My name is Hannah Villasis, and I am addicted to surfing.  Check all of my surfing blog posts here.

picture by Philippe Villareal and Cheryl of LittleRunningTeacher.com

There was a time when I would surf every week for 3 months.  All my savings went to surf trips.  It was a whole lot of fun… I WAS BROKE haha!  I do sound like a legit addict.  I got busy though and I had to forego surfing to earn real bucks travel and stuff.

The sea has been calling me lately.  I do think that I’m a mermaid or a gypsy in my past life.  I just love to travel and I love the ocean especially.

You know what, I just realized that I don’t have to spend so much on surfing anymore.  I can just drive 3 hours to Zambales, stay at a cheap hostel that fits my budget and worry about nothing else – just fun, surf, swim oh and a whole lot of art and friends!

Oh thank heavens for The Circle Hostel.

It’s not your ordinary accommodation.  Here, you don’t get a fancy room with A/C, TV, fridge and all the fancy things a regular hotel room offers.  Nope none of that.  But let me tell you something, it was an experience that surely brought out the best in me.

 It’s not your usual hotel accommodation, but it definitely has its charm!  It is ranked high on TripAdvisor as well!

Typical budget for overnight (including gas or bus fare, accom, food, etc) – P1,000!

This was my bunk bed. It was surprisingly comfortable!

I often sleep alone at my solo apartment – it was quite lovely to share this huge cabana with friends and new acquaintances!

If you’re iffy about your belongings, they have a locker for you 🙂

An alternative to the luxury you get from a regular hotel accommodation is nature, art, fresh air and new friends.  On our stay at the Circle Hostel, I didn’t even get to use my gadgets!  Poor iPad – I never touched it at all.  It’s a shame how we have so much to enjoy in this world – and they’re free.

– The smile of a stranger

– The laughter of friends

– The air that we breath

– The sea that gives us a good ride

– Creativity through art and painting

– Good food

– and awareness of our body through Yoga and meditation

It’s also amazing how you can create a game out of throwing a plastic disk – Ultimate Frisbee time!  My glutes were activated so badly, they were swollen the next day – good work out! I should do this more often!

I brought my hoop to take a few videos of me hooping by the beach – just for vanity’s sake really.

I can share with you my experience about this place all I want but bottom line is, you need to experience it for yourself 🙂  Spread and share the love!

First-time surfer Cheryl got some good rides! woohoo!

The Circle Hostel Contact Details

Email: thecirclehostel@gmail.com, lu@thecirclehostel.com, zambales@thecirclehostel.com

Website: www.thecirclehostel.com

Twitter: @thecirclehostel

Cel: zambales 09178611929, la union 09178326253

Facebook: facebook.com/thecirclehostel

The Circle Hostel Directions and Location: https://www.facebook.com/thecirclehostel/notes

The Circle Hostel, Zambales Accommodations

Bunk bed: P350 / night includes bananas and toast for breakfast

Hammock: P250 / night includes bananas and toast for breakfast

The Circle Hostel, La Union Accommodations

Bunk bed: P400

Hammock: P300

Mommy Phoebe’s Place, Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

Contact no.: 09173200700 and 09185458007

Surfboard rentals: P200 per hour

Surf instructor: P200 per hour

His name is Garfield and he lives to the song of Bruno Mars

translated to lolcat language:

“Ohai! Todayzzzz I dun feel like doin anyyything”

“Me juz wanna layzzz in my bedzzzz!!!”

The girls are ready to surf!

\

Vanity shots by the artful rock cubes!

Okay fine! It looks better without my face in the photo!

POSERS!  There weren’t any big waves on our first day, except for some little bumps by the river mouth good enough for the beginners.

Thank you Nivea and Watsons for this awesome SPF spray! It’s water proof and when you’re super in a rush to get on that surf just spray away!

Easy application – especially when you need to retouch some sun protection!

Once again, thank you to Watsons PH for this Water and Sweat (coz I’m a sweaty one) resistand SPF 50 sun block!

This is best applied 20 minutes before basking in the sun.

Oh and thank you Celeteque for the awesome after-sun gel!

Everyone in the team loved using this after getting a little burn from the sun

Eli loves it so much he wants to drink it for sustenance! Crazy guy Eli >.<

Chow time!!! Our meals – homecooked with love by Mommy Phoebe’s

Here’s the facade of her humble canteen

This was where we had our meals because we were a big group!

Team WhenInManila!

Thank you foor the good food!  We felt so at home 🙂

My favorite!  I couldn’t get enough of this!

I forgot to ask where they got the garlic longanisa – it was yummy!

Sunset by Liwa beach, Zambales

Thank you Sanuk for these cute designed play cards!

We had a fantastic night playing card games and random games

Thank you Raf of The Circle Hostel for hosting our games and drinks!

