You guys aren't reading the post properly. This person is already here in the Philippines and is learning the hard way. The options you're suggesting won't work for them because they're in the Philippines now and can't activate on a US tower. The best thing I can suggest is to have a friend or family member in the US activate a Tello SIM card and mail it over.

I use the Magic Jack app with a US number to make and receive calls to and from the US.

Go with T-Mobile. You can keep your US number even while you're in the Philippines. That's what I did.

When I was there I brought two phones. One for the local SIM, and I left the other one as it was and used it on a hotspot or Wi-Fi to take care of business. It all worked out for me. That's what I'd recommend.

Dorinda, before you spend any more money on apps or eSIMs, I'd first check whether you can get your old US number back or move it to another US carrier. Your original US number matters because your banks already have it on file. Then you could use your Philippine Smart SIM day to day and keep the US number mainly for banks, texts, and verification codes. I'd also contact each bank and explain that you're living in the Philippines. Ask them what options they have for verifying your identity without a US phone number. I definitely wouldn't buy any more virtual number services until you know for sure they'll work with your banks.