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There’s nothing pizza can’t cure: be it a bad day at work, a lost basketball game, or a heartbreak. But it’s also the first thing we look for when we want to celebrate. Thank heavens there’s a new pizza place in town ready to cater to our much-needed pie fix: Crosta Pizzeria in The Social on Ebro, Poblacion, Makati.

Crosta literally means “crust” in Italian because doughhh, it’s all about the crust. And Crosta takes pride in its dough, fermented for 48 hours, giving it a light, airy, yet tasty end product you won’t stop munching on. Crosta does not identify itself with a certain style, not exactly Neapolitan, not exactly fast-food style — just really a league of its own. And we definitely agree.

Now let’s get to the stars of the show! Perfectly cooked in brick ovens, their pizzas come in mouth-watering, well-thought-out flavors.

Shroomed Out is a winner: Shiitake, Portobello, and white button mushrooms on a bed of Taleggio, Fontina, and Parmesan cheese.

It goes without saying that The Basic Bitch is a must-try: homemade pizza sauce, Mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.

For all cheese lovers, it’s definitely Cheesy AF for you: pizza dough smothered with Mozzarella, Fontina, Taleggio, Parmesan, and Goat cheese.

The carnivore in you will be happy with Pork You: bite after bite of bacon, homemade fennel sausage, pancetta, and salami with their homemade sauce and Mozzarella.

Everyone’s favorite comfort food has finally found its new home in Makati. And how fitting it is to be inside The Social, Poblacion’s first open food park. A cold beer in between pizza bites is never a bad idea after all. So if you want to feel better, just remember: in pizza, we crust. Or shall we say it again: in pizza, we Crosta.

Crosta Pizzeria: The Social on Ebro, 5770 Ebro St., Poblacion, Makati

It maybe the second smallest province in the Philippines (and the smallest in the entire Mindanao) but Camiguin Island is definitely big in natural charm, enchanting attractions, historic sites, and warm people.

The island is home to a number of dormant and active volcanoes, earning it a title of being an “Island Born of Fire.” Mt. Vulcan and Mt. Hibok-Hibok, among others, and their natural activities have shaped and reshaped this island into what it is now — a piece of paradise blessed with hot springs, cold springs, waterfalls, sand bars, and century-old ruins.

The adventure begins by either taking a direct flight to Camiguin or a flight to Cagayan de Oro (via Laguindingan Airport), then a bus or van to Balingoan port, and a ferry to cross to Benoni Port in Camiguin.

The island is filled with humble resorts and affordable inns so accommodation is not really a problem. Unlike many Philippine destinations, Camiguin is still relatively sleepy, quiet, and simple. There are several tourists around but it has still remained serene — perfect for a weekend getaway or a respite from busier destinations in your itinerary.

The biggest attraction here is the White Island, a beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandbar just 15 mins ride away from the northern shore of Mambajao town. Boat rental only costs P450 for a group of 6. The sand is fine and the waters are cold and calm. Mt. Hibok Hibok provides a breathtaking backdrop to this stunning white sand bar in the middle of turquoise waters.

Other major attractions can be visited in one day. Rent a motorbike to go at your own pace or an entire van if you are traveling with a group (one multicab only costs P1,700 for a whole day tour, including gas and driver). The next big draw is the Sunken Cemetery, a graveyard submerged into the sea after years of eruption of Mt. Vulcan. From afar, a huge cross can be seen as a marker for the submerged gravesite and can be reached via a small boat for a very minimal fee. The waters surrounding it are clear and the graves have become home to colorful corals and fish making it a beautiful and unique snorkeling site.

The tour then takes you to the Old Catarman Church Ruins where a 100-year balete tree can be seen. Proceed to the Sto. Niño Cold Springs at noon to cool off in its crystal-clear cold waters.

Marvel at the towering 250-meter Katibawasan Falls (and take a dip in its emerald green water which is arguably colder than Sto. Niño’s!). And cap off the tour with a visit to Ardent Hot Springs which is perfect as the sun goes down and the cold breeze starts to kick in.

Camiguin maybe small in size but it surely makes up with its amazing sights and wonderful natural attractions. The locals are also very notably hospitable, warm, and friendly. They exude an easiness and calmness that makes your stay much more pleasant.

