B_J

As was posted earlier, I would want around 4 hours minimum between flights in LA.  LAX is huge and if you haven't been there before it can be confusing. 
 
Being an OFW can be just as rough as she's telling you.  Also, the power outages could also be true.  If you visit her home, which I recommend, you will probably get a better understanding of things.
 
BTW, I really hope this works out for you.  My first trip there was great and I hope yours is the same.
 
Also, if things move in a positive direction, you will at one point want to have a serious discussion about family finances.

As was posted earlier, I would want around 4 hours minimum between flights in LA.  LAX is huge and if you haven't been there before it can be confusing. 
 
Being an OFW can be just as rough as she's telling you.  Also, the power outages could also be true.  If you visit her home, which I recommend, you will probably get a better understanding of things.
 
BTW, I really hope this works out for you.  My first trip there was great and I hope yours is the same.
 
Also, if things move in a positive direction, you will at one point want to have a serious discussion about family finances.

I have flown out of LAX a lot, and you really want way more than 2 hours in LAX.  If you're arriving on SW, that is Terminal 1.  It is on the far end of one of the U-shaped airport complex.  You are going to have get your bags from the baggage claim, drag your bags, your carryon, and yourself to Terminal B. which is on the bottom of the U.  Walking sucks, and the terminal transfer busses, are, well, terminal busses.  Waiting for them, and stops between chews up time.  Then you have check-in, TSA, and then to the gate.  If you're like me, it always seems to on the far end of the terminal.  (I found that it is a very long ways when you are dragging a 4'11" Filipina with short legs and the wrong shoes.)
 
If you have one itinerary and you don't have to fool with bags at LAX or the terminal busses, I would still allow a lot of time.  You have to walk a long damn ways in the interior of LAX using the transfer hallways.
 
To summarize:
 
2 hours - Hurry up, run, stress, and pray to your deity of choice
4 hours - You got this, a little extra time for problems 
 
 

If she was a domestic helper then yes that is true. If you are a domestic helper either in HK or the MENA region then you know that the family controls EVERYTHING from how long you work, when to use your phone, when to eat and sleep. I have heard of some horror stories from people I know and some of my asawa's family. 

Agree with Toyota Sienna.
 
Also, check to see if it really makes sense to buy used. We recently bought my wife's first vehicle and it was cheaper to buy new at MSRP than buy used.  The difference was the used was on the lot and we had to wait a couple of weeks for the new one.

I bought my wife a new 2019 Honda Civic in January 2019.  We sold it in January 2022 for $5,000 more than we paid for it new.  

Agree with Toyota Sienna.
 
Also, check to see if it really makes sense to buy used. We recently bought my wife's first vehicle and it was cheaper to buy new at MSRP than buy used.  The difference was the used was on the lot and we had to wait a couple of weeks for the new one.

How short of a layover are you wanting in LA? In my opinion, you are putting too much importance on avoiding a long layover in LA.  You need time to move from one terminal to the other.  You need to land in LA and get your luggage.  You need to go to the international terminal,  check in, go through all the security process and then make your way to the correct gate.  Do not try to book your flights too close together.  You'd rather spend time waiting for your flight than miss your flight because you didn't give yourself enough time between flights. 
 
Also remember that Southwest doesn't show up on the travel sites.  You have to go to their site.  
 
 

Toyota Sienna of course.  

Here is how we travel.  We book on Southwest and fly to LA and then we book on Philippine Airlines to Manila. 
 
Assuming your flying out of Minneapolis, you can find round trip tickets to LA for just over $300.  This will have one stop where you have to change planes but I don't see an easier option.  You can arrive at LA around 6 pm leaving plenty of time to get to the international terminal in time for the overnight flight to Manila.  You can book a flight on Philippine Airlines, nonstop from LA to Manila for about $1500 roundtrip.  
 
This is probably the quickest way to get there and you don't have to find your way around international airports if you're not comfortable with that.  We always go direct to the airline websites, Southwest and Philippine Airlines, I don't know if you get a better deal through other sites.

