Category: Blog

After a few rounds of rum-coke and chit-chat with some friends up in the roofdeck, I decided to do a French exit and get back to my dorm room for some cold air ASAP. It was such a humid night and the place was packed. I was alone in the 8-bed mixed dorm but I could see things in each bed and probably everyone was just away for dinner or drinks.

After a few minutes, two girls and one guy came inside. The usual and seemingly awkward hostel-style hi’s and hello’s were exchanged and there was silence again. I still have to learn how to break a conversation but good thing Sinead and Mandy, both Irish girls, were good at it. We talked about where they’ve been and where they’re going: the usual “5 questions every traveler in a hostel gets asked about.” Then Sinead randomly goes “do you wanna play Uno with us?” I asked, “Where?” “Here up in my bed,” she replied.

As far as I know, this is our 6^th minute of knowing each other and I get invited to jump into her bed along with two others for a card game. And as far as I can remember, the last time I played Uno involved a lot of beers. I could not see even a single bottle around. This should be interesting.

And there we were, 2 Filipinos (the other guy, John, and me) and two Irish girls playing Uno up in the upper bunk bed in a dorm room, after 10 minutes of introduction. We clicked so well that we didn’t notice the time. No alcohol involved but we were having a great time. But our roommates started coming in and putting on their eye masks. It was time for bed. Well, for them. So we decided to find another place for more rounds of Uno.

We headed to the Game Room and continued playing. We made up teams: Filipinos vs Irish, Mandy and John vs Sinead and me. But John came up with the idea of putting in money just to give it a little fun, it was one against each other. The game room was filled with laughter, with magic tricks, with poker faces, friendly trash talking, and the amazing smell of Sisig. We couldn’t resist. So at 2 in the morning, we were downing chopped pieces of fat and garlic rice.

Morning came and the four of us were checking out the same day. Me and John off to our usual Manila life while Mandy and Sinead are bound for Hong Kong. But before that, John drove us to Legazpi Sunday Market for brunch and Hillary, a Canadian they met a the hostel the day before, came to join us. After some good food and a lot of Snapchats, we walked to a hipster coffee shop in the neighborhood for a cup of Americano.

Everything happened in less than 24 hours. But it felt like we were friends for a long time. I think this is the best part about staying in a hostel. There seems to be comfort in the things unfamiliar. There can be connection with people uncertain. We may never cross paths again but we did meet at a certain point, we became friends. And these little things are the ones you like to remember, like how a Game of Uno started a friendship.

Raise your voices and raise ‘em Philippine flags! In celebration of the Philippines’ 118^th Independence Day, our Sunday Slowdown will feature an all OPM (Original Pilipino Music) set from Skylight on June 12, 2016.

From 4:20PM (who knew this time is important to Philippine history! Check out why below!) onwards, start the afternoon with some chill beats and cold beers in the world-renowned Z Hostel Roofdeck.

Skylight is set to rock the floor with the best local tunes around 9 in the evening. The band, born from tiny open mic gigs in Timog, has now grown to a family of 8 musicians covering classic to contemporary songs in their own, unique light.

Expect the best of OPM from this soulful band as well as our in-house music sets. What better way to celebrate the Philippines’ independence than a day and night of good Original Pilipino Music!

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Just a little bit of history check: The Philippine Independence Day celebrated every June 12 commemorates the day Emilio Aguinaldo, then elected president of the revolutionary government against the Spaniards, declared independence from Spanish colonization at his house in Kawit, Cavite.

At around 4:20 PM, the official Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time as the San Francisco de Malabon band was playing the first Philippine National anthem “Marcha Nacional Filipina” at the same time.

While the Philippines gained independence from Spanish control in 1898, we were handed over to the American government through the Treaty of Paris and would only gain independence from the Americans in July 4, 1946. There is still an on-going debate as to which of the two dates the “real” independence should be celebrated.

Whether it’s your first time to embark on a journey halfway around the world or your third time in the exotic cities of Asia or South America, packing your backpack always seems like a daunting task. That is basically your life at your back, for 3 months or over a year! But we’ve rounded up some tips on how to gear up your travel buddy for the most exciting times on the road!

