'Grateful to experience both worlds': This Canberran embraces her Filipino and Australian heritage

Canberra local Rachel Bernabe proudly embraces her Filipino roots while growing up in Australia. “It was a blessing growing up in Australia with all the opportunities and freedom, but also being raised with Filipino values,” she says.

Youth advocate and community leader Rachel Bernabe represents the third generation of her family living in Australia. Credit: Rachel Bernabe (Facebook)

Key Points

• A third-generation Filipino-Australian, Rachel Bernabe traces her roots back to her grandparents, who migrated to Australia in 1987.
• Despite being born and raised in Canberra, Rachel proudly upholds and embodies the values of her Filipino heritage.
• Rachel continues to deepen her connection to Filipino culture and to the broader Filipino community across Australia. She currently serves as the Public Relations Officer of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

'Grateful to experience both worlds': This Canberran embraces her Filipino and Australian heritage

SBS Filipino

12:20Filipino

From the age of four, Rachel has actively participated in Filipino community groups within the ACT, with her involvement expanding across Australia as she grew older. Credit: Rachel Bernabe and Roger Bernabe (Facebook)

From performing traditional Filipino dances at just four years old to becoming a youth advocate and community leader today, Rachel Bernabe has continually nurtured her love for Filipino culture.

It's so important to be truly connected with my heritage because having that identity of being Filipino and Australian is really the core of who I am. Because Australia has given me so many opportunities but it's my Filipino heritage that's given me this warmth and connection. My involvement in the community is also a way of honouring my parents' sacrifices and my heritage by continuing to promote the Filipino culture within Australia.

Rachel Bernabe, youth leader and Filipino community advocate

FILCCA public relations officer Rachel Bernabe (2nd from left) with other Filipino community leaders from across Australia. Credit: Roger Bernabe (Facebook)

📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino

🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.

📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.

📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.