Fell in love with the Philippines? Or fell in love with someone in the Philippines? Or you just really think it’s more fun in the Philippines? Whatever reason you have for wanting to stay longer in paradise, here are tips on how extension of your visitor visa in the Philippines can be obtained.

Most passport holders from other countries can arrive in the Philippines and obtain a visa on arrival good for 30-day stay in the country. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension at an office of the Bureau of Immigration, preferably a week before your visa expires. A day before is fine but better to be sure.

EXTENSION OF STAY FOR 29 MORE DAYS OR LESS

Tourists who want to extend their stay in the Philippines for 29 more days after their initial 30-day stay can apply for a VISA WAIVER.

Where? You can head to the main BI office in Intramuros, Manila or any of these offices.

What to bring? Make sure to bring your original passport, an application form (which you can get at the office or download here), and a Sworn Statement for overstaying /updating of stay of more than six (6) months.

How much is the payment? Please click here for applicable fees.

EXTENSION OF STAY BEYOND 59 DAYS

Any foreign tourist who plans to stay longer than 59 days must secure extensions of stay with the Bureau of Immigration.

Where? You can head to the main BI office in Intramuros, Manila or any of these offices.

What to bring? Make sure to bring your original passport, an application form (which you can get at the office or download here), and a Sworn Statement for overstaying /updating of stay of more than six (6) months.

How much is the payment? Please click here for applicable fees.

Important Reminders

• Dress code is enforced in the immigration offices. Dress appropriately and avoid wearing shorts and thongs or flip-flops. Security will deny entry for those who will show up in these apparel. (Provincial offices like in Boracay and Dumaguete may not require the mentioned dress code. But better be sure than sorry, right?)
• Bring a recent 2×2 photograph of yourself on white background which you need to attach in the application form.
• Review the list of fees above and make sure to bring cash in Philippine pesos enough for the fees applicable to your extension.

It’s high time we give those poor old horses driving carriages a break. While kalesas are a piece of history, there is another way of seeing and enjoying Manila (and other destinations in general) with fresh eyes and a sustainable mode of transportation. Enter Bambike, bamboo bicycles that are handcrafted by a socio-ecological enterprise in the Philippines.

Nothing could be “greener” than this (aside from walking of course) — bikes made out of a very sustainable material and no fuel needed at all. Bambike offers experience tours in Intramuros, a historical site in Old Manila featuring Spanish fortress, cobbled streets, century-old cathedrals, and museums. Pedal your way, the green way, across Fort Santiago, Plaza San Luis, Rizal Shrine and other historic sights in the area.

The Bambikes are made by Bambuilders from Gawad Kalina, a community-based organization developing projects aimed at putting an end to poverty in the Philippines. So imagine learning history in sustainable material handcrafted by a community as you burn calories (not fuel!), the Bambike tour is indeed a win-win-win-win situation!

And the best part? Book your tour with us here in Z Hostel from July 1-Sept 30 and we give you a 20% discount! Book through +63 927 965 2692 or (02) 856 0851. And soon to come are Bambike Poblacion Tours — an enjoyable and ecological way to hop around this energetic Makati district filled with gastronomic and architectural hotspots! See you around!

The Philippines is home to some of the most beautiful islands and the clearest waters in the world. In fact, the country’s last frontier Palawan was hailed once again “the world’s best island” by Travel + Leisure magazine, the same spot it filled last year and in 2013. But with this incredible recognition of the country’s marine and coastal resources comes a disturbing fact: the Philippines is also the 3^rd biggest source of plastic waste in the oceans.

It is a major problem that needs to be tacked at large. But that doesn’t mean there are no easy, simple steps to help solve this. Enter The Plastic Solution. It is a movement of reducing plastic waste by creating “eco-bricks,” recycled plastic bottles stuffed with non-biodegradable waste to become an alternative building material.

Here are the steps to creating an eco-brick:

These eco-bricks can now then be piled up or used as fillers for building structures such as walls, fences, and benches. And these smaller structures can then be further built into actual homes, classrooms, and even a forest nursery!