Meet Halfway

One of the most important things seasoned travelers have learned is to cut down all the things you think you need by half. Lay down everything at once and you are sure to find some repetitive and unnecessary items for your trip you need to leave behind.

Rock and (Compact) Roll!

Probably the most cliché of all packing tips. Because it definitely works! Rolling your clothes saves up so much space and even keeps your clothes from getting wrinkled and creased! But more than just rolling, roll it really tight from the start to get rid of any air taking up space.

Here’s how you do it:

Wash It Out

Fashion is the least thing you’ll think about on the road. It doesn’t mean you go around looking untidy. But no one actually cares if you wear the same things over again! Of course you’ll have to wash it at some point. Also, you can buy cheap stuff along the way if ever you run out of clothes!

No Blank Space, Baby

Every little space inside that bag is as precious as the air we breathe! Make use of it properly and efficiently — you can put small clothing and other items inside your shoes, eyeglass case, and even your Altoids tin! Make sure to remove items in their packaging too as it could store air and take up space.

Microfiber magic

Ditch the bulky and heavy towels and go for the thin, quick-drying, and super-absorbent shower buddy!

Stay Dry 

Definitely place valuable items like books, gadgets, and chargers in reusable, waterproof bags. A waterproof cover is a plus but a good ol’ garbage bag goes a long way, too!

There’s shampoo and sunscreen in Asia, too

Leave out the big shampoo bottles, sunscreen lotions, and contact lens solution. You’ll most likely find all these in one of your stops. Pack the small refillable ones to be more handy and eco-friendly.

Packing for your backpacking trip can get really stressful. But these simple tips and hacks will definitely get you singing, “All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go!”

Sun-bathing in a gorgeous, palm-fringed, white-sand beach on a bright summer afternoon — this is you on your dream vacation in the Philippines. But what if the rainy season already kicks in? Is the Philippines still worth visiting? Why, yes! Flights and accommodations are cheaper during these wet months and with exciting things to do beyond frolicking under the sun, the fun definitely never stops here! Here are things you could do and places to visit in the Philippines during the rainy months of June to November:

Surfing

Catch the best and biggest waves during the rainy monsoon or “habagat” season as it is called in surfing hotspots like Siargao Island, Baler, Dahican Beach in Davao, and Ilocos Norte. With extreme caution and care doing the sport, you’ll be guaranteed a great time surfing in the Philippines during these months.

Water Sports and Activities

The rush of water during the rainy season definitely brings more excitement to sea and river activities in the Philippines. Head to Cagayan De Oro City for a thrilling white-water rafting and river trekking adventure! Hop on a bus to the next town of Iligan City, dubbed as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls”, and enjoy a leisurely hike up to hidden waterfalls and cold spring resorts.

Beach

There is a certain charm to beaches when it is raining. While Boracay is the ultimate summer destination, it is also beautiful and much dramatic during the habagat season. The water activities are transferred to the “back beach” of Bulabog so there are fewer people basking on the main beach. The hotels and inns are also certainly cheaper. You can surely save money (and yourself from those painful sunburns, too)!

Shopping

Avoid the cold raindrops and just shop ‘til you drop! The Philippines has some of the biggest malls in Asia and the world! You just don’t get to shop from day until night from wide variety specialty shops but even watch movies in iMax theaters, play bowling, go ice-skating, and dine out! Choose from among the huge supermalls like SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Seaside Cebu or search for local and cheap finds in Greenhills Shopping Center and Divisoria. 

Churches and Museums

Rain-soaked while in the Philippines? How about soaking in Filipino culture and history! The abundance of century-old churches in almost every corner of the Philippines is something you should take advantage while being here, especially during the rainy season. The National Museum has just also announced that entrance is now free for locals and foreigners alike!

Staycation

Rainy season = bed weather. What better way to cap all these activities than to cuddle up and warm yourself in a nice and comfortable hotel room! Catch your much-needed zzz’s in Z Hostel with their big customized beds, hotel quality linens, and ultra-soft pillows. Head to the roofdeck for some quiet time while gazing at the misty Makati skyline.

As much as the Philippines is a tropical, sunny paradise, it can also be a top destination pick during the rainy season. In case you get wet, might as well dance and have fun under the rain!

