Alexandra Lia Ragunton
Growing up in Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, has shaped me in countless ways.
Manila is a city of contrasts: modern skyscrapers towering over old churches, traffic-filled streets
full of cars and jeepneys, and quiet alleys bursting with life and food vendors ready to share a
piece of Filipino culture. While I grew up surrounded by the chaos and charm of this city, for me,
Manila shines most in its ability to tell stories through its food, heritage, and resilient people.
One of my favorite places back home is a local interactive museum called “Lakbay Museo” that
celebrates Filipino culture and arts. Museums aren’t as popular in the Philippines as they are in
some other parts of the world, which is why this place always stood out to me. It felt like a small
but important step toward preserving and sharing our unique history and creativity with both
locals and tourists. It makes me proud to see a space that highlights our identity in a way that's
both educational and fun.
Beyond the museum walls, what I love most about my homeland is its
incredible gastrotourism. The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands, and every single one has
its own unique identity reflected in its food. Exploring different regions feels like traveling
through history and culture, simply by tasting local specialties. The country is also a melting pot
of diverse culinary influences—East Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and more—which makes
every meal an opportunity to learn something new. For me, experiencing the Philippines is like
traveling through your stomach!
Transitioning to life in Glasgow has been an adventure of its own. What I enjoy most about
studying here is the history that permeates the city. Glasgow, like Manila, is filled with stories,
but expressed in a markedly different architectural style and a quieter, more orderly pace of life.
The free museums are a particular highlight for me; they offer a peaceful escape and a chance
to dive deep into Scotland's past and present. Walking through Glasgow feels like wandering
through a live museum, each building and alley with stories of its own. I’ve spent hours
exploring the beautiful free museums around the city, enjoying how accessible culture and
history are here. This is something I often wish we had more of back home, and I’m incredibly
grateful to experience it here.
Another highlight of living and studying in Glasgow has been the city’s food scene. Coming from
a country that embraces diversity, I’ve found comfort in Glasgow’s growing multicultural
gastronomy. Studying here is enjoyable because the diversity of the student population makes
for a lot of interesting conversations over the most flavorful meals. It’s a reminder that even
though I am far from home, I’m part of a global community where knowledge, experiences, and
stories are celebrated.
My journey from Manila to Glasgow represents a broader quest not just for education but for
personal development and understanding. Being a student from the Philippines represents hope:
a beacon that guides me through the darkest times. It is the faith to strive for a brighter future,
even when the present seems overwhelmingly shrouded in despair. In a country that faces a
myriad of social and political challenges, being a student is not merely about personal or academic
achievement; it is about embodying the potenWal for change and being an active participant in
shaping our nation's destiny. While I miss the familiar chaos and the warmth of Manila, Glasgow
has welcomed me with a different kind of warmth and a promise of new experiences and
friendships. It’s thrilling to think that here, too, I can contribute to a community, continue to learn
about the world, and prepare for a future where I can hopefully blend my learning from both worlds into a meaningful career.