Key Points
- Olga De Guzman Soriano is a proud resident of Phillip, ACT – a suburb in the capital where many Filipinos choose to live in.
- According to the 2021 census, there are 5,197 people living in Phillip, 261 of which are Filipino migrants.
- Soriano said she is blessed to call Canberra home.
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Bakit suburb ng Phillip ang pinakamaraming Pinoy sa Australian Capital Territory?
SBS Filipino
10/07/202414:04
Olga De Guzman Soriano, a nurse at the Canberra Hospital, said that her family has found solace in the suburb of Phillip, ACT.
Once a resident of Sydney, Soriano, along with her husband and two children, moved to Canberra in 2009 to work in the public health sector and acquire permanent residency.
The Soriano family in Sydney, New South Wales Credit: Olga De Guzman Soriano
As soon as they saved enough money to buy their own place, the family moved to the nearby suburb of Phillip in 2014.
“We bought a 3-bedroom unit here in Phillip and fell in love with the area straight away,” Soriano shared.
Phillip, ACT
When the Soriano family moved to Phillip in 2014, there weren't many Filipinos in the area; however, now the suburb boasts the highest number of Filipino dweller concentration in the territory.
The Soriano family dining at a local restaurant in Phillip Credit: Olga De Guzman Soriano
The suburb was named after the first governor of New South Wales, Arthur Phillip.
It is also where the district’s main commercial centre, Woden Town Centre, is located, as well as home to the Phillip Enclosed Oval or Football Park and the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre.
“Everything is accessible. I walk 15 minutes to my workplace and our home is close to a shopping centre and Canberra College where my kids went to school,” Soriano said.
A quiet and safe suburb to raise a family
As someone who does shift work, Soriano said she feels safe walking early mornings or late nights in Phillip.
Besides safety and low crime rate in the area, she said she is also proud that their suburb has thriving local businesses.
As someone who does shift work, Soriano said she feels safe walking early mornings or late nights in Phillip. Credit: Olga De Guzman Soriano
, Soriano reckoned more people will move to Phillip.
The shopping centre is a key public transport hub, with most of ACT rapid buses connecting Phillip to other suburbs in the region have a stop outside of the mall.
“We don’t have a car, so being close to everything including bus stops means I don’t have to worry about travelling long distances.
“It was so different when I was still living in Sydney where I need to travel 1.5 hours one way just to go work.
“It is the best place for our family [because] I don’t need to rush just to get things done. Dwellers here benefit from accessible and convenient public transport."
A tight-knit Filipino community
Helping new migrants is important to Soriano as she knows the difficulties of moving to a new place and not knowing anyone.
“Settling in a new place is scary and challenging. It gives comfort to new Filipinos who move here knowing that support is available to them when needed.”
Soriano started living a healthy and active lifestyle since moving to the ACT. Credit: Olga De Guzman Soriano
“We help each other here and ensure Filipino values are intact and practised all the time.”
As one of the senior staff at her workplace, Soriano said she makes sure to mentor new nurses in her unit.
Olga with colleagues at work. Credit: Olga De Guzman Soriano
“When someone in the community is facing difficulties, we come together and help.
“Simple things make a difference. Filipinos here always give a lending hand and ensure the bayanihan spirit is well and truly alive.”
'I'm lucky.'
Working as a nurse for 14 years in the ACT, Soriano said she considers herself blessed to do what she loves, raise a family and live life with such bliss and purpose.
“I’m lucky to be here in the capital and I can’t ask for more.
“No traffic. I can get to my destination in 10 to 15 minutes. And the cleanliness here is something to admire.”
Canberra is known for its bushwalking trails, green parks and picturesque sceneries, something that Soriano said she enjoys and doesn’t take for granted.
“The surroundings here encourage me to walk, which helped me live a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Sorianos staying warm during a chilly Canberra winter. Credit: Olga De Guzman Soriano
As more migrant families find their way to the ACT, she reckoned Phillip will continue to boom and be a haven for them.
“Life has been good and easy here,” Soriano shared.