As the night falls, neon lights and flashy signs begin to excite the ever-busy streets of Burgos and Poblacion. But something else has started to bring more life to this side of Makati: food!!! This area is definitely becoming one of the gastronomic hotspots in the metro bursting with hole-in-the-wall restaurants, quaint coffee shops, lively hostels, and concept cafes. So, where to eat and sip?

El Chupacabra – Don’t let the monobloc chairs outside get you to thinking it’s an eatery you can miss! This Mexican-inspired hangout place is a humble gastronomic haven best known for its Street Tacos and Grilled Skewers. Bright colors, cheap beers, and a dynamic travel-culture vibe, what more can you ask for?

Tambai – Who ever thought a small sari-sari store could become the hippest Yakitori snackhouse in Makati? Giving a Japanese take on the Filipino word “tambay” which means “to stand by”, you definitely wouldn’t wanna leave once you try their Beef Rib Fingers, Quail Egg wrapped in Bacon, and some good sake.

Señor Pollo – Hot as Bolivia and vibrant as Barcelona, this hermana of El Chupacabra is the home of the famous “Latin Chicken” in Manila! Feast on Roast Chicken w/ Chimichurri, Fried Chicken, and crispy Sisig while tapping your feet to some canciones de Enrique Iglesias and Nicky Jam on loop!

Kite – Taking you to the exotic Mediterranean world, this new kid on the block is getting all the (c)rave for their Beef Kebab Wraps, Tenderloin Chipotle, Ox Brain, and Lamb Biryani.

Discover a gold collection in the Philippines in the same city of Z Hostel. View the dioramas, providing the visual display of the history of this country. Get to see the painting of Filipino masters, ceramics from the 9th century, and indigenous textiles, and more.

The Ayala Museum, located near a sprawling expanse of connected malls, has 4 floors of Philippine history, presented in such a way that makes it very interesting and one will get to learn more about the heritage of the Filipino people. The 5th floor is library.

Unlike other countries like Egypt, the Philippines does not have a lot artifacts from ancient history as it is a relatively young country – but at the Ayala Museum, you will learn how the other counties such as China and Spain have greatly influenced this country, making it into a melting pot of different cultures due to its strategic location and having one of the longest coastlines in the world. You’ll also see the history of the Philippines unfold, revealing the highlights from then until the present, in the diorama presentation with a section about maritime history, and the fine gold collection that includes the protective death masks that were used to prevent malignant spirits from entering.

When in the Philippines, discovering more about the history and culture can greatly aid a traveller learn more about the various places they can go to and gain knowledge about the people. Keep in mind that Filipinos have a diverse culture, as this country is made up of 7,107 islands, and since it is a melting pot, many of the people are of mixed origins. To travel this country fully means a long exploration, so it’s a good idea to get an overview by visiting the Ayala Museum.

Address:
Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street
Greenbelt Park, Makati City
1224 Philippines

Museum Galleries Operating Hours
Ground to 4th floor is open from Tuesdays until Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.

Admission Fees

Regular Non-Resident Admission Fees

Basic PhP 350
Full   PhP 425

Non-Resident Student/Senior Citizen Admission Fees

Basic PhP 250
Full   Php 300

Regular Resident (Residents are Filipinos and foreigners with proof of residence in the Philippines)

Basic PhP 150
Full   PhP 225

For more information, visit the Ayala Museum website.

You have been to Boracay. Twice. You are on your way to Cebu. You are booked for Palawan. But there’s still 7,104 islands more to go. And Romblon should be the next on your list. Let me tell you why.

Composed of three main islands namely Tablas, Romblon, and Sibuyan, the province Romblon is not usually on the must-go lists for travellers in the Philippines. The gateway to the province is Tablas Island where the airport and the main ferry ports are located. Sibuyan Island has been dubbed as the “Galapagos of Asia” for its unique and teeming flora and fauna. As for Romblon Island, little is known about it aside from being the Marble Capital of the Philippines. Little is still known, which only means there is so much more waiting to be explored.

