Z Hostel: My Luxury Hostel in the Philippines Experience

The luxurious hostel experience of Z Hostel makes the diff and saves the worldwide reputation of hostels. There are many hostels around the world have gained a horrible reputation, to include that of having bed bugs, lousy facilities, and even the guest being fooled by the pictures of the accommodations that were shown on the website. With Z Hostel, what you see on the site is what it is and the experience is leveled up by the chill vibes - and I would like to share with you my overnight experience so you may get a closer look and know, more or less, what to expect.

Z Hostel is located in Makati, Phillippines. Makati is the center of the business district and this hostel is right at the most fun part of the city - where the bars are. It is also near one of classiest malls, which is Power Plant. Accessing the place is easy via public transportation and it is an easy walk from the hostel to the convenience stores, drug store, hotels, and restos. Aside from dorm room hostel accommodations, Z Hostel has rooms for couples. It has an affordable restaurant and a roof deck bar.

My Z Hostel Experience

After booking online, I checked in at 2:00 pm. All I had to do was place in my email and phone number, and that made the check-in process a breeze. Got the room key card and an RFID to use for financial transactions around the hostel, and this one was loaded with around 25 dollars. Saw my friends in the lobby as I entered the place, and they were there, chilling on the sofa. At this hostel, wifi is the air that you breathe.

It is no-smoking place so I had to step out of the hostel, go to the roof deck, or use the bathroom in the dorm room to get my nicotine fix. The place is quite secure, as there are guards nearly everywhere aside from staff members, and CCTV cameras. The staff is efficient, not cloyingly smiley, and the relaxed atmosphere of this backpackers dream rest place made me feel so chill, as I could wear slippers, no makeup, and my most comfortable outfits. Coming in after a long trip from the North of Manila, the relaxed feeling started the minute I stepped in. After storing my bag, I had dinner with my friends to enjoy a Filipino food favorite called "bagnet" - a slab of pork that has been deep fried twice so it achieves a super crunchy skin and so that the fat and meat create a whole new level of taste and texture. It is a must-have for those who eat pork. The ordering process was easy, just use the RFID to click on the table, and the transaction is completed - and the food arrived fast. Fortified, it was party time at the top! The bar had a large selection of drinks, to include cocktails and hard liquor, and though I wanted to take a couple of shots of my preferred warming malt whiskey or that of the giddy Grey Goose vodka, I stuck to cold beer. The party atmosphere was friendly, smiling faces, showing the good vibes that exist in the place, and I made friends easily. No snubs around Z Hostel, that's for sure, and it doesn't matter what you wear, as it chill always as people accept you and befriend you the way you are. Totally no issues, and this dude moved quickly aside when he noticed that I was going to take a peekture of the "Good Vibes" sign at the bar.

Though I would have liked to party all night, I had to rest and post a few pics, and of course, wash up and brush my teeth before sleeping. The dorm experience was totally new to me. I don't mind the sounds of sleeping and hope I did not inflict anyone with my sleeping sounds. The other people in the room were all sleeping soundly but I stayed awake until around 4 am as I was thinking. The room provide a refuge, a quiet place to think, removing myself from the distractions and the humdrum of daily life. The sheets were cool and smooth, the room was spotlessly clean, and the small shelf with the stand and the light on the wall beside my bed was like a dream come true that I didn't even know that I wanted.

In the morning, I heard my name, asking if I was awake. After a little less than 4 hours sleep, I had to say yes as it was a working staycation, and I wanted to say yes as I was having a grand time with the two other bloggers with me and refuse not to be part of whatever we can do during the last few minutes of our stay. After the buffet breakfast, I used one of the PCs in the lobby area, went back to the room to relax, and checked out at the very last minute.

Leaving Z Hostel, while waiting for the cab that was booked by the reception, we sat down on the steps, the wind rustling our hair - to simply show how the cobwebs in the mind has disappeared. A chill, luxurious, pampering stay, filled with good vibes is what my Z Hostel experience is.

