The Lenten season is observed by most Filipinos as this is a predominantly Catholic country. It starts off with Ash Wednesday and people flock to church to have a priest who uses ashes to place a cross in the middle of their forehead.

Holy Week should ideally be observed the whole week, as it was in the olden days but nowadays, the days the devotees may do their acts of worship are Thursday to Sunday.

Maundy Thursday is the day where a good Catholic must visit 7 churches. On Black Friday, one must visit a church. On this day, the cross is covered with a black piece of cloth that signifies how Jesus died. The cloth remains on the cross until Easter Sunday which is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

It is typical of the Filipino family to take advantage of the long break to spend time together going out of town to places like the beach as it is summer and the end of the school year.

One thing to note about Black Friday is that travelling is not encouraged and on this day, nearly all forms of transportation and even establishments stop operation. The observance of Black Friday is that of fasting and abstinence. That means that one should eat just a little and not partake of meat. Black Friday is a time for mourning in remembrance of how Jesus died on the cross.

Tagaytay provides the best view of the world’s smallest volcano. This volcano has the crater in the middle of the lake of the Taal. Local and foreign visitors visit Tagaytay which about 55 kilometers away from Manila, to stare in awe at Taal volcano, to enjoy the cool crisp air, and the hospitality of the people of Tagaytay.

How a stranger would come to Tagaytay to stare at its beauty is probably one of the most unknown tales about Tagaytay and how the name was derived. Most of the names of the places in the Philippines were given because of what is distinct to the area, such as the small town of Balisong in Taal, which makes the unique knife that has a split handle that closes to cover the blade, and this can be opened to expose the blade with just a flick of the wrist.

The tale of how Tagaytay got it’s name is very interesting. Tagaytay can be broken down into two Filipino words which are “taga” meaning to hack with a sharp instrument and also is the name of a kind of large knife for use in the fields, and “Itay” which means father. Here’s the tale:

A young and beautiful woman who belonged to a wealthy Tagaytay family, met a good-looking, charming man at the ridge who was not from this place. He courted her and often visited her. One day, she had fallen in love with him, believing his flowery words – she had allowed him to kiss her.

After she was kissed, being pure, she asked him when he plans to make her his wife. The man scoffed and said that he had no plans to marry her. In her anger, she started running towards her home, shouting the words, “Itay, taga!” repeatedly over and over so that her father could hear her.

The father did come out with his large knife, and so did some other people. The man saw what was happening, started running away to save his life from the angry mob. As they chased him, the young woman was crying in despair because she was considered as disgraced, and continued to scream, “Taga, Itay, taga…”

The man was quick and was able to escape by running down the hill towards the lake. There were rocks that he had to clamber as that was the direction that he was cornered to run to. The people of the place stopped chasing him after he climbed the rocks, and just stood there. The reason why they no longer followed the man is that the rocky area was very dangerous, and he will not survive his escape and fall off the ridge.

Even during these modern times, there are still many Filipina women who remain chaste and pure until marriage, and the Filipino father is typically protective, and does have a strong influence on who the daughter will marry.

Note: Tagaytay’s Department of Tourism has a strict “Honesty Policy” for all establishments, facilities, and for transportation operators. This city is also one of the cleanest in the Philippines and the local government has imposed a number of ordinances to make sure that the air quality is kept as pure as possible.

Lechon is a cooking term. The Filipino way of naming food is that the dish is to be identified by the cooking term and then followed by a noun, which is the main ingredient.

The process of cooking meat and poultry by placing it on a spit over hot coals or other forms of heat such as that of the heating elements in an oven, and continuously turning meat or poultry until it is cooked. Before cooking, the main ingredient may be marinated, rubbed, and may have an herb-based stuffing. Fish and other seafood are grilled but these are not lechoned.

The most popular kind of lechon is that of lechon baboy (roasted pig). This is presented as a whole pig with golden brown crispy skin. The dipping sauce is a gravy made from pork liver. Lechon baboy is the main dish of most festivities in the Philippines. There are different sizes and it may be bought as whole or in kilos.

There is also lechon de leche (roasted suckling pig) and lechon baka (roasted calf). The whole calf undergoes the same cooking process.

The most common main ingredient that become lechoned is chicken. There are lechon manok (roasted chicken) stalls in many areas of the main city and in the provinces. These are bought whole. Often, there are roasted slabs of pork offered by the same stalls but these are called “liempo” to identify the pork cut and are not called lechon, as the cooking term only applies to the meat or poultry being cooked as a whole.

All of these popular alcoholic drinks are best when drank cold or served on ice.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen – This is the “King of Beers” in the Philippines. This beer contains 5 percent alcohol. It is rather bitter, that pours to create a thick foam. This is available in bottles, canned, and as draft beer. The price of this beer ranges from 40 pesos to 175 pesos for a 330 ml can or bottle.