Approaching the port of Romblon Island, the first thing that would catch your attention is a structure reminiscent of a castle — a fortress atop a hill. This piece of history quickly gets you in the mood to explore, discover, and learn about this place which strangely is at the heart of the Philippines yet still remains distant to many. The main town is just right by the bay where the boats dock. And although dotted by small specialty shops, local eateries, and a mini funfair where locals hang out and place their bets on the “pula-puti” game board, the town still feels sleepy and the vibe speaks of simplicity.

The town of Romblon is best explored using a motorbike which you can rent for Php 500 for an entire day. Winding roads by the coast serve as your viewing deck for an unlimited view of a calm sea dotted by islets and the orange sun, little by little dipping and hinding behind the mountain range as it begins to set. It has got to be one of the sexiest sillhouettes you will ever see.

Although Romblon is not too far away from the famous and celebrated Boracay Island, it has still kept most of its hidden gems from the crowd. Getting to one of its spectacular spots, Bonbon Beach, is still shady as shady can get. Riding a tricycle, you will be dropped off by the main road in the middle of nowhere and will just be told to enter through a mini-forest. A narrow path among old palm trees and dried shrubs leads you to the beach and the first glance will blow you away. Remember the moment in the movie The Beach where Leonardo DiCaprio saw the magical cove for the first time? It is that kind of moment. The beach was glistening white, the palm trees were standing tall, and the white sand bar is peacefully resting in the middle of azure waters. And the best part? No other person around. The beach is all yours.

Romblon’s waters is also teeming with abundant marine life. An hour away from the main town is Agpanabat Reef. Just a few meters away from the shore, huge corals will start greeting you. A few more and you find yourself in the middle coral structures formed into cave-like passages with vibrant marine creatures of all sorts: colourful reef fishes, scores of blue starfish, and soft anemones. On a lucky day, a few green sea turtles will be your swimming buddies.

There are already several small resorts popping up along Romblon’s coastline. Some homes welcome guests as well. Spend the night out on the beach for a hearty dinner of grilled squid, fish, and vegetables: fresh seafood and meat are very affordable in Romblon. Dip your toes in its quiet waters and you’ll be guaranteed to see glowing planktons. It is honestly such a magical and inspiring sight.

It comes as a surprise that Romblon Island is not much-talked about by many travellers yet. But once you get there, a part of you would want the place to remain that way: untouched, kept, and hidden. And only those who take time to explore its corners and secrets will be rewarded to see its raw beauty. The kind of beauty that makes you giggle, that you cannot stop talking about, and that truly captivates you.

The world’s best islands. The most hospitable people in the world. A volcano that is a perfect cone. The sweetest mangoes. And a festival for every day of the year? If you find yourself in the Philippines right now, consider yourself lucky. If not, better get those tickets booked and your dancing shoes ready. Because in this side of the world, everyday is a party!

It’s no doubt most people, locals and travelers alike, agree to the country’s most recent tourism campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” as it truly captures one of the best assets this country has to offer: our infectious love of celebration and merrymaking. Don’t be surprised if one day, while riding the bus in a little town in Cebu or just walking down the city streets of Manila, you will be stopped because a parade of dancing children in colorful costumes is passing by. But don’t fret, it is one of the best cultural experiences you will ever have being in the Philippines.

Most festivals, or “fiestas” as they are called locally, are highly religious and cultural in nature, honoring the patron saint of a city or town or celebrating a ritual or tradition kept alive for generations. But the rest can be as diverse and bizarre as it can get. Talk about a rice festival, flower festival, a hot air balloon festival. Then you have a mango festival, milkfish festival, and even a parade of lechon (yes, the crispy and juicy roasted pig!) completely dressed in different characters!

A year may not be enough to experience all these grand celebrations of culture, religion, and abundance but you can definitely plan out trips to catch these three major festivals in the country:

Ati-Atihan Festival

3^rd weekend of January | Kalibo, Aklan

     

  

  

  

If you’ve been traveling, still on your way to start your journey, or just plainly a huge Leonardo DiCaprio fan, there’s an 80% chance you’ve already seen “The Beach” at some point in your life. Now try to remember the scenes: Unbelievably crystal-clear waters, immaculate powder white sand, lush limestone cliffs. Just you, the beach, and pure bliss. Now imagine all those twenty times over. Or maybe fifty times. Welcome to El Nido, Palawan.

