I don't recommend commuting, even though I do it. Everything the company put out said that these bases wouldn't be commuter friendly. Then they publish the sample bid packs which show commuting is a viable option. So if you put your faith in the sample bid packs it seems doable, but history has shown that pre-published sample pairings seldom mimick the actual pairings when a base openes. If the actual bid packs end up looking similar to the Sample ones, it seems there will be some commuters. We already have a few guys living in MNL now, but it is a fairly easy commute to SFS (They have the Otter and can drive if necessary.)

The issue with Jumpseating into China is That only crew members can do it on FedEx. There is no issue for you to ride a FedEx Jumpseat MNL-CAN except that you must travel (JS) in Uniform, and you must be listed on the Gen Dec with the other crew. You will clear customs immigration just like a crew member.

I don't know what UPS's JS policy is in the Asia theatre. If they allow it, you could also have a back up to HKG from Clark.(Paponga?)

If you live in MNL you will not be afforded the Enhanced options of the LOA because you aren't living within 100 NM of HKG, unless JP the ACP approves it,
which is unlikely IMHO. MNL is a low cost of living compared to HKG so that should be a wash or better in take home $$.