Living Free with The Circle Hostel

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Me and Pam took a leaf from the pages of We are Sole Sisters and spent a weekend in Zambales. I must tell you, the beach is a pretty great way of removing all that pent-up stress in your system. Now this entry will focus on the place where me, Pamela and a few of my friends stayed while living an idyllic day (or two) in San Felipe, Zambales.

So friends, readers and followers, let me introduce you to "The Circle Hostel".

The hostel opened on December 10, 2011 and has been attracting a lot of attention thanks to the overall vibe and feel that it offers...

Come to think about it, the hostel isn't just about sleeping and relaxing, its more than that. It provides an outlet where you and your friends can just sit down and CHILL (yes that is the operating word for this post). Whether you like your silence or your island rhythms you'll get your fix in "The Circle Hostel".


The Circle hostel's slogan is "There are no Strangers" which is pretty cool if you ask me. The people who run the hostel are very accommodating and feel na feel mo yung warmth ng hospitality when you get there. This hostel is also perfect for the people who want a laid-back atmosphere to jibe with their summer getaway.

The best part about The Circle is the prices for the beds. Unlike other places/ hostels in San Felipe, they only charge patrons Php 350 per head for the beds. It'll cost you less if you sleep and rent out a hammock and even less when you bring your own tent.

This is the reception area. Just look at how laid-back The Circle Hostel is...

Cat lovers will also be happy to know that they have their own version of Garfield (as in big, orange, lethargic cat) named, you guessed it, Garfield.

So aside from furry, cute cats lying around, the hostel's got this very nature-lover feel when you enter. The walls are filled with great looking artwork done by visitors. Even the bathroom mixes a good amount of the "rural" feel while at the same time providing the bare necessities we need when we bathe (hot and cold showers etc.). 

Personally speaking, I loved how they made off with the space they had. Guests who pick out the main sleeping area can call dibs in any of the beds in all their triple-deck bunk beds. All their beds are equipped with mosquito nets to avoid dengue and curtains for added privacy. 

If you're a gal and you've come along with your lady friends, you may also want to avail of the ladies' only sleeping quarters for added privacy. This place is called the "Wahine" area. Just ask for that place if you want to sleep in that area. Or you can just simply stick into default to make the experience totally unforgettable. 

In terms of security, you don't have to worry too much because all the people in the area are friendly which means nothing will happen to your stuff even if you leave it around. BUT (there's always a but) it would still be a good idea to bring a padlock along and store your cash, mobile phones and other valuables in the locker. If you don't have a locker, don't worry as you can rent one for Php 20. Towel rentals are also Php 20.  There's bottled water and red wine available for people who loved their alcohol.

Food is plentiful in the surrounding area. However, The Circle Hostel does offer breakfast in their common area between 6am to 9am. If you wake up late, there's always the nearby stores where you can have brunch.

Free wi-fi is also available for all users but c'mon guys, WI-FI? Really? In the middle of your escapade you still want to connect to the Internet? Just go and enjoy your vacation and get lost in the surf, sand and sounds. If you still have time you can also ask the receptionists for some paint and just go crazy on the wooden post or the walls with your dazzling artworks.

If you're lucky you can also join in on the Yoga sessions that are given to all guests free of charge. Just go up the common area, stretch your legs and start reaching for enlightenment through yoga. Just don't blast everybody with your yoga flame in case you plan on going all "Dhalsim"...

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Here are a few recommendations I can give for The Circle Hostel.

• Increase the number of Electric Fans (you'll never know when its going to be hot as hell)
• Keep Smiling
• Continue being friendly
• Keep Garfield happy and FAT!
• Turn up the volume of your music, everybody should enjoy these types of music. 
• More spaces for painting
• Additional space for sleeping in the near future. 

RATES

Bed - 350/night/head

You get a comfy bunk bed with a built in mosquito net and privacy curtains! :) bunk beds go up to 3 levels high!

Hammock/Tent - 250/night/head

Bring your own tent and pitch it on our grounds! you still get to use the facilities and enjoy the art! 

Bring your own hammock and string it up in our hammock area :) You can also try out our awesome hammocks! :)

Day Trip - 150/night/head

INCLUDES: Free Wifi, lockers for your valuables (please bring your own padlock), Hot and cold showers, clean toilets, complimentary fruit and bread in the mornings (for over nighters - found in the common area :) ). We also have a grill house where you can cook your food.

RESERVATIONS

thecirclereservations@gmail.com with Liwliwa in the subject head for reservations and availability.
Cell Number: +63917 8611929

for other information email thecirclehostel@gmail.com

and I still cannot get over how sleepy Garfield is...

Special thanks to Anna, Marrisse, Pontiff, Tin, DD and Mitch and Mikal for the great time.... oh and also for the photos.