Aussy A.
Yelp
There's a really nice energy about Z Hostel: it's located in this rundown part of the richest city in the country, on a shabby little street, and built on top of a famous old brothel. (Don't worry, they changed ALL of the sheets!) There's so much story and character to the place, and you find that out on a visit through one of its nine active owners (one of them even lives there already) or its enthusiastic transient foreign residents. It's open to the public through its small roof deck on the 7th floor of the building, which has become a casual hang out for lovers of cheap beer, adobo flakes, and chicken skin.
The view is pretty cool from there, which makes it a nice spot to catch the sunset as the bar opens at 5 p.m. or listen to live acoustic acts with the city lights in the background. It's really cheap but well-maintained, and let's hope it stays that way. But that takes a community effort, so mind your manners when you're there, don't throw your cigarette butts on the floor, and respect everybody else's space. Parking is going to be a challenge so carpool when you visit; if Don Pedro is full, take a chance with parking on Kalayaan Avenue.
They live by the hostel code (and they actually get it right) and it's an open place for conversation, so be a good local and share a story or two with the foreign residents of the place. Oh, and don't feed Elle, Z's friendly pit bull, even though she'll give you her most adorable good girl face when you're holding a garlic sausage in your hand!