Originally written in 2018
When I became an Australian citizen, I lost my Filipino citizenship by default, so I later decided to reacquire it.
It wasn’t because I felt any less Australian. I am proud to be Australian and grateful for the life I have built here.
But becoming Australian never erased where I came from.
The Philippines is still the country that shaped my childhood, my family, my humour, my food, my language and probably quite a few habits that Australia has simply had to learn to live with. 
So, I went to the Philippine Consulate in Sydney and officially reacquired my Filipino citizenship.
I didn’t feel as though I was choosing one country over another.
I was simply recognising that both belong to my story.
Once a Filipino, always a Filipino.
And also…
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie — Oi! Oi! Oi! 
Stories Along the Way 