TOOLS & GEAR

THE REMOTE WORKER STACK

Tested tools, apps, and gear for working and living in the Philippines. Opinionated and updated from the field.

FIELD ESSENTIALS

SIM & DATA

Globe Tattoo

Best LTE coverage nationwide

DITO

Fast urban data, growing fast

Smart Bro

Solid backup, wide rural coverage

COWORKING

KMC Solutions

Premium spaces in Manila & Cebu

Clock In

Cebu-based, great community

Figaro Coffee

Reliable wifi cafe chain

BANKING

Wise

Best for international transfers

Revolut

Multi-currency, low fees

UnionBank EON

Local PHP account for expats

VPN

Mullvad

Best privacy, fixed price

ProtonVPN

Swiss-based, trustworthy

ExpressVPN

Reliable speeds throughout PH

GEAR DISPATCHES

tool ·

My Remote Design Stack 2026: What I Actually Use

Figma, Local by Flywheel, Bricks, Loom, GitHub — the tools that make client work from Southeast Asia indistinguishable from being in the office. An honest review with no sponsored opinions.

toolsdesignwordpress

tool · Mar 24, 2026

The Digital Nomad Packing List for the Philippines: What I Wish I Had Brought

The Philippines will break your gear assumptions. Some things you packed are useless. Some things you left behind will cost you a week of comfort.

toolspackinggear

tool · Mar 21, 2026

How to Get Paid as a Freelancer in the Philippines: Wise, PayPal and What Actually Works

Receiving money from foreign clients in the Philippines is solvable but requires the right setup. Wise wins on fees. PayPal wins on convenience. Here’s the full picture.

toolspaymentswise

tool · Mar 18, 2026

Figma vs. Sketch vs. Google Stitch in 2026: Which One for Remote Designers?

Three design tools, three different bets on where the industry is going. Here’s an opinionated breakdown for freelancers and remote designers in 2026.

toolsdesignfigma

tool · siargao · Mar 9, 2026

Siargao SIM Card & Wifi Guide 2026: Which Network Actually Works

Globe, Smart, or DITO — connectivity in Siargao is uneven and the wrong SIM will cost you a workday. Here’s what actually works in 2026.

siargaowifisim-card