Of a City Person

What brought you to the Falkland Islands?

Back home, I juggled three jobs: teaching at a university, a college and a training centre, while also appearing on TV cooking shows in Metro Manila. I sent many of my students to work on ships and in hotels worldwide, and I thought, why can’t I do the same?

A chef position in the Falklands was my first opportunity. At 30, I decided to go for it. The application process took six months but my travel experience helped. As a Filipino passport holder, I was used to applying for visas and my job often required international travel for research and training.

How has your career evolved since moving?

I started as a chef for two years, then moved into education, focusing on exams and data management for the Falkland Islands Government. I earned a Level 3 qualification in education and training before shifting back to the food industry. Now, I handle marketing for the Chandlery Supermarket, the largest on the islands. It’s less stressful but still connected to my passion for food.

Is it easier to explore different career paths here?

Definitely, in Manila, my commute alone was six hours a day, three each way. Everyone wakes up at 5 a.m. just to get to work by 9 a.m.

Here, my drive to work is two minutes, or a 10-minute walk. That extra time lets people explore different roles. It’s like being moulded from clay – you can reshape yourself.

Many take on additional jobs. Some stack shelves or do house parenting, like I did at Stanley House, a hostel for students studying in Stanley. It’s only four hours, so it fits around other work. The quiet and space here also give you mental clarity to plan your next steps.

Has this improved your work-life balance?

Absolutely. Some people work one job and then spend the rest of the day driving around in a 4×4, visiting places. I often go to the beaches and watch the penguins. It’s a lifestyle I wouldn’t want to trade.

What were your first impressions of the islands?

I expected it to be remote, but my first two weeks were still a shock. Arriving in mid-winter, everything was grey and brown, with no trees and freezing temperatures. It was a test of resilience, but I reminded myself that I came here for work and adventure.

You meet others facing the same challenges, and that’s how you build a community.

Was it easy to integrate into the local community?

After spending 10 years working in different places as a chef, I got used to making and losing connections. The Falklands are the same: some people stay, some leave. Coming from the Philippines, I was already familiar with that kind of transient lifestyle. It’s fun to have these connections, whether it’s just for a short while or if they’re friends for life. I mean, the connections stay.

Have you picked up any new hobbies?

I was involved with the Falkland Islands Dramatic Club for the first five years since my arrival, doing drag during pride events. Since I had cooking TV experience back home, I also helped produce a few episodes for Falkland Islands Television (FITV). It was voluntary, but it kept my creative side alive. I also enjoy off-roading, flying in the small Britten-Norman aircraft, and driving out to penguin colonies. There’s always something to see.

What advice would you give to newcomers?

It depends on when you arrive. If it’s winter, bring bright, colourful clothing to counter the grey landscape and invest in a windproof jacket. If it’s summer, pack SPF 50+ sunscreen: the UV rays here are strong, and be prepared for hay fever.

Most importantly, treat it as an adventure. The Falklands are a mix of wilderness and a close-knit community. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re resilient and open-minded, you’ll thrive. Do your research beforehand so you know what to expect.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently?

Not really. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but over time, you adapt. You become part of the system, and the system embraces you.

Day in the Life of James

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Images supplied by James Bicaldo