I've seen lots of entries in the Philippines in here. Yes, cost of living is very low, but if you want to maximize what you earn AND spend, I'd definitely stay away from city proper and live near beaches, preferably on Palawan or somewhere in La Union. If the average signature campaign pays about $70 a week, believe me, you can still get a decent, 1-bedroom house on these parts and still have plenty for groceries, utilities, and some beer money.
I did try it once, though with $400 a month just from signature campaigns. I managed to pull through and still have $50 to spare. I lived in Pangasinan (close proximity to La Union) and enjoyed my stay without getting hungry or even feeling like my budget of $400 will be out before I finish the month.
I quite agree. The cost of living in some places of the Philippines is quite expensive for us Filipinos already to let's say like for example in Manila, house rent may amount to 100$ to 200$ a month for a much decent place plus daily expenses like food, electricity, etc. (btw, I think we have the most expensive electricity in the whole Asia) unlike to provinces that you have mentioned even though electricity is quite expensive food and houses for staycation are less expensive plus the fresh air and all beautiful places it feels like heaven lol. But sig. campaigns still can't make us live like a king even in our provinces but at least have a quite decent way of living. A living where we can eat three times a day and have a place to stay.