The Plastic Solution was founded by Ziggie Gonzalez, who is also a co-founder of the Circle Hostel group. Part of the walls surrounding the Circle Hostel in Zambales have already used eco-bricks and have sparked a growing community of concerned citizens, beach lovers, and environmental warriors who want to create big changes through little yet impactful actions.

Z Hostel is a proud supporter of The Plastic Solution. Come by the hostel anytime to drop-off your eco-bricks and we’ll be more than glad to take them to the building sites. Happy stuffing!

Photo credits: The Plastic Solution Facebook Page

Think the Philippines is all gorgeous islands and amazing beaches? Nothing bad about it at all but if you are more of a mountain person, then this country also offers a lot of spots for the adventure junkie and active trekker in you. And while you are in Manila, spend a day in these mountains and trekking trails not very far from the metro:

Mt. Maculot

MASL: 706

Mt. Maculot is fast becoming one of the most popular day hike destinations in the country as it is just at the heart of Batangas, which is relatively near Manila. On weekends though, Mt. Maculot becomes heavy with people so it is advised to avoid such time. There are three main destinations in the site: the grotto, the peak, and the Rockies. It is considered to be a tiring and challenging trail for beginners as it involves a cliff and steep climb. But once you reach the Rockies, you will be rewarded with a glorious view of the entire Taal Lake with, of course, the world-renowned Taal Volcano. The path is covered in lush greens providing a scenic walk and the mountain is interestingly shaped like an igloo making the trip worth all the sweat and effort.

Guide: Php 400 for a group of 5

Registration Fee: Php 20

Bus: Php 150 one way

Getting There:  Take a bus bound for Lemery (bus stations: Kamias in MRT Kamuning or Buendia in LRT Gil Puyat) and get off at Cuenca Town.

Pico De Loro

MASL: 664

Perhaps the most iconic peak near Manila, pictures of which are flooding Facebook timelines in recent years. The Pico de Loro trail starts at Magnetic Hill in Ternate but the ultimate goal is to reach the summit popularly known as the Parrot’s Beak, the highest point in Cavite. From up there, stunning 360-degree views welcome you and take your breath away: Caraballo Mountains in the North, Batangas to the south, Maragondon at the east, and the West Philippine Sea to the west. The trek up to the summit takes around 3-4 hours but as the mountains are a DENR Protected Area, interesting flora and fauna accompany you along the way.

Registration Fee: Php 25

Bus: Php 82 (one way)

Tricycle: Php 250/ride (one way)

Getting There: Take a bus to Maragondon, Cavite from the Coastal Mall Integrated Bus Terminal. From the Ternate Terminal, ride a tricycle to the DENR Station in Magnetic Hill.

Mt. Batulao

MASL: 811

Rolling slopes and grassy open trails has earned Mt. Batulao its spot as one of the hiking crowd’s most favorites. Its terrains have become a popular spot not just for trekkers but also for trail runners. The fantastic sights really make up for the exhausting way especially at the steep ascent up to the summit via the old trail. But you can choose to take the new trail, which they say is a much easier climb. The trail starts at Evercrest Golf Course in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Guide : Php 300-500/day

Registration Fee: P30/trail (Php 60 if using both trails)

Bus: Php 104 (one way)

Tricycle (optional): Php 25/person (one way)

Getting there:   Take any bus bound for Nasugbu or Calatagan at the Coastal Mall Integrated Bus Terminal. Drop off at the Evercrest Golf Course and walk or ride a tricycle to the trailhead.

Transport yourself to a place where it feels like summer forever and where living the good life is the only rule to live by. Welcome to Pura Vida Manila, a Costa Rican Reggae lounge that is the newest addition to the concept cafes and restaurants in Poblacion, Makati.

The very moment you open Pura Vida’s door, it feels like you’ve just left the city and instantly gone to the beach. The old house in this once quiet neighborhood, much of it retained and just slightly refurbished, feels just right the perfect home for what Pura Vida stands for. The wooden stairs and walls are splashed with the red, green, and yellow paint and plastered with everything Bob Marley; big wooden beach chairs in the balcony easily feel like lazy afternoons on the beach; and rope swings in the bar with a boat-shaped shelf make this lounge a sweet escape from city life.

