My life has somehow turned into some degrees more than 8 months ago. I left my comfort zone and the familiarity of my surroundings. But then, I met a bunch of new, good people. And to that, I am thankful for.

But no, I am not talking about them or that. Rather, let me take you to that awesome and chill place we recently dug up in LU, that up until now I have been daydreaming about.

Yes guys, welcome to Flotsam & Jetsam Artist Hostel. A living space celebrating art, music, design, style and life, all at the same time.

Whenever I go to LU, I always look forward to go surfing. But when I learnt about this artist hostel, all I wanted to do was to satisfy my lazy bones. Just because...why not?

You will be welcome by a very laid-back ambiance and hippie feels. Colorful bean bags and native mats are scattered all over the place. The open bahay kubo serves as the common area where you can bask and lounge any time of the day. And of course, there are musical instruments that you can use to play and jam with the other guests.

The single bunk beds are very comfortable with it's own single mosquito net and a mini electric fan. There are also air conditioned rooms  should you want the luxury of it. Unlike other hostels, their restrooms are surprisingly clean and spacious enough with hot shower. A backpacker's haven, I must say.

Their own cafe is another plus. Many locals and tourists willfully go here just to have their dinner or lunch even though they're not checked in at the hostel. And yes, they serve very good food and drinks.

Then at night, it will turn into more kinds of artsy fun. Various artists perform and share their music. My friends were supposed to play a set, but electricity was out so we just jam in the common area. We even got free pizza for giving life to that quiet night. Yay for that!

Had I known this place before, I would have always stayed here. A perfect place to fill that craving for road trips, sun-kissed skin, good music and laid-back atmosphere.

Shout out to this bunch of awesome to whom I spent my three days and two nights with!

Location & Proximity

From Flotsam & Jetsam, it'll be a 10-15 minute walk before you can reach the usual resorts and hotel in San Juan. Their beach front is not advisable for first time surfers but is a very good spot if you just want to chill on the beach.

Safety

There is a personal cabinet for every bunk bed and a padlock with a key is provided by their staff. The reception area is always manned by a friendly staff.

Room Types and Rates

Kubo Dorms (Fan Room): 780 per bed on weekends and 680 per bed on weekdays
Shop House Dorms (Fan Room): 880 per bed on weekends and 780 per bed on weekdays

Suite Aircon room with private bathroom: 3200 per night for 2pax
680 additional per person

Contact Details

Email: flotjetlife@gmail.com

Number: +63-917-8021328

Website: http://flotsamandjetsamhostel.com/

Aside from being dubbed as the surfing capital of the Northern Philippines, one reason why I keep coming back to La Union is this food haven located in the midst of the city capital - Halo Halo de Iloko Balay.

The Place

From the outside, the place looks like a two-storey residential place turned into a restaurant. The first time I stepped in, I was amazed by the very homy and relaxed setting. Though, it's a little bit humid inside, especially during summer season. The whole interior is decorated with wood crafts, vintage items, colorful details, old paintings, photos, and many more!

It doesn't look like a restaurant from the outside and it isn't located along the main, busy road so you can have your food far from the city noises.

The last time I went here was a month before Christmas so they have this Christmas tree made from a stack of vinegrette bottles and a star made from bamboo sticks. Very creative.

Even their restrooms were designed to be cozy and canny.

Vintage art crafts and display can be found everywhere inside the restaurant.

My favorite part of the place is the ceiling made of original vinyls. Then there's this wall/window made of old capiz that displays messages from popular celebrities who dined at Halo Halo de Iloko.

Upstairs are some porcelain display

Some tables has its own name like this one - St. Gabriel's table

The overall cozy and artistic ambience of the place really adds charm to the whole atmosphere of the facade. It could make everyone's dining experience at its finest.

The Food

Halo Halo de Iloko Balay boasts to serve authentic Ilocano cuisines where everything is a must try. And of course, their Halo Halo specialties that you won't find anywhere else in the country. Theirs is made from Carabao's milk, mixed with a bit of corn flakes, nata de coco, cheese slices, sago, sweetened coconut, candy gelatin, ice cream then topped with another La Union's specialty - the ube halaya (purple jelly).

Fiesta Halo Halo at Php99.00

Buko Halo Halo for Php 175.00

My personal favorite is the Buko Halo Halo, served in a buko that comes with a glass of fresh buko juice. Very refreshing!

Apart from their very refreshing halo halo varieties, I was able to try some of the Filipino food they serve. Another personal favorite is the Pork Binagoongan perfect match with garlic rice. (Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a picture of it as we were already famished when the food was served.)

Ensaladang Mangga

Sinampalukang Baka for Php 325.00 (Good for 2-3 persons)

Pork Iloko Sisig for Php 395.00 (Good for 3-4 persons)

This post made me hungry. I suddenly craved for those foods just by looking at them! So next time you're at La Union, pay a visit to this great Filipino restaurant and you'll surely don't regret a thing!

#12 Zandueta St., San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines
(072) 700 2030
09193883145/09178527919
10:00 AM - 10:00 pm