A partial answer...
Yes, a marriage in the Philippines is recognised as "legal" under UK law.
Re: marriage in Philly as opposed to the UK...
Work-wise, if u marry in the Philippines, your wife can start work immediately in the UK.
If she arrives via the fiancee visa route, you firstly have to get married, and then apply
for an FLR (further leave to remain) , and get it granted, BEFORE she's allowed to
work in the UK. At present, postal FLR applications take between 10-12 weeks.
