If there’s a country you’ve yet to tick off your bucket list, chances are, Liam Labrooy has been there. Liam is a potpourri of cultural identities, much like a modern-day nomad: His family is of Australian ancestry, yet Liam himself was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He swung between cities growing up—from Koh Samui, Thailand to Switzerland, while a chunk of his adolescence was spent in the Philippines, in either Manila or Boracay.
Read more: Meet the 16-year-old vlogger documenting his entire move to the Philippines
Despite the mixed bag of influences, Liam considers himself as having a “heart [that’s] full Pinoy.” Like any young person in the metro, he speaks Taglish here and there, stays close with friends he grew up with in Manila, and is constantly seen in events around the city. Currently, you can find him flitting between two sides of the globe as a college senior in Los Angeles who’s majoring in public relations.
“I’ve always been intrigued about the entertainment industry,” he tells us. “It was always a dream of mine to move to LA.” The City of Angels is proving to be one of his favorite spots, as it also serves his need to explore with everything just a drive away.
The people around him have much to do with his experience of a locality, and LA is no different. “I’ve met people from all walks of life, with all very interesting stories to tell,” he says. “In the short amount of time I’ve spent here, I think I’ve learned so much from the people around me who have definitely influenced my view on the world.”
We caught up with Liam about growing up on different sides of the globe, his foray into the entertainment biz, and if there’s one place he’s still hoping to see.
What made you decide on majoring in public relations?
I’ve always been intrigued about the entertainment industry, and it was always a dream of mine to move to LA. This city is a hub for anything entertainment. I wanted a major that was very versatile and current. It allows me to be creative and always keeps me on my toes. Every day is different in the world of PR. I can never get bored.
It’s crazy how the people you surround yourself with really have a big impact on your life. I love to be surrounded with those who radiate positivity and who strive for more.
Read more: 7 things I learned from traveling alone
How does LA differ from the rest of the places you’ve spent significant time in?
I’ve lived in four countries. Los Angeles is my favorite because of its versatility and spontaneity. I can go from Malibu beaches to Big Bear mountains to the shops on Melrose all in a weekend. I recently got a car (adulting!), and I love being able to drop everything and go on a road trip. San Francisco, Santa Barbra, San Diego, and Vegas are all just a few hours away.
Read more: 5 handy tips to traveling as a young adult
When it comes to the people, how would you differentiate Manila and LA?
Moving to LA, I noticed how much more diverse people are here. I loved living in Manila, but I always hung around the same friend group. All my friends are very similar to me as well, since we all grew up together. In LA, I’ve met people from all walks of life, with all very interesting stories to tell. In the short amount of time I’ve spent here, I think I’ve learned so much from the people around me who have definitely influenced my view on the world. It’s crazy how the people you surround yourself with really have a big impact on your life. I love to be surrounded with those who radiate positivity and who strive for more.
What city should people visit at least once?
A year ago, I studied abroad in Switzerland and got to spend a year in a small town called Lausanne. I loved adapting to the local culture and getting out of my comfort zone. I’m used to speaking English with a little Tagalog once in awhile. Moving to Lausanne, I had to speak French. Every day, I woke up to a view of Lake Geneva and the Évian Mountains, and ate Le Charlot sandwiches and fondue. It wasn’t a bad way to spend a year, and I definitely fell in love with the place.
I’ve met people from all walks of life, with all very interesting stories to tell. In the short amount of time I’ve spent [in LA], I think I’ve learned so much from the people around me who have definitely influenced my view on the world.
Read more: Billy Davis on CMM, Manila’s music scene, and embracing his Filipino roots
What’s one place you have yet to see?
I would love to explore New Zealand some more. I was born in Auckland, but moved to the Philippines when I was two months old. I’ve never been back and would love to see my parents’ old stomping grounds. New Zealand is supposed to be breathtaking and a good balance of nature and urban life. I hope to visit soon.
Photos courtesy of Liam Labrooy