I would like to thank the two bloggers, Maria Rona Beltran and Lani Mesias Suazon, that so kindly said yes to covering this hostel in the Philippines upon my invitation, without any hesitation, and for the fun while working blogger's lifestyle overnight stay that we that we shared.

Learn more about this hostel in the Philippines by visiting the Z Hostel website.

Go Bowling in BF: More Fun in the South

A wholesome fun activity, to go bowling is one of the things to do. Yet, in the South, there are not much places to bowl at - and you may not be aware of the fact that one can go bowling at The Village Sports Club at BF Homes even if they are not a member.
The Village Sports Club is located at El Grande avenue corner Tropical Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque. This expansive, first-class sports club sits on a 1.8 hectare property and has probably the best sports facilities in the South such as the basketball court that Manny Pacquiao plays at often.

Except for bowling, one does have to be a member to enjoy using their facilities. The international-certified facilities include that for basketball, tennis, badminton, and more. There are other sports and leisure activities at The Village Sports Club that addresses the need for a healthy, sporty, lifestyle such as the gym, the pool, the running area, and the spa.

Bowling at The Village Sports Club

Open to non-members, the Qubica AMF 8-lane bowling area is the place to go in the South as it offers more than the other ones, as it has the exclusivity. You'll get to use the latest hi-tech scoring system, touch screen consoles, and the Qubica AMF house balls. To rent shoes costs only 35 pesos, and bring socks if you can or buy a new pair at only 100 bucks.

Here's a peekture of how it costs for non-members to go bowling at The Village Sports Club.

Fun and fitness go hand in hand at The Village Sports Club. It's more than just taking a recreational break - it's the place to go to do sports. If you, your family, and friends want to bowl in the South, there can more fun in the South, thanks to The Village Sports Club.

I would like to thank Greg Trinidad for the privilege of being able to blog about this sports club. Learn more about The Village Sports by visiting their website and their Facebook page.

Gourmet for the Gourmand: Steveston Pizza

Caveman: Steveston Pizza

Loaded with quality ingredients, Steveston Pizza provides excellent value for money. Comparatively speaking, according to price, certain pizzas like their pepperoni does give you a bigger pizza and the generous helping of ingredients. All their pizzas are 12 inches and their pepperoni costs only 399 as you can see here on the Zomato menu.

The other Steveston pizzas cannot be compared as there is no other place that serves such gourmet pizza with such hefty toppings such as the Caveman, with the picture featured on the top of the post, which is loaded up to nearly an inch high with pepperoni, bacon, lean beef, and capocolli. This pizza is amazing, and two slices will fix the pizza crazing and make the average person feel fully satisfied. And, the pizza toppings don't fall off when you lift it up, a true slice of loaded pizza without the heavy crust on the bottom or the sides. 

The crust of their pizza is a wonder of distinction. It is crispy, yet not that thin. The edges are not fat and plump, like most pizza, making it not added bread bite but one that has ingredients as far as allowable.

The gourmet ingredients used is visible, as these are larger that most. Now, as you will see from these pictures, one has smoked salmon, and that was such large pieces, and there were enormous shrimps - superlatives can describe Steveston Pizza, and there is more in every bite than most others, it is a deep dish delight without the sides.

What made me go to a place that was on the other side of town, bear all traffic, even when it was raining? It took me 3 hours to get to their Corinthian Clubhouse branch from BF Homes Paranaque, but it was worth the trip. The reason why I went was because I got great feedback from a friend, Anton la Rosa Silos, a real estate broker, who said that he had eaten at their Circuit Makati branch and the pizza was fantastic.

Bloggers Sharing Homemade Ice Cream

Strawberry, Langka, Avocado

Steveston Pizza has one of the best homemade ice creams that I have tried. The avocado is a must-have. Their beverages include apple cider which is the real thing, and an assortment of cold beverages and great coffee.

If you have been wanting more in a pizza, then you would have to go to Steveston Pizza.

They currently have 3 branches which are located at UP Town Center, Circuit Makati, and the one I visited which is in Corinthian Clubhouse. 