The real “The Beach”

It’s no surprise some local accounts say that Alex Garland, the author of the novel ‘The Beach” to which the movie was based upon, was actually staying in El Nido when he wrote the book but shot the movie in Thailand for commercial purposes. I guess it’s blessing in disguise as El Nido still remains to be untouched and unspoiled, truly a paradise before your very eyes.

Just one of El Nido’s spectacular islands

Magical, enchanting, too good to be true. You’ll probably run out of words to describe El Nido once you start hopping on a small boat on to spectacular islets, gorgeous coves, hidden beaches, and sparkling turquoise waters and thousands of colorful fish in between. The island tour is the main attraction in El Nido. There are 4 tours namely A, B, C, and D and each would visit up to 4-5 different places. Each tour would cost from Php1000-1200 and can be easily booked through the several operators around town. If you’re pressed with time, take tour A and C.

Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach

Because there’s no such thing as too much Vitamin Sea, spend an entire day in a secluded beach about one hour away from the main town by motorbike. Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach is paradise within paradise, if there’s such a thing. As the name suggests, it is a gorgeous two-faced beach: one is a long stretch of palm-fringed white sand while the other one is a rockier version. It is quiet, dreamy, and almost out of this world. Climb up the cliff on the other end and you will see a view of the twin beaches that will take your breath away and split your hearts open.

On top of the world: The glorious view of Bacuit Bay at Taraw Cliff

Back in the main town, you can also climb up Taraw Cliff if you are feeling a little adventurous. Actually no, it’s a “go hard or go home” kind of decision to make. Only steep and sharp limestone karsts and no flat trails from bottom up so you better be ready for a heart-stopping climb. But once you get to the top, you would thank the inner Lara Croft in you and just be at awe with the glorious view of the Bacuit Archipelago.

There are far more beautiful things left to be said about El Nido. But i’ll leave it all up to you to see, discover, and explore. Now book that ticket and enjoy paradise — fifty times over!

Getting There

From Manila, take a plane to Puerto Princesa. From PP, you can take either a van or bus to El Nido. There are airconditioned vans waiting right outside the airport for Php600-700 one way. Buses are cheaper at Php400-500 pesos but you have to go via tricycle to San Jose Bus Terminal from the airport.

If you’re feeling a little luxurious this time, ITI (Island Transvoyager Inc) flies to El Nido from Manila direct ranging from Php5000-6000 one way.

It was an incredibly hot Saturday night but with a glorious view of Makati skyline, ice-cold beers in hand, and unadulterated beats from the best Trance DJs in town, everyone had a great time at the Summersault event last May 24. Summersault is the 3rd episode of Dimension, a series of the trance nights hosted by the largest local Trance group in the Philippines, Trance ‘til Dawn, at the Z Roofdeck.

Z hostel guests as well as walk-in visitors were treated to a night of good trance music, which actually sounded fresh and current. There’s always this association with Trance music as something dark and deep but Summersault gave a new spin to it. DJ Jedd Rommel of the duo Boys Can Trance opened the night and the duo’s other half Marco Lozano played after him. More and more guests came in and the vibe just got better. German DJ Alex Neumann closed the night with tracks that had people stay up on their feet.

Dimension is a brainchild of Cheka Laoner, a Trance DJ herself, and member of Trance ‘til Dawn. She put up the event to spread the good news about the genre. “Trance is usually labeled as underground. They think it’s only intense and energetic. So not a lot of Filipinos appreciate it yet,” she shares. Looking at how she can turn around this mindset and educate more people that Trance can be chill, calm, and relevant, too, Dimension was born. She thought Z Hostel would be one perfect venue to stage Dimension as the hostel has been making waves and gaining really positive reviews, especially the music scene in the roofdeck.

The first Dimension event was a success and paved the way for it to become a regular event at Z Hostel, held every 3rd Saturday of every 2 months at the roofdeck.

“It is one of the most beautiful genres and it needs to be heard,” Cheka added with much passion burning in her eyes. Well, we hear ya! And we can’t wait to be taken to different worlds and dimension again!

Stay tuned for the next Trance ‘til Dawn event at Z! Check www.zhostel.com