San Miguel Light – This beer contains 5% alcohol. The brew taste nearly the same as that of San Miguel Pale Pilsen but contains less calories. The calorie intake is 130 per 330 ml bottle or can. The price ranges from 40 to 175 pesos for a 330 ml can or bottle.

Red Horse Beer – This beer packs a stronger punch as it contains 6.8 percent alcohol. It is bitter topped with a light sweetness. The price of this beer ranges from 45 to 175 for a 330 ml can or bottle.

Tanduay Ice – Tanduay is the most popular rhum in the Philippines. The makers of this rhum that is typically drank straight, on ice, or with Coke, has their vodka-based bottle drink which is called Tanduay Ice. This comes in different flavors and contains 5% alcohol. The price ranges from 40 to 175 pesos for a 330 ml bottle.

Smirnoff Mule – This ginger beer has a light lemony taste and contains vodka. This does have a kick as the vodka and beer mix does the trick. It contains 6 percent alcohol. The price ranges from 75 to 200 pesos for a 330 ml bottle.

Brew Kettle – This is a Witbier beer and has a rather sweet, orange taste, with no trace of bitterness. It does have the smoothness and makes one feel full as it contains a trace of oats. It contains 5.3 percent alcohol. The prices ranges from 75 to 175 a 330 ml bottle.

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/GrabPH/

Pick up and Drop off – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Grab is a ride booking service for taxis and other vehicles, like a car rental but metered.

You can set the pick up point and drop of point. You will get to know the driver’s details and the make and plate number of the vehicle that will pick you up.

Grab has GrabCar and this is one of the transportation services that is accredited by this Philippines airport. Z Hostel recommends that you use this transport service upon arrival. There are two ways to use it:

1. Look for the GrabCar booth at the airport.

– There are GrabCar booths that are located in designated areas of the various terminals.
– You may need to inquire where the GrabCar booths are.
– These booths facilitate booking the ride.

2. Download the Grab app.

You may also download the free Grab app from their website. https://www.grab.com/ph/
This is recommended if you have data connection.

From Z Hostel to the airport or to any point in Manila, you may request the reception to book a Grab ride for you.

The Grab app is also handy to book a ride within Manila.

Are you feeling the blues during this month of love?

Well there’s no need to get your spirits down about being single this Valentines season with all the other things that you can do. This holds true with some travelers (especially for those who travel solo) once in a while. But why not make the best of the moment?

Instead, you can turn things around by living in the moment. You can just as easily enjoy and share the love this month! Z Hostel gives you a list of ways to delight in being single this valentines.

Indulge in being single

1. If you are in Manila this Valentines season, you can have a blast, single or not. The easiest way to kick the blues bug away is just by heading to the Z Hostel Roof Deck and making new friends. Other than offering great dorm room rates for a hostel in Makati, Z holds events at their roof deck daily. Grab a few drinks and introduce yourself to someone new!

1. 1. 2. Treat yourself out and satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the most delectable desserts such as the one of a kind ice creams offered at The Dessert Kitchen. Brought to you from Hong Kong, this all natural, sustainable, and healthier form of low fat specialty desserts can be enjoyed at R3 Level of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati.
      3. If a road trip is what you need, then the Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower festival held annually in Baguio City can help you celebrate your love for life. This five-week-long celebration is filled with trade fairs, concerts, exhibits, contests and so much more!
         

1. 1. 4. Other than feeling down on the dumps being alone this Valentines, then you might be in need for some shopping therapy. If so, then The Complex Lifestyle Store is just the place to go especially during their ongoing sale from Febuary 6-21, 2016 . With several locations and a wide range of brands ranging from Saucony Originals to Ralph Lauren, celebrate singlehood with a gift or more.

1. 1. 5. Immerse in Art & Culture of the Philippines this love month and take a gander at attending the Artekolasa2016: Direksyon exhibit this coming Febuary 26 until March 3, 2016. This exhibit is held by the fine arts grads of St. Scholastica Manila featuring works about the importance of preservation and awareness of culture in the country.

Celebrate things you love this Valentines

There you have it, these are just a few things you can do and enjoy this season of love in the Philippines. You can just as well celebrate your love for travel, arts, and more just as much single than being a part of a couple.

Go ahead and relish your time being single and delve into exploring places and things you wish!

WHAT IS AN RFID?

If you haven’t come across them before, RFIDs or Radio-frequency identifications are becoming more and more popular.

So what exactly are RFIDs? And what exactly are they for?

Well, in this article, you’ll find out exactly what these are and how they can be of use. Places like Z Hostel have been using this kind of technology for their transactions as opposed to pulling out cash every time you go to the bar to buy a beer. So with that, it’s only right that you get exactly how these tags work and their benefits.

WHAT IS AN RFID REALLY FOR?

