About

Welcome to Kate Was Here. Feel free to categorize this blog under travel and lifestyle. My name is Kate Alvarez. When people refer to me as weird or eccentric, I take it as a compliment. I like doing things outside of the usual and I have a penchant for kitschy stuff.

photo by Sandro Paredes

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the Philippines, but I have mixed Asian and Spanish roots. I’ve been traveling to and from the US with my family since I was 3. I started exploring the world on my own after I graduated from college. Thanks to the six-degree theory, I have friends and relatives from all over the world, and I always say yes to an invite to visit their city.

What do you do?

I juggle a career as a writer, commercial model, TV host and musical theater actress. I love to travel and explore in between projects.

Did you ever have a normal job?

After graduating from Ateneo de Manila University, I started out as a full-time journalist in the Philippines. I worked under the best editors of titles such as Marie Claire, OK!, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. In 2007, I quit my job as assistant fashion and beauty editor to work as a freelance writer and commercial model. I also began training for musical theater—a secret dream I’ve had since I was a little girl.

photo by Raymond Banela

Why did you quit your job as assistant fashion editor? Isn’t that a glamorous job that many girls are dying to have?

I realized that styling and running in heels isn’t my cup of tea. Although I love fashion and beauty like most girls, I can’t go hardcore. I wasn’t completely interested in knowing every trend and designer in fashion week. I’d rather purchase a one-of-a-kind bag created by an unknown street artist than an original LV Speedy that hundreds of girls already own. I’d be fooling people if I kept pretending to know the life stories of the world’s top couturiers. I was also offered modeling projects, and since the schedule conflicted with my full-time magazine job, I chose modeling. The flexible schedule gives me more time to pursue my other passions such as performing and traveling.

On the job as a stylist for Marie Claire Magazine, circa 2007

What do you usually write about?

As a freelance writer, I write about a wide selection of lifestyle topics for a variety of magazines, newspapers and websites such as Female Network and Spot.ph. I still do the occasional fashion and beauty story when I have time.

Screen shot from femalenetwork.com

Why did you start blogging?

In 2010 my best friend Jackie and her fiancé Jeroen suggested that I start my own blog, where I can freely write about my travels and quirky ideas. Months later, Kate Was Here was born.

Sydney, Australia (2009)

Are you a travel expert?

No, but I can offer you something outside of the usual. If you’re looking for a guru who formally reviews hotels, restaurants and tourist spots, go elsewhere. There are hundreds of reliable blogs and websites you can visit for that. But if you want to see eclectic random spots that you may have missed when you were too busy gloating over tourist traps, this is your joint. If you want to see familiar travel destinations in a different perspective, this is your go-to site.

Central Park, New York (2007)

Do you hate going to tourist spots?

No. My wallet has fallen prey to tourist traps and I do book the usual tours during the first few days of my trip, just to get a feel of the place and culture. I easily get bored so I eventually explore underground spots and off-the-beaten-paths on my own.

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia (2009)

Who is your photographer?

Unless otherwise stated, I take all of the photos. I alternate between my trusty 4-year-old Canon PowerShot SD1000 and iPhone4 camera. I don’t like lugging a chunky SLR while traveling. Do you?

Brooklyn, New York (2008)

What is your favorite city?

New York. If I had a million dollars, I’d move there and build a five-floor artistic loft right now. I could change my mind when I go to London, though. According to an online personality quiz I took three times, I belong to the artsy London crowd.

New York, NY (2008)

What do you like to eat?

Desserts and caffeine make me a happy girl. I’m also a pesce-pollotarian, so my meat choices are limited to seafood and poultry.

Philippines (2010)

Who made your cool logo/icon?

If you’re talking about that cartoon version of me that you see on my map and homepage, it’s by artist Paolo Icasas.

Questions? Ask me anything here.