When I walk into a bar here, I pay 45 pesos (approx $1 USD) and the waitress who hands me my beer might make 140 pesos for a 12 hour work day. She should make more in tips, but not always. Down the road, the major grocery store also pays its workers about the same. Minimum wage is supposed to be something like 350 pesos per day depending on industry (domestic helpers may not even make the 140 pesos because they are live-in and get food. But they work like slaves). Businesses get around minimum wage by employing for six month contracts, which is a probationary period.
Internet cafes charge around 15 - 20 pesos per hour. An all day mobile data connection (700MB cap) costs 50 pesos. The locals will get an SMS promo for around 20 pesos per day. Getting to work and back in my city costs 20 pesos minimum. We haven't got to rent and food yet. The math is grim.
You carry a cell phone as a shiny object to show off. You dress remarkably well with this small budget (probably a good reason to sell cheap but fashionable clothing). Somehow you may even be able to buy a scooter.
That's it. That's the economy.
NOTE: The big exception is the occasional splurge for those lucky enough to have relatives sending remittances.
