Alumni Travellers

Maxine Lim

Hola! Or should I say, “mabuhay!”. Maxine here, joining the roll call In Search of Iloilo, 2013. As I write this, we are (were) on the brink of the end of the world as we know it, possibly a zombie apocalypse. So it is only fitting, that in light that the Mayans are proved wrong and we continue to soldier on to 2013, for us to kick start the new year in search of an adventure - this time to Iloilo, Philippines.

Four years on as a Monash alumni, I realise that Gandalf in The Hobbit (with some artistic license from Peter Jackson) was right. The world isn't to be found in our books or maps, it's out there!

It is never too late to brush off our hairy feet and climb out of our Hobbit-hole "in search of" a world out there- bigger and more colourful than the home we are accustomed to.

Aaron Raj

Hello people...

Aaron's the name. I'm a 26 year old video journalist always on the lookout for some crazy adventures. Sadly though, ever since graduating, the number of adventures have decreased over the years. So, it's time to embark on another journey.

I could be considered the oldest of the group, not because of my age, but more because of my experience. Iloilo City will be my 5th study group adventure with the awesome Dr. Yeoh Seng Guan. And it just shows how amazing the journey of being a Monash student can be. 5 years ago, we left for Baguio City with Dr.Yeoh and most of us have fallen in love with the Philippines, its culture and people. So for most of us alumni travelers, it’s like continuing our journey which started back in 2007.

I have also been on 3 other study trips as well. Siem Reap in 2008 as a student, Yogyakarta in 2009 and Chiang Mai in 2010 as an alumni. I would consider myself a bit of a loud and noisy person. I love talking and filming stuff. Apart from that, I am pretty much just like everyone else. So you guys got any problems, just talk to me.

I have had good times on all the trips with the university. From getting wasted on cheap fruit wine in Sagada to being conned in the markets of Malioboro Road in Yogyakarta, every journey has been a good time. And yes, I love trying all the local alcohol. Now that is a good time indeed. :D

PS: Aaron is single.

Mindy Wong

Hello, I’m Mindy! I graduated in 2008 and Iloilo will be my third study trip with Dr Yeoh. The first one was to Baguio and Sagada in 2007, and then to Siem Reap in 2008. I enjoyed both very much.

Some would say I have an accent but can’t quite pin down what it is. This is quintessentially a part of my hybrid composition, some of it accidental but mostly picked up from the likes. I enjoy tapping into the unknown, whether it is a new language, new sounds and sights or tingles in the taste buds.

My idea of a good time varies. It’s always great to be with nature or to complete a challenging work out. I also love to sit back in the evenings and spend some quality time with family and friends. Current trend is being ninja aka Skyping with the boyfriend. Good weather is definitely a bonus on all occasions, including the latter.

It’s a delight to be a part of the trip as Monash alumni. My friends and I have been talking about going on a holiday since the day we graduated. Coordinating group holidays require a lot of time and effort, especially once we started pursuing our careers. So finally our dreams came true! *Tear jerk* and cheers to many more study trips to come!

Careen Yew

Hola!! My name is Careen. I am a part time corporate slave and full time dreamer. There ain't much to say except I am super excited to be part of this awesome adventure!

Jasmine Yeoh

Hi. I am Jasmine Yeoh but you can call me Jojo. One of the girls in the group. Single but don't think I am available. Passionate about life.

Dyah Ayu Nurina Malinda

My name is Dyah Ayu Nurina Malinda. My friends called me Linda. I am currently working as TV journalist at a TV Station at Jakarta, Indonesia. This February, I will be 28 years old. I went to two study trips. First, I went on the Sagada Baguio study trip. Then I went to the Siem Reap, Cambodia study trip.   

Always like meeting new and friendly people, love to eat food (beside pork, dog and frog…hehehe), and enjoy deep meaningful conversation with old friends. 

Philippines has  always been close to my heart. The food, the people and the beautiful surroundings- you cannot take your eyes away from them. That is why when my friends, alumni of Monash University Malaysia, planned to go to the Philippines again, I was up for it.

This year I went as simply and only as an observer of the study trip. Before I saw the students and the equipment for this study trip, I was wondering what could be different from my previous study trip. It turns out that this study trip has walkie-talkies, and better video camera equipment. Awesome!

Iloilo gave me the opportunity to see the parade. The festival makes people come together and celebrates. Two thumbs up for all student guides. Filipino hospitality is the best. Salamat po!