Here’s another cute kitty from Mommy Phoebe’s place.

Everyone was doing their own thing in the beach – surfing, skim boarding, swimming, chillin’, frisbee, sunset photography etc…

It was quite a relaxing sight!

‘Til the next surf trip!

Backpacker surfing, backpacker accommodations, Zambales, Liwliwa, Liwa, San Felipe, The Circle Hostel, Circle Hostel, Budget accommodations, hostel in zambales,

We go beyond travel and blogging.  We experience and indulge in the spirit of every place we go

A reality show is a reality show… We are usually unaware we were taped liked dizzz

And dizzz…. coz I try to catch as much sleep as I can T___T

This is me.. making a full 360 cartwheel

And my travel partner Chyng Reyes

They call us TEAM #HaChyng !

We passed by a surf-spot … it wasn’t part of PHL360’s itinerary,

but I had to experience it

and I’m going to do some street pole when I can 🙂

Find out the whole story at PHL360.com

Watch Full Episodes every Thursdays 12nn at

PHL360.com

Purchasing furniture is no easy task. One has to consider design, functionality, durability, and price, among others. Will the new sofa fit the allocated space for your 55sqm condominium unit? Does the old- fashioned chair look good against your wall? Does the dining table look too complicated that it veers away from its main purpose?

These are just a few of the questions I have in mind because I’m moving houses.  I’m sure you are asking the same thing.

I recently hosted the launch of a new furniture store here in manila – GUS* and I was well pleased with the modern design of the furnitures and the quality of the details and the main pieces. Also check out Voucher Slug to get voucher codes for Laura Ashley furniture.

Exuberating a timeless classic design that is simple, elegant, and earth friendly, Gus* Modern makes you ask the right questions – “Does the design and function of this furniture complement well with my lifestyle?” and “Is the quality good and will it last?”

I like this specific piece.  It’s the Prairie Table with three pieces, each representing an area in Canada.

Plus, what I love is that they are environment friendly!

Gus* believes that it is the object’s simplicity which lends it the elegance that can mix with the industrial. Inspiration comes from simple forms and honest materials. Combining great design with practical purpose – a true modern furniture, fit for the sensible-living urbanite.

This is one of my favorites in the set – the GT Rocker named after the speed race GT.  And you know how much I love racing!

Today, the company’s wide array of sofas, sectionals, chairs and tables, has set high standards of clean lines, quality and modernist feel.

Gus* Modern Releases 2012 Spring Collection 

Through the years, Gus* has created furniture that incorporates good design into daily function, each piece crafted with its user in mind.

Introducing the limited edition Cohen Chair, a small-scaled vintage club chair in gorgeous distressed brown leather, featuring top-stitched, full-grain leather upholstery with a unique stainless steel base. This chair is only available at Gus* Studios, like Gus* Philippines, and for a limited time only.

Included in the 2012 Spring Collection is the Carmichael Loft Sofa, part of the Loft Series designed for the condo-dwelling urbanite. The collection also features the Prairie Nest Table and Stump Storage Box.

Gus* In The Philippines 

Gus* Philippines opened its doors last December 2010, located at the Ground Floor of the Residences at Greenbelt (TRAG), Makati. It is the first international dealer outside US and Canada.

The Gus* brand is brought to the Philippines by Living Space Home Furnishings, a young and innovative company that aims to bring in high quality modern design furniture, that can be enjoyed by the public.

“We wanted to bring in a brand that has the same youthful energy and awareness on social responsibility as Living Space and that is Gus*. One of the aspects of CSR is its advocacy on eco-friendly living. In our own little way, we create awareness on being environmental friendly through our furniture pieces. Through FSC, we only use woods that are sourced from well-managed forest.” says Anne Young, Living Space.

Following the success of the first branch is Design Pod, situated along Connecticut St. in Greenhills, San Juan. It opened last February 2012 and carries the full Gus* Modern product line with other international brands like Blu Dot and Oliver Hemming time pieces.

Gus*

G/F The Residences

Greenbelt 3, Makati City

gus@livingspace.com.ph

Gus*

59 Connecticut St.,

Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City

Add them on Facebook for more updates and details!
https://www.facebook.com/GusModernPH

Thanks to our friends from Nat Geo, Agatep and the President of course for inviting us into the Palace!

photo by Erwin Nolido

Jeman, myself and Rod with Caster, the Food Taster.

photo by Erwin Nolido

Caster’s job is very interesting.  He is trained here and abroad of different toxins and poisons that can be found on food.  His weapon: the flashlight!

Know more about Caster and the different PSG persons highlighted on the documentary here.

The National Geographic special Inside Malacanang will be shown on Nat Geo on March 18, at 9pm.