RFIDS are electronic tags that store and transfer data. Think of them as prepaid cards that you can top up and use to make a purchase with just as you would swipe any debit or credit card you have.

The only difference between RFIDs and your cards are that these tags can only be used within a specific purpose or establishment.

Take the RFIDs that Z Hostel have available, you can buy your personal tag for only Php 50.00 and top it up with a minimum amount of P150 and will be good for 90 days (non refundable). However, the money that you put into these tags are only valid for transactions within the hostel.

What happens to the money left over? Well, don’t worry! You can check your balance with any of the staff members and keep the money left for another day. Remember, these tags are valid for 90 days, and that goes for the money you top-up in it.

THE BENEFITS OF USING RFIDS

Not only are RFIDs easier to use when having a few drinks in places like our Z Roof deck, but also these tags give you the benefit of not having to carry any cash with you when you go enjoy all the facilities that the establishment or event that provides them. It also makes the transaction much faster.

Also, with these tags (that usually come conveniently as bracelets) you can get an update of what your current balance is after every transaction.

So there you have it! Your basic info on what exactly are RFIDs and how they can be of use to you. You don’t have to worry about losing any of your cash at hand or having to count how much your credit is. With the use of this incredible technology, you’ll not only have the piece of mind about your cash, but also a hassle free time by just having to swipe your wristband to buy a drink!

Looking for a great way to spend a weekend?

The Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival held every year at Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro is one of the biggest and most anticipated music fests in the Philippines.

For more info click here.

A weekend of nonstop music from both local and foreign bands that range from reggae to hip hop, anybody can surely enjoy and get to know new people! Located in Mt. Malasimbo, you can pitch a tent near the concert grounds and be a stone’s throw away from where the bands are playing.

Here’s a video of what it’s like when the Z Hostel Crew joined in on the fun last Malasimbo Festival 2015:

This year, the festival will be held on two weekends showcasing a weekend of Music & Arts and another of Music and Dance on March 4-6, 2016 and March 24-26, 2016. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and grab some tickets now!

Buy your tickets for Malasimbo 2016 at the Z Hostel Front Desk!

Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to rough it. There are many comfortable places that you can find to spend the night. There are cheap hotels that are also are commonly known as budget accommodations and hostels.

Spending less that what you would for a posh hotel does cut down accommodation expense by at least half and sometimes, you’ll find a great deal and the cost would be a fraction of the amount.

When searching online for budget accommodations, if you are travelling alone or want to cut down on expenses by finding a place to stay at that doesn’t cost an arm an a leg, it’s a good idea to look for hostels in the area that you plan to go to.

Hostels offer single bed space. Many are like dormitories with bunk beds. A room may accommodate 4 or more people. Some provide rooms exclusively men, women, and what is known as “mixed”. Most rooms have lockers so a guest may store their things in safety. Hostels typically have shared bathrooms and a common area for lounging.

Unlike budget hotel accommodations that are low in price because the room may be found in hotels that are rated one to two stars, hostels may provide better accommodations and the price might even be a lot cheaper as the room sharing that hostels provide makes this possible.

A tall, lean and fit man in his senior years, with sun-darkened skin, still walks with long strides that show that he was a former backparker. He climbs up and goes down stairs with agility, and hardly pants, even if it is hot, and there is no need for him to stop moving to catch his breath, unlike many his age.

With a slight longing in tone in his voice, he recalled the youth hostels that he stayed at. As he spoke about these youth hostels of old, his gaze was that of looking far away, amd the memories made him smile.

This is the gist of what he said:

Many years ago, backpacking was already the way to get to see different places. He didn’t know about youth hostels as before, there was no Internet or a lot of information about such things that you can read from newspapers and magazines. He found out about youth hostels from a friend who travelled to many countries using the EuroRail. It was the thing to do at that time and so he went on his first, lengthy, backpacking trip in Europe, choosing to stay at youth hostels.

Most youth hostels would only accommodate him during sleeping hours. The maximum amount of days he may stay in one youth hostel was 3 days, then they won’t accommodate him anymore. and so he would have to choose another youth hostel in the same area if he will stay at that place for a longer period of time.

The accomodations at youth hostels were a lot better than staying in a YMCA. There were same sex rooms and he had stayed in a mixed room once. Most had bunk beds but he remembered one that had folding beds. These folding beds were set up at a school.

He spoke about how he had made friends while at the hostel, talking to the ones in the same room with him, until they would fall asleep. He said that he met many good people yet during his travels, he was cautious as he might lose his things and money, though no untoward incident ever happened to him.

As a final statement, he said that during his trip to the UK last year, he saw airport accommodations that were like capsules that you would slip into. These did have a TV inside. He said they were practical for someone to stay at if they have a long stopover but it might be claustrophobic.

A backpacking dream that you embark on are going to be memories that you will enjoy for the rest of your life.