Annabelle Borja's musical migration from the Philippines to Wagga Wagga

Annabelle Regalado Borja migrated to Australia from the Philippines with her family. They chose the regional town of Wagga Wagga as their new home on the basis that it was in the same state as Sydney. There was a fair bit of culture shock to overcome! With a keen business mind, Annabelle decided to build her own company in Australia using her experience in the Filipino music industry, after finding it difficult to break into the industry here.

Annabelle Borja migrated her family and her business to Australia.

It was a culture shock. At first I was really crying because I’m not used to domestic work! We grew up in an environment that we have helpers at home… all of a sudden you do the laundry, you put it in the dryer, you cook… It’s a reality check! But at the end of the day you go back to why you migrated, and it's for the kids.

Annabelle Regalado Borja

My First Year in Australia is hosted by comedian Suraj Kolarkar and produced by Danny Giles. Hear the stories of people who have found their feet in Australia, as they share their first impressions and the highs and lows of life in a new country.

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