Chris there is no way to make a living as you described yourself. Filipno men work in extraordinary heat, primitive tools, no labor laws 10 - 12 hours a day for 10 usd a day if your lucky enough to find work.
As a foreigner, it would be nearly impossible to earn a living in the Philippines. Most foreigners that live in the Philippines are retired or own a business in their home country. I wouldn't go there without a steady monthly income. Even though it is cheap to live there you will never make it without income.
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