Yes you can get your UK licence converted.. It shouldnt be that expensive but it depends in which LTO office you apply in.. They wanted 5K from me in Imus..A complete scam so I waited till I got to Bohol and I think it cost me around 500.00 Pesos.

Probably more now though..

I`d allow for a days work if I were you because of drug testing and paperwork etc..
Happy new year BTW!!
Fred.