Everything inside the lounge spells c-h-i-l-l. After all, Pura Vida means “Pure Life” and is a popular expression in Costa Rica already engrained in their day-to-day life. They greet each other “Pura Vida” and ask someone he or she is with “Pura Vida?” to which the other answers with “Pura Vida!” “It is an expression we use for people, places, things, feelings we like or consider good, or whenever we want to wish someone well,” shares Renato Robles, founder and owner of Pura Vida who hails from Costa Rica himself.

If reggae music is the soul of Pura Vida, Costa Rican food is at the heart of this lounge. The dishes are all inspired by Renato’s mom’s cooking. So that’s Costa Rican staples and favorites straight from their dinner tables making their way to Manileño’s tummies. Costa Rican food is a good balance of fullness and freshness, staple ingredients include rice and beans, plantains, meat, avocado, and fresh herbs.

Patacones is a great start, traditional Costa Rican snack of deep-fried plaintains with three appetizing sides of refried beans, cilantro sauce, and guacamole.

Pura Vida’s bestseller is the Chifrijo and it could definitely be a Filipino palate favorite: a bowl of rice, beans, chicharon-style pork, avocado, and tortilla chips all topped with “pico de gallo”, tomato salad with lime juice.

Loading up for a night of drinking? Casados is perfect for you. It is a Costa Rican main served with a plateful of rice, beans, plantains, picadillo, white cheese and any of the following options: Beef steak, Chicken in white cheese sauce, Chicken Fajitas, Beef Fajitas, Fajitas Mixas (beef & chicken), or Carne and Salsa.

Ready for the next part? It’s time to sip into the good life with Pura Vida’s refreshing cocktails! Specially crafted by Lucas Floyd, bartender who Renato flew all the way from Costa Rica, these signature drinks will definitely take you to a dreamy beach holiday. Prices can be a bit steep but you get your money’s worth — all cocktails are made with premium alcohol bases. Get a spicy start with Healthy Rasta, fresh watermelon and lime juice, gin, tonic water with fresh peppermint, basil, and rosemary.

Sip into sunny goodness with Summer Melted, rum-based drink with fresh passion fruit juice, ginger, soda water, with lemon grass syrup and lime juice.

Sweeten up your night with Guaro Sour, vodka with fresh lime juice, grenadine, and soda water. For a true tropical getaway, get Natural Mystic, a refreshing blend of vodka, fresh pineapple juice with ginger syrup, basil syrup, and soda water.

Imagine sitting on one of those wooden beach chairs in the balcony with a fresh cocktail in hand and Sister Nancy’s Bam Bam is playing in the background after a hard day at work. What a sweet interlude, right? And the feeling in Pura Vida is just unlike any other: it is relaxed yet fun, has a diverse crowd but with a sense of community, and is inspired by an unfamiliar culture yet still feels very much like home.

There is no better way to escape the city heat than to head to the beach. After all, it’s better to bake yourself under the sun by the sound of the waves than with the honks of cars and jeepneys. So if you are itching to hit the ocean without having to go too far from Manila, Crystal Beach in Zambales is one of the nearest and sweetest beach escapes you can have!

Tucked in the town of San Narciso, Zambales just about 4 hours away from Manila, Crystal Beach has become a favorite weekend getaway place for people living in the metro. And it’s not surprising why. The beach property is so expansive with many accommodation options to choose from yet it does not feel crowded and cramped. There is definitely a lot of breathing space a tired city soul is just looking for. Interestingly, instead of palm trees standing tall, pine trees dot the area giving a breezy, calming feel.

Crystal Beach features several bungalows, huts, stilt cottages perfect for group of friends and even families. But if your squad likes to rough it and be a little adventurous, they also have several campsites near the beach where you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Although frequented by a lot of guests especially during the weekend, the entire property is clean and well-maintained, definitely a plus when all you want to do is get away from the clutter and relax all day.

The beach is wide and clean that comes in a mixture of sand and volcanic ash. The property has also amped up the shore with stylish huts and Instagrammable fixtures without being tacky and still maintaining the rustic, laidback vibe of the entire place. There is no shortage of wash stations and shower areas.

There are restaurants inside the property selling refreshing shakes and delectable meals. They even have a common grilling area if you want to cook your own food!

