Hi! I recommend that you check the documentation which is required for your spousal application. When you look through this, you will see what they need from you to determine if your relationship is genuine. Two of the conditions is co-ownership of insurance policies and duration of co-habitation. If you don't have much proof of these you have to provide other proof. Looking through the application requirements is your best bet.
https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/spouse.asp
You will also need to get some documents from the Philippines e.g. birth certificate and police certificates. Those documents will need to be translated to English. It will take time to prepare these, so it's important you start gathering this documentation.
It's up to you if you want to change your name. I didn't, because I didn't want to deal the headache of having to change my passport and all of my IDS during the pandemic. I am saving the name change after I am settled in Canada.
Good luck!
thank you, that is really detailed so thanks! Much appreciated. Just a thought that if I use his surname it might help, so based on your experience I guess I can just delay it. Are you a Filipino as well? When did you pass your application? Is it okay to ask you for more details? Again, thanks! I really hope to hear from you again. I guess the last time I got replies here was when I was still applying for my Student Visa 
