Pusong Pinoy: How this Australian photographer finds belonging in the Filipino community

For Australian photographer and IT specialist Darryl O’brien, multiculturalism is more than a policy or a concept, it’s something he has lived, experienced, and come to value deeply through his connection with the Filipino community.

What began as simple curiosity at community events has grown into a deep cultural connection for Australian photographer and IT specialist Darryl O’brien, one that he now describes as being “Pusong Pinoy.” Image Source: Darryl O'brien

Key Points

• Through years of attending gatherings, building friendships, and documenting stories, Darryl developed a growing appreciation for Filipino traditions, from food and music to family values and community spirit.
• He has recently started learning the Filipino language, seeing it as a way to deepen his understanding and show respect for the culture he has embraced.
• He has also launched a YouTube channel, “Pusong Pinoy,” which aims to share Filipino stories in Australia and highlight the richness of the culture from a different perspective.

For more than 15 years, Darryl has been quietly documenting life through his lens. But it was his exposure to Filipino gatherings in Sydney fiestas, cultural shows, and community events that introduced him to something he didn’t quite expect: the Filipino value of 'kapwa', or shared identity.

Kapwa isn’t just about being part of a group. It’s about genuinely feeling connected to others—being welcomed, included, and seen.

Darryl O'brien, Pusong Pinoy

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