Crystal Beach is also known as a good surfing spot especially for beginners. For only P400 per hour, you can already rent out a surf board and it comes with a rash guard and a Quicksilver Surf School instructor. The waters in Crystal Beach have a rip current but what is laudable about the management is they made sure to place many warning signs, flags to indicate the swimming area, and hardworking lifeguards on the lookout every second you are there.

If surfing does not catch your fancy, then you have come to the right place, too. Crystal Beach is pretty much designed for chill mornings and lazy afternoons. And that’s the beauty of the place: it strikes just the right balance between serenity and activity and comfort and adventure.

If you’re looking for white-sand, palm-fringed beaches you see in Philippine postcards then this is not the place for you. But a sparkling gray shoreline dotted with pine trees and blessed with swells for surfing does not sound too bad at all either. Now you know where to go when you want to escape the city for awhile!

Tips:

• Check their website crystalbeach.com.ph for a full list of all their accommodation types, amenities, and facilities
• They charge a corkage fee drinks to be brought inside
• There are many available parking slots in case you want to bring a car

How to get there (commute):

1. Take a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Their stations are in Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan, and Sampaloc. The ride takes about 3-4 hours.
2. Tell the driver to drop you off at San Narciso. Landmark is the San Sebastian Catholic Church.
3. Ride a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to Crystal Beach Resort. Trip takes about 10 minutes.

Wanderlust: a fascination to see breathtaking landscapes and experience the world’s awesome beauty with fresh eyes. But if we open our eyes wider and take a closer look at our world right now, it is in great danger. Mostly because of our actions. As you embark on your journey of a lifetime, take these earth-friendly products and reminders with you and be a responsible traveler: 

Save the sand: beach-friendly blanket

Image source: www.lagu.com.au

Did you know, on an average, we take away almost three handfuls of sand every time? We rinse them, they go down the drain, and they’re never gonna find their way back to our gorgeous shores. Thanks to Lagu, the world’s first beach-friendly mat that uses a unique linen blend that repels sand, you can now enjoy the beach without taking away sand with you.

For the sun-worshippers: ocean-friendly sunscreen and organic tanning oil 

Image source: www.humanheartnature.com

Save your skin from damage while saving the beautiful but fragile coral reefs, too! Certain ingredients from commercial sunscreens like parabens, benzophenone, oxybenzone, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor have been confirmed to cause coral bleaching. Opt to use reef-friendly sunscreens like Human Nature SafeProtect SPF30 Sunscreen which is made will an all-natural formulation.

While you’re at it, use organic products in the beach. Stuff by Serena has a coconut-based, coffee-infused tanning oil that is 100% natural and biodegradable and locally produced.

Reusable everything: Bamboo/Metal Straws, Shopping Bags, and Water Bottles

Image source: Bryan Madera

We might not notice it but the little things we buy and use while on the road can greatly affect the environment and the community when combined. You’ve seen that hurtful video of a plastic straw plucked out of a turtle’s blooded nostril. And honestly, your rum-coke will still taste the same. Ditch the plastic straw entirely or carry with you a reusable metal or bamboo straw (check out Yugto Eco Solutions). A lightweight eco-bag won’t exceed your baggage limit — make sure to have one in your backpack and use it when you buy food items, shop for souvenirs, or place your clothes for laundry.

Image source: www.lightingleica.com

Most hostels, hotels, and restaurants offer free, clean water. Skip the plastic bottles and carry a reusable water bottle and just refill every time. Saves you money, saves the environment!

Burn calories, not fossil fuels

Walk to the food market nearby, bike through the rice fields, and climb your way to the temples. As much as you can, use fuel transportation sparingly and move your body! If you can opt to use ferry instead of a plane to go to your next destination, that would be a better choice, too!

Support those who support the environment

A lot of hotels and establishments have started to go green: they use natural light and energy, recycle waste, and treat and reuse water. Stay with them, support their in-house or community-based initiatives, and recommend to friends!

Leave no trash behind

Image source: Bryan Madera

Don’t flick your cigarette butt on the beach, pick up bag of chips, beer cans, and whatever plastic trash you see and dispose them properly. These are really, really simple ways to help but could definitely go a long way. As the saying goes, “take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.” Happy responsible traveling!