philippines

All comments on backpacking the philippines would be appreciated.
I've got a 3 month's project on apo island, and then i'll either be
cruising around philippines or head to indonesia where i've been before.

I've got around 1000$ and 2 to 3 months to spend 'em.

How is the philippines on a really low budget ? Should i head to
sulawesi (been there once before), or should i go to mindanao. Last time
I was in the philippines I took the ferry from sandakan to zamboanga.
But that's where my backpacking routine ends. Then i spend 4 months
diving in panglao, a short trip to southern leyte (worlds best diving,
but hush.. I'ts a secret and one week in apo before heading home.

Anyone done that, been there. I wont be bar jumping or touring. Just
want to get in touch with the local people, and maybe do a few dives
somewhere around there.!

iM