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Travel essay

Living in four cities and calling of them home

Home is where the heart is, and this writer's heart is divided between Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Honolulu

March 1, 2020

Text: Sasha Gonzales

Images: Jennifer Mandia

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When I think of home, it is not just one city that comes to mind. Just like birds and wildlife that travel the world in search of better breeding or living conditions, I also have a migratory pattern, dividing my time between Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney and Honolulu.

The first two places where I lived were decided by other people: I was born and raised in Singapore, and my family migrated to Melbourne in my mid-teens. But it was my choice to move after university to Sydney, and later on, Honolulu.

Having many places to call home means I can bring out a different side of me in each city whenever I want, without feeling like I have to live up to the expectations of other people. In Singapore, I let my inner history and culture buff surface. I visit the artifacts at the Asian Civilisations Museum, admire my family’s heirlooms on display at the Eurasian Heritage Gallery and explore Fort Canning Park’s relics and ruins. These activities reconnect me to my roots and remind me of all the sacrifices my forefathers made to transform my country of birth into the world-class city it is today.

The locals made me feel like I was one of them. They invited me to their family dinners and took me to their favorite beaches, which ended up becoming mine as well

In Melbourne and Sydney I’m all about bonding with my family. We go on long road trips together, driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, or Sydney to Brisbane, to get more acquainted with the country that welcomed my immigrant family with open arms nearly three decades ago. As exhausting as these drives are, I always look forward to them – they are a time for everyone in my family to share stories, have meaningful conversations and connect with each other.

But it is Honolulu that holds a very special place in my heart right now. I studied Polynesian culture in university, so when I began traveling to Hawaii more than 10 years ago, everything about the islands felt instantly familiar to me – their language, songs, dances, food and traditions. The locals made me feel like I was one of them. They invited me to their family dinners and took me to their favorite beaches, which ended up becoming mine as well: Makaha Beach with its beautiful sunset views and the finest white sand I have ever seen, and Kailua Beach, with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling.

Honolulu is also where I met my future husband, with whom I share an affection for Hawaii. As we prepare to settle down and start a family in this part of the world, I can’t help but think of how lucky I am to have found love in a city that is so close to my heart.

But I feel luckiest to be able to call four beautiful cities home.

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Mabuhay Mabuhay
  • City guides
    • Philippines
      • Bacolod
      • Caticlan (Boracay)
      • Cebu
      • Clark
      • Davao
      • Iloilo
      • Manila
    • Asia-Pacific
      • Auckland
      • Kuala Lumpur
      • Singapore
    • USA & Canada
      • Honolulu
      • Los Angeles
      • New York
      • San Francisco
    • Europe & Middle East
      • London
      • Doha
      • Dubai

    Welcome to my city

    Designer Marga Nograles takes us on a tour of Davao City

    Discover Tagbilaran with graphic designer and artist Felix Mago Miguel

  • Explore
    • Things to see and do
    • Dining and nightlife
    • Arts and culture

    Neighborhood guide: Seoul's booming Euljiro scene

    Brewing up a wave in Hanoi

  • People
    • Welcome to my city
    • Interviews
    • Travel essay

    Drag queen Manila Luzon serves Philippine-inspired looks

    Her wish is for Bicol to become the country's next culinary destination

  • Stay
  • Shop
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Toggle Search

    City Guides

    Bacolod

    Cebu

    Clark

    Kuala Lumpur

  • Instagram Facebook

City Guides

Bacolod

Cebu

Clark

Kuala Lumpur

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