Ohai from Baguio City! I packed for a 20 degree weather. But it plunged down to 14 degrees! I am so not prepared for the cold.

This is a working trip and I’ll be covering Panagbena, Baguio’s flower festival, for my network 🙂 I’m so excited, but it means there will

be a lot of walking around the hilly parts of Baguio so I brought my Tretorn Nylites. Comfortable closed shoes.

I LOOOOOVE FLOWERS

It’s nearing summer and of course, the much awaited long holiday – Holy Week.  If you want to experience Holy Week like you’ve never had before, you might want to try this out!

All over the Philippines, towns are dotted with old Spanish colonial churches that have stood the test of time. More than houses of worship and prayer, our beautiful and magnificent churches are living testaments to the unique and profound Filipino culture and artistry.All over the Philippines, towns are dotted with old Spanish colonial churches that have stood the test of time. More than houses of worship and prayer, our beautiful and magnificent churches are living testaments to the unique and profound Filipino culture and artistry.

For more details and itinerary, check out Buyanihan.com

Laguna de Bay Visita Iglesia Heritage Tour

50% OFF Laguna de Bay Holy Week Visita Iglesia Heritage Guided Group Tour. April 5-6, 2012.

Value: P 9,320

Highlights

• Tour Inclusions:
• Guided tour to fifteen (15) churches in Laguna and Rizal:
  • San Geronimo Parish Church, Morong, Rizal
  • San Jose Parish Church, Baras, Rizal
  • San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish Church, Tanay, Rizal (National Cultural Treasure)
  • Nuestra Sra. de Candelaria Parish Church, Mabitac, Laguna
  • Nuestra Sra. de la O Parish Church, Pangil, Laguna
  • San Pedro de Alcantara Parish Church, Pakil, Laguna
  • Santiago Apostol Parish Church, Paete, Laguna (National Historical Landmark)
  • San Juan Bautista Parish Church, Kalayaan, Laguna
  • San Sebastian Parish Church, Lumban, Laguna
  • Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe Parish Church, Pagsanjan, Laguna
  • Sta. Maria Magdalena Parish Church, Magdalena, Laguna
  • San Gregorio Magno Parish Church, Majayjay, Laguna (National Cultural Treasure)
  • San Juan Bautista Parish Church, Liliw, Laguna
  • San Bartolome Parish Church, Nagcarlan, Laguna
  • San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, Pila, Laguna
• Overnight Accommodation at Tropical Inn Resort, Pagsanjan (twin-sharing).
• Fees include van transfers, Pagsanjan Falls Boat Ride, tour facilitator fees, insurance and other effects.
• Meals, souvenirs and other personal expenses on client’s account.

Golden Rules

• Purchase Period: February 3 to 17, 2012.
• Redemption Period: April 5, 2012.
• After purchasing the deal, customers are required to completely fill out the Tour Registration Form <CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD>, then send the form to illuminatitoursphilippines@gmail.com.
• It is encouraged that customers should email the form on the same day when they purchased the deal. Missing or incomplete forms may result to forfeiture of the deal without refund.
• See Universal Golden Rules.
• Illuminati Tours and Advocacies – (Joel Aldor – 0917-4797015)

Ilocos Visita Iglesia Heritage Tour

Awesome 50% OFF Ilocos Visita Iglesia Heritage Guided Group Tour, March 10-11, 2012. Pay only P6,140.

Value: P 12,280

Highlights

• Tour Inclusions:
• Guided tour to seven (7) churches in Ilocos:
  • Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church, Luna, La Union (National Cultural Treasure)
  • San Juan de Sahagun Parish Church, Candon City, Ilocos Sur
  • Nuestra Sra. de Asuncion Parish Church, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • La Conversion de San Pablo Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur
  • San Guillermo Parish Church, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur (National Cultural Treasure)
  • San Agustin Parish Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • San Guillermo Cathedral, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2 hours late afternoon walking tour in Vigan
• Overnight Accommodation with breakfast at Hotel Salcedo de Vigan (twin-sharing)
• With lunch and dinner stops at Bistro Restaurant in Candon City, Café Leona in Vigan, and Herencia de Paoay in Paoay
• Fees include van transfers, tour facilitator fees, insurance and other effects
• Meals during lunch & dinner, souvenirs and other personal expenses on client’s account
• Other noteworthy churches in Ilocos to be visited (Bangar, Sta. Lucia, Bantay, Sinait, Sarrat, etc.), if time permits.

Golden Rules

• Purchase Period: February 3 to 17, 2012.
• Redemption Period: March 10, 2012.
• After purchasing the deal, customers are required to completely fill out the Tour Registration Form <CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD>, then send the form to illuminatitoursphilippines@gmail.com.
• It is encouraged that customers should email the form on the same day when they purchased the deal. Missing or incomplete forms may result to forfeiture of the deal without refund.
• See Universal Golden Rules.
• Illuminati Tours and Advocacies – (Joel Aldor – 0917-4797015)

YouTube can throw a hellovapartey!!!

