KEY POINTS

• Shallu's parents ensured that their Indian heritage remained a vital part of their lives at home, where Punjabi was the language spoken. Yet, outside their doors, Shallu embraced the Tagalog-speaking community, effortlessly blending into her surroundings.
• Shallu married her Indian husband, a childhood friend and family acquaintance born in the Philippines but raised in India. Although their families played a role in bringing them together, their union was based on genuine connection rather than an arranged marriage.
• Shallu wants to pass her knowledge about the Filipino culture to her children, emphasising the importance of cultural diversity. She believes children should not be confined to a single perspective; it's essential for them to learn about the world around them.
• In 2015, Shallu moved to Australia as an international student from the Philippines. Working diligently as a restaurant manager in Wallan, Victoria, she eventually achieved permanent residency.