My Fiance and I are Fighting Over Wedding Gifts

This is my honest opinion - I think your fiance is right. Just don't put it in writing. I think your guest already had the idea on what you need. Since your guest are already flying to Davao, I agree with your fiance that their presence is enough and receiving a gift is a bonus. Just do it verbally, tell your parents and your close friends what you want as a gift and let them be the one to spread it. Who knows you might get what you want without putting it in writing.

Congratulations and best wishes on your upcoming wedding. It's nice to hear that you choose the beautiful island garden city of Samal as your wedding destination, I am living here in Davao too. I think your husband to be is correct. He maybe uncomfortable thinking the concept of having a note about gifts. Men are quite sensitive when it comes to gift and money issue on weddings and it is also a big consideration that your friends are coming all the way from Manila and they spent quite a big amount already, it might send a different signal to them that you really want to have gifts. Just talk to your fiance again and if he really disagree then don't push through with it. One of the worst scenario in a wedding planning stage is arguments in petty things between future couples. So try to understand your partner's point. Why not just try to post a message on your wedding website stating a situation where it is very difficult to bring gifts on a far away trip. I think your guests can get your point. Good luck!

I like the "we humbly suggest" part but I can see how it might look like an obligation, while on the other hand, it also looks like information only. I suggest: "While you are not obliged to bring a gift, or "while we are not expecting gifts, if you wish to bring one, we humbly suggest...." that way it's information only, and no obligation.

Well, for me, I agree with your idea. Well, you are just suggesting to your guest if they have gifts, monetary is preferred because of the destination. But if it is too much for them, they are not oblige to bring any gifts, just their presence is enough. There are people who would really give because they prepared for that occasion. Just state it that it's ok if they don't have gifts. But if they will really give, monetary is preferred due to destination. That's it.