We were all entertained by live performances of MoyMoy Palaboy, Greyhoundz and Rivermaya. Also, they showed a video about international artists congratulating YouTube for its opening here in Manila.

I am not really a diver (claustrophobic and ear problems), but I love being in the ocean.  I guess you can say free diving would be more of my thing.  Best thing about the ocean is – it’s free!  It’s just there, waiting to be enjoyed by everyone 🙂

And in the Philippines, we are quite lucky to have some of the world’s best diving spots and surf spots!  I envy some of my diver friends and how they can see the beautiful bed of corals underneath our seas.  I can only enjoy exploring shallow reefs when I snorkel, but I haven’t seen much of the world down there and I believe it’s beautiful <3

South Sea Pearl

Yes guys, we have a national gem – as declared by Pres. Fidel Ramos on Oct. 25, 1996.  It is a beautiful product of our seas – the South Sea Pearl <3

Ah… beautiful isn’t it?  there are different kinds of South Sea Pearls, different colors, shapes and characteristics but one of the rare ones are the Golden South Sea Pearls…

and yes, they come out of the Oyster in lustrous golden color – no coloring whatsoever.

You know what, after our Palawan trip… I feel like a pearl expert now… Everytime I see pearls I look at the luster, the size, the shape and I feel the texture.  I identify if it’s South Sea pearl or just fresh water pearls…

Diamonds are girl’s best friend they say, but honey, once I introduce you to Golden Pearl baby, you will fall in love <3

Unlike diamonds that are formed naturally in a harsh environment (at high pressure and high temperature), pearls are actually an indicator of our Ocean’s health!  Sadly, the world is changing and unfortunate damages in the environment like pollution, garbage and global calamities can affect the quality of the pearls.

It is really pretty <3 I fell in love with these golden pearls knowing they had to go through 323 steps to produce and 5 years in the making at least.  Apart from that, only 10% of the oysters would result in a natural golden pearl.

WOW!

So you can just imagine how valuable they are and how important it is for us to protect our seas that in turn gives us these gifts 🙂

More than what you see…

I know that the Golden Pearl you see is pretty, but what’s more beautiful is the story behind it all.

It’s the story of the people who initiated a movement to protect especially Palawan seas.

We visited an island in Taytay Palawan they call “Baras.”

This is a community of people who are slowly changing their lifestyles into a greener approach.  If before people are so into dynamite and cyanide fishing, kaingin (burning of trees resulting to bald islands) and harmful practices to the environment, volunteers and some staff from the pearl farm reach out to these communities and educate them on the consequences of their actions.

And now, they teach them to make their own natural fertilizers, cultivate their own lands to produce root crops, vegetables and many more.  They are also into fashion!  The picture above is of the locals making necklaces and other decorative items 🙂

Beautiful flowers 🙂

They even have a bee farm to help polenate the plants <3

At the end of our trip… I felt good about the beautiful things that I have seen and I got more inspired to take part in saving it.

I care for the world I live in and I love capturing it in photos, I love walking on it, enjoying it and sharing this wonderful world with the people I love <3

and with that, I am honored to be one of Jewelmer’s Pearl ambassadors along with top online personalities like Vince Golangco of Wheninmanila.com, Noemi Dado of AboutMyRecovery.com, Estan of EstanCabigas.com, Anna Oposa of AnnaOposa.ph, Jayvee Fernandez of ABuggedLife.com,  Kankan Ramos of Yehey.com and myself 🙂

now joining Piolo Pascual as Pearl Ambassador!

wee!

There are things that you can do to save our seas :)  I will share with you how you can do this soon!

Not all superheros you read in comic books have super powers like superman.  We have Batman, Green Archer and many others.  We Filipinos are also proud to have Anna Oposa who is included in Yahoo!’s seven inspiring Filipinos – modern day heros!  She may not have gills like Aquaman, but she has the passion to protect our Philippine seas 🙂

Know more about the Golden pearls here.

teehee! sorry guys but watching this video just made me want to sing and be happy 🙂 la la la…

share the love <3

Another 4.7 magnitude happened at around 9:27 with the epicenter at Pili, Camarines Sur.  It is milder but it can be felt by people in high skyscrapers like me who’s staying in the 18th floor of the hotel now.

As I type, I felt dizzy again and saw my chandeliers swaying slowly.  I’m waiting for the official word from DOST website to check if indeed it was another registered earthquake.

To get updated on the latest earthquake information in Manila and all over the Philippines, you may check out this site: http://earthquake.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/update_SOEPD/EQLatest.html