Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Dapitan Arcade became a huge part of my film and TV production days as well as my visual merchandising stint. It served as my ever-reliable wingman and best friend when I needed to source props, set decorations, and window display elements with a limit…
Author: Asta Alvarez
LA VERYOL’s KAWA BATH TAGAYTAY Travel Guide 2021
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
• 2 December 2021 • I had my first kawa hot bath experience in the province of Antique. It had been years but I still wasn’t over how fun and unique it was. I still remember the feeling of calm as the warm water, infused with coffee grains as an …
COCOONS at CaSoBe TRAVEL GUIDE (Calatagan South Beach, Batangas)
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
For the past couple of years, most of us have been cocooned in the comforts of our sweet abodes, doing online classes or working from home or waiting for the pandemic to end. While tourism slowed down, many resort corporations used the time to improve …
2021 NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION: DFA REQUIREMENTS & Schedule Appointment Tips
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Whether for leisure or employment, every international travel requires a passport, one of the IDs issued by the Philippine government to its citizens. A passport, which is proof of your national identity and citizenship, is a vital document that you mu…
2021 NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION: DFA REQUIREMENTS & Schedule Appointment Tips
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Whether for leisure or employment, every international travel requires a passport, one of the IDs issued by the Philippine government to its citizens. A passport, which is proof of your national identity and citizenship, is a vital document that you mu…
2021 PASSPORT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS & DFA Appointment Process
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
In general, passport renewal is much easier than applying for the first time. But is the renewal process still the same during the pandemic? We recently renewed our passports, and based on our experience, it’s pretty much the same. Understandably…
2021 PASSPORT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS & DFA Appointment Process
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
In general, passport renewal is much easier than applying for the first time. But is the renewal process still the same during the pandemic? We recently renewed our passports, and based on our experience, it’s pretty much the same. Understandably…
2021 BATANGAS BEACH RESORTS that are OPEN TO TOURISTS!
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
It’s has been more than a year when the pandemic had us cooped up in our homes, trying to adjust to the community quarantine protocols. While businesses are gradually getting back on their feet — given that they fulfill all the requirements…
BATANGAS BEACHES: NEW NORMAL TRAVEL GUIDE & TIPS
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Planning a trip to Batangas soon? We recently traveled to Batangas to find out what has changed in the new normal. And here are some tips you should know before going! REMINDER: We still recommend that you stay home because it’s still safer until…
MR. KIMCHI TAGAYTAY: New Normal Guide & Menu 2021
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Korean culture has been making waves on all fronts in the country for a while now. Thanks largely to the growing Korean population (both tourists and residents) and global appreciation of Korean pop culture in general. From K-Pop to K-Drama to Korean f…
BALAY DAKO TAGAYTAY: New Normal Travel Guide + Menu 2021
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Balay Dako means “big house” in Negrense, which is absolutely fitting because this popular restaurant in Tagaytay is big in more ways than one. First, it is housed in an enormous Filipino-Spanish villa that houses spacious rooms. As soon as you step in…
BREAKFAST AT ANTONIO’S TAGAYTAY: New Normal Travel Guide 2021
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Taking pride in providing good service and good food, Breakfast at Antonio’s is not just a restaurant; it has become one of the most recognizable culinary institutions in Tagaytay City. No wonder its entrance is lined with cars and its parking lot full…
PINK SISTERS TAGAYTAY: Travel Guide, Mass Schedule, How to Get There
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Tagaytay has carved its niche on the tourism map as a popular weekend getaway destination near Manila. Although the city has long responded to the call of commercialization, Tagaytay still fosters a calming atmosphere that is great for reflection and m…
CENTRAL JAPAN: 25 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
The team had been to the Central Japan Region five times in total, but the experience was different every time we return. In fact, there are still other areas we haven’t explored further. Central Japan, also called Chubu Region, is home to natural wond…
2021 AQUARIA WATER PARK, BATANGAS: New Normal Travel Guide + Requirements
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Over the past few months, more beach resorts in Batangas have welcomed back tourists after temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of these is Aquaria Water Park. Located in Barangay Sta. Ana in the municipality of Calatagan, Aquaria Water …
INTRAMUROS: New Normal Guidelines, Entrance Fees, Operating Hours
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Intramuros is reopening three sites starting February 17, 2021! The Intramuros Administration announced through their Facebook page that Fort Santiago, Casa Manila Museum, and Baluarte de San Diego will open their doors to guests again. San Agustin Chu…
SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH, MANILA: Travel Guide + New Normal Updates
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
San Agustin Chuch. The Oldest Stone Church in the Philippines. Inside Intramuros, the historic walled city in Manila, there are important sites that serve as reminders of our nation’s history. The San Agustin Church is one of them. The church, al…
FORT SANTIAGO, MANILA: Travel Guide + New Normal Guidelines
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Finally, after so many months of being closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort Santiago has been reopened on February 17, 2021. Fort Santiago is one of the most common destinations for educational tours or field trips. I have scoure…
STAYSAFE APP: Where to Download, How to Register & Use
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
The Philippine government has launched its official contract tracing digital app, StaySafe.PH, which also serves as a health condition reporting and social distancing system. This not only aims to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19 virus but …
25 Best RIZAL TOURIST SPOTS to Visit & Things to Do
Written by Asta Alvarez @ The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog
Located east of Metro Manila, the province of Rizal is one of the most popular destinations among travelers from Manila and nearby areas — thanks to its close proximity and its wide buffet of attractions. Summit-seekers will never leave wanting b…