 
Like the Steveston Pizza Facebook page to see more of the food that they offer.

Hotel Jen at Night: Windows By The Bay Part I

After watching the sunset with the 180 degrees view at the exclusive Club Lounge, the clock ticks and at 7 pm, this lounge becomes Windows by the Bay, for one to enjoy the fascinating view of Manila Bay at night from what has been said to be the best vantage point in this area.

Hotel Jen was formerly Traders Hotel. It is located along Roxas Blvd, Manila, and right in front of it is the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The top of this hotel has large scenic windows, a place that was created to watch the ever changing, fascinating view.

Many people are aware of the fact that the sunset at Manila Bay is famous, and that is one of the reasons why international travelers come to our country. The choices that we have to view this famous sunset are limited to the breakwater area that runs the entire stretch of Roxas Blvd. to Luneta Park but then, staying beside the sea, right now, is a not so delightful experience because of the pollution in this area. And, the view from the bayside is limited, as the top of Hotel Jen offers more of the view of the sky and the setting sun, to include the vast entertainment and hotel complex.

Classy comfort is what you can expect at Windows by the Bay, the night place created with romantic evenings and luxury lounging in mind.

Click this link to watch the video of the singer and get a sneak peak of the view. 

The Hotel Jen ExperienceThe rainy night of the kind invitation by the place to blog about it, made the trip a tasking one. My business partner was coming in from Bulacan to join me as we had a meeting after the event, and his trip took 4 hours, while mine from the south was double the usual time. The rainy weather made us get stuck there at Window by the Bay, as we could see from the top the traffic situation that was like a parking lot.

Being stuck with delicatessen, cheese, and unlimited beverages, and live entertainment at Windows by the Bay provided a pleasant time, as we were able to relax and enjoy the place.

I firmly believe, since we were the first set of bloggers to arrive to launch the place, that the menu at that time was still limited, and the service crew was still lacking. From what I see from new blog posts, the menu has been expanded and maybe, the service would be up to hotel standard now. Yet, note, that the Club Lounge service was impeccable, and the food and drinks were excellent. That transition will surely happen, and I would like to repeat the experience so that I might be able to update the readers on any improvements.

Going to Windows by the Bay is an experience that should not be missed by the international and local community. The view is so excellent that it should be included in tours.

For a more comprehensive review with view pictures and all, and to be fair to Hotel Jen, as the start up issues of the place was experience by me and my guest,  this blog post is have a Part II.

At the Hotel Jen Lobby

Technology made affordable by CD-R King

Technology is constantly coming up with new innovations way faster than we can save up for a particular gadget. Getting that new gear or an accessory that comes with it can be very daunting since it can be a thing of the past with a blink of an eye.

 
CD-R King, your one stop media provider understands this difficulty that’s why it strives to bring you affordable alternatives that won’t break your wallet.
 
Here are some items you might be interested to get your hands on.
 
In keeping up with being the selfie capital of Asia, get your smart phone an updated look with the new Selfie Stick casing.

Selfie Stick casing

 

USB Type C is fast becoming a standard when it comes to speed. Type C connector are faster in speed and most hardware nowadays are converting their regular USB Type A cable to Type C.Mac user are now benefiting from their single Type C slot, with the availability of adaptors, it is now easy to connect to other type of USB.
 

CD-R King USB 3.0 to USB Type C

Micro USB to USB Type C

USB Type C to Type C

Other cable connectors includes

High Speed Data and charging cables include the USB type A to lightning 8-pin and USB Type A to Micro USB.

CD-R King continuously appends the green living by its Solar-Powered gadgets, a new addition to the line is their Portable Solar LED Light, sustainability and affordability at its best.

The recent house bill submitted in the congress requiring all PUV to have a dash cam installed on board might be enforced sooner or later. This law will put additional weight on procurement of PUV owners. CD-R King introduced its new and improved Black Dash-Cam. Black Dash-Cam combines affordability and quality.

