Well Steve, just based on what you said about beautiful places and island hopping my choice would be Palawan.
Even though I've never yet been there it's at number 1 on my bucket list and I've done tons of reasearch.
Apart from Palawan itself, there are also the Calamianes Islands to explore....(Busuanga,Calauit,Coron and Culion Island + loads more smaller ones)
I've read somewhere that Palawan comprises over 1780 islands, I don't know how many are inhabited or how many can be easily reached, but that for me would be half the fun.
I've learned that Palawan and the islands can offer many rocky coves, caves, coral reefs, fine sandy white beaches, clear azure waters, virgin rain forests, mangroves and mountains. (What more could we ask for....... except for an ice cold beer)
Now given that money would be no object, I could base myself at Amanpulo Resort on Pamalican Island. Supposedly the most expensive, most lururious and most exclusive resort in the Philippines.
The only two remaining questions Steve, when do we go and how long to stay?
