- KATHREEN TUBID-BARON
The writer is a native of Bacolod City. She is an alumna of the Negros Occidental High School and the University of St. La Salle where she was the editor of her Mass Communication departmental publication. She was active in community service programs during her college days.
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My husband and I moved to Melbourne a little over three years ago – in early 2018. It was our first time in Australia, so it was pretty mind-blowing for us to be introduced to a new culture on top of navigating my way through going back to student life seven years after graduating from my bachelor’s degree.
Moving to a new city, more so a new country is no easy feat, especially as an international student. For the majority of international students like me, it is our first time leaving the nest. We no longer can turn to the comforts of our home country and family like we used to.
Two years later of working two jobs at the same time, buying our basic needs from Charity Shops, researching all the hacks we can get to live practically, scavenging the half-priced items in stores and leeching off of our stable Filipino friends just to get around the famous sites, I’ve finally completed my Master of Business Administration degree, specializing in Project Management course with flying colors.
Now, I am a certified Human Resources and Payroll Officer in one of the biggest transportation companies in Australia.
Despite the hardships of being an international student, we have been fortunate that Melbourne has been so good to us over the years. I admit. I am biased. Melbourne for me is the best city. I walk to work. My office is at the “Paris End” of the CBD, overlooking the splendor of the Royal Exhibition Center and Carlton Gardens. Every morning on my commute, I am grateful for Melbourne’s natural beauty, its architecture and sense of community.
If you’ve met someone who’s been to the capital city of the state of Victoria, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the phrase, ‘four seasons in one day’, and it describes Melbourne’s weather perfectly.
All in one day, one gets to experience warm and cool, rainy and dry, and windy and calm. So, checking your weather app before leaving home is a must-do and layering your clothes is a trend.
Previously ranked as the world’s ‘most liveable city’ seven years in a row (2000-2017), Melbourne may have lost its top title to Vienna in 2018, but it still came in hot at second place. Once you spend some time in the city, you will realize why. It is a city that offers absolutely everything to everybody: ease in getting around, cafes, restaurants, public transport, shops, entertainment, it’s all there.
And it’s no secret why this city continues to rank high year after year, being beloved by those who have traveled here, as well as those who are fortunate enough to call it home, like me and my husband.
This is what I love about Melbourne. It is a mix of old and new architecture, great people, incredible food, a rich cultural atmosphere and, oh, the sensationally innovative coffee scene. It is the shopping and food capital of Australia.
Many of the buildings are heritage-listed, and the city has gone to lengths to preserve them until now. The beautiful arcades and laneways are bursting with hidden gems, surprising even the most educated of Melburnians.
It seems every week there is a new insta-worthy bar, cocktail, or a tapas dish to try, rating on Top Ten lists over all social media. Just take a stroll down the famous Hosier Lane and let the legendary laneway speak for itself.
Last but certainly not the least, a few significant aspects that shouldn’t go unnoticed as to why Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities. It scores high where it matters most. One of the world’s most culturally-diverse nations, great public transport options, top-ranked universities (again, not biased here, but yes, I am a product of this), relatively low crime rates and strong employment opportunities — need I say more?
Studying and living in Melbourne has allowed me and my husband to grow and develop as individuals and as a couple. It had given me perspective and has taught me to appreciate what I have back in the Philippines as well as what I have in Melbourne. I can confidently say that living in Melbourne has allowed me to deeply appreciate kindness, charity, practicality and all the simple things in life.
For us, Melbourne is not just a great place to live but an even more fun place to visit, and I hope you will be able to experience it for yourself soon! – NWI
NEGROS WEEKLY welcomes contributions from Negrenses living or working abroad. Tell us about your work, culture and other interesting details in your city. Send your article and photos to negrosweekly@gmail.com.
