How to use my iPhone on vacation in the Philippines without spending a million dollars?

Going to the Philippines for three weeks from San Francisco. Doing lots of touristy things and I want to be able to Snapchat and text my boyfriend back home. International roaming is not an option. Is there a pre-paid iPhone I can buy there that allows international call, text and data? Should I have my own iPhone unlocked and just buy a sim card there? Would that allow for international communication?

It would be better to have your phone unlocked & buy a sim card there. You could buy sim cards with data plans for internet on it at a cost (not as expensive as North American roaming fees). However, ensure you either buy a sim card at the airport or at a reputable place in a mall- ensure your sim card is working first before paying/leaving the place you bought it from. I had the misfortune of purchasing a sim card and later finding out it did not work properly.
Your other option, is to find a cheaper pay as you go phone, and that way you also have a Filipino number to contact while there plus your data. Just shop around at the malls when there if that is your option.

You could have your phone unlocked. If you have an Iphone 6 then maybe you might consider unlocked Iphone 3 or 4, they run from USD 40 to 150, that way no one will eye your Iphone 6 while you are there.

Just buy a burner sim card when you arrive the airport, there are so many options