Read MB Technews review: http://www.mb.com.ph/black-dashcam-affordable-and-easy-to-use/

All these and more are available from CD-R King branches nationwide. For more updates, Like and follow them on FB: /cdrkingph.

Mobility Units by California Eco-Bike

One of the hardest part of aging citizens and Persons with disability here in the country attributes to accessibility and care. The steep prices of motorized vehicle or mobility aid hinders them to move around with ease and comfort.

California E-bike is sensitive to the growing need of Filipinos for a more affordable alternative without compromising quality, thereby introducing to us the newest addition to their growing line of Eco-Bikes.

WILLOWS ELECTRIC WHEEL CHAIR

SRP:19,990

  

This type of Mobility aid is preferred by the elderly with limited movements in their hands. Easy to use and maneuver. This model has a manual mode should you need to switch to one.

Features:

·              Single Speed with Reverse

·              Battery Lever on Throttle

·              Reverse Function

·              Foldable

·              Dual Drum brake system

·              Seat Belt 

·              Foldable Footrest

·              Dual Hand Brake

·              Manual Mode

HESTER ECO-BIKE 3 WHEEL

SRP: 35,000

 

This mobility aid is preferred by those with more capability in their hands and movements. This type is less bulky and can maneuver with greater ease. This model also includes a front basket to help carry stuff.

Features

·              Adjustable speed

·              Adjustable handle pose

·              Foldable handle

·              Horn button

·              Detachable battery

·              Forward & reverse function

·              5v usb output

·              Safety switch

·              Automatic Electro-magnetic brake

CHAPMAN ECO-BIKE 4 WHEEL

SRP: 40,000

 

Those who prefer a 4-wheel mobility aid minus the bulk can go for this model with a trendy hue. Just like California Eco-Bike mobility models, this one is also foldable and has a detachable battery for easy charging.

Features

·         Front basket

·         Adjustable speed

·         Adjustable handle pose

·         Foldable handle

·         Horn button

·         Detachable battery

·         Forward & reverse function

·         5v usb output

·         Safety switch

·         Automatic  Electro- magnetic brake

All these units are available in on installments on major credit cards and through Aeon financing. You may call 567-4927, 354-53-61, 353-6748 to check branch availability or visit California Eco-Bike stores nationwide and selected CD-R King branches. You may also Like them on Facebook for more updates @EcoBikePH

Century X Ten: Couture Fashion Show

Runway fierce couture fashion show featured10 fabulous designers who overwhelmed the crowd with 10 of their superb models walking the ramp, to bring to the audience the kind of runway event that the elite fashion world has been searching for in the Philippines.

CENTURY X TEN | SDE VIDEO from knowellpadilla on Vimeo.

Century X Ten was held last Aug. 26, 2016 at Century City Mall. It had a celebratory atmosphere of all things that are style and beauty, with this project directed by Cherry Saculo for Century City Mall.

The latest trends were hitting the catwalk, as the 10 fashion designers that showcased their 10 creations, numbering to a fantastic 100 top of the line clothing, were Kim Tiu Laurel, Me-An Marqueda, Audrey Rose Albason, Jackie Bautista, Erika Gana, Chino del Pilar, Edel Santiago, Con Cordeta, Patrick Lazol, and Mel Velayne.

Diehard fashion fans had their fill, more like overflowing the brim, of such outfits that would make a stand out when worn for casual chic stylish outings to those extra special occasions. This fashion show had the impact, flooding the runway with one beautiful model after another, in fabulous outfits that only couture designers can make.

Fashionistas who itched for something new were thoroughly doused and more than satisfied, as the downpour of the rains evoked the outpouring of fashion styles, as individual creations hit the ramp, with sleek, slim, lovely classical models, all tall and alluringly beautiful, draping their bodies with Ready to Wear, Formal Wear and Conceptual Fashion outfits that work their magic.

Century City Mall is an elegant shopping paradise. This mall of modern Makati is located along Kalayaan Ave, near the heart of the bustling Makati avenue that has the nightlife. A world-class shopping and entertainment complex, for more updates on events like this couture fashion show, like the Century City Mall Facebook page.