Some US credit cards offer insurance as a free benefit when you travel internationally and book a rental car, but only if you use a recognized car rental agency. I doubt any US credit card will cover your friends and family arrangement.
 
Speaking as someone who lived in the PH for 30 years, and who has experience driving both in the PH and in the US, I advise you to simply hire a driver or ask your fiancee to drive. It's not worth the stress and hassle. Most drivers in the Philippines are NOT insured and, if you do get into an accident, 99% will look at you as a rich foreigner who can afford to pay whatever the damage is. 
 
 

It's despicable

What is your disability?
 
Pretending to be disabled in a third country for discounts and benefits is much sadder than making up numerous alias on a Visa site.

Have her set up a bank account when she gets there and transfer the money.

One last thing that I forgot to add is that no one is in a hurry in the Philippines. Nothing moves at the pace that it does in most of America. Develop patience because you will need it.

I did not have time to read all of the posts but I will give you the things I have learned over the years.
 
I saw people comment about traveling without checked bags??? What about pasalubong??? I always have 2 checked bags, and a carry on.
 
My last 7 flights have all been PAL. I live in Hawaii and they fly direct. Hawaiian Airlines used to have a flight to MNL but they stopped flying there. I flew them 2x and United once. United had a quick layover in Guam. I have been very happy with PAL and usually upgrade to premium economy.
 
As for money. When I first started going there I would send money there to myself and pick up. After that I used to just send money to my wife's bank account. My last two trips I would just bring cash because the exchange rates are better there than when you transfer. Changing money at the airport is not the best rates so avoid it if you can, or just change for what you need and do the rest at your destination. I have all my transportation needs and arranged for before I even leave. We hire a driver and van (I have used him every trip since my first). He picks up my wife and family members that want to come, they get me at the airport and bring me home.
 
Cell phone in the Philippines. My first trip I took an unlocked phone and got a SIM there. I have T-Mobile and ever since my first trip I just use my phone. International data is free with T-Mobile along with international texting. I just don't answer or make calls unless I am on wifi and using wifi calling.
 
In the Philippines I use a simple wallet and keep my drivers license in it and cash I need for the day. Nothing else. I leave my passport and credit cards where I am staying. I keep my drivers license just to have some sort of ID on me in case of emergency or something and that is easy to replace if lost or stolen. I keep the wallet in my front pocket.
 
Wile with your gf/fiance whenever shopping or buying things stand away from her, only approach when a price is agreed upon and it's time to pay. Otherwise you will always pay the foreigner price. Of course this does not apply to malls where prices are all set.
 
Remember that when you go there you are in a different country, different world. Do not expect things to be like America. Appreciate the differences and embrace their culture. Try to learn and understand their way of life. No one likes a foreigner coming there criticizing them and their culture. Things like "in America we _____". Filipinos are very prideful and get offended being told how much better it is where you live and that the way they do it is wrong.

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.
 
The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  
 
The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.
 
The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  
 
The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.
 
The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  
 
The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.
 
The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  
 
The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

Just wanted to add that I was in the exact same situation as you on my first trip.  I wasn't sure about navigating my way through multiple airports so I flew Philippine Airlines.  Philippine Airlines has nonstop flights from LA to Manila.  We still fly this way just so that we spend less time traveling and more time at our destination.  If you choose this, I would recommend taking the overnight flight over there.  You'll sleep on the way, and arrive in the morning in Manila.  Not too bad.  Flying back is worse.  You'll pretty much arrive in LA "before" you left Manila.  Jet lag will suck when you get back.
 
The other advice I would give is listen to your significant other when it comes to things like paying for things, where to go, etc.  
 
The last advice is just enjoy your time there.  Things will be different and some people have difficulty accepting that.  Remember you're there to have fun so don't let little things ruin your limited time there.

Trump Derangement Syndrome Is Real and It Needs to be Studied
 
The concept of "Trump Derangement Syndrome" may have started as a joke to describe the over-reaction of hatred toward Trump, but after years of people upending good sense and their own principles in order to get at this man, I'm pretty convinced it's real and that scientists need to study this in the future.  [...]
 
https://redstate.com/brandon_morse/2022/08/18/trump-derangement-syndrome-is-real-and-it-needs-to-be-studied-n613952

My first trip to the Philippines in 2019 I was a first time international traveler myself, so here are some of my recommendations.
 
When booking a flight that has a layover, keep in mind the length of the layover. My first trip had a 1:10 minute layover in Hong Kong, which sounded nice when I booked it, but turned out to be far too short. I recommend at least a 2 to 2.5 hour layover so you can have time to locate your next gate, stretch your legs, use the restroom and grab a snack or something. 
 
My first trip was through Hong Kong, my second trip had layovers in Japan. Japan was FAR easier to navigate (both Haneda and Narita airports) than Hong Kong. Quite frankly the Hong Kong airport personnel weren't as friendly or helpful as those in Japan, and the Japanese airports were smaller and less hectic. The flight from Hong Kong to Manila was a little over 2 hours, the flight from Tokyo to Manila was 5 hours. I will take a layover in Japan any day. 
 
I am assuming you and your fiance' have Facebook messenger, which will help you communicate using the airports Wi-Fi while you travel. 
 
Money! My first trip I took about $500 in cash and downloaded the Western Union app so I can wire myself money as needed once I was there. My second trip I sent $500 to my fiance' ahead of time so she can have it converted and waiting for me once I got there, and when I needed more later I used my Western Union app to wire myself some cash. The hotels I stayed at wanted a small deposit at check in, 1000 pesos or about $20, so keep that in mind depending on where you stay. I took my credit cards just in case, but never used them outside of the airports. Call your credit card companies ahead of time and let them know when and where you are travelling. I used the credit cards for food and drink in the airports so there was no need to exchange currency. 
 
Now the BEST advice I can give you, what really worked for me, was to have my fiance meet me at the airport in Manila. Doing that, and wiring her some money ahead of time, I didnt have to worry about exchanging currency, getting a sim card right away or getting ripped off by a taxi scam. I got through the aiport fairly quickly, spotted my fiance, she used the Grab app (download it, never use a regular taxi) and we were at the hotel in no time. Had she not been there I would have been scrambling to get that stuff done after 23 hours of travel. The next morning we got up and went to get me a sim card. So if at all possible, have her meet you there and wire her some money ahead of time. 
 
People in the Philippines are generally very friendly, but like anywhere else there are always bad apples. If someone comes up to you and starts with "Hello my friend!", they are the most likely to try to scam you. At the airport, you will have that lost look, that overwhelmed by everything look, and you will make a nice target. Don't carry more cash on you than you need for that particular day and keep the rest in the hotel room safe (make sure they have a safe). My wallet and keys stayed in the hotel safe nearly the entire time. I bought a small pouch that attaches to my belt and tucked inside the waist to carry cash and ID. Don't walk around with your phone in your hand, keep it in your pocket. 
 
Depending on where you go, you will probably encounter beggars, be prepared for that. When we think of a homeless person in the US, our first image is typically a guy on the street corner with a sign. In the Philippines, it will many times be children, small children and it will affect you. You will want to help, but there will also be eyes on you, so as soon as you pull out some money you might make yourself a target. I wont pretend to tell you the wrong or right thing to do, that's up to you to decide, but you need to prepare yourself for that. And be prepared for them to be aggressive, at one point I had 4 kids tugging at my pant legs, grabbing at my pockets while their mother was asking for money. 
 
There are plenty of online resources to purchase travel insurance and it is fairly cheap.
 
Have a great trip!

Just because you have never seen it done with your own eyes doesn't mean it isn't done 😁

Yup, you are correct about you being incorrect. I changed my money at SM Hypermarket at the Mall of Asia in Pasay with no issues. The only thing that was required was that you had to write down the serial numbers of $100 bills, smaller denominations was not required to do so. I exchanged everything I had on the first day there, including singles, it was not a problem. You can continue to say it can't be done, but I know firsthand that it can because I have done it.