My first advice about the Philippines : DON'T ACT LIKE THE AVERAGE TOURIST !
You'll notice many white people there going for spending a few days with a full time rented girl and they only thing rivaling how disgusting they are is how down they are looked at by the locals.
You'll be seen as rich. So don't fear to go melt with the people and get friendly. Eat in the little shops in the streets. That's where I found teh most friendly guys ever in my life.
I don't know much about Manila because I only stayed a couple of nights there before moving north to Banaue and hike in the rice teraces. If she never went there, it can be a nice trip to do with your girlfriend. Go to Banaue (9 hours of night bus with the AC on and very cold, take a blanket), and then have a guide to tour you to Batad (ask for Justin, he is a nice guy). But don't be afraid to walk, these are not easy hiking trips.
In Manila, I stayed in Jorge Bocobo street. The Golden Mango is a fine hotel and cheap (1,200 PHP - about 20? - for a night with a hot shower in the bedroom). It's nice and not taht much touristic, though it's starting to change this way. I think it's a good compromise between the tourists areas and the true face of the city.
I hope this helps.
And once again : never EVER act like you're king of the world because you come from a wealthier country. Be humble. You have everything to gain from the people there.
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