about myself. Things I would never do and that are not even loosely based on fact. I have no idea what the motivation is for people spreading these rumors but they seem to love the lying and the drama. This is by far the worst one. Wanting or needing money is understandable, but it seems like the women here just want to see shit get stirred up. No logical reasoning for it that I can see.

I am always hassled for money. Now this one I completely understand as many here are poor but when it gets to the point that I am being threatened or harassed it has crossed a line. And unfortunately begging or asking for a cost I know is too high is not where it always ends. People will try and intimidate me into giving them money even police who I should be able to go to for help.

Even my friends here take advantage of me. They will come over and eat or take all my food, overstay their welcome, drink my alcohal and then break things. I have had to kick out people who showed no signs of leaving, even after leeching off me in my bonus room for days. People I considered as close friends so I did not want to turn them away.

Everyone who approaches me seems to have bad intentions. They want money, status, favors, just something. I have tried befriending other foreigners here but most of them are much older than myself and seem to be taking advantage of the system here. Creepy old men is the way I would describe them and I am only 21.

I know this post is fairly pointless and I hope I have not insulted anyone. I guess I'm just lonely. It is so hard for me to find true friends here.

Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies, only posted this a few hours ago and a lot of people have offered suggestions and encouragement. It gives me a good feeling that moving forward I will find better friends more like you redditors, it may just take some time.