Last time I was in the Philippines was 1991. Flew into Manilla, then flew to Puerto Princessa on the Island of Palawan for a week stay. From what I remember, at the time there was still a bit of religious unrest between the Muslims in the south end of the island and the Catholics in the North, with Puerto Princessa being the dividing town. We headed North.

A fond memory was that our lodging (very primative huts, no electricity or running water) had mosquito nets over the beds. We were there during the dry season, so there were no mosquitoes. However we were told to use the nets and to place our shoes and other belongings under the nets while we slept. The first night, I woke up to use the restroom, switched on my flashlight, and instantly saw the spiders. They were not ordinary spiders, they were bird-eating spiders, about the size of dinner plates (named because they were known to literally chase down birds in the trees and catch and eat them before they could fly away.) The reason for tucking the mosquito nets under the mattress and having your things in bed with you was to keep these beasts from making a home in you shoe while you slept.

Anyway, it was a good trip, overall, and I'm sure you will be in a far nicer place than I was (more tourist friendly at least).

Enjoy the sand. Don't forget the sunscreen. Have a San Miguel (or six) for me.