It all depends on the person — different strokes for different folks. Personally I LOVE Antique, but I live in Iloilo.

San Pablo, Laguna. It's 2 hours from Manila and much closer to nearby beaches. San Pablo is also one of the oldest cities in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Davao, near Samal Island

Palawan, mate — it's really good here

You need to explain what you mean by 'basic necessities'. For many expats, that means living where their non-Filipino lifestyle can carry on uninterrupted (malls, restaurants, foreign food, grocery stores, bars); for others it means the simple provincial life (good local food, a quiet rural life, and a non-resort beach is a must).

Moalboal is a great place to live. Subic Bay is great too, but its beaches are nowhere near Moalboal's.

Biliran Island 🏝️ Awesome 👍 Real provincial life, beautiful mountains, waterfalls and some nice beaches